Gecko Eggs - Well done Gecko Keepers

Looks like the Gecko Keepers have been doing a great job, our Underwoodisaurus milii geckos have laid their first two eggs of the summer. The eggs will be incubated at 28°C and should hatch in around 64 days, 1st January 2016.

Assignment: Becoming a Fictional Character.

In our reading groups we have been working on deepening our understanding of the text by becoming the characters and building character profiles around them. The character profile uses information from the text as well as additional suitable information that we imagine.

Create a character profile of a main character from a book you have read. The more interesting the character, the better your profile will be. This should be on white posterboard or A3 paper and should be set out like a Mind Map (as we did in class).

For the central image, use a photo of yourself and edit it so it looks like the character you have chosen. You can edit it on computer, tablet or print it out and add texta/pencil etc. See similar work from my previous class below.

DUE: Monday 9th November (Week 6)

These were done on iPad using Art Set app.

 

Nude Food Class Winners

Last Friday was Nude Food Day. The winner was Charlie with Lakshita and Kurumi following a close second and third. Well done to everyone who participate. Saving the planet is a worthy goal. :D

 

   

 

Science: The Great Egg Drop Project

Hold an egg at ceiling’s height. Drop it.

What happens? 

Can you design a container that will prevent the egg from breaking or cracking?

Use Egg Drop Project to help further your understanding

This Friday we will confirm the 12 items and then you will need to organise the materials you need and have them ready by Thursday Week 3 (22nd October)

Materials:

You can choose 12 items/materials from the following list:

• Cardboard
• 5 elastic bands
• 8 popsicle sticks,
• 1 meter of tape
• 2 sheets of construction paper
• plastic bag
• 10 straws
• styrofoam cup
• poster board
• 6 cotton pads
• Q-tips
• 1 pair of socks
• toilet paper
• 30cm string
• 10cm wires
• spaghetti
• 2 balloons
• 1 paper plate
• 5 pieces of tissue paper
• 2 sheets of plastic wrap
• 2 sheets of aluminum foil

These materials are provided:

• eggs
• glue
• scissors
• rulers
• pencil

We are all Australian - Hugh Jackman on Aboriginal Communities

Using the link below to write a biography about a famous Aboriginal Australian Role Model.

http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/people/famous-aboriginal-people-role-models

Using the link below and google to write a biography about a Australian Prime Minister.
http://primeministers.naa.gov.au/primeministers/

Mind map - Holiday Recount

This week we have been looking at creating mind maps. Mind mapping is a visual form of note taking that offers an overview of a topic and its complex information, allowing students to comprehend, create new ideas and build connections.

For the their first mind map they were asked to create a recount of their holiday. They then had to use their iPad, take a photo and send it via Air Drop. You can see some examples below and more in the Gallery.

 

Holiday Task: Design the flags for the Willoughby Festive Season!

The Willoughby Festive Season Launch will feature the lighting of the Christmas Tree, entertainment from The Willoughby Theatre Company and Willoughby City Band. The event will also include the announcement of winners of the Festive Season Flag Competition. The winner's flags will be displayed on the Chatswood CBD light poles throughout the festive season.

If you want, you can create a flag at home and send it in yourself (The school ones will be sent altogether).

The information you will need:

• Template and instructions

Good Luck :D

Holiday Task: Do you want to learn how to make a computer game? (optional)

Coding is a great skill to learn in this modern world filled with technology. It is very easy to learn the basics, but requires some effort and persistence to achieve more complex tasks.

The link below will start easy and then progressively get harder. Find your name and enter your secret word and enjoy the challenge.

4NR CODE STUDIO

Radio play: The Three Little Pigs Rap

Woolworths Earn & Learn

Congratulations and thank you, everyone! Our class has collected 25 pages of Woolworths Earn and Learn stickers, around 1500 stickers. At $10 per sticker, that would equate to $15 000 spent.

Woolworths Earn & Learn gives you the chance to contribute some amazing new educational equipment to our school without any additional expense.

Thank you all again. :D

I want to re-design my room: If you can convince your parents, you can convince anyone!! (Persuasive writing)

A major problem in writing a persuasive text is working out the arguments of the “other side”  and responding to those arguments. The following class task will help you see the need to work out the other point of view before writing any argument.

You are older now and your room is not as wonderful as it once was.  It is time to try convince your parents to let you re-design your room.

