Level 6
We have had a fabulous start to the year in Level 6. Our first week has been spent settling in, getting to know each other during the ‘Positive Start’ Program, and establishing each grade's learning environment and expectations. The week has had a strong focus on our HEPS values of Respect, Resilience, Teamwork and Growth, as we settle in for a busy, yet exciting journey that is Term 1.
Reading
This term, students will study the reading comprehension skills of visualising, sequencing and making connections. Visualisation involves helping the students further develop the ability to create a picture in their mind about what they are reading. Students incorporate their background knowledge, their imagination and the content of the text. Sequencing involves helping the students further develop their understanding of the components of a text and how events build throughout a story. Making connections involves students further developing their understanding of relating text to themselves, to another text and to the world.
Key Questions -
How can you visualise the characters in the text in terms of appearance and personality?
Can you tell me the sequence of the main events in the story?
Have you read a similar story reflecting the same story line?
Writing
We use the 6 Plus One Traits of Writing program which covers the traits of voice, conventions, sentence fluency, ideas, organisation and word choice, with the plus one being a presentation. Modelling to students on how to use these traits will be done to grow students’ writing skills. This term we are focussing on Recount and Narrative Writing. Recount Writing is writing about factual events that have occurred in a cohesive and sequential manner. Narrative Writing involves students writing fictional stories usually about a main character in a setting who encounters a problem or engages in an interesting, significant or entertaining experience. Discussing with your child topics of interest in these two areas will significantly help your child to develop focussed pieces of writing based around their interests. Teachers will incorporate the six plus one writing traits into these forms of writing.
Key Questions -
Can you think of a situation you have experienced that you could write about in detail?
What are your favourite topics to write about from a fictional perspective?
Spelling and Grammar
We are using the Jolly Phonics Spelling and Grammar program to strengthen students’ abilities with spelling patterns and rules, along with revisiting basic and introducing advanced grammar concepts. They will have the opportunity to learn, experiment, practice and use a variety of language structures to enhance their spelling strategies, writing and communication skills.
Numeracy
In Term 1, we will be revising our knowledge of number and algebra by looking at unit sequences focused on place value, decimals and order of operations (BODMAS). We will always be looking at a mini-unit on Length and Graphing.
Through planning and implementation of our lessons, an integral part will be on the four maths proficiencies; understanding, fluency, problem-solving and reasoning.
Key Questions to share at home;
Inquiry
Throughout Inquiry in Term 1, students will be undertaking a unit of work called ‘Australian Government’. This unit is based on Australia’s democracy; the three levels of government, character traits of a Prime Minister, and the Senate and House of Representatives.
Key Questions to share at home:
February
Tuesday 1st February: Chinese New Year
Thursday 10th February - Information Night
March
Monday 14th March - Labor Day - Public Holiday
Tuesday 15th March - Curriculum Day
Monday 21st March - Harmony Day
Friday 25th March - National Ride to school day
Monday 28th & Thursday 31st March: 3 Way Conferences
April
Monday 4th April - Easter Bonnet Parade and raffle
Friday 8th April 2022 - End of term