READING

In Week 4 we finished our unit on poetry. What: We are learnt to make connections while reading a poem by exploring the meaning of wordplay and identifying how the author's emotive language creates mood and tone.

In Week 5 we commenced out new unit on realistic fiction. First we learnt what realsitic fiction is. We then compared and contrasted a realistic fiction text with a fantasy narrative to help us understand the elements  of realistic fiction. We followed this up by comparing and contrasting believable characters in realistic fiction by identifying similarities and differences in characters in different types of stories. 

By the end of week 5 we had also compared and contrasted believable settings, events, problems and conflicts. We read the mentor text Pandemic and we made text connections because we could relate what we knew about a pandemic from what we had experienced and related it to the story which helped us to understand realistic fiction better.

WRITING

In Week 4 we learnt to choose strong adjectives to describe a person's positive qualities. We did this by thinking about our principal's actions and behaviour, then select adjectives that best describe them to show appreciation and create a meaningful class gift for World Principal Day.

We also learnt to use proverbs to inspire the message in our poems to create poems with meaningful messages. We also practised bumping yp our poems using all the different forms of word play we have learnt over the last 4 weeks to make our free verse poems more engaging.

In week 5 we learnt to analyse our writing by using a rubric. We worked in groups, read the rubric and sample texts and determined where we would rank the text. We did this so we could make our writing more interesting, to set goals and bump up our writing.

In Week 5 we brainstormed a list of believable characters we know from texts, tv shows and movies. The next day we chose one realistic character we knew well and described the characters appearances, personality, feelings, actions and motivations. This helped us to understand and connect with believable characters. 

Lastly in week 5 we learnt about the different tenses we can use in writing; past, present and future and we learnt how these change th meaning of a sentence. We learnt that we should use one tense consistently throughout a text we are writing to make it easier for readers to follow.

NUMERACY

In Week 4 we practiced counting by fractions. We identified halves, quarters, thirds, fifths and tenths of a whole on a number line and by circling fractions of a collection.

We also learnt to combine fractions to make  a whole by adding fractional parts with the same denominator. We did this by choosing one colour and showing how many different ways we can add the parts together to make one whole. We also has to show our working out using an equation with addition (1 / 4 + 3 / 4 = 4/ 4) 

During week 4 we also learnt to understand the relationship between division and fractions. First we learnt the meaning of vinculum (the line) and what it represents in fractions. We did this by first using arrays and drawing to show equal groups. Then we used the  multiplication fact family that matches the array. Then we wrote the division equation to show the sharing and lastly we wrote the fraction that showed each equal share.

In Week 5 we learnt to convert between fractions and decimals for tenths and hundredths using the place value system. This helped us demostrate our understanding of the relationship between fractions and decimals. We were given different tenths and hundredths fractions, and for each we had to represent it on number line, organise them under the right place value and convert them into decimals. We practised this skill further be converting halves and quarters into fractions and decimals by showing three different ways to shade one half and showing three different ways to shade one quarter

Lastly in week 5 we learnt how to convert mixed numerals into improper fractions. We learnt that tthe denominator is the bottom number and the numerator is the top number in a fraction. First we used visuals to help us see how a mixed number can be converted from a inproper fraction and vice versa. We then also learnt that we can also convert mixed numbers by using the MAD method - Multiply, Add, Denominator. This means we multiply the whole number with the denominator and then add the numerator and keep the denominator as the bottom number to convert a mixed number to an improper fraction. We then practised this skill with different mixed numerals and improper fractions.

CBL

In Week 4 we continued to explore why technologies continue to change and improve by choosing one technology, researching and identifying the problems it could solve. We discovered that technology constantly evolves to make life easier, safer and more efficent. We then designed our own future version of the chosen technology and explained how it would solve a problem. 

In Week 5 we learnt to apply our knowledge of digital technology and how it affects our daily lives to help us learn how to create a sustainable future. We researched future cities, renewable energy sources, sustainable transport, green buildings and recycling systems to help us to understand what a sustainable future city may look like. We then sketched our ideas of a future city.  

Next we learnt to apply our knowledge of digital technology and how it affects our daily lives by designing our own sustainable city. We had to include: 🛣 Roads, 🏠 Housing, 🏫 School, 🏥 Hospital, 🛍 Businesses, 🌳 Parks and green spaces and ☀ Renewable energy (solar panels, wind turbines, etc.)

PERSONAL & SOCIAL/RRRR

In Week 4 we learnt to describe actions that can hurt and upset others by role-playing in small groups apologising to others. This helped us to understand the impact apologies have on people we hurt. Then some groups presented thier role plays. 

In Week 5 in preparation of using Minecraft Education in CBL next week we discusses responsible ways to use digital technology. We were presented with different scenarios where technology was being used inappropriately. We demonstrated our understanding by using thumbs up and thumb down to verbal scenarios before being divided into small groups, where we read a given scenario and each member of the group chose a role - judge, jury, accused, prosecutor and defence lawyer. We then acted out the scenario as if it was a court case to build a clear understanding of why riles and expectations need to be followed. We also created a 4-6 panel comic strip showing a way in which we can be responsible online.

LIFE SAVING INCURSION

On Tuesday 4h August, our Grade 4 students took part in an engaging incursion with Life Saving Victoria, all about staying safe around water.

Through interactive activities and discussions, students learned important lessons about swim safety, beach safety, and how to make smart choices near water. They discovered the meaning of different beach flags, what the possible dangers are and what to do in an emergency.

It was a fun and informative session that gave our students valuable skills to help keep themselves and others safe — especially as we look ahead to the warmer months.

A big thank you to Life Saving Victoria for helping us become safer and more confident around water!

BUS INCURSION

On Thursday 6th August, three presenters came and discussed how to be safe on and around buses. We made predictions about the weight of a coach and were suprised it weighed 18 tonnes. During the incursion we watched a video. After the video the presenters asked questions about the video which we answered. The presenters then asked volunteers to demonstrate the distance we should stand between the bus to wait safely. Next we discussed what we should do if there is an emergency on the bus. 

We then walked outside the school to the Dyson coach waiting. We were shown where the emergency exits are from the outside. We then, in single file boarded the coach, sat in a seat, put on our seatbelt and identified all 6 emergency exits. Then we were shown where the emergecy hammer is located and we discovered that when it is picked up an alarm sounds.

We also learnt that the emergency windows use a special type of glass that makes it break down into small pieces externally. The coach driver then demonstrated where the stop button was and how to use it and what happens when you press the button. It was really interesting and we now feel we know how to act safely when travelling on and around buses. 

PRINCIPAL DAY

On Friday 7th August, we celebrated Principal Day. In Year 4 each class was given a principal to concentrate on and individually we created stars. On our star we wrote a word we thought described the principal and then we decorated the star. Lastly we added our stars to a poster with their face on it. These posters were laminated and given to each principal on the day. At assembly we acknowledged the hard work they do and thank them for making Aitken Creek Primary School a welcoming and safe environment for us all. We ended it with a round of applause on behalf of students, parents and teachers.