During this morning's convocation, younger student representatives from each house played pin the nose on Rudolph followed by older students have a cookie-eating and milk-drinking competition. Zeta is still in the lead for this year's house game. Students who have been nominated by their peers as being principled and knowledgeable received their certificates this morning. Well done to Nathan (principled) and Kunsh (knowledgeable). Santa made a surprise appearance to hand out certificates. He received many hugs from students.
Afeter convocation, our class joined with the grade 2s and 5/6s in a gingerbread house building competition. Well done to Braeden for being the winner from our class. After the building the children spent time interacting with each other while eating treats. And the saying proved true - time flies when you are having fun. Before you knew it, it was time for our early dismissal.
Our class has worked hard so far this school year and students have made great progress.
Have a wonderful and restful holiday everyone.
See you next year.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
The Tokugawa Shoguns
Grade 3s and 4s wrote their spelling test first thing this morning. Tests are coming home today. Both grades completed a reading survey to show what they have been reading, and what their reading strengths and goals are for term 2. Grade 4s worked on data management where they used a chart and bar graph to organize data and explained what they learned from the graph.
Next up was our final Christmas concert rehearsal.
The children had a fun french lesson with Mme. Stella.
Following french, we learned more about what Medieval life was like in Japan. Ask your child what a shogun, daimyo, and samurai are? We learned how power passed from Toyotomi Hideyoshi's family to Ieyasu Tokugawa's family. Ask your child how this period of history still influences our lives today.
Today we bid a sad farewell to Ms. T. Ms. T starts a new position close to her home in Toronto. We will all miss her very much and look forward to her visiting us. Ms. T led the class in games at the end the day. What a fun way to say farewell and end the day!
Reminders:
Next up was our final Christmas concert rehearsal.
The children had a fun french lesson with Mme. Stella.
Following french, we learned more about what Medieval life was like in Japan. Ask your child what a shogun, daimyo, and samurai are? We learned how power passed from Toyotomi Hideyoshi's family to Ieyasu Tokugawa's family. Ask your child how this period of history still influences our lives today.
Today we bid a sad farewell to Ms. T. Ms. T starts a new position close to her home in Toronto. We will all miss her very much and look forward to her visiting us. Ms. T led the class in games at the end the day. What a fun way to say farewell and end the day!
Reminders:
- Come to school in costume tonight at 6:45
- Wear red, green, and white for Spirit Day tomorrow
- Bring a treat to share tomorrow
- Tomorrow is an early dismissal day (11:30) - unless your child is attending after care
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Samurai
Christmas concert rehearsal was a big part of our day. In between rehearsals the grade 3 and 4 class was productive. The grade 3s worked on their multiplication and division unit problem and have all completed this task. The grade 4s worked on using a Venn diagram to sort objects with a partner They then covered their sorting rule and switched diagrams with another group in an attempt to guess their rule. Later in the day, grade 4s wrote an assessment test to show what they remember about grade 3 probability and data management.
Both grades wrote a language test to show what they have learned about plurals.
We enjoyed a fascinating history lesson where we learned about knights called samurai and a leader called Nobunaga who tried to unify Japan. The main figure we learned about was Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Ask your child to tell you about his life.
Reminders:
Both grades wrote a language test to show what they have learned about plurals.
We enjoyed a fascinating history lesson where we learned about knights called samurai and a leader called Nobunaga who tried to unify Japan. The main figure we learned about was Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Ask your child to tell you about his life.
Reminders:
- Study for tomorrow's spelling test
- Students are to arrive at 6:45 pm on Thursday night
- Bring a treat to share on Friday
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Beheaded!
Much of our day was spent rehearsing for the Christmas concert as Thursday draws near. Despite this, the grade 3s and 4s managed to do a double dose of spelling work today and completed up their language work on plurals. They will write a test tomorrow to show what they have learned. The children had french class with Mme. Stella.
Grade 3s worked with a partner on a unit problem for multiplication and division to show what they have learned. Grade 4s are preparing for January's math unit on data management by discussing attributes used for sorting objects.
The children spent time working on their graphic novel to show the fate of Henry Hudson. Many students are enjoying this activity.
We finished reading a book called You Wouldn't Want to be in a Medieval Dungeon!, which has helped us appreciate how difficult life could be back then.
Reminders:
Grade 3s worked with a partner on a unit problem for multiplication and division to show what they have learned. Grade 4s are preparing for January's math unit on data management by discussing attributes used for sorting objects.
The children spent time working on their graphic novel to show the fate of Henry Hudson. Many students are enjoying this activity.
We finished reading a book called You Wouldn't Want to be in a Medieval Dungeon!, which has helped us appreciate how difficult life could be back then.
Reminders:
- spelling
- Sign all tests coming home today
- Students are to arrive at 6:45 pm on Thursday night
- Bring a treat to share on Friday
Monday, December 17, 2012
Sheep, Deer and Moose
A whole-school concert rehearsal was the way we started our week. We enjoyed watching the grade 5-8 students perform. Remember to schedule 7 pm on this Thursday to enjoy the annual SJA Christmas Concert.
Students worked on list 16 spelling words once we got back to class. We will be writing our spelling test on Thursday as we have an early dismissal on Friday. Students who are not attending child care on Friday need to be picked up at 11:30 am.
In language we continued learning about how to write the plural forms of words. Today we looked at words where the spelling changes in the plural form (child - children) or where the word does not change (sheep - sheep).
The children had french class with Mme. Stella. After french the class wrote their end of unit test on multiplication and division.
We ended the day with a history lesson. The children heard how Henry Hudson tried to discover the much sought after Northwest passage. Ask your child to tell you what happened to him. The children showed their understanding of these historical events by creating a graphic novel.
Reminders:
Students worked on list 16 spelling words once we got back to class. We will be writing our spelling test on Thursday as we have an early dismissal on Friday. Students who are not attending child care on Friday need to be picked up at 11:30 am.
In language we continued learning about how to write the plural forms of words. Today we looked at words where the spelling changes in the plural form (child - children) or where the word does not change (sheep - sheep).
The children had french class with Mme. Stella. After french the class wrote their end of unit test on multiplication and division.
We ended the day with a history lesson. The children heard how Henry Hudson tried to discover the much sought after Northwest passage. Ask your child to tell you what happened to him. The children showed their understanding of these historical events by creating a graphic novel.
