MAKING READING MEANINGFUL
Before Reading
What is this book about? Make a prediction
Make a connection to the test so children can share experiences that may relate to the topic.
During Reading
Model good reading for your child where possible
Ask clarifying questions about characters, events and motives for actions (Who was..? Why do you think …? Why did the character react like that…?)
After Reading
Reflect on what has been read and ask further questions (What would you have done if you had been in the same situation? Who was the most important character? Why do you think this? Have you ever felt…? What would happen..?)
LITERACY
Oral Language
Encourage deep conversations and lengthy responses from students. Oral language is an important foundation for reading and writing.
Spelling & Vocabulary
When writing, encourage students to ‘have a go’ at tricky words and reread their writing to look for editing opportunities
Reading
Build reading into every opportunity possible.
Writing
Work with your child to create persuasive writing on a topical issue. An information poster or narrative could also be jointly constructed with students. As they write, discuss the use of interesting language and vocabulary to enhance sentences (rich adjectives and verbs)
MATHEMATICS
Number
Encourage students to improve their basic number facts and times tables by calculating the change from shopping, or the difference between sale price and retail price. Conversations about how they get their answer helps confirm their understanding.
Measurement
Students really enjoy measuring different objects around the house. Try measuring the volume of different shaped glasses/cups or the length/area of their room. Better yet, students could redesign their bedroom or house using Sketchup.
Geometry
Building different 3D objects with old boxes is a great way to learn about 2d shapes and 3D objects. Make sure you have deep conversations about the different shapes and 3D object you make together to develop on understanding of shape properties.
Chance
Chance is all about the different possibilities. the best way to learn about chance is by playing board games and encouraging discussions about different possibilities before rolling the die or revealing a card.
Data
Collecting information about how many smarties in a packet of chips per person can be represented on a graph or in a table.
Board Games
Remember Uno, Monopoly, Boggle, Scrabble and Pictionary?
Board games are a great way to integrate literacy and numeracy in a game situation. Spelling, Reading and Maths are all key skills in board games and a fun way to learn. Below are a few examples of tried and true games.
Board games to encourage skills in Mathematics
Numero
Uno
Monopoly
Snakes & Ladders
Board games to encourage skills in Literacy
Pictionary
Boggle
Scrabble
Trivial Pursuit
Cranium
Digital Technology
We have carefully selected quality internet-based learning sites to support you at home with students learning.
jr.brainpop.com (free access for limited time) This website and App has engaging activities in all curriculum areas.
education.abc.net.au Australian website with a variety of learning experiences (including digital books) for each year level.
prodigygame.com Lesseons and activities for all areas of mathematics.
mathietics.com A fabulous resource available for consolidating Maths learning.
mathplayground.com A great brain workout for maths topics. Year levels can be selected to find appropriate content.
