Literacy
LITERACY EXTENSION
Some of our highly talented middle and senior students have started working with Miss Quinlan for an extra challenge! They have been learning how to analyse and critique the strategies writers use to engage their audience. They have created their own pieces of writing which adapt aspects of the mentor texts in innovative ways. Stay tuned for some exceptional pieces of writing which are in progress!!
TEACHING & LEARNING IN YEAR 5
At St James, our teachers have opportunities to observe evidence based teaching practices, modelled to them by others. This is part of our professional development structure, to ensure we are continually reflecting upon and refining our teaching practices, to ensure the best outcomes for our students.
This week Miss Quinlan taught in Year 5! Together, they examined a rich text called ‘Worse Things’ by Sarah Davis. The students were able to make many inferences about the 3 characters in the text and their 3 unique perspectives. The students were also able to identify underlying symbolism and themes.
They then attempted to adapt the writing style modelled by both the author and Miss Quinlan, to create their own pieces of writing. Their success criteria was to experiment with layout, make deliberate vocabulary choices, capture a character’s voice and to have an impact on the reader. Have a look how these students took on the challenge!
Ledecky
PRESSURE!
My heart pumping harder than ever
the race has come
eight people to beat
eight people to overcome
eight people to chase.
Never ever have I lost.
Not today Ledecky.
Off goes the siren
off goes all of us
I’m falling behind.
At home I can almost hear them chanting at me
or cursing me
yelling that I could do better.
That I should do better.
I feel it in my stomach
anger and all.
I can’t see the medal but I always can?
I look up just for a sec
see my coach looking at me
I see in his eyes he knows.
I can’t see the medal.
It’s OK… I guess.
I breathe in
and out.
I hear it.
The Aussie made it.
She chants but not as much
as her coach goes wild.
I congratulate her.
I feel water on my face.
Hard.
Runner Up.
By Grace
Lucy
BOOM!
Most are cheering
or booing
or screaming with excitement
yelling at the judges
or at their children.
Supposedly some are encouraging
but most are just adding pressure.
(Maybe not everyone wants to be here
as much as us gymnasts want to compete.)
There is so much expectation.
Maybe too much?
But all I hear
is the thumping of my feet
as I leap off the floor.
Boom!
I am in the air
flipping.
By Belle
BOOK WEEK CELEBRATIONS
This term St James will celebrate rich Australian literature on Thursday 19th of August.
On this day, students are invited to dress up as their favourite book character, beloved author or in a costume matching this year’s theme:
Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds.
On this day, the senior students will lead the school in a parade and in the afternoon students will enjoy a Book Week performance, Bigger, Better Brighter, showcasing elements of storytelling through an interactive and musical platform.
Teachers will be planning many engaging activities to nurture children’s love of reading and literature throughout the term, but also during Book Week itself from Monday 23rd - Friday 27th August.
If you’d like to purchase any of the highly acclaimed picture story books, non fiction texts or novels you can have a closer look at the CBCA shortlist online at https://www.cbca.org.au/shortlist-2021
SHARED STORIES
The theme for this year’s Shared Stories Anthology is Chasing Happiness.
Our participation in Shared Stories is a wonderful opportunity for our students to see their own writing in print and for us to celebrate the high quality pieces that are produced each year by our students.
We look forward to their contribution.
Olivia Quinlan
Literacy Leader