Around Grade 3/4

We have a busy and exciting term ahead in Grade 3/4. With a focus on Geography we will be looking at the environmental needs of animals from around the world, how their habitats differ and the actions we can take to ensure these environments are maintained. We started the term with a trip to Werribee Zoo which was heaps of fun. The Grade 3s have NAPLAN next week and after that it will be full steam ahead preparing for our grade 3/4 Camp at Phillip Island.

NAPLAN

Next week the students will take part in the Australian wide NAPLAN testing - from Tuesday 11th May to Friday 14th May. Students in grade 3 and 5 take part in tests over the week. Grade 3 students will complete a handwritten Writing test and then online computer  tasks for Reading, Conventions of Language and Numeracy. All students are required to have headphones to use for the testing as this enables them to have  questions read aloud to them. Late last term all the year 3 students had an opportunity to experience an online NAPLAN style test. They did a great job. This term we are looking at different types of NAPLAN questions to help build the students confidence. 

If you have any questions please feel free to speak to your class teacher or Mrs Eastwood brooke.eastwood@education.vic.gov.au. Please reassure your child that this is a test that kids all over Australia will be taking part in and like all tests in life all we can do is try our best.

Literacy 

Reading

We will begin the term by investigating the different techniques used in advertising to persuade a reader. We will identify target audiences and look into the difference between a fact and an opinion. 

In the second half of the term we will be focusing on non-fiction texts. We will look at the structure, text features and language choice used in these texts. Students will also work to develop skills in questioning and inferring. This learning will assist students with our inquiry topic “We Bought a Zoo” when they can apply these skills to assist in researching for their inquiry project. 

Writing

Writer’s Workshop builds students' fluency in daily writing through repeated exposure to the process of writing. Focussed and explicit teaching of mentor texts provides context for explicit teachings, about the ‘craft and structure’ of genres which can be used by students in their writing. The teacher acts as a mentor author, modelling genre structures and features, grammar and spelling techniques. Teachers will conference with students as they move through the writing process. Students learn to write best when they write frequently, for extended periods of time, on topics of their own choosing. This term we are looking at the structure and features of Persuasive and Information texts. 

Numeracy 

This term we continue to focus on addition and subtraction and the link between them. We will also be working on number patters, problem solving and later in the term we will begin to look at multiplication and division (This is where parents need to brush up on their times table skills). In non number we will be learning to read maps, look at the features of shapes and learning all about angles.

Phillip Island Camp

Hopefully you have returned the paper work that was sent out at the end of Term 1 for camp. We leave for camp on Wednesday 9 June  and return on Friday 11 June.

Special Tips for Camp

Have a sleep over before camp

Work together packing the camp bag - this way your child will know what they have, where it is and what it is for.

Plan a quiet weekend before and after camp to enable students to have enough energy and to recuperate. 

Jump on the CYC camp website and have a look to help your child know where they are going https://theisland.cyc.org.au/ 

Discuss any concerns you might have with your child's teacher as soon as possible.

Important Dates: 

Sunday 9th May - Mother's Day

Tuesday 11th May - NAPLAN - Writing

Wednesday 12th May - NAPLAN - Reading

Thursday 13th May - NAPLAN - Numeracy

Friday 14th May - NAPLAN - Language Conventions

Wednesday 9th - Friday 11th June - Phillip Island Camp

Monday 14th June - Queen’s Birthday (no school)

Tuesday 15th June - Curriculum Day (pupil free)

Thursday 24th June - Reports and Student Learning Diaries go home

Friday 25th June - Last day of term - 2:30 finish