Grade 3 and 4 Newsletter September 2013
PYP News!
UNIT 1: Who we are This unit’s central idea is ‘The effective interactions between human body systems contribute to health and survival’. The lines of inquiry are: ● Body systems and how they work ● How body systems are interdependent ● Impact of lifestyle choices on the body The key concepts to be emphasized in this unit are: ● Function How does each body system work? ● Connection How body systems work together? ● Responsibility How do your choices affect you and others?
LANGUAGES: We are working on Information Welcome to a new school year at HIS. We hope you like the new school logo. Above is the latest PYP model. As you can see the innermost circle brings together the beliefs and values of the programme. The PYP culminates in the Exhibition, where Grade 5 students this year will inquire into How we organise ourselves. Lisa Hughes
THE ARTS In this unit Grade 3 and Grade 4 students will inquire into a sequenced approach to understanding music elements. They will be involved in different activities which will help them understand concepts such as: rhythmic pattern, ostinato rhythm, pentatonic melody and dynamics. They will play on Orff instruments and bells and they will create sound effects for a poem. Ms Sabina
Reports and The Writing Process. Components of Information Reports ● Title ● Introduction ○ Set the scene ○ Give some background information about the topic ○ State the aim/purpose of the investigation/report ● Body ○ Organise the findings of research in a logical sequence (what was investigated, what was found) ● Conclusion ○ what interpretations and what judgements you made ○ what is the significance of your findings Components of The Writing Process ● Prewriting ● Draft ● Editing ● Peer Conference ● Revising ● Teacher Conference ● Publishing
The Level 1 EAL students are developing vocabulary used at school, in the classroom and socially in order to ask and answer questions and to develop the skills to write simple sentences. The Level 2 EAL students will be supported in the inquiry into skills and strategies needed to read for meaning. In writing they will work through the writing process, aiming to become confident writers with the skills and techniques needed to edit their own work. Ms Linda
Unit 1
PSPE Students are swimming in PE. They are working on basic strokes, freestyle, breaststroke and backstroke. We are working towards the swimming gala in mid September. In the Adventure Challenge unit students are learning to work as a team, develop leadership, communication and thinking skills. Mr Adam
VIETNAMESE Students learn about parts of human body and introduce related verbs for recognition (i.e. ăn, ngửi, nghe, nhìn,...) and sing Vietnamese song “Mắt mồm tai”. Ms Lan Anh and Ms Trang
Student Reflections “I think our class is best at working in groups because we don’t fight when we are even working with the boys or the girls.” Yu Jin “I learnt how to use Biodigital Human.” Oliver “We worked together in groups and surveyed elementary students about their favourite things.” Tu
MATHS: The focus for Maths are: ● ● ● ●
Models numbers to thousands or beyond using the base 10 place value system Interprets data from different types of simple graphs Collects, displays and interprets data using simple graphs designs a survey and systematically collects, organises and displays data in an appropriate simple graph
Key Dates Tuesday, 17th September Swimming Gala for Reception, G1 and G2. If it is raining, this will be postponed to Wednesday, 18th September. Tuesday, 24th September Swimming Gala for G3, G4 and G5. If it is raining, this will be postponed to Wednesday, 19th September. Friday, October 4th End of Quarter One October 5th 13th Mid semester break. School is closed Monday and Tuesday, October 14th and 15th No classes for students. Staff professional development. Wednesday 16th October First day of Quarter 2.
Assemblies: Assemblies take place on most Friday mornings at 8am. You are welcome to any of the assemblies. 6th September hosted by Ms Carla’s class 13th September hosted by the Vietnamese department as part of Moon Festival 20th September hosted by Ms Pushpa’s class 27th September no assembly 4th October hosted by Ms Georgie’s class
Mr Warren’s comment: What a great start to the year. Classes are in fullswing, teachers and students are happy and we are looking forward to another great academic year in the elementary section of HIS. For those of you who do not know, I am one of the VicePrincipals of the school and I am the Head of the elementary school. I also have a small teaching role, and work in the grade five class for the equivalent of one day per week. This gives Lisa Hughes time to carry out her responsibilities as the PYP curriculum coordinator. But my major role is to ensure that the elementary school is a successful, respectful and motivating environment for our students to learn in and for them to reach their full potential.
“Sometimes we read with Ms Linda and then write a book review.” Yuho Hanoi International School enables all students to realise their full potential in a caring and positive learning environment. Through our broad and balanced international curriculum, we endeavour to develop responsible, globally conscious citizens. We strive to develop the whole child as a life long learner with a strong sense of self worth.
Unit 1
Unit 1