Week 6: I love long weekends!
Good evening,
What a well-timed long weekend! It was a a great chance to rest and recoup, with lots of fun things to do in the most beautiful place with the most beautiful weather! I hope you've had a wonderful break.
This week is a short one, but a full one.
CLASSROOM
Reading groups were a hit!!
As stated last week, reading groups have begun and I can happily report that both myself and the students were very excited when reading group time came around each day! The student's really enjoyed the variety of activities, as well as, working in a new format with different friends. Each week, we are going to focus on one of the 8 Reading Comprehension Strategies, using videos from the website Into the Book. Please feel free to check out the website by clicking on the link.
In Science last week, we began our study into 'Biological Sciences'. The students learnt about the life cycle of a sunflower (plant), which we will compare and contrast between the life cycle of frog (amphibian) later this week. We will identify the similarities and difference between the two. The children also set up an experiment with runner beans, where they had to test whether their three beans will grow at the same rate. This experiment will also allow us to review the life cycle of a plant as the beans begin to grow. If anyone has tadpoles close to home, I'd be very appreciative if one could be donated to the class. This would make our Science lesson a little more exciting this week.
We have continued our studies of the First Australians in History, and integrated this topic into Art. On Friday we had a chance to play with chalk pastels to create a layered sunset image, using a warm colour palette, to resemble the Australian outback. We placed the iconic Boab tree in the centre of our picture, as it is a significant item found in the Kimberly region. These beautiful artworks, are still to be completed and will be on display very soon.
HOMEWORK
WEEK 6 -
1. Reading (Reading Eggspress Book) - 10 minutes each night. Please make sure your child is filling out the Reading Log each night, it takes no more than a coupel of minutes to write it in.
NB: Students are asked to read their set Reading Eggspress Book (the title will be written into the students Reading log sheet on Wednesday morning when they set up their homework).
NB: Students are asked to read their set Reading Eggspress Book (the title will be written into the students Reading log sheet on Wednesday morning when they set up their homework).
2. Mental Maths - Think Mentals 4 Student Book, Week 6: students are to complete a column each night. These will be marked the next day in class, so we are able to discuss the more challenging concepts.
3. Spelling - Complete LOOK, SAY, COVER, WRITE, CHECK with their given spelling words. They are to also complete one spelling activity into their homework book from the spelling grid.
(NEW WORDS THIS WEEK, however they will keep them in Wk7 due to the shorter week)
(NEW WORDS THIS WEEK, however they will keep them in Wk7 due to the shorter week)
4. Photography - The students need to take up to 10 photos based on the theme 'FREE CHOICE'. They are to create a pic collage of these pictures and upload this into their Class Notebook file.
The students have to also ensure that all of their pic collage themes (including those done in class) are uploaded by Wednesday. This being the first day back, can you please remind them of this task for Mr Torrese.
The students have to also ensure that all of their pic collage themes (including those done in class) are uploaded by Wednesday. This being the first day back, can you please remind them of this task for Mr Torrese.
NOTICES
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
There is a general assembly on Friday, we will inform those who will be receiving Merit Awards very soon.
PROJECT COMPASSION
The challenge has been set by Mrs Meyers to raise over $500 for Project Compassion by the end of Lent. I ask that you remind your children if they have any spare change that they may want to donate it to this very worthy cause. Thank you to those who have donated so far, it is greatly appreciated. Whilst I'm not very competitive, I am hoping Year 4 can beat 1P in donations at assembly this week.
CALLING ALL BOOKS THAT ARE COLLECTING DUST!!
I have purchased some new novels from book club and brought in my sons Where's Wally, Star Wars and Ninjago books to jazz up the class library, however it is still a little bare. If you have any books that are no longer being read and are collecting dust, we would greatly appreciate any donations.
Lastly, I must apologise for the lack of photos in my blog posts, I get so involved in my teaching that I forget to get the iPad out and take a few snaps. I promise this will change in weeks to come!
Many thanks,
Mrs Ricciardone