Reminders:
- Spelling test will be on Thursday this week
- Wednesday is Casual day
- Christmas concert is at 7 pm on Thursday
- Friday is Spirit Day - wear red and green
- Friday is the last and half-day of school. Pick up s at 11:30
Friday, December 14, 2012
Reading Buddies
We began our day with a convocation and heard that ZBP is in the lead for the house game. Girls from Ms. Elliott's class played a basketball shoot competition against each other, and thanks to Serena, KIP earned another 500 000 points. Well done Serena.
Grade 3s and 4s wrote their list 15 spelling test this morning. Tests are coming home today. Our class wrapped up reviewing for Monday's test. The children are bringing home their review sheets. These can be used to continue preparing for the final test. Children who had completed their review work got to go gym with Mr. Browning. The rest of the class stayed behind to get additional support with their work.
After gym, we had another rehearsal for next week's Christmas concert.
The children had french class with Mme Stella. We then continued learning about writing plural forms of words. We learned 2 rules today. If a word ends in a consonant then 'y', we drop the y and add 'ies' (baby - babies). If a word ends in a vowel and y then we just add 's' (tray - trays). The children enjoyed independent reading time in class today.
We ended the day writing an arithmetic test before the class was in for a special treat- being reading buddies to Ms. Genco's SK class. The children did a great job listening to their little buddy read, encouraging them and reading to them. This time was enjoyed by all.
Reminders:
- Sign spelling tests
- MMS 3 - Study p. 74 - 95 and review pages for Monday's test
- MMS 4 - Study p. 54 - 75 and review pages for Monday's test
- Children who are bringing their arithmetic books home need to complete and/or correct their work.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Plural Rules
We spent our morning working on reviewing our multiplication and division unit in preparation for our unit test on Monday.
The children then had gym time with Mr. Browning. The boys are still doing a better job of changing quickly for and after gym. Come on girls, we know you can be quicker.
Back in class, the children worked on reviewing arithmetic concepts. This is the last arithmetic lesson we will do until January next year.
The class had french with Mme. Stella. Mme. Stella was pleased to have class time with the grade 3s and 4s after missing them due to the Christmas concert rehearsal the last few days. After french, we continued learning about plural rules. Today we learned that if a words ends in an 'f' or an 'fe', we change the 'f' or 'fe' to a 've' and add 'es. The children practiced identifying and writing plural words.
We ended the day working our Christmas concert.
Reminders:
The children then had gym time with Mr. Browning. The boys are still doing a better job of changing quickly for and after gym. Come on girls, we know you can be quicker.
Back in class, the children worked on reviewing arithmetic concepts. This is the last arithmetic lesson we will do until January next year.
The class had french with Mme. Stella. Mme. Stella was pleased to have class time with the grade 3s and 4s after missing them due to the Christmas concert rehearsal the last few days. After french, we continued learning about plural rules. Today we learned that if a words ends in an 'f' or an 'fe', we change the 'f' or 'fe' to a 've' and add 'es. The children practiced identifying and writing plural words.
We ended the day working our Christmas concert.
Reminders:
- Review spelling words for tomorrow's spelling test
- MMS 3 Study p. 74 - 95 for Monday's unit test
- MMS 4 Study p. 54 - 75 for Monday's unit test
- Arithmetic p. 107 -108
- Look out for piano, karate and dance forms coming home today.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Singular and Plural
Today we had our last lesson for our multiplication and division math unit. The grade 3s practiced calculator skills in today's lesson. The grade 4s used long division to solve division problems. Our MMS text instructs the children to use short division, but we will not be doing this as the children have not had enough time to master this method. Instead I have instructed the class to use long division as the strategy to solve these problems. We will work on short division later in the school year in our arithmetic books.
The children attended gym class with Mr. Browning this morning. The boys did a fantastic job at speedy changing. The girls did much better too. Keep it up grade 3s and 4s!
Both grades worked on this week's spelling words. In arithmetic we continued reviewing concepts we have been learning about.
We had our third day of Christmas concert rehearsal today. Remember to send in money for your child's Christmas wand if you haven't already done so.
In language we learned about singular and plural words. The children learned that we add 's' to most words to change them to the plural form, unless they end in 'ch', 'sh', 's', 'x', or 'z', in which case we ad 'es'. The class got to enjoy 20 minutes of independent reading time.
Lunch forms and picture retakes are coming home today. Check your child's backpack for these items.
Reminders:
The children attended gym class with Mr. Browning this morning. The boys did a fantastic job at speedy changing. The girls did much better too. Keep it up grade 3s and 4s!
Both grades worked on this week's spelling words. In arithmetic we continued reviewing concepts we have been learning about.
We had our third day of Christmas concert rehearsal today. Remember to send in money for your child's Christmas wand if you haven't already done so.
In language we learned about singular and plural words. The children learned that we add 's' to most words to change them to the plural form, unless they end in 'ch', 'sh', 's', 'x', or 'z', in which case we ad 'es'. The class got to enjoy 20 minutes of independent reading time.
Lunch forms and picture retakes are coming home today. Check your child's backpack for these items.
Reminders:
- Spelling
- MMS 3 p. 94 & 95 (test on Monday)
- MMS 4 p. 74 & 75 (test on Monday)
- Arithmetic p. 105 - 106
- $1 for your child's Christmas wand
- Lunch forms
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Better Sentences
We are nearing the end of our multiplication unit and both grades will be writing a unit test next Monday. The grade 3s used known multiplication facts such as 3 x 5 = 15 to write related facts (5 x 3 = 15, 15 /3 = 5, and 15/5 = 3). Grade 4s practiced division problems where there is a remainder. They used Base Ten block pictures to help them solve these problems. Both grades worked on solving word problems involving addition. They used pictures, numbers and words sentences to show their thinking.
The students did not have gym today due to our Christmas concert rehearsal. This time was used for french class with Mme. Stella instead. Both grades worked on this week's spelling words and on arithmetic review. No new concepts were learned in arithmetic today.
After first recess, both grades rehearsed for the Christmas concert along with other students from JK to grade 2. We ran through the play quicker than yesterday and hope to improve daily. Remember to send in your loonie for the Christmas wand.
