CLASS OF THE WEEK: 

 

3-4TG

MATHS ROTATIONS IN 3-4TG!

Last week, our level began Maths Rotations, focusing on Addition and Subtraction skills.

During Maths rotations, we gather as a whole class for general revising and teaching of skills and a “tool session” to begin. We then break into small groups for the remainder of the lesson. These groups are based on assessments on each child’s mathematical knowledge, and form the basis for lots of targeted teaching and learning. 

There are four groups: Hands On, Tech/Device, Written Work and Teacher Group. 

Hands On: This group will use materials to play games that focus on skill building. They play these games in partners or as a small group. Lots of cards, dice, counters and board games feature here. 

Tech/Device: Students independently log in to Studyladder on their Chromebooks, and work their way through tasks that are assigned to their specific group, based on their skill development. They enjoy earning “coins” for completed tasks and can regularly update their “avatar” at the end of their session. 

Written Work: Students will complete learning tasks with a written element, such as a worksheet or completion of algorithms in their Maths Books. This can often be used as an assessment of their ongoing learning. 

Teacher Group: This group works with the teacher, focusing on mathematical concepts and skills at their point of need. Specific notes are taken and students are also asked to “self-assess” as to their confidence in problem solving, strategies, etc. 

The Maths groups are fluid and changeable, based on evidence and teacher observations. The teachers will adjust the students so that their group meets their needs as accurately as possible. 

The students have worked well during these rotations and are increasingly independent in finding their equipment, devices, games, materials or written work quickly, in order to complete their tasks in the time frame. 

The teacher groups are an excellent opportunity to provide targeted and measurable teaching, to evaluate growth in students’ skills and to focus on areas of misunderstanding or difficulty.  

If time permits, the groups are asked to report back to the class about their task of the day and any mathematical skills they have practised. 

Student Quotes:

Viraj:     Maths rotations are fun because we get to do different things every day. 

Anna:    Every Maths rotation we learn something new. 

Eli:        My favourite Maths rotation is the “devices” rotation because we get to go on the Chromebooks and play Maths games on Studyladder. 

Skylar:      I like the “games” rotation because we get to work with other people. 

Elisha:     I like to play Studyladder because every time we play games, we get points. You can use the points to customise our avatar and treehouse.

Ethan:      When we work in the “teacher group” we learn different ways to solve problems.

"Our Place in the World..... Australia!"

This term, with our Inquiry unit “Our Place in the World”, we are learning all about this great country of ours; AUSTRALIA. 

So far this term, we have read a fantastic book about a family road trip around Australia, which explored not only the capital cities but other interesting places, such as Broome, Coober Pedy and Port Arthur in Tasmania. 

(An Amazing Australian Road Trip, by Jackie Hosking)

We have practised accurate labelling of blank maps with the state and territory lines, the names of the states and their abbreviations, their capital cities and some natural features, such as the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru and the Murray River. 

This week, we will begin small-group projects which will challenge the students to read and research one state or territory in Australia. They will need to work collectively to take notes, turn those notes into full sentences and ultimately, produce an Information Report Poster about their given state or territory, to then present to their classmates. 

The students are so interested in learning about Australia and its many wonderful places. We have lots more to learn and many of us are adding places to our own “Must See” lists as we progress through this fantastic unit of learning. 

Student Quotes:

Jeremy:  We are learning about states, territories and capital cities. 

AK:  We learned about all different kinds of places in Australia, including Coober Pedy, which is interesting because they live underground when it gets hot.

Elaria:  My favourite place in Australia is Victoria, because we live in Victoria. 

Angelina:  We are learning more about our country and our city of Melbourne.

Isaac:  We are learning about the different parts of Australia, which are called states and territories.

Julie:  We can travel to places in Australia, like Tasmania and Western Australia.