October 16th, 2017

Dear Parents,

Below are the details of our learning in the last week.

Math
We have been learning about borrowing and regrouping 2 and 3 digit numbers. This is a tricky strategy, but can be achieved in a variety of ways. One new strategy we learnt was an algorithm, as a few students had asked about it. I am highly encouraging students to use strategies that they find easiest, and guiding them away from an algorithm as I do not entirely entirely support it. An algorithm can be confusing, uses memorisation of steps, it does not support creative thinking, lacks number sense etc. Knowing a range of strategies is very beneficial. Students have also been working on checking their answers.

Unit
I worked really hard last week to ensure that the students showed greater depth in carrying out a unit of inquiry with little teacher input. In this new unit we will be learning all about maps and landforms. As a class we read our central idea 'maps can be used to show the terrain of planet earth and can be used to help locate places'. We highlighted the words that were difficult to understand and then researched them so that we would have a greater understanding of what we will study. The words that were difficult were 'terrain' and 'locate'. It was great to see that the students were figuring out the meaning of these words on their own, and were actually able to find the answers. Ask your child what terrain and/or locate means. They should be able to tell you. Research and independence is such an important skill that we will grow this year.

Students also looked at maps, explained their knowledge of maps and landforms, and thought of key questions that they would like to study about. This week we will take their questions, and try answer them by looking in books, using the internet, and asking the people/teacher's/friends around us.

We have had many class discussions about the learner profiles and attitudes that we should be showing in this unit.

Learner Profiles 
Knowledgeable; knowing information and being able to share it
Inquirers; trying to find an answer to your question (researching by using books, iPads, asking)

Attitudes
Independence; Students can do things on their own
Enthusiasm; Being excited to learn

Literacy
Last week we worked on voracious reading. This is when we check to see if  we are reading smoothly. Each day we read the same book, focusing on having an interesting voice. At first we may not know all of the words, and read a little like a robot. However, as the days go by, and the more practice we have, our voice becomes smooth and confident.