We ended the day working on language. The children worked on writing better sentences by combining short sentences to make a longer sentence and by including more detail in their sentences to make them more interesting. The children also enjoyed independent reading time in class today.
Reminders:
The students did not have gym today due to our Christmas concert rehearsal. This time was used for french class with Mme. Stella instead. Both grades worked on this week's spelling words and on arithmetic review. No new concepts were learned in arithmetic today.
After first recess, both grades rehearsed for the Christmas concert along with other students from JK to grade 2. We ran through the play quicker than yesterday and hope to improve daily. Remember to send in your loonie for the Christmas wand.
We ended the day working on language. The children worked on writing better sentences by combining short sentences to make a longer sentence and by including more detail in their sentences to make them more interesting. The children also enjoyed independent reading time in class today.
Reminders:
- Spelling
- MMS 3 p. 92 & 93
- MMS 4 p. 72 & 73
- Arithmetic p. 103 & 104
Monday, December 10, 2012
Good Sentences
Grade 3s and 4s began their day working on math. Grade 3s learned that a number is divisible by 2, 5, or by 10 if the number can be divided into 2, 5, or 10 equal groups respectively. They used arrays to model their thinking when solving division problems. Grade 4s practiced division problems where there is a remainder. The did this using pictures instead of the long division algorithm we have been using in our arithmetic books. They did some tricky division word problems where the answer required was not the same as the answer to the division problem because the remainder represented a student that needed to go on a field trip. Ask your child to tell you about this problem.
The class attended gym class with Mr. Browning today. Both boys and girls took too long to change after gym and were silly in the change room. We expect the children to change quickly and in a focused way.
The children worked on this week's spelling words and arithmetic. In arithmetic, the children are measuring lengths to the nearest centimeter.
We began working on the Christmas concert together with the JK-grade 2 classes. The students learned what their positions will be on stage. Due to the rehearsal, the class did not have french with Mme. Stella today.Check your child's agenda for a letter with more details about the Christmas concert.
We ended our day discussing what makes good sentences and how adding detail to our sentences makes them more interesting to read and imagine. The children practiced writing good sentences. They also enjoyed 20 minutes of independent reading time before we read a book about life during the Middle Ages.
Reminders:
The class attended gym class with Mr. Browning today. Both boys and girls took too long to change after gym and were silly in the change room. We expect the children to change quickly and in a focused way.
The children worked on this week's spelling words and arithmetic. In arithmetic, the children are measuring lengths to the nearest centimeter.
We began working on the Christmas concert together with the JK-grade 2 classes. The students learned what their positions will be on stage. Due to the rehearsal, the class did not have french with Mme. Stella today.Check your child's agenda for a letter with more details about the Christmas concert.
We ended our day discussing what makes good sentences and how adding detail to our sentences makes them more interesting to read and imagine. The children practiced writing good sentences. They also enjoyed 20 minutes of independent reading time before we read a book about life during the Middle Ages.
Reminders:
- Spelling
- MMS 3 p. 90 & 91
- MMS 4 p. 70 & 71
- Arithmetic p. 101-102
- Mark your calendars for next week's Christmas concert on Thursday, December 20 at 7 pm
Friday, December 7, 2012
What does a level 3 or 4 response look like?
Today, I (Mrs. Haag) resumed teaching all subjects for the grade 3 & 4 class. Yesterday was Mr. Browning's last day completing his grade 4 placement. We all miss him and enjoyed having him teach in our class. The good news is that the children will be seeing Mr.Browning daily starting Monday when he will teach gym.
We spent time in class reviewing solving for the unknown in an equation. With practice, this will become easier. In Math, the grade 4s practiced dividing by numbers 1 to 9. The grade 3s used arrays to divide. Because the children are so comfortable with this unit, we are spending extra time discussing what a level 1, 2, 3 or 4 answer looks like, and the various ways children can show their thinking.
The children had gym class with Ms. Lopez today. The boys are changing much quicker than the girls. Come on girls, show the boys you can do it just as fast!
The children wrote their list 14 spelling tests today. Tests are coming home today.
We spent most of the remainder of the day writing the good copies our journal entries. Six students have completed their good copies and used class time to get ahead in their homework. Many students are bringing their journal writing home for completion. Check your child's bag and agenda to see if they have to complete their writing at home.
We ended the day reflecting on our poetry, drama and dance unit for our IB portfolios.
Reminders:
Arithmetic p. 99 & 100
MMS 3 p. 88 & 89
MMS 4 p. 68 & 69
Sign spelling tests
Complete good copy of journal writing
Send in report card comments if you haven't already done so
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
We spent time in class reviewing solving for the unknown in an equation. With practice, this will become easier. In Math, the grade 4s practiced dividing by numbers 1 to 9. The grade 3s used arrays to divide. Because the children are so comfortable with this unit, we are spending extra time discussing what a level 1, 2, 3 or 4 answer looks like, and the various ways children can show their thinking.
The children had gym class with Ms. Lopez today. The boys are changing much quicker than the girls. Come on girls, show the boys you can do it just as fast!
The children wrote their list 14 spelling tests today. Tests are coming home today.
We spent most of the remainder of the day writing the good copies our journal entries. Six students have completed their good copies and used class time to get ahead in their homework. Many students are bringing their journal writing home for completion. Check your child's bag and agenda to see if they have to complete their writing at home.
We ended the day reflecting on our poetry, drama and dance unit for our IB portfolios.
Reminders:
Arithmetic p. 99 & 100
MMS 3 p. 88 & 89
MMS 4 p. 68 & 69
Sign spelling tests
Complete good copy of journal writing
Send in report card comments if you haven't already done so
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Medieval Times
Good afternoon Lords and Ladies
We had a fantastic lunch and tournament at Medieval Times. The whole event was educationally entertaining. As luck would have it, our red and yellow knight won the whole event! He threw roses out to the girls and a couple of our girls were just out of reach.
I would like to thank this class for giving me the opportunity to grow as an educator. Today will be my last day in the grade 3/4 class as I will be back teaching phys-ed on Monday. I really did enjoy everyday being in the classroom with them.
