Independence Centre

Curriculum 

During our first week after camp, it has been amazing to see the confidence and independence that some students have brought back. We have also seen some new friendships that have developed and it seems to be smiles all round. Well done to all students for easily transitioning back into our school routine!

In Writing this week, we have been focusing on the skill of ‘show, don’t tell’. Students have practised describing the face, body and voice of their characters to show how they are feeling rather than just stating it. This week, we will continue working on our speeches – ‘My Three Wishes’. Our speeches will be presented to the class next week, before we vote one member of each class to perform their speeches at assembly. Most students chose to write their speeches into their iPads, so it would be a great opportunity to help them edit and practise at home!

In Reading, we will begin looking at Visual Literacy, and how information is communicated to us through pictures. You might like to look out for advertisements around your area and discuss how the images are trying to make the viewer feel.

In Maths, we will be completing our unit on Time. This will include a portfolio task where students will construct their own Timetable for a special event. We have noticed an area of need in students reading times ‘to’ and ‘past’ the hour. Discussing the time and duration of everyday events can be a great way to deepen students understanding of these everyday concepts. Look out for our upcoming portfolio tasks on Seesaw!

In Guided Inquiry, we are working towards creating our stop-motion videos. In preparation for these, students may wish to bring a toy from home to be a character in their video. The toy should be one that can hold its arms/legs in a pose – for example; a lego character or barbie doll. A soft toy will unfortunately not work! The other thing that students will eventually need is the app ‘Stop Motion Studio’. It is a free app! If you could begin downloading this onto iPads at home that would be very helpful!

Student Voice

I enjoyed planning for our animations! - Coby 3/4G

I enjoyed writing my speech. - Izyan 3/4G

We were writing our speeches for the Public Speaking Competition, it was hard! - Chris 3/4G

Reminders

• Students must be wearing hats at school
• Students may bring in sunscreen to apply themselves
• Drink bottles are a must for hot days!
• Science excursion forms to be returned for 3/4K, 3/4D and 3/4G.

Pupil of the Week

3/4D Karen P -

You have done an excellent job using your strength of teamwork when supporting your partner when planning and creating your animation. Keep using your strengths to assist others!

3/4G Archer H -

For starting the day with a positive mindset. You are coming in ready to learn and collaborate with your peers. Keep up the great work

3/4K Ethan K -

For working hard to write an engaging speech on the topic 'My Three Wishes'. You have done well to focus on improving your speech writing skills. Well done!

3/4R Gurnoor -

For demonstrating a Love of Learning with her interesting and insightful comments about states of matter during our Science Excursion. You have an inquisitive mind and a great memory for scientific facts, Gurnoor!