Level 3/4

Literacy

Reading

In Reading for Term 3 we are focusing on three different comprehension strategies: comparing and contrasting, synthesising, as well as cause and effect. When comparing and contrasting, we are looking at similarities and differences using a variety of thinking tools such as Venn diagrams and tables. During our focus on synthesising we are learning how to identify our prior knowledge and building on our knowledge by learning new information through books, articles and informative videos. For cause and effect, we are identifying different events

within a text and what has caused those events to happen. All of these three strategies will help us to develop a better understanding of the texts we are reading/viewing. 

How can our thinking change as we read?

What is similar and different in our lives?

What are some events that have occurred because of our own actions?

Writing

During Remote Learning in Term 3 we are focusing on Information Report writing. This is where students are applying their knowledge of Information Report writing and its structure, ideas and language features to create their own personalised Information Reports. Classifying, organising and describing information are key areas of focus to ensure all students are able to use appropriate text structure, language and features to successfully complete an informative writing piece. Key questions to ask your children: 

How can I locate information in texts confidently and efficiently?

How can I select key information and organise it effectively?

Spelling & Grammar

As we have been all year, students are following the Jolly Phonics spelling and grammar handbook. Students are presented weekly spelling lists with an identified spelling focus. Grammar lessons are a mixture of new information and reapplying previously learnt concepts. 

Numeracy

In Term 3, Level 3/4 students are focusing on the areas of multiplication, mapping and location. Students are building their automatic recall skills and moving towards vertical multiplication of two and three digit numbers. Mapping and location are focusing on the various types of maps, as well as features such as key/legends, coordinates, grid references, compass points and scale. As we move through the topic, students will be given the opportunity to create their own maps. This will then lead us into the topics of perimeter and area later in the term. 

Inquiry

In Term 3, students are introduced to a range of topics in relation to first beginnings.So far we have been introduced to Captain James Cook, life in the 18th Century, Australia’s convict history and Australia’s first inhabitants. 

Throughout the individual lessons students reflect on their learning by recording interesting facts from each lesson and they are encouraged to record something they are ‘wondering’. 

After the conclusion of  this series of lessons, students will select an area of interest and develop an individual project.

As a family, you could discuss the ‘wonderings’ your child has developed. Through this discussion, you can help your child to identify an area that they are most interested in and would like to pursue further. 

Bread Tag Challenge

This year 3/4B have been collecting bread tags for the wonderful organisation ‘Aussie Bread Tags for Wheelchairs’. ‘Aussie Bread Tags for Wheelchairs’ collects bread tags nationally in Australia. The tags are recycled locally, raising funds to buy wheelchairs for disadvantaged people in South Africa. 

More information can be found at this website:

https://ozbreadtagsforwheelchairs.org.au/ 

We would like to have a competition across all levels to see which grade can collect the most bread tags! Students can start collecting them in their home, and bring them to school when we all return on site. Ms Lord (3/4B) will offer a prize for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for the classes who can gather the most bread tags by the end of the school year!  

About 250kg of bread tags need to be recycled to raise enough funds to buy an entry level wheelchair, although some do cost more, depending on the client’s needs. But don’t be discouraged – this is a community effort and all the small contributions soon add up! 

If you have any questions about this wonderful cause, please feel free to email Ms Lord at 

rebecca.lord@heathmonteastps.vic.gov.au

Important Dates

18th September - Last day of Term 3

5th October - First day of Term 4