When you go to ask them they reply:

NO! 

and give you the following objections:

1. It’s too expensive.
2. You never even clean your room anyway; why re-design if it just going to be messy?
3. You already spend too much time there.  We only see you at meals as it is now.
4. or You never spend any time in your room; why should we bother?
5. Your brother (sister) is going to feel left out.  We can’t start redecorating everyone’s room.
6. Your taste in interior decoration is questionable.  We can’t paint ceilings and walls in school colours or indulge in other such fads. :)
7. I’ll end up doing all the work.  I don’t have the time or the energy.
8. It’ll cost too much.
9. I said “No!”

Task A: Write a persuasion (exposition) that will convince your parents to change their mind.

The audience for your persuasion are your parents - an audience opposed to what you have to say. You must use direct speech and powerful words, though respectful and appropriate, to convince them of your side of the issue. This is done by providing arguments against the 9 objections from your parents. You may find it difficult to convince them on all nine objections, just do your best (8 out of 9 objections could still convince your parents to say yes).

Structure:
  Title: I want to re-design my room
  Position: (outlines the issue and your point of view)
[
  Argument: ..... because(reason) ......
[
  Argument: ..... because(reason) ......
[
  Argument: ..... because(reason) ......
[
  Argument: ..... because(reason) ......
[
  Conclusion: (restating position and main arguements)

Words that you could use in your persuasion:

• sale  
• special  
• professional  
• improved  
• discount  
• affordable  
• important  
• quality  
• guaranteed  
• value  
• bargain  
• sensational  
• reduced  
• better

Task B: Create a plan of how your new room will look.

Use an iPad to get some ideas

Reminder: Speech

This is a reminder that your speech is due on Monday 7th September (Week 9)

One person will be chosen to represent the class at the Grade Public Speaking Final. The student chosen will compete using the same speech given in class. One winner will be chosen by an independent adjudicator to win the competition.

Competition audience will only be students in Year 3 and Year 4 and parents of the competitors are invited to attend these finals.

Tips

What makes an excellent speech?

• Matter – Well structured –content that is unique and interesting for the audience. Speakers should refer to palm cards, and not just read the content.

• Manner – good use of voice (articulation, volume, pausing, pace), good posture, gestures and eye contact. The speaker’s voice should be relaxed without being exaggerated.

• Method – well-practised in presenting (rehearsed). Speeches need to have a clear introduction, middle and conclusion. Don't introduce yourself or thank your audience. Good introductions and conclusions are memorable, effective and original.

Visual aids, costumes or props are not permitted.

Surfing Scientist

The Surfing Scientist is really Ruben Meerman and this is a picture of him with his latest love — Black Betty!

Ruben takes liquid nitrogen, balloons and the laws of physics and does science shows for kids at schools in NSW and QLD (and hopefully soon in other states).

He has an arsenal of science tricks up his sleeve - check out the tricks

Can you work out whose image is on the screen with the heat sensitive camera?

Australian Festivals

Australia is a wonderful country with a fantastic range of things to do. The 6 states and 2 territories of Australia encompass many hundreds of towns and cities. Knowing when and where special events take place can help you plan your Australian Adventure!

Quest: Which are the most fun and interesting festivals in Australia?

You will work with a partner and together be given one state or territory in Australia. Your task is to research the festivals of that state/territory. 

Teacher assigned:
Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia

• http://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/festivals-in-australia
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_festivals_in_Australia

Task 1
Read about the different festivals in your state/territory (see links above). When you have decided which one you think is the most interesting, fun and exciting, take notes and answer the following information:

1. What is the name of the festival?
2. Where is it?
3. When is it?
4. How long does it go for?
5. What's it about?
6. What can you do there?
7. How much do events cost?
8. Any other interesting or helpful facts?

9. WHY DO YOU THINK THIS FESTIVAL IS THE BEST? (blurb)

Task 2 - Spiel

Are you and your partner convinced that you have found the best festival in your state/territory? If so, congratulations! Maybe you are already planning a trip to attend! Discuss with your partner how you will convince your classmates that it is indeed the most interesting, fun and exciting festival. Write a 1 minute spiel that will persuade the audience.

Task 3
You have all learned about different Aussie festivals. You are going to share this information with your classmates. On top of this, you are going to try to convince them that YOUR chosen festival is THE ABSOLUTE BEST and that we should all attend!

