OAKLEIGH SOUTH PRIMARY SCHOOL
Year 3 – Fun and Green, Together We Dream!
Reading
Each night, children are encouraged to read for 30 minutes using books from the school library that are appropriately challenging yet comprehensible. This practice aims to enhance their comprehension skills while ensuring they enjoy their reading experience. Our school day starts at 8:45 am with an independent morning reading program. During this time, children spend 15 minutes reading their Accelerated Reader library books and completing comprehension quizzes for the books they have finished. This routine helps reinforce their reading skills and fosters a love for reading.
Explicitly taught lessons in reading comprehension focus on developing both literal and inferential understanding of texts, using strategies such as summarising, questioning, and visualising. Reading fluency is enhanced through guided oral reading and repeated practice, ensuring students can read smoothly and with expression. The SRA Reading Laboratory program supports individualised learning, allowing students to progress at their own pace with a mix of fiction and non-fiction texts. Additionally, the Reading Eggs program is utilised for homework tasks, providing interactive and enjoyable activities that reinforce classroom learning and help build essential reading skills at home. This comprehensive approach ensures that students develop strong reading abilities, setting a solid foundation for future academic success.
Writing
In Year 3, writing lessons are structured to cover a variety of genres, including narratives, recounts, expositions (persuasives), explanations/descriptions, poetry, and information reports. The 7 Steps to Writing Success program is utilised to break down the writing process into manageable steps, helping students to plan, draft, and refine their work effectively. Additionally, the VCOP (Vocabulary, Connectives, Openers, Punctuation) framework is integrated to enhance students’ writing skills by focusing on these four key elements. Differentiation is a key component, ensuring that all children, regardless of their individual learning needs, can succeed. This comprehensive approach ensures that students not only understand the structure and purpose of different text types but also develop the technical skills needed to express their ideas clearly and creatively.
Spelling
In Year 3, students work on spelling each week using the SMART Spelling phonics approach, which focuses on teaching spelling rules within the context of words, building on prior knowledge. Each week, students receive a list of spelling words tailored to their learning needs, from which they have the agency to choose words that interest them. Daily activities include breaking words into syllables, sounds, and letter patterns, as well as practising these words through various engaging exercises such as word sorts, spelling games, and writing sentences. These spelling words are also integrated into other writing activities throughout the week, allowing students to apply their new vocabulary in narratives, recounts, and information reports. This comprehensive approach, which emphasises student choice, ensures that all students, regardless of their individual learning needs, can succeed and develop strong spelling skills.
Speaking and Listening
In Year 3, students work on speaking and listening skills each week through a variety of engaging activities. Guided oral reading practice helps improve their fluency and confidence in reading aloud. Students also participate in class captaincy speeches, where they present their ideas and campaign for leadership roles, fostering public speaking skills and self-assurance. Additionally, student voice speeches provide opportunities for children to express their opinions and contribute to class discussions on various topics. Each term, students work on projects that they present to the class, allowing them to practice their presentation skills and share their learning with peers. This comprehensive approach ensures that all students develop strong speaking and listening abilities, essential for their overall communication skills.
Mathematics
In Year 3, students engage in a comprehensive mathematics program each week. This includes three lessons focused on Number and Algebra, where students develop their understanding of numerical concepts and algebraic thinking. Additionally, there are two applied lessons covering Measurement, Space, Statistics and Probability, which help students connect mathematical concepts to real-world contexts. The explicit teaching model of gradual release of responsibility is employed, starting with teacher-led instruction, moving to guided practice, and culminating in independent application of knowledge. To enhance rapid recall of essential arithmetic skills, students use daily Maths Invaders activities, which make practising addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division fun and engaging. Essential Assessment is utilised to monitor progress and tailor instruction to meet individual learning needs. For homework, students aim to achieve 1000 points on Mathletics each week, reinforcing their classroom learning through interactive and rewarding tasks. This structured approach ensures that all students build a strong foundation in mathematics.
Writing and Maths Groups
Mathematics and Writing are further enriched by twice-weekly differentiated Maths and Writing Groups, aimed at addressing each child’s specific needs. These small, organised groups concentrate on a particular writing genre each term and various numerical concepts in mathematics. This method ensures that children’s abilities are developed, reinforced, and expanded, with each group tailored to support the individual child.
Integrated Studies
In Year 3, children explore four major topics throughout the year, covering aspects of Australian history, geography, and civics & citizenship. The topics include Rules and Laws, where children learn about the importance of rules and how laws are made and enforced, and they also write about a rule or law they would like to change. In What Am I, the focus is on animal classification and the life cycles of chickens and plants, with hands-on activities like hatching and caring for chickens. Sustainability Then and Now examines the changes in sustainable practices over the past 20 years, encouraging children to think about environmental stewardship by designing a sustainable garden. Finally, The Natural World looks at how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples use natural resources sustainably, and children create their own totem, learning about the cultural significance and connection to the land. These engaging topics help children develop a deeper understanding of their world and their role in it.
Fitness and Swimming Program
Children take part in regular fitness sessions to enhance their fundamental motor skills and build endurance. These activities not only boost their overall fitness but also sharpen their minds, making them more effective learners. Regular physical activity offers numerous benefits, including improved concentration, better academic performance, and enhanced social skills. In Term 3, children participate in the Jump Rope for Heart program, where they are encouraged to raise money for The Heart Foundation. This initiative promotes heart health and fitness while teaching children the importance of contributing to a worthy cause.
Additionally, the annual swimming program at GESAC (Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre) is a key component of the curriculum. This program focuses on ensuring children acquire essential swimming skills and life-saving techniques. Through structured lessons, children learn how to swim confidently and safely, as well as how to respond in emergency situations. This comprehensive approach to water safety equips children with the skills they need to enjoy water activities throughout their lives
ICT
Year 3 children have access to a set of Chromebook computers in addition to a fully equipped computer lab. This setup allows them to develop their computer skills effectively through extensive us of technology for research, presentations, and various learning programs. They are exposed to multiple educational tools and programs, including Essential Assessment, Maths Invaders, Typing Club, Accelerated Reader, the Google Education Suite, and Microsoft Office 365 applications. This comprehensive access ensures that children can enhance their digital literacy and engage with a wide range of interactive and educational resources.
Specialist Subjects
Specialist subjects in Year 3 include Performing Arts, Art, Japanese, and Physical Education, each taught by dedicated teachers. Children participate in at least one session of these subjects each week, allowing them to explore their creativity, develop new skills, and stay active. Performing Arts lessons might involve learning to play instruments, acting, and understanding musical and theatrical concepts, while Art classes encourage creative expression through various mediums. Japanese lessons introduce children to a new language and culture, enhancing their global awareness. Physical Education sessions focus on developing motor skills, teamwork, and overall fitness. Additionally, children engage in STEM Robotics and STEM Science activities. In STEM Robotics, they learn the principles of building and programming robots, which enhances their problem-solving and engineering skills. STEM Science lessons are packed with hands-on activities and experiments that foster curiosity and a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. This diverse curriculum ensures a well-rounded education, fostering both academic and personal growth.