Grade 3

Literacy 

Students have returned to school refreshed and ready for an exciting start to Term 2. This term, we have begun our novel study of Yirra and Her Deadly Dog, Demon, which has already captured students’ interest and imagination. As part of our learning, we are focusing on building and using new vocabulary, including words such as gentle, ridiculous, sly, nuisance, ancient, and sprint. Students are working towards locating these words in the text, explaining their meanings, and confidently using them in their own sentences. It has been wonderful to see students engaging deeply with the story and making connections through rich discussion and language exploration.

Writing

In writing, our focus is on sentence expansion and developing more engaging, detailed sentences. Students are learning how to build on simple kernel sentences by adding who, when, and where details, as well as improving verbs to make their writing more interesting. For example, changing “He kicks the sand” to a more descriptive sentence using expanded ideas and stronger vocabulary. We are also exploring topic sentences and how to make them more engaging by experimenting with different sentence types such as questions, commands, and exclamations. This work is supporting students to create more detailed and expressive factual recounts, and we are excited to see their confidence and creativity continue to grow throughout the term.

Maths

Over the past two weeks, our Grade 3 students have been exploring the concept of fractions. Students have been developing an understanding that fractions represent equal parts of a whole. Students have been exploring how fractions work and why they are important in everyday life. They have been learning to identify common fractions including halves, thirds, quarters, fifths and tenths, as well as recognising both unit fractions (e.g. 1/2, 1/3) and non-unit fractions (e.g. 2/3, 3/4). Students are also beginning to combine fractions and calculate what is needed to make a whole.

Learning experiences have included representing fractions using diagrams, shapes, collections and numerical notation. Students have also completed think boards, designed fraction flags, and solved simple real-world problems to apply their understanding.

It has been wonderful to see students so enthusiastic and confident while learning about fractions. They are asking great questions, collaborating with peers, and applying their knowledge to solve problems. It has been pleasing to see a high level of engagement, with students demonstrating enthusiasm and confidence in their learning.

SEL

This term in our Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), students are exploring the important concept of self-respect and what it means in their everyday lives. We are learning that self-respect involves treating ourselves with kindness and making choices that help us feel safe, confident, and happy. Students have been discussing what making good choices looks like and identifying their own personal values—the beliefs and ideas that guide how they act and what matters most to them. It has been wonderful to see students beginning to express what is important to them and recognising how their values influence their decisions.

We are also focusing on understanding and setting healthy boundaries. Students are learning that boundaries help us recognise what is okay and not okay in how others treat us, and that it is important to speak up when we feel uncomfortable or need space. Through discussions and activities, students are building confidence in expressing their feelings and respectfully communicating their needs to others. This learning is supporting students to develop positive relationships, a strong sense of self, and the skills to navigate social situations with confidence and care.