You and your partner will now make a poster and a brochure to advertise your fantastic festival.The poster should provide all important details (such as when and where the festival is held and what it's all about) and help convince us that your festival is indeed the best! The brochure should be a tri-fold brochure that provides more in depth information about the festival. 

Extension
When all other tasks are complete you should make flyers, signs, show bags that will help convince us that yours is the absolute best Australian Festival.

A FESTIVAL EXPO will be held to determine which festival we should attend together!

Conclusion
Have you found a festival that you would like to attend? Somewhere new that you would like to go to? Maybe there are many new places and events that you will now need to fit into your time travelling around Australia! Happy planning! Good luck and have fun!

Speech: People who have made the world a better place

Choose one of the following people, or another suitable person (ask first), to write a 3 minute speech about. Your speech should include information about the person and how they have made the world a better place.

DUE:  Monday 7th September (Week 9)

Australian

Eddie Mabo

Mary MacKillop

Andrew "Banjo" Paterson

Fred Hollows

International 

Mahatma Gandhi

Nelson Mandela

Martin Luther King

The Dalai Lama

Mother Teresa

Catherine the Great

Helen Keller

Florence Nightingale

Malala Yousafzai

Hu Jintao

Genghis Khan

Che Guevara

David Attenborough

Desmond Tutu

You can also look for people on lists like this:

• http://twistedsifter.com/2013/12/10-people-who-made-the-world-a-better-place/

•  http://www.ranker.com/list/people-who-made-the-world-a-better-place/josh-heller
• http://www.biographyonline.net/people/people-who-made-a-difference.html 

 __________________________________________

How your speech will be marked (Rubric - 20 Points)

Time- Limit

• 4 Points: Presentation is close to 3 minutes long.
• 3 Points: Presentation is under 3 minutes long.
• 2 Points: Presentation is 2 or 4 minutes long.
• 1 Point: Presentation is less than 2 minutes OR more than 4 minutes.

Volume and Speaks Clearly

• 4 Points: Volumes is loud enough to be heard by all audience members throughout the presentation. Speaks clearly and distinctly all (100-95%) of the time, and mispronounces no words.
• 3 Points: Volume is loud enough to be heard by all audience members at least 90% of the time. Speaks clearly and distinctly most (100-95%) of the time, but mispronounces one word.
• 2 Points: Volume is loud enough to be heard by all audience members at least 80% of the time. Speaks clearly and distinctly most (94-85%) of the time. Mispronounces no more than one word.
• 1 Point: Volume often too soft to be heard by all audience members. Often mumbles or can not be understood OR mispronounces more than one word.

Posture and Eye Contact

• 4 Points: Stands up straight, looks relaxed and confident. Establishes eye contact with everyone in the room during the presentation.
• 3 Points: Stands up straight and establishes eye contact with everyone in the room during the presentation.
• 2 Points: Sometimes stands up straight and establishes eye contact.
• 1 Point: Slouches and/or does not look at people during the presentation.

Stays on Topic

• 4 Points: Stays on topic all (100%) of the time.
• 3 Points: Stays on topic most (99-90%) of the time.
• 2 Points: Stays on topic some (89-75%) of the time.
• 1 Point: It was hard to tell what the topic was.

Content

• 4 Points: Shows full understanding of the topic.
• 3 Points: Has a good understanding of the topic.
• 2 Points: Shows a good understanding of parts of the topic.
• 1 Point: Does not seem to understand the topic very well.





Designing a chocolate bar (other)

During this task you will need to research, design, create and make an advertisement for a product that you have created.

Designing a chocolate bar (or something similar)

Focus on the point of view of the customer. What would encourage them to purchase your product over all of the others on the market.

Task 1

1. Research existing designs and think about what you will do for your design. 
2. Create a plan of what colours, fonts, and layout you are going to use?
3. Draw your chocolate bar.
4. Write an explanation (A5) of why you chose these particular features/ingredients for your chocolate bar. You should have a paragraph for each feature (font, colour, layout etc). 

Task 2

1. Write an accompanying blurb (A5) that will persuade the customer to buy your chocolate bar. Remember to use HIGH modal words that will persuade them to buy your chocolate bar over all the others on the market.