Homework:
Spelling test p. 59 & 60
Spelling test tomorrow
Child care statements are going home today
Report card comments due, we will photocopy and return them
Parent-teacher interviews tonight
We had a fantastic lunch and tournament at Medieval Times. The whole event was educationally entertaining. As luck would have it, our red and yellow knight won the whole event! He threw roses out to the girls and a couple of our girls were just out of reach.
I would like to thank this class for giving me the opportunity to grow as an educator. Today will be my last day in the grade 3/4 class as I will be back teaching phys-ed on Monday. I really did enjoy everyday being in the classroom with them.
Homework:
Spelling test p. 59 & 60
Spelling test tomorrow
Child care statements are going home today
Report card comments due, we will photocopy and return them
Parent-teacher interviews tonight
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Shields Up
Good Afternoon
As per usual we started the day with Math Makes Sense, both grades had their introductory MMS lesson on division. This lesson was review for the students since we've been doing division for weeks now in our arithmetic books.
We introduced a new concept in arithmetic, solving for the unknown. If are still having trouble with this concept they are encouraged to stay in a recess for help. This would be the first time they are using letters in the equation so it will take a bit for them to wrap their head around it.
After music and french we worked on finishing our shields with the coat of arms painted or drawn on it. This was going so well that we continued to work on it after the second lunch and recess. Almost everyone completed their shields and they look fantastic on display.
Reminder we are going on our Medieval Times trip tomorrow! I know I'm excited so I can only imagine how the students are feeling.
Homework:
MMS 3 p. 86 & 87
MMS 3 p. 66 & 67
Arithmetic p 97 & 98
Reminders:
No need to bring a lunch tomorrow as we are having a feast at Medieval Times but we suggest bringing a snack for when we return.
Report card comments are due, please do so and we'll photocopy and return them
Parent teacher interviews are tomorrow night, please double check what time your interview is.
As per usual we started the day with Math Makes Sense, both grades had their introductory MMS lesson on division. This lesson was review for the students since we've been doing division for weeks now in our arithmetic books.
We introduced a new concept in arithmetic, solving for the unknown. If are still having trouble with this concept they are encouraged to stay in a recess for help. This would be the first time they are using letters in the equation so it will take a bit for them to wrap their head around it.
After music and french we worked on finishing our shields with the coat of arms painted or drawn on it. This was going so well that we continued to work on it after the second lunch and recess. Almost everyone completed their shields and they look fantastic on display.
Reminder we are going on our Medieval Times trip tomorrow! I know I'm excited so I can only imagine how the students are feeling.
Homework:
MMS 3 p. 86 & 87
MMS 3 p. 66 & 67
Arithmetic p 97 & 98
Reminders:
No need to bring a lunch tomorrow as we are having a feast at Medieval Times but we suggest bringing a snack for when we return.
Report card comments are due, please do so and we'll photocopy and return them
Parent teacher interviews are tomorrow night, please double check what time your interview is.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Behind every good man is a woman
Good Afternoon
On this rainy Tuesday we started the day with Math Makes Sense, both grades at strategy lessons. These are valuable lessons because students learn new ways to solve questions.
With Miss Lopez's absence we decided to give the students extra time to work on their arithmetic and spelling. Most of the class were able to get all of their homework done in class.
After drama and french we learned about the women in the middle ages. Although women generally didn't have any rights in the middle ages their role was often underestimated. They would run the households, raise children, have their own jobs as well has help their husband out with his work.
We finished the day working on our journals. Students are to use the rubric and checklist provided so they can make their journal entry entertaining and well written.
Homework and reminders:
Arithmetic p. 95 & 96
Medieval Times Permission forms
Parents report card comments are due, we will photocopy and return it
Quote of the day:
"I never said most of the things I said"
- Yogi Berra
On this rainy Tuesday we started the day with Math Makes Sense, both grades at strategy lessons. These are valuable lessons because students learn new ways to solve questions.
With Miss Lopez's absence we decided to give the students extra time to work on their arithmetic and spelling. Most of the class were able to get all of their homework done in class.
After drama and french we learned about the women in the middle ages. Although women generally didn't have any rights in the middle ages their role was often underestimated. They would run the households, raise children, have their own jobs as well has help their husband out with his work.
We finished the day working on our journals. Students are to use the rubric and checklist provided so they can make their journal entry entertaining and well written.
Homework and reminders:
Arithmetic p. 95 & 96
Medieval Times Permission forms
Parents report card comments are due, we will photocopy and return it
Quote of the day:
"I never said most of the things I said"
- Yogi Berra
Monday, December 3, 2012
Knight in Shining Armour
Happy Monday Everyone
Everyone was excited to have Kunsh back from his trip to India.
We started the day with Math Makes Sense, grade 4's worked on strategies for multiplication and the grade 3's used a multiplication chart to help them multiply. Both grades are reminded, even though the MMS seem straight forward, all homework must be done and these concepts will help them in the future.
We wrote our arithmetic test after gym, at first glance students seemed to have done well. We will return the test along with the language test tomorrow.
After music and french were learned about a knight's armour and weapons. The lesson was full of pictures and we had some good discussions on what it would have been a Knight fighting in the middle ages. Our trip on Thursday give the students a great idea of what it was like to be in the middle ages.
We finished off working on our second attempt at a journal entry. Students were provided with a checklist and rubric so they know what is expected from them. We will continue to work on the journal's for a couple days.
Reminders:
Medieval Times permission forms are due this Thursday
Please return report cards with parent comments completed, we will photocopy and return them.
Homework
MMS 3 p. 84 & 85
MMS 4 p. 64 &65
Quote of the day:
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"
- Wayne Gretzky
Everyone was excited to have Kunsh back from his trip to India.
We started the day with Math Makes Sense, grade 4's worked on strategies for multiplication and the grade 3's used a multiplication chart to help them multiply. Both grades are reminded, even though the MMS seem straight forward, all homework must be done and these concepts will help them in the future.
We wrote our arithmetic test after gym, at first glance students seemed to have done well. We will return the test along with the language test tomorrow.
After music and french were learned about a knight's armour and weapons. The lesson was full of pictures and we had some good discussions on what it would have been a Knight fighting in the middle ages. Our trip on Thursday give the students a great idea of what it was like to be in the middle ages.
We finished off working on our second attempt at a journal entry. Students were provided with a checklist and rubric so they know what is expected from them. We will continue to work on the journal's for a couple days.
