Update on student learning

This unit of inquiry had been a very busy, but very interesting one for us all!

As you know, our students have had the opportunity to visit different places of worship and ask many important questions.

At first students struggled with the idea of beliefs and values. What they are, how they are linked together and therefore, how they link to us. However, they have a better understanding now about how our beliefs and values shape our lives, and how this affects our actions and behaviour out in the real world.

We are near the end of our research about different religions. I am very pleased to say that students have been extremely enthusiastic about this task and eager to develop their poster to present to the class. I have had to slow them down a bit for fear of rushing through the task.

In addition to developing our knowledge of belief systems, we have also been working on the recount text type and understanding the structure and what a good piece of writing looks like. We have shared our planning with a peer and with teachers whilst working on one aspect of recount writing at a time. Students have been patient as they learn to take advice and adjust their plans so that they are of a higher quality. You will be able to read the finished products this week, as they have been written on a google doc.

Here is a link to the planning document that we use, that includes information to guide us. Ask your child to explain to you how they plan using this document. In particular, focus on the style of writing used when planning.

Recount Text Planner

In Maths, we have been spending time developing a deeper understanding of place value. We have been doing this in a variety of ways such as using objects like base ten blocks, counters, cubes, dice and card games.

We have also been learning to use our new programmes Front Row, Mathletics and ixl on our class ipads.

At the same time, we have been developing our skills in regards to the four operations (+, -, x, ÷ ), also using a variety of methods such as card and dice games, creating our own games, as well as using the three online programmes. All of which will help to develop speed and accuracy of computation at our student's own pace!

Lastly, we are becoming stronger problem solvers as we tackle new maths problems daily that are presented in many different contexts.

          

Students all appear to be willing to tackle any new challenge that is set before them and that is very exciting!

I look forward to meeting you all next week and sharing your child's learning experiences with you.

Here are some classroom pictures for you to enjoy of our students playing the card game Flipper! Ask them how it works!