“It’s a stick of gum! It’s a stick of the most amazing and fabulous and sensational gum in the world!”   Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 

Task 3

1. Create a 3D net of your chocolate bar that will be used in Task 4 and displayed with your blurb from Task 2. 

Task 4

1. Create a a script for a 30 second advert for your chocolate bar. You can use your work in Task 2 to help you. Think about it from the customers point of view and are you going to persuade them to buy your chocolate bar over all the others on the market.
2. Film and edit your advert. 

Independent Task: Your chocolate bar is no ordinary chocolate bar. 

1. Write a narrative about a naughty boy or girl who tries your chocolate bar. When they do, something happens to them (complication).  Look at the videos below for inspiration.

"Mr Willy Wonka can make marshmallows that taste of violets, and rich caramels that change colour every ten seconds as you suck them, and little feathery sweets that melt away deliciously the moment you put them between your lips. He can make chewing-gum that never loses its taste, and sugar balloons that you can blow up to enormous sizes before you pop them with a pin and gobble them up." Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 

What you need to hand in on completion of all tasks

• plan from Task 1.
• explanation from Task 1.
• persuasive blurb from Task 2
• 3D model from Task 3
• script from Task 4
• TV advertisement from Task 4
• Independent Task 

List of multinational festivals and holidays

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_multinational_festivals_and_holidays

Congratulation, Kurumi! You topped the WORLD last Friday in the Mathletics Hall of fame. How cool is that!!

Excursion: Hyde Park Barracks and The Rocks

Yesterday Year 4 went on an excursion to Hyde Park Barracks and The Rocks to supplement the HSIE unit on British Colonization of Australia that we are doing in class.

The weather was not the best, although it was still an enjoyable day. 4NR received several comments on their beautiful behaviour and attentive listening. Well done, everyone!

Below are some photos from the excursion, more can be found in the Gallery.

3 month Australian Expedition

Using the link below, have a look at the 'stores' Burke and Wills took with them on their expedition.

http://www.burkeandwills.net.au/Stores/index.htm


Your Expedition ( _________ & ________ )

You are going on a 3 month Expedition from South to North through the harsh arid areas of Australia. 

Who will be your partner? 

What provisions will you need to survive the journey? 

How much will it cost?

Using your iPads visit Australian online shops to find the things you need to take on your expedition.

To help get you started:

• brainstorm things you think you may need to take
• look for camping stores to find equipment you need to take with you.
• use online shops like Coles and Woolworths to find the food and drink you will need to take.

Use A4 paper to record your provisions and the cost. Check and make sure you have enough to last 3 months. 

Rewrite your list neatly and make sure to add appropriate sub headings to organise your work.

What is the total cost of your expedition?

Extension:

What if you budget was cut and you had to leave some things behind. List the things you could do with out. 

Reading Groups - Radio play recording

In Reading Groups we have kept away from your traditional texts and focused on multi-level radio play scripts. These scripts help us to develop our fluency, pronunciation and inflection skills as well as a deeper comprehension of the text itself. Students have completed several tasks based on these scripts as well a recording of the radio play that can be viewed below or on our Podcast page.

The garden at Artarmon Public School is suffering. Local wildlife continue eating the vegetables, students are forgetting to water it and the torrential rain left it over-watered! This has left the plants stressed, especially young seedlings. How can we make sure seedling survive to be mature plants we can eat?

Design an enclosure which will allow vegetable garden seedlings to be grown without being eaten by wildlife or killed by drought and flood. A working model must be produced.

Design Criteria -

The device must:

• Allow seeds to be raised to seedlings
• Survive unaided (no watering!) for 3 weeks
• Be fully enclosed
• Utilise natural sunlight

Design Constraints:

• Complete the task within the allocated timeframe
• Complete the task at school
• Make your model or prototype from recycled or reused materials.

Your portfolio must show -

• Evidence of collaborative group work and time management skills.
• Annotated designs -  including modifications, changes and reasons behind decisions where necessary.
• Reflective diary entries
• A learning log that includes goal setting and evaluation of achievements or challenges

________________________________

Marking Rubric (The numbers show the mark you will receive)

Product design 

1. The product design is limited. Group made no attempt to redesign during the time frame The product is designed with some aspects appropriate.
2. The product is designed competently meeting most aspects of the criteria
3. The product is designed very competently. 
4. Students appropriately selected 2 or more plants and have met all criteria. 

