Explain that Idiom

From the lesson, we know that idioms are sentences or phrases that are not meant to be taken literally. Idioms use figurative language to reiterate literal phrases or sentences.

First, in teams of two/three people, we created an Explain that Idiom slide where we insert an idiom and then come up with a script using the idiom to give an example of how it is used.

The teams chose three different idioms to explain, create a script and act out (we could create or search for idioms).

We found this activity fun and enjoyable. One thing we could improve is group cooperation.

LI: to practice using idioms.

Figurative Language

Mr Ogilvie's writing groups were learning about the five different figurative languages.

They first learnt about the five different languages. They were: simile, metaphor, hyperbole, personification and understatement. 

A simile is a comparision between two things using 'like' or 'as...as'. A metaphor is a comparision between two things without using 'like' or 'as...as'. A hyperbole is an exaggerated statement that shows effection. A personification is to give an object or idea a human trait. An understatement is an expression that doesn't have a lot of strength.  

They then made a Google Presentation with the definitions of them and with an example.

LI: To learn about the five different types of figurative languages.

Summarising

For Mr Ogilvie's reading task, we learnt about summarising. We created a story web using three different strategies to summarise each part of a story which was: Ki O Rahi.

We used inferring, visualising and summarising. Inferring is to figure out something by using hints and reasoning. Visualising is to create a picture in your mind. Summarising is to come up with a breif description including all the main points.

We summarised the 'Who? Where? & When' in the orientation and by the end of this activity, we summarised the whole story.

We think that connecting the three strategies will help with understanding a text more.

LI: To summarise using visualising and inferring.

Simile

For Mr Wong's writing task, we learnt about similes. We learnt that similes are a comparision between two things using 'as...as' or 'like'. 

We found out that whenever similes use adjectives, they use 'as...as'. For example: The lady was as fast as a racecar. However, whenever similes use verbs, they use 'like'. For example: The lady danced like a crazy party animal.

We then came up with similes for four different photos. We came up with similes for both adjectives and verbs. One of the simile was: The frog and the lily pads are as green as a leprechauns hat.

This activity helped us identify what a simile is and how to use a simile.

LI: To describe things by simile.

Venn Diagram

This weeks task for reading was to compare and contrast two narratives. We read and compared The Dippy Dinner Drippers and Space Food.

We first used a reciprocal reading template to understand the text and came up with a summary for the text. We did this for both of the texts.

After the reciprocal reading task, we made a venn diagram to compare and contrast the two texts. We found out five differences each and four similarities.

This task was helpful and we learnt how to reciprocal read.

LI: To understand texts using reciprocal reading.

Solving Strategies

The task for maths was to find most of the strategies to solve addition, subtraction, mulitplication and division. We learnt about the different strategies of solving equations.

First, we were answering questions based on addition and subtraction. We thought of different ways to solve the questions with multiple strategies. Some of the strategies were: number line, written algorithm and skip counting.

Addition and subtraction, multiplication and division and ratios were the three different sections. There were 5 questions in addition and subtraction and ratios, but there were 9 questions in multiplication and division.

When we finished the questions we got them checked off blogged about the activity.

LI: To practise a range of strategies to solve questions using all four operations.

Questioning | Reading Strategy

Mr Wong's reading groups learnt about the four question types, which are right there, think and search, author and me and on my own.

First, Mr Wong's reading groups identified what the four question types were, and how to answer them.

Mr Wong's reading groups learnt that right there questions are questions in which the answer can be found right there in the text.

Next, we identified what think and search questions were. Think and search questions are questions in which the answer is in the text, but has been reworded.

Then, they talked about understanding 'author and me' questions. Author and me questions are questions in which the answer is not in the text, but the author has given clues to what the answer is.

Finally, we did the 'on my own' questions. On my own questions are questions in which the answer is not in the text and the answer may even need to be made up.

Each reading group was given a text/article to read. We were also given four questions asked about the text. We sorted the four questions under the right question type and provided potential answers. We also included information about where in the text we looked to find the answer.

Our answers were checked off and we were ready to blog.

LI: to identify the question types.
LI: to locate the answers in the text.