Years 5/6 Classroom

Curriculum Synopsis - Term 3 2009

TERM 4 in GRADE 5 /6

Dear Parents / Guardians,

Below is information about what the grade 5/ 6's will be covering throughout Term 4 for Literacy, Numeracy and Integrated Studies.

 Literacy

 For the first half of Term 4, the students in years 5 and 6 will be examining persuasive texts. Persuasive texts are intended to convince readers to accept particular perspectives or points of view.  Students will analyse these texts and support interpretations with evidence drawn from the text. They will learn to describe how texts are constructed for particular purposes and audiences, and identify how values, attitudes and beliefs are presented in texts. Students will then also learn to debate in order to further enhance their speaking and listening skills.

Throughout the second half of semester the students will revisit information texts as we explore our topic "The Sneaky Solar System" (Space). During literacy we will be looking at the structure and feature of different texts, in particular focusing on non-fiction texts.

We will continue to ensure students are gaining meaning from print and are able to respond to what they are reading through the investigation of literal comprehension (the answer is right there for you to read), inferential comprehension (search for clues in the text to assist with your response) and evaluative comprehension (the answer won't be told by the words in the writing and understanding is based on the main idea, concepts or generalisations beyond the text).

  To assist and develop the children's writing, we will focus on whole class instruction as well as needs based groups and individual conferencing.

  Spelling will continue to be an ongoing focus within the classroom, using the three main strategies; sound (hearing), visual (looking for patterns) and meaning (using knowledge of words to help spell other words).

Numeracy

The focus of numeracy this term will involve using a variety of strategies to teach various areas of maths, including whole class instruction, needs based groups, problem solving and the use of computer technology.

We will be focussing on the following areas:

• Number - revision of decimals, percentages, fractions, prime and composite numbers as well as investigating squared, cubed and triangular numbers.
• Measurement - revision of angles, time (timetables, elapsed time), mapping and converting units of measurement.
• Probability and chance and the use of excel as a maths tool.

Integrated Studies

Throughout the term we will be focusing on Space as our unit of work. We will explore the solar system and look at each planet in a systematic way. We will compare planets to our own and explore space travel and its implications. As part of our unit, an excursion to Scienceworks and The Planetarium is planned for November 27th(Cost $15).

Graduation

Yes it is that time already! Please note in your diary that graduation will be held on Thursday 15th December at the Altona theatre.

The grade 6 students will also have an end of year activity especially designed for them. Known as the "Magical Mystery Tour", they will go to a range of places throughout a day. The date for this activity will be Friday the 11th  of December. No parent helpers are required for this excursion.

Grade 6 2010

In the last week of Term 3 a note was sent home about ordering rugby tops for 2010. These are an optional item and the cost is $70. Please keep your eyes peeled for additional notes coming home. Lee Ogden will also be measuring students for the purple windcheater. The windcheater will cost approximately $35. 

School Concert

The School Concert will be held on Wednesday the 25th  of November. Julie Enright will keep you informed of any specific requirements needed for the night.

Just a reminder that all students need to wear their school hats during Term 4.

The 5 / 6  team look forward to engaging your child in their learning and a positive end to the year!