Plant growth

1. Seeds were planted incorrectly or the plants needs are not met.
2. Seeds were planted correctly. The plants need were not met.
3. The seedlings sprout within the terrarium and survived for a period.
4. The terrarium is functioning as a healthy closed environment.

Group Work / Participation / Inclusion

1. Does not participate or contribute in the group. Takes over or fails to allow others to contribute.
2. Participates and contributes to the team.
3. Actively participates and contributes to the team.
4. Participates and contributes and actively includes others and promotes participation. Group works effectively as a team. 

Portfolio

1. Student has something written in notebook but no pictures or research
2. Student has written little in the notebook, has a few pictures (3 or less) and has no research regarding their terrarium
3. Student has recorded some observations, has some research and has at least 4 pictures and diagrams.
4. Student has recorded ample observations, research, and has at least 5 pictures or diagrams of their terrarium 

Presentation

1. The oral presentation was noticeably lacking in either research or preparation.
2. The oral presentation was satisfactory, although it lacked sufficient research and preparation.
3. The oral presentation demonstrated a sufficient amount of research and preparation.
4. The oral presentation was thoughtful, thorough, and entertaining. It was clearly rehearsed.

Congratulations: Top 6 Reward

Congratulations to the students who earned the most money from last term. As a reward you will, with parent permission, have your opportunity to own your very own Pie-dish Beetles that you can take home (or leave in the classroom). The enclosure will be provided along with the sand and coco peat substrate.

Care Information:
They are very easy species to look after and very fun to hold.

• Feed them one or two guinea pig pellets every week or so (I will provide this)
   - remove any food that is old.
• Small piece/slice of carrot for moisture every week
  - remove old carrots. 

Pie-dish Beetle (Pterohelaeus walkieri)

Rehearsal: Law and Disorder

Here is our rehearsal recording of Law and Disorder. It sounds great, but can we make it better?

Portmanteau: Build Your Wild Self

In class today we did some work on portmanteau words like motel (motor + hotel), spork (spoon +fork) or labradoodle (labrador + poodle). We also created our own portmanteau animals like zebricorn (zebra + unicorn). The following website will allow you to create your own wild self along with the appropriate portmanteau word.

Have fun :D

click below to go to website

Speech Assignment: Early Australian Explorers Due 25th May

This term your are required to do a speech assignment about an Early Australian Explorer.

• The speech needs to be 3 minutes long
• Written in first person (you are the explorer)
• You are encouraged to dress up as the explorer.
• You can use aids to help you with your speech; maps, photos, PowerPoint, etc.

Due: Monday 25th May (Week 6)

You can choose an explorer listed below or one of your own. If you choose your own, please see me before starting.

  
   
  
 

The link below is a good place to start, although you are expected to find further web pages that will help you with your topic.

http://www.davidreilly.com/australian_explorers 


How your speech will be marked (Rubric - 20 Points)

Time- Limit

• 4 Points: Presentation is close to 3 minutes long.
• 3 Points: Presentation is under 3 minutes long.
• 2 Points: Presentation is 2 or 4 minutes long.
• 1 Point: Presentation is less than 2 minutes OR more than 4 minutes.

Volume and Speaks Clearly

• 4 Points: Volumes is loud enough to be heard by all audience members throughout the presentation. Speaks clearly and distinctly all (100-95%) of the time, and mispronounces no words.
• 3 Points: Volume is loud enough to be heard by all audience members at least 90% of the time. Speaks clearly and distinctly most (100-95%) of the time, but mispronounces one word.
• 2 Points: Volume is loud enough to be heard by all audience members at least 80% of the time. Speaks clearly and distinctly most (94-85%) of the time. Mispronounces no more than one word.
• 1 Point: Volume often too soft to be heard by all audience members. Often mumbles or can not be understood OR mispronounces more than one word.

Posture and Eye Contact

• 4 Points: Stands up straight, looks relaxed and confident. Establishes eye contact with everyone in the room during the presentation.
• 3 Points: Stands up straight and establishes eye contact with everyone in the room during the presentation.
• 2 Points: Sometimes stands up straight and establishes eye contact.
• 1 Point: Slouches and/or does not look at people during the presentation.