Reminders:
Medieval Times permission forms are due this Thursday
Please return report cards with parent comments completed, we will photocopy and return them.
Homework
MMS 3 p. 84 & 85
MMS 4 p. 64 &65
Quote of the day:
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"
- Wayne Gretzky
Friday, November 30, 2012
Coat of Arms
Good Afternoon
In the wonderful world of Grade 3/4 today we designed our own coat of arms! Students were required to include a motto, crest, shield and animals. We all realized that the students wear the St. Jude's coat of arms on their sweaters and blazers for identification; just like the knights did.
We started the day with Math Makes Sense. Grade 3's learned how to multiply by one and zero. Grade's 4's learned how to estimate and use rounding to simplify equations.
After our spelling test, the students were given time to work on their arithmetic homework. After lunch we went over a checklist for a journal entry. We all read a sample journal entry and discussed what we liked about the piece. Learning about the coat of arms and designing our own coat followed.
After the second lunch we read Story of the World and learned about the French in the New World. I personally look forward to reading Story of the World each week and I know the students do too.
Have a great weekend!
Reminders!
Report cards are going home today
Medieval Times permission forms are due
Sign and return tests
Homework:
Arithmetic p 93 & 94
MMS 3 p. 82 & 83
MMS 4 p. 62 & 63
Quote of the day:
Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.
- Winston Churchill
In the wonderful world of Grade 3/4 today we designed our own coat of arms! Students were required to include a motto, crest, shield and animals. We all realized that the students wear the St. Jude's coat of arms on their sweaters and blazers for identification; just like the knights did.
We started the day with Math Makes Sense. Grade 3's learned how to multiply by one and zero. Grade's 4's learned how to estimate and use rounding to simplify equations.
After our spelling test, the students were given time to work on their arithmetic homework. After lunch we went over a checklist for a journal entry. We all read a sample journal entry and discussed what we liked about the piece. Learning about the coat of arms and designing our own coat followed.
After the second lunch we read Story of the World and learned about the French in the New World. I personally look forward to reading Story of the World each week and I know the students do too.
Have a great weekend!
Reminders!
Report cards are going home today
Medieval Times permission forms are due
Sign and return tests
Homework:
Arithmetic p 93 & 94
MMS 3 p. 82 & 83
MMS 4 p. 62 & 63
Quote of the day:
Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.
- Winston Churchill
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Through the Ages
Good Afternoon!
In the wild world of grade 3/4 we started the day off with Math Makes Sense. The grade 4's explored multiplication patterns to improve their mental math and multiplying large numbers. The grade 3's worked on multiplying by 10.
In gym, Mrs. Haag and I gave the students a lesson on how to get changed quickly without loosing their clothes, don't worry we kept our clothes on! Students are also reminded the longer they take to change the less gym time they have.
After gym we had an arithmetic and introduced the > greater than, < less than, and = equal to signs. 9 < 12, nine is less than twelve. 9 > 3, nine is greater than 3.
We had watched a short film on the three periods of the middle ages after drama and french. Students were required to draw a picture of something that represented the three different eras and answer a question. The film gave a great overview of the early, high and late middle ages.
We concluded the day writing an OWA journal entry. It's an Ontario Writing Assessment but does not go on the report cards. It gives us an indication on where the students are and what we have to teach them in the upcoming unit on journal writing.
Reminders:
Medieval Times Permission forms are due
Lunch forms are due tomorrow!
Photo re-takes are due back tomorrow.
Spelling Test tomorrow
Sign and return tests
Homework:
MMS 3 p. 80 & 81
MMS 4 p. 60 & 61
Arithmetic p. 91 & 92
Spelling Test tomorrow
Quote of the day:
Nothing worth having comes easy
In the wild world of grade 3/4 we started the day off with Math Makes Sense. The grade 4's explored multiplication patterns to improve their mental math and multiplying large numbers. The grade 3's worked on multiplying by 10.
In gym, Mrs. Haag and I gave the students a lesson on how to get changed quickly without loosing their clothes, don't worry we kept our clothes on! Students are also reminded the longer they take to change the less gym time they have.
After gym we had an arithmetic and introduced the > greater than, < less than, and = equal to signs. 9 < 12, nine is less than twelve. 9 > 3, nine is greater than 3.
We had watched a short film on the three periods of the middle ages after drama and french. Students were required to draw a picture of something that represented the three different eras and answer a question. The film gave a great overview of the early, high and late middle ages.
We concluded the day writing an OWA journal entry. It's an Ontario Writing Assessment but does not go on the report cards. It gives us an indication on where the students are and what we have to teach them in the upcoming unit on journal writing.
Reminders:
Medieval Times Permission forms are due
Lunch forms are due tomorrow!
Photo re-takes are due back tomorrow.
Spelling Test tomorrow
Sign and return tests
Homework:
MMS 3 p. 80 & 81
MMS 4 p. 60 & 61
Arithmetic p. 91 & 92
Spelling Test tomorrow
Quote of the day:
Nothing worth having comes easy
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Chivalry Is Not Dead
Good Afternoon
In Math Makes Sense 4 we learned different strategies for multiplying numbers. The grade 3's had a lesson on multiplying by 2 and 5's. Students are reminded even though some of the questions were easy in the textbook doesn't mean they can't use these strategies in the future for larger numbers.
Instead of gym we had a lengthy talk about showing respect to teachers, adults or a student who is presenting or asking a question. We expect St. Jude's students to be well behaved at all times, I hope this improves so we can have gym tomorrow.
After music and french we learned about the duties of a Knight during Medieval Times. In small groups students had to make up a code of chivalry to follow if they were knights. Honour, loyalty and respect were common themes.
After lunch we had our language test and worked on our spelling. I was impressed with the effort put forward by the students throughout the day today.
Reminders:
Lunch forms are due FRIDAY!
Medieval Times permission forms and payments are due by December 6th.
Please sign and return tests
Homework
NO Arithmetic
MMS 3 - P. 78 & 79
MMS 4 - P 58 & 59
Spelling P. 55 if not completed in class
Quote of the day:
"You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to bed with satisfaction"
- George Lorimer, journalist
In Math Makes Sense 4 we learned different strategies for multiplying numbers. The grade 3's had a lesson on multiplying by 2 and 5's. Students are reminded even though some of the questions were easy in the textbook doesn't mean they can't use these strategies in the future for larger numbers.
