Classroom News

Grade 3 & 4

Dearest Year 3 & 4 Community,

We hope you are all safe and enjoying the beginning of our 2024 academic year. We would like to take a moment to provide an insight into our learning for Term 1. 

Thank you to all those parents who attended the Information Night this week. If you have any questions, please make contact with your child’s classroom teacher.

In Reading, we have begun the year focussing on revising the structure of the Reader’s Workshop. We investigated what an effective reader looks like and the expectations during Reader’s Workshop. We discussed the importance of borrowing books that are a ‘good fit’. This means we understand the purpose of reading the book, it is a book that is of interest, they are able to understand the context and are able to read most words. With NAPLAN in Term 1 this year, our reading will incorporate a range of different genres where the children will practise answering questions and inferring meaning for different text types. 

In Writing, the students have each completed a writing survey to discuss with their teacher in a one-to-one conference. The discussion will focus on how they view themselves as writers, as well as identifying their strengths and challenges. We have also been focusing on revising the structure of the Writer’s Workshop, the writing process and our shared language of the 6 + 1 Traits of writing. The traits are the writing skills students need to improve as writers. Each of the traits has been carefully unpacked so that students understand what the characteristics are in each one. Goal setting has also begun and students will have independent writing goals which they will work towards achieving. Our genres we will be focusing on this term are persuasive and narrative writing. For each of the genres students will be explicitly taught the correct structure, language features and word choices.

In Maths, we have also begun the year with establishing our routines and expectations. Our focus is on the strategies that promote a growth mindset. This is to help students reach their potential and promotes risk taking and acceptance of challenges. During Maths we will predominantly focus on improving our Number & Place Value skills. We will practise using mental and written strategies to solve additional problems. 

In Integrated Studies, the students have been discussing and exploring the key components of what technology is in our class involving responsible and safe iPad use, alongside classroom expectations for this year. We have also looked into creating a class Acknowledgement of Country and identifying the traditional owners and custodians of the country. Next week we will begin our learning journey with our new unit Civics and Citizenship. Why are rules and laws important to us? There will be lots of fun to come this term!

Lastly, as NAPLAN approaches, we want to remind all families to help their children prepare for the test. The best thing we can do is encourage our students to be confident and do their best. NAPLAN is a standardised test that all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 across Australia take part in. It assesses reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy skills. NAPLAN tests will occur between the 13th - 15th of March.

We understand that standardised tests can sometimes be stressful for students, and we want to assure you that there is no need to place undue pressure on your child. It's important to remember that the test is just one part of your child's overall education, and it does not define their worth as a student.

We encourage parents to support their child by ensuring they eat a nutritious breakfast on the day of the test and get a good night's sleep. This will help them feel alert and focused during the assessment.

Reminders 

• Please remember to bring a hat and drink bottle to school every day.
• All students need a named Art Smock and Library bag 
• Students should bring their diaries to school every day, and fill their reading in each night at home.
• Give consent for Patch Cooking information via ‘Insight’ on Compass 
• Give consent for Electronic Recording and Publishing via ‘Insight’ on Compass 
• iPads need to be charged at home every night. 

Regards,

Year 3 & 4 Teachers