Stays on Topic

• 4 Points: Stays on topic all (100%) of the time.
• 3 Points: Stays on topic most (99-90%) of the time.
• 2 Points: Stays on topic some (89-75%) of the time.
• 1 Point: It was hard to tell what the topic was.

Content 

• 4 Points: Shows full understanding of the topic.
• 3 Points: Has a good understanding of the topic.
• 2 Points: Shows a good understanding of parts of the topic.
• 1 Point: Does not seem to understand the topic very well.

Radio Play: Rosie Hero of Eggstown

Our first attempt at presenting a radio play. There is still room to improve, but everyone has done a great job after only a couple of rehearsals earlier in the day.

Holiday fun: Talent Quest (R$500)

Do you have a special talent ?

Can you play a musical instrument?  Can you sing? Can you juggle? Are you good at soccer? Are you good at art? Can you dance? 

Task:

Make a video of you showing your talent and send it to me using [Send File] or bring it to school after the holidays. You can do this on your own or with a partner/group. If you having help from someone not in our class, I will need to have permission to publish their image/video.

Important: If you want your video to be published, there can be no reference to your name on the video.

Winners will be voted by everyone who enters the competition

(R$500 for each person that enters) 

Talent Quest Winners from last year:

Excursion: Cockatoo Island

Our excursion to Cockatoo Island was very helpful in developing our understanding of the early years of settlement in the New South Wales Colony. Everyone seemed to enjoy the day.

Cockatoo Island was a convict prison between 1839 and 1869, home at its peak to 550 men who built their barracks, forged their own prison bars and constructed Fitzroy Dock. Some of the major places we visited were:
Military Guardhouse - A garrison for British army 'redcoat' guards from which they could observe the prison block and if necessary fire their muskets through holes in the walls.
Mess Hall - Where convicts devoured their generous daily ration of one pound of fresh beef or mutton, twenty ounces of bread, and half a pound of vegetables.
Fitzroy Dock - Built for the Royal Navy from 1847-1857 mostly by convicts with their bare hands, often waist deep in water and in leg irons.

AUSTRALIA’S 50 FAVOURITE KIDS’ BOOKS

On National Bookshop Day, Jackie French has endorsed the Australian Booksellers’ Association list of 50 Favourite Kids’ Books, voted on by 5000 participants from a database of all children’s books in English.

1. Possum Magic — Mem Fox and Julie Vivas

Mem Fox’s best-selling first picture book about Grandma Poss, who uses her best bush magic to make baby Hush invisible.

2. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone — J.K. Rowling

The first book in Rowling’s series sees the young Harry journey to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he hones his magical powers and confronts Lord Voldemort.

3. The Very Hungry Caterpillar — Eric Carle

First published in 1969, Carle’s collage-style illustrations follow a caterpillar as it eats its way through a variety of foods to emerge, at the end of the book, as a butterfly.

4. The Fault in Our Stars — John Green

Young adult novel that tells the story of a 16-year-old cancer patient, Hazel, who attends a support group where she meets and falls in love with a former basketballer and amputee.

5. Where is the Green Sheep? — Mem Fox and Judy Horacek

There are blue sheep, red sheep, a bath sheep and a bed sheep. But where is the green sheep?

Click 'Read more >>' below to see the other 45 books.



6. The 39-Storey Treehouse — Andy Griffiths

In Griffiths’ and illustrator Terry Denton’s tree house there’s a chocolate waterfall, a non-erupting active volcano, a baby dinosaur petting zoo and the Believe It Or Else museum.

7. The Magic Faraway Tree — Enid Blyton

In the Enchanted Wood fairy folk live on every branch of the Magic Faraway Tree, home to the Land of Spells, of Topsy-Turvy and Do-As-You-Please.

8. Where the Wild Things Are — Maurice Sendak

Max, sent to his room in his wolf suit, rages at the injustice. When his room transforms into a jungle, Max sails to an island where he fights the Wild Things.

9. Diary of a Wombat — Jackie French and Bruce Whatley

Traces the busy life of Mothball, a “wombat with attitude” who wrestles unknown creatures, runs her own digging business and even trains her humans.

10. The Gruffalo — Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

A mouse wards off predators intent on eating him by conjuring a fictional creature, half grizzly bear, half buffalo.

11. Matilda — Roald Dahl

The story of young girl gifted with magical powers but saddled with dimwitted parents.

