Year 3/4

English

Reading

This term in reading, the 3⁄4 s have been working on their inferring skills to assist them to build a deeper understanding of texts. To assist with this, the students have been learning about character traits, feelings and motivations. This has significantly contributed to their ability to build an in-depth understanding of fictional characters and texts. They have discovered that these skills will help them to discover the author's messages within texts and allow them to gain deeper knowledge of their favourite texts. 

Writing

In writing, the students have been working on narrative stories and writing. The 3/4s have been unpacking the structure and features of fictional narratives including characters, settings, problems and solutions. They have explored a range of texts and identified these features. Additionally,  we have linked reading and writing to allow students multiple opportunities to unpack character feelings, motivations and traits. This has supported them in writing their narratives and building deep and creative characters. The students have been creating their characters and using their imaginations to fuel their ideas, ready to use in their narrative pieces!

Mathematics

We have been focusing heavily on Place Value guided by research by the ARC programme. We have been focusing on creating a deep understanding of place value as it is keystone to all mathematical concepts. We have also looked at graphing and plotting Data Tables with chance and data. Currently we are focusing on the concept of time looking at digital and analogue clocks. These concepts can be complicated as it requires students to have a good understanding of skip counting by five. We are also looking at calendars and seasonal calendars. At the end of the term we will start delving into angles.

Inquiry

This term we have been looking at “Let’s get Physical’ a unit promoting healthy lifestyles and choices. Our students have learned about healthy food choices and made aware of what foods to limit or moderate. Students have explored how our bodies function and the role of exercise to keep our bodies healthy. We also looked at how medications are stored carefully at home and at school. Students with support of educational staff will research ways to keep themselves healthier. They are made aware of potential issues that may arise in adulthood due to poor diet or exercise.

Science

This term, students have really enjoyed learning about bees and how important their symbiotic relationship with humans and plants is. They have explored the anatomy of a bee, as well as its lifecycle. Students thoroughly enjoyed tasting honeys from various Australian landscapes, and drawing their own conclusions that honey from various landscapes does taste different. They had a lot of learning experiences around pollination and the importance of this process for creating the fruits and vegetables that we eat everyday, and also for the growth of flowers. Students actively modelled how pollination worked, by making bees and using them to transfer pollen (fine sand was used) from flower to flower. They were exposed to a cross section of a flower and labelled its parts. 

LOTE 

During Term 1 2023 Grade 3/4 students learnt about: – Revision Alphabet/Greetings, Food/Breakfast, Transport, Shops, Outside the House, Vegetables, Handshapes #3, Size, Shape and Revision. 

The students continued learning new signs for the above topics, through the videos, with fun stories, poems/songs and games. We practiced combining signs in ‘phrases’ to build Auslan communication. 

Repetition and practice improve recall and develop Auslan language skills.                         The lessons frequently included revision of past learning as we covered the new learning. The students were encouraged to participate in activities, practising lesson content and to share their learning with their peers and the teacher.

Our focus is on both expressive Auslan (signing to others) and receptive Auslan (reading back/understanding others’ signing). These are important skills which coordinate in the learning of the Auslan language.

At this level the students are developing the understanding that Auslan is a visual language with non-voicing and practicing this as they communicate in Auslan. Their comfort level is increasing as their knowledge develops.

Art

During Term 1 in Art, the Year 3/4s have been practising various skills and techniques to do with drawing, sculpture and painting. Each student has personalised a visual art diary and begun using it as a tool to explore our big idea for the semester, ‘My artistic inner world’. The students have created concept map self-portraits by brainstorming things that are important to and inspire them, and been given time to play with various art materials in their diaries.

We’ve also studied the art practice of Yayoi Kusama, who incorporates distinctive use of colour, shape and pattern in her immersive installation artworks. The students demonstrated impressive creativity and collaboration when designing Kusama-inspired dot pictures, used to inform the painting of papier-mâché sculptures. Well done on an excellent start to Art, Year 3/4s!

P.E.

Our Year 3/4 students have had an exciting and active term in Physical Education! They started off with netball, where they practiced passing drills with partners, learned the rules, and worked on their shooting technique. These skills came together as they put their learning into action during netball games, showing fantastic teamwork and enthusiasm. After netball, students moved into a football unit, developing their skills in kicking, marking, and handballing through fun, game-based activities. It was great to see their confidence grow as they worked together and improved their understanding of the game.

A real highlight of the term was a special visit from Western Bulldogs players, who took the time to answer student questions and share insights into the life of a professional footballer. It was an inspiring experience, giving students a glimpse into the dedication and hard work required to play at the elite level.

Well done to all our Year 3/4 students for their fantastic participation and effort this term—I can’t wait to see what’s next in Term 2!

Music

During term 1 in Music, the Grade 3/4 students made excellent progress on their musical journey. On ukulele, students have been learning how to change smoothly between the chords of C major, F major and A minor. Our young grade 3/4 musicians have been learning to sing traditional songs from the Torres Strait Islander peoples as well as folk music from Africa, exhibiting excellent command of the tempo, pitch and dynamics for added expression. Students have also been learning how to play the djembe in a drum circle, during which time they have learnt how to lead, stop as a group, and control the dynamics. Well done!