Instead of gym we had a lengthy talk about showing respect to teachers, adults or a student who is presenting or asking a question. We expect St. Jude's students to be well behaved at all times, I hope this improves so we can have gym tomorrow.
After music and french we learned about the duties of a Knight during Medieval Times. In small groups students had to make up a code of chivalry to follow if they were knights. Honour, loyalty and respect were common themes.
After lunch we had our language test and worked on our spelling. I was impressed with the effort put forward by the students throughout the day today.
Reminders:
Lunch forms are due FRIDAY!
Medieval Times permission forms and payments are due by December 6th.
Please sign and return tests
Homework
NO Arithmetic
MMS 3 - P. 78 & 79
MMS 4 - P 58 & 59
Spelling P. 55 if not completed in class
Quote of the day:
"You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to bed with satisfaction"
- George Lorimer, journalist
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Knight School!
Good Afternoon!
First off I have to announce we are going to Medieval Times next week! A permission form went home today outlining the details of the trip. It is an expensive trip but I assure you that it's worth while. I(Mr. Browning) remember going when I was in grade 4, and it really made the medieval unit memorable.
The day started with Math Makes Sense, this unit will feel like review for most of it because we have been doing multiplication and division in our Arithmetic books for weeks now. I do like how the MMS books give examples relating math to real world applications, plus its good practice to do questions with different wording.
Gym followed, most students remembered their gym clothes today but they still need to work on getting changed in a timely fashion. Too much time is wasted fooling around in the change rooms.
The arithmetic work deals with dividing four digit numbers and using word problems. Please remember that four digit division is the same as two and three digit but has another step.
After drama and french we learned about what it takes to be a knight. From becoming a page at age seven to a squire at 15 to a Knight around age 20!
We finished the day with a language review lesson on capitalization and punctuation.
Reminders:
Language test tomorrow!!
Lunch forms are due Friday
Casual day is tomorrow
Medevial Times permission form and money are due by Thursday, December 6th,
Parent teacher interview forms are due asap!
scholastic orders are due Monday
Homework
MMS 3 p. 77 & 78
MM4 4 p. 56 & 57
Arithmetic p. 89 & 90
Have a great night!!
First off I have to announce we are going to Medieval Times next week! A permission form went home today outlining the details of the trip. It is an expensive trip but I assure you that it's worth while. I(Mr. Browning) remember going when I was in grade 4, and it really made the medieval unit memorable.
The day started with Math Makes Sense, this unit will feel like review for most of it because we have been doing multiplication and division in our Arithmetic books for weeks now. I do like how the MMS books give examples relating math to real world applications, plus its good practice to do questions with different wording.
Gym followed, most students remembered their gym clothes today but they still need to work on getting changed in a timely fashion. Too much time is wasted fooling around in the change rooms.
The arithmetic work deals with dividing four digit numbers and using word problems. Please remember that four digit division is the same as two and three digit but has another step.
After drama and french we learned about what it takes to be a knight. From becoming a page at age seven to a squire at 15 to a Knight around age 20!
We finished the day with a language review lesson on capitalization and punctuation.
Reminders:
Language test tomorrow!!
Lunch forms are due Friday
Casual day is tomorrow
Medevial Times permission form and money are due by Thursday, December 6th,
Parent teacher interview forms are due asap!
scholastic orders are due Monday
Homework
MMS 3 p. 77 & 78
MM4 4 p. 56 & 57
Arithmetic p. 89 & 90
Have a great night!!
Monday, November 26, 2012
Medieval Times
Happy Monday Everyone!
I’m excited to announce our new unit of inquiry is Medieval Times! This fascinating unit will be informative and a lot of fun for students. Today we created a KWL chart and the class has many questions we hope to get answered over the next couple of weeks.
We started the day off with a Math Makes Sense unit on multiplication and division. The MMS 3 lesson was on relating multiplication and addition. The MMS 4 lesson was on skip counting.
Students are reminded to bring their gym clothes everyday and to not waste time getting changed! We are wasting too much time, lining up for gym and getting changed. Students were introduced to the basics of volleyball.
`The arithmetic test went well today, students are reminded that an Arithmetic test is NOT a race. After music and french we worked on our KWL chart for medieval times. Due to the weather we had a fun indoor recess playing keep up with the volleyball and bump. We ended the day reviewing capitalization and punctuation in our language 3 books.
Reminders:
Parent Teacher interview forms are due asap
Scholastic orders are due next monday.
Homework:
MMS 3 p. 74 & 75
MMS 4 p. 54 & 55 and the handout sheet for question 5 if not completed in class
Language P 44 & 45
Spelling - write out list words
I’m excited to announce our new unit of inquiry is Medieval Times! This fascinating unit will be informative and a lot of fun for students. Today we created a KWL chart and the class has many questions we hope to get answered over the next couple of weeks.
We started the day off with a Math Makes Sense unit on multiplication and division. The MMS 3 lesson was on relating multiplication and addition. The MMS 4 lesson was on skip counting.
Students are reminded to bring their gym clothes everyday and to not waste time getting changed! We are wasting too much time, lining up for gym and getting changed. Students were introduced to the basics of volleyball.
`The arithmetic test went well today, students are reminded that an Arithmetic test is NOT a race. After music and french we worked on our KWL chart for medieval times. Due to the weather we had a fun indoor recess playing keep up with the volleyball and bump. We ended the day reviewing capitalization and punctuation in our language 3 books.
Reminders:
Parent Teacher interview forms are due asap
Scholastic orders are due next monday.
Homework:
MMS 3 p. 74 & 75
MMS 4 p. 54 & 55 and the handout sheet for question 5 if not completed in class
Language P 44 & 45
Spelling - write out list words
Friday, November 23, 2012
Artist's Cafe
SJA students heard that ZBP is in the lead for the house competition. Well done Zeta! We had a quick game where students had to dribble a ball and shoot the basketball hoop.
Grade 3s and 4s started their day with math. Grade 4s worked on showing what they understand about geometry concepts using pattern blocks. Grade 3s worked cooperatively as a group to design and build a sand castle using 3-D solids.
