English Programs used in the classroom
Accelerated Reader
(Use the link above to find out more information)
This year, students in 6A have been using the Accelerated Reader program to improve and monitor reading performance. This program involves students initially completing a Star Reading test to ascertain their level of reading comprehension. Students are then assigned a reading level range for choosing Accelerated Reader books from the library. After completing a book, students then complete an on-line Accelerated Reader test to assess their understanding of the reading material. A score of 80% or better is considered a pass. Students, who are successfully achieving pass scores, will progress to higher levels. This semester, there will be greater level of expectation on the students to complete texts and Accelerated Reader tests. At the start of term 3, students will set a goal for increasing their reading level by at least 1.0 for the term. For homework, it will be an expectation for students to keep a reading log of their regular reading practices at home.
Seven Steps to Writing
(Try the link above to discover more information.)
Seven Steps to Writing Success is one component of our Writing program at Grand Avenue State School. Seven Steps was developed by author Jen McVeity. She designed the program to include individual steps for improving the writing of students. The Seven Steps are: Plan for Success, Sizzling Starts, Tightening Tension, Dynamic Dialogue, Show, Don't Tell, Ban the Boring and Exciting Ending. These elements are taught explicitly during English lessons to enhance the quality of genre writing. Students will be using these techniques to improve their writing in upcoming English assessments including the Letter to the Future Person and the Panel Discussion.
W.I.N (What I Need)
One of the key initiatives at Grand Avenue State this year is what we call W.I.N Time. W.I.N stands for What I Need and essentially is a program used to provide learning that students need. Students receive a pre-test to determine their ability in specific English skills. In year 6, we are focussing on writing skills that are related to the units covered in class. Based on the results from the pre-tests, students are then placed into ability groups or streamed and receive instruction at their level. Groupings are very 'fluid' and students change groups depending on post test results. In the coming weeks our focus relates to the Letter to the Future Student Assessment Task. We will be practising compound and complex sentences and using objective, subjective and descriptive language.
Q.A.R (Question Answer Relationships)
Obviously, at Grand Avenue State School, reading is a huge priority and the use of QAR strategies is an integral part of our teaching across all curriculum areas. Students are encouraged to use a variety of strategies to improve their comprehension of written texts. QAR helps students to understand different types of questions such as "Right There", "Think and Search", "Author and Me" and "On My Own".
(Use the link above to find out more information)
This year, students in 6A have been using the Accelerated Reader program to improve and monitor reading performance. This program involves students initially completing a Star Reading test to ascertain their level of reading comprehension. Students are then assigned a reading level range for choosing Accelerated Reader books from the library. After completing a book, students then complete an on-line Accelerated Reader test to assess their understanding of the reading material. A score of 80% or better is considered a pass. Students, who are successfully achieving pass scores, will progress to higher levels. This semester, there will be greater level of expectation on the students to complete texts and Accelerated Reader tests. At the start of term 3, students will set a goal for increasing their reading level by at least 1.0 for the term. For homework, it will be an expectation for students to keep a reading log of their regular reading practices at home.
Seven Steps to Writing
(Try the link above to discover more information.)
Seven Steps to Writing Success is one component of our Writing program at Grand Avenue State School. Seven Steps was developed by author Jen McVeity. She designed the program to include individual steps for improving the writing of students. The Seven Steps are: Plan for Success, Sizzling Starts, Tightening Tension, Dynamic Dialogue, Show, Don't Tell, Ban the Boring and Exciting Ending. These elements are taught explicitly during English lessons to enhance the quality of genre writing. Students will be using these techniques to improve their writing in upcoming English assessments including the Letter to the Future Person and the Panel Discussion.
W.I.N (What I Need)
One of the key initiatives at Grand Avenue State this year is what we call W.I.N Time. W.I.N stands for What I Need and essentially is a program used to provide learning that students need. Students receive a pre-test to determine their ability in specific English skills. In year 6, we are focussing on writing skills that are related to the units covered in class. Based on the results from the pre-tests, students are then placed into ability groups or streamed and receive instruction at their level. Groupings are very 'fluid' and students change groups depending on post test results. In the coming weeks our focus relates to the Letter to the Future Student Assessment Task. We will be practising compound and complex sentences and using objective, subjective and descriptive language.
Q.A.R (Question Answer Relationships)
Obviously, at Grand Avenue State School, reading is a huge priority and the use of QAR strategies is an integral part of our teaching across all curriculum areas. Students are encouraged to use a variety of strategies to improve their comprehension of written texts. QAR helps students to understand different types of questions such as "Right There", "Think and Search", "Author and Me" and "On My Own".