12. The Book Thief — Markus Zusak

Nazi Germany, 1939: Liesel learns to read and shares the books she steals with the Jewish man hidden in their basement.

13. Tomorrow When The War Began — John Marsden

A group of teenage friends returns from a week-long camping trip to the bush to discover that all the people are missing and pets and livestock are dead or dying.

14. Anne Of Green Gables — L.M. Montgomery

Published in 1908 and set in Canada, tells the story of an orphan girl sent to live in a farming community in King Edward Island.

15. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory — Roald Dahl

Charlie Bucket realises his dream of entering the famous chocolate factory of Willy Wonka.

16. The Hobbit — J.R.R. Tolkien

Follows the quest of hobbit Bilbo Baggins to win a share of the treasure guarded by the dragon Smaug.

17. The Secret Garden Frances — Hodgson Burnett

A spoilt, sickly child, Mary Lennox, becomes fascinated by a locked garden.

18. Wonder — R.J. Palacio

Born with a terrible facial deformity, 10-year-old Auggie longs to be normal. Now, for the first time, he is being sent to a “normal” school.

19. Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows — J.K. Rowling

In the seventh and final novel in the series, Harry has turned 17, Dumbledore is dead and Lord Voldemort’s powers are increasing.

20. Are We There Yet? — Alison Lester

Much loved picture book by veteran Australian author and illustrator traces the around-Australia journey of eight year old Grace and her family.

21. The BFG — Roald Dahl

A 24-foot giant with superhuman hearing and the gift of speed collects dreams to distribute to children.

22. The Hunger Games — Suzanne Collins

Katniss Everdeen takes her sister’s place in the “reaping”, an annual fight to death by teenagers chosen from each of the 12 districts of Panem.

23. We’re Going On A Bear Hunt — Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury

This story of a family “going to catch a big one” (“we’re not scared”) is still a favourite 25 years after publication.

24. Animalia — Graeme Base

Australian author and illustrator Graeme Base made his name with this lushly illustrated alphabet book. Readers are challenged to find objects and a picture of the author as a boy on each of its 26 pages.

25. Charlotte’s Web — E.B. White

A little pig called Wilbur becomes famous thanks to the help of wise grey spider Charlotte and a band of animal friends.

26. Divergent — Veronica Roth

A young adult novel set in a post-apocalyptic Chicago. Through its heroine, Beatrice, it explores themes of identity, adult authority and the transition from childhood to maturity.

27. The Flying Orchestra — Clare McFadden

Some days are so windy that even the angels are blown off their perch. It’s on days like these that the Flying Orchestra blows into town ...

28. The Magic Pudding — Norman Lindsay

Written and illustrated by the celebrated Australian artist Norman Lindsay and published in 1918, the pudding of the title magically replenishes itself after each bite. Bunyip Bluegum, Bill Barnacle and Sam Sawnoff must defend it from Pudding Thieves.

29. Dear Zoo — Rod Campbell

One for the under-5s: A child writes to the zoo for a pet. They send a series of unsuitable pets, all sent back for different reasons, except the last one, which is perfect!

30. Famous Five Series — Enid Blyton

First published in 1942, the series follows a very English band of friends who have fabulous adventures and drink lashings of ginger beer.

31. Guess How Much I Love You — Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram

Little Nut Brown Hare shows his daddy how much he loves him. And Big Nutbrown Hare loves him back just as much.

32. Hairy Maclary From Donaldson’s Dairy — Lynley Dodd

The first in New Zealander Dodd’s beloved series about “a terrier of indeterminate breed” and her band of canine friends including Bottomley Potts, Bitzer Maloney and Schnitzel von Krumm.

33. Looking for Alibrandi — Melina Marchetta

Josephine Alibrandi’s final year at school is also the year she falls in love, finds her father and the real truth about her family.

34. Clementine Rose and the Surprise Visitor — Jacqueline Harvey

By the author of the best-selling Alice Miranda series, tells the tale of a little girl who has a teacup pig called Lavender, and whose scary Aunt Violet is coming to stay.

35. Looking For Alaska — John Green

Young adult novel about Miles “Pudge” Halter, who, in search of excitement, opts to go to Culver Creek Boarding School where he meets the captivating Alaska Young.

36. Playing Beatie Bow — Ruth Park

Abigail is thrown back in time to Sydney 100 years ago after playing a scary game.

37. The Knife Of Never Letting Go — Patrick Ness

Todd Hewitt is the last boy in a town where everyone can hear everyone else’s thoughts in a torrent of Noise. Then he stumbles upon a patch of silence.

38. The Witches — Roald Dahl

A young boy, raised on his grandmother’s stories of child-eating witches, stumbles upon a witches’ convention and is turned into a mouse.

39. Where’s Spot? — Eric Hill

First in the series of picture books featuring Spot the dog, where children must lift the flap to discover his hiding places.

40 Winnie the Pooh A.A. Milne

First published in 1926, this is the first book in the beloved series about Pooh Bear, whose love of honey gets him into all sorts of scrapes.

41. Stew A Cockatoo — Ruthie May and Leigh Hobbs

As much a history and humour book as it is a cookbook, includes recipes like Ave A Drink Ya Mug in beverages and Horse Doovers in party fare.

42. Edward The Emu — Sheena Knowles and Rod Clement

Edward the Emu was sick of the zoo, there was nowhere to go, there was nothing to do ...

43. Magic Beach — Alison Lester

Lester’s illustrations and text beautifully depict a quintessentially Australian family day at the beach.

44. Giraffes Can’t Dance — Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees

In a picture book that celebrates difference, Gerald the giraffe can’t compete with the other animals at the jungle dance.

45. Green Eggs And Ham — Dr Seuss

Since it was first published in 1960, the story of Sam-I-Am’s quest to persuade the book’s unnamed character to try green eggs and ham has become one of the best-selling children’s books in English.

46. Storm Boy — Colin Thiele

Thiele’s book about a boy and his pet pelican, Mr Percival, is set in SA’s Coorong and has become a children’s classic.

47. Ten Little Fingers And Ten Little Toes — Mem Fox and Helen Oxenbury

Fox teams up with the renowned British illustrator in this celebration of babies’ fingers and toes.

48. The Cat In The Hat — Dr Seuss

With Thing One and Thing Two, the Cat in the Hat creates havoc in the house while mother is out.

49. The Lorax — Dr Seuss

The Lorax speaks for trees in this defence of nature against corporate greed.

50. The Messenger — Markus Zusak

A young adult novel about Ed, an underage taxi driver — hopelessly in love with his best friend Audrey — who accidentally foils a bank robbery.

Original Post: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/entertainment/arts/australias-50-favourite-childrens-books-words-of-magic-to-brighten-kids-lives/story-fni6um7a-1227018515836

Voice Inflection: I didn’t say Albert stole my red pen

We discussed inflection during our work on 'The Meerkat Wars' by H.S. Toshack. We tried to have a conversation just using the one word of a hrrummffalo, Hrrummff. The key to success was using facial expressions and gestures along with inflection. .....

Have you ever said something to someone and they misunderstood the meaning of what you said? When you think back over what you said, you wonder how they managed to misunderstand you.

Many times, it is not what was said, but how it was said that causes these reactions.Voice inflection can mean so much more than the actual words that are spoken. Voice inflection means to change your voice. You can vary your voice by stressing a word or phrase, stretching a word or phrase, or pausing before a word or phrase.

I have written the sentence below seven times and have underlined a different word each time. Say each sentence out loud, putting emphasis on the underlined word. Can you work out the difference?

I didn’t say Albert stole my red pen

a. I didn’t say Albert stole my red pen.

b. I didn’t say Albert stole my red pen.

c. I didn’t say Albert  stole my red pen.

d. I didn’t say Albert stole my red pen.

e. I didn’t say Albert stole my red pen.

f. I didn’t say Albert stole my red pen.

g. I didn’t say Albert stole my red pen.

Computers: Historical images of Sydney

During our computer time, create a collage (using a program of your choice) of historical images of Sydney sites. Think about their importance with the colonisation of Australia. For example: Sydney Cove, The Rocks, Cockatoo Island, The Quarantine Station and historical sites from the early 1900’s.  In 1839 Cockatoo Island became a secure prison for convicts  The Guard House Each picture should be labeled (annotated) with a description that includes date and location.  When using a search engine like Google it is important to provide more specific detail about what you are looking for. You will get more appropriate images if you type 'the rocks convicts' than just typing 'the rocks'.  You could also try adding a date to your search (1788 or 1800s) If you are unsure what program to use, Power Point may be a good option for you.