Next up was the much awaited Artist's Cafe. Children took to the stage to perform Haiku's, sonnets, cinquain, free verse and quatrains and skits. We were treated to dances ranging from the Charleston, the waltz, Chinese traditional Peacock, ballet, tap, hip hop and break dancing. The children showed how well they have grasped the lines on inquiry which seemed so foreign at the beginning of this unit. Well done grade 3s and 4s! As we headed back to class, a student was overheard saying, "That was so much fun! Can we do another project?" The answer to that is yes, we can, more details on Monday when we start a new unit.
The children completed their spelling tests and worked on arithmetic. Tests will come home on Monday.
The children ended their day with a history lesson, where the learned about Jamestown. Ask your child to tell you what they remember about today's lesson.
Reminders:
Grade 3s and 4s started their day with math. Grade 4s worked on showing what they understand about geometry concepts using pattern blocks. Grade 3s worked cooperatively as a group to design and build a sand castle using 3-D solids.
Next up was the much awaited Artist's Cafe. Children took to the stage to perform Haiku's, sonnets, cinquain, free verse and quatrains and skits. We were treated to dances ranging from the Charleston, the waltz, Chinese traditional Peacock, ballet, tap, hip hop and break dancing. The children showed how well they have grasped the lines on inquiry which seemed so foreign at the beginning of this unit. Well done grade 3s and 4s! As we headed back to class, a student was overheard saying, "That was so much fun! Can we do another project?" The answer to that is yes, we can, more details on Monday when we start a new unit.
The children completed their spelling tests and worked on arithmetic. Tests will come home on Monday.
The children ended their day with a history lesson, where the learned about Jamestown. Ask your child to tell you what they remember about today's lesson.
Reminders:
- Arithmetic p. 87 & 88
- Parent-teacher conference letters
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Pedometers
Grade 3s and 4s began their day with math. Grade 4s worked on an assessment piece to show what they know about geometry, including symmetry and motion. Grade 3s worked on their unit test for geometry.
Both grades reviewed spelling lists 7 -11 and are ready to write tomorrow's big test. In arithmetic, we learned about story problems and a possible way of tackling the problem by asking ourselves 4 questions. The children used this strategy to solve word problems.
In language, the class reviewed direct quotations and possessive words.
We ended the day by working on our inquiry projects. Each student had a conference time where we went through the checklist to ensure they are ready for tomorrow's presentations. Check your child's agenda for notes to help them be prepared tomorrow. Students wearing costumes will need to bring their costumes to school and change at school.Students using music or props need to bring these to school tomorrow.
In an effort to be balanced, the SJA teachers and students are trying to add more activity to our lives. One way we are trying to do this is by taking more steps each day by walking, jogging, or running. Today, each student in our class received a pedometer. They will need a parent to help them register their pedometer at
http://wemuv.com Parents are asked to assist students registering because an email is required. Please fill out the profile page and register with St. Jude's Academy organization. There is NO COST for this program. The purpose of this initiative is not to raise money but to get the students excited about exercising. Students start your stepping!!!
The class attended gym and french today.
Reminders:
Both grades reviewed spelling lists 7 -11 and are ready to write tomorrow's big test. In arithmetic, we learned about story problems and a possible way of tackling the problem by asking ourselves 4 questions. The children used this strategy to solve word problems.
In language, the class reviewed direct quotations and possessive words.
We ended the day by working on our inquiry projects. Each student had a conference time where we went through the checklist to ensure they are ready for tomorrow's presentations. Check your child's agenda for notes to help them be prepared tomorrow. Students wearing costumes will need to bring their costumes to school and change at school.Students using music or props need to bring these to school tomorrow.
In an effort to be balanced, the SJA teachers and students are trying to add more activity to our lives. One way we are trying to do this is by taking more steps each day by walking, jogging, or running. Today, each student in our class received a pedometer. They will need a parent to help them register their pedometer at
http://wemuv.com Parents are asked to assist students registering because an email is required. Please fill out the profile page and register with St. Jude's Academy organization. There is NO COST for this program. The purpose of this initiative is not to raise money but to get the students excited about exercising. Students start your stepping!!!
The class attended gym and french today.
Reminders:
- Review lists 7-11 for tomorrow's spelling test
- Arithmetic p. 85 & 86
- Remember to bring in completed parent-teacher conference letters
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Direct Quotations
Grade 3s and 4s started their day with math. Grade 3s continued working on revision for tomorrow's geometry test. They are bringing the revision sheets home today. Grade 4s were challenged to build a castle out of straws and Plasticine today.The ran into construction issues with their building materials.
The children and teachers of SJA were treated to a viewing of the grade 5-8s performing Much Ado About Nothing. The final performance is this evening at 7 pm. The children of SJA gave the performance a rating of 10!
In language, the children learned that a sentence that includes the exact words somebody has said is called a direct quotation. They practised identifying and using quotation marks today.
In arithmetic, we went over 3-digit division again, and the children are feeling more comfortable with the extra step. They also spent time reviewing spelling lists 10 & 11.
The class had their second last 1 hour period to work on their drama, dance & poetry projects before they present them on Friday.
The class attended music and french class today.
Look out for parent-teacher conference letters coming home today.
Reminders:
The children and teachers of SJA were treated to a viewing of the grade 5-8s performing Much Ado About Nothing. The final performance is this evening at 7 pm. The children of SJA gave the performance a rating of 10!
In language, the children learned that a sentence that includes the exact words somebody has said is called a direct quotation. They practised identifying and using quotation marks today.
In arithmetic, we went over 3-digit division again, and the children are feeling more comfortable with the extra step. They also spent time reviewing spelling lists 10 & 11.
The class had their second last 1 hour period to work on their drama, dance & poetry projects before they present them on Friday.
The class attended music and french class today.
Look out for parent-teacher conference letters coming home today.
Reminders:
- Spelling lists 7 - 11
- MMS 3 - study unit 3
- Arithmetic p. 83 & 84
- Parent-Teacher conference letters are coming home today
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Ownership
Grade 3s and 4s began their day with math. Grade 4s worked hard on their geometry unit test. Grade 3s started reviewing their geometry unit in preparation for their unit test on Thursday.
Both grades reviewed spelling lists 8 and 9 in preparation for Friday's spelling test.They also worked in their arithmetic books where they have started long division with a 3-digit dividend.
Later in the day the children had an hour to work on their inquiry projects. Only two more school days to get the projects done.
In language, the children learned about possessive words and how they can show ownership by adding and apostrophe and an s to the end of a word.
We ended the day working on term 1 reflections. The children took time to think about what they have learned this term, what their strengths are and what the need to work on improving in term 2.
The children attended gym and french class today.
Look out for lunch and Much Ado letters coming home today.
Reminders:
Both grades reviewed spelling lists 8 and 9 in preparation for Friday's spelling test.They also worked in their arithmetic books where they have started long division with a 3-digit dividend.
Later in the day the children had an hour to work on their inquiry projects. Only two more school days to get the projects done.
In language, the children learned about possessive words and how they can show ownership by adding and apostrophe and an s to the end of a word.
We ended the day working on term 1 reflections. The children took time to think about what they have learned this term, what their strengths are and what the need to work on improving in term 2.
The children attended gym and french class today.
Look out for lunch and Much Ado letters coming home today.
Reminders:
- Spelling lists 7 - 11
- MMS 3 -study unit 3 for Thursday's test
- Arithmetic p. 81 & 82
- Photo forms and payment are due if ordering
- Inquiry projects due Friday
- Parent Guild meeting tonight at 7 pm
- Much Ad tomorrow night at 7 pm
Monday, November 19, 2012
Building Structures with Solids
Grade 3s and 4s began their week with math. Grade 3s used 3-D solids to build structures. They described the solids they had used and why they had built the structure in that way. Grade 4s continued reviewing unit 3 for tomorrow's unit test on geometry.
Both grades worked on spelling. This week we are reviewing spelling lists 7 to 11.
The class wrote an arithmetic test as well as a language test today. Both tests will be coming home later this week.
The children had an hour to work on their projects.Three more school days to get finished before the big presentations on Friday.
Many children got to enjoy 20 minutes of independent reading time. We also finished reading Frindle today. Many of the grade 3s and 4s thought it had a sad ending even though nothing sad had happened.
Reminders
Both grades worked on spelling. This week we are reviewing spelling lists 7 to 11.
The class wrote an arithmetic test as well as a language test today. Both tests will be coming home later this week.
The children had an hour to work on their projects.Three more school days to get finished before the big presentations on Friday.
Many children got to enjoy 20 minutes of independent reading time. We also finished reading Frindle today. Many of the grade 3s and 4s thought it had a sad ending even though nothing sad had happened.
Reminders
- Spelling lists 7 - 11
- MMS 3 p. 72 & 73, unit test on Thursday
- MMS 4 , review unit 3 and the practice test in preparation for tomorrow's unit test
- Come see the grade 4-8s perform Much Ado on Wednesday at 7 pm and earn 10 000 house points
- How we express ourselves projects are due on Friday
- Parent Guild meeting tomorrow at 7 pm
Friday, November 16, 2012
Pencil Sketches
Grade 3s and 4s began their day with math. Grade 4s are working on geometry review work to help them prepare for the unit test on Tuesday. Grade 3s learned about nets and how they are cutouts that can be folded to form 3-D solids. The children cut nets out and discovered that the congruent faces are opposite each other.
Both grades wrote their spelling tests this morning. Tests are coming home today. We did not do arithmetic today and no arithmetic has been assigned as homework.
In language the class finished off working on their Cinderella review. They have done well by completing 3 text forms this term.
The class had another hour to work on their inquiry project. There is one more week before the project presentations next week.
We had an exciting history lesson today. The children learned how James VI of Scotland became James I of England and the reasons for his troubles with Guy Fawkes.
We ended the day wth art. The children watched a tutorial on how to show value when sketching. We then drew pencil sketches of solids.
Reminders:
Both grades wrote their spelling tests this morning. Tests are coming home today. We did not do arithmetic today and no arithmetic has been assigned as homework.
In language the class finished off working on their Cinderella review. They have done well by completing 3 text forms this term.
The class had another hour to work on their inquiry project. There is one more week before the project presentations next week.
We had an exciting history lesson today. The children learned how James VI of Scotland became James I of England and the reasons for his troubles with Guy Fawkes.
We ended the day wth art. The children watched a tutorial on how to show value when sketching. We then drew pencil sketches of solids.
Reminders:
- Sign and return spelling tests
- MMS 3 p. 70 & 71, unit 3 test on Thursday, bring in 3-D solids for building a structure next week
- MMS 4 Study unit 3 for Tuesday's
- Polar Expression forms are coming home today. Complete all sections including About the Author
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Sorting Solids
Grade 3s and 4s began their day working on math. The grade 3s used a Venn diagram to sort 3-D solids by their attributes. They also practised stating the sorting rule. Grade 4s practised a strategy called model it. They used snap cubes to model possible solutions to a problem.
Both grades worked on spelling words and arithmetic in class.
In language, the children practised their conventions by adding capitals, periods and commas to sentences. They are reviewing punctuation rules in preparation for Monday's language test. Also in language, the class continues to write a review about Cinderella. They are putting their writing through the entire writing process.
The class ended the day working on their inquiry projects where they had time to research their topic, take jot notes, write poems, and practise their dances.
The children also attended gym and french class today.
Reminders:
Both grades worked on spelling words and arithmetic in class.
In language, the children practised their conventions by adding capitals, periods and commas to sentences. They are reviewing punctuation rules in preparation for Monday's language test. Also in language, the class continues to write a review about Cinderella. They are putting their writing through the entire writing process.
The class ended the day working on their inquiry projects where they had time to research their topic, take jot notes, write poems, and practise their dances.
The children also attended gym and french class today.
Reminders:
- Spelling
- MMS 3 p. 68 & 69
- MMS 4 Review units 3 in preparation for Tuesday's test.
- Arithmetic p. 79 & 80
- Grade 3 students are asked to bring in 3-D solids such as tooth paste boxes, cookie boxes, etc for next week's math lesson
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Money Problems
Grade 3s and 4s worked on completing the math lesson they started yesterday. Grade 4s built skeletons of 3-D solids and discovered many attributes of solids. Grade 3s worked on discovering the attributes of solids by examining diagrams and models of 3-D solids.
Both grades had time in class to work on this week's list words. In arithmetic they solved money problems involving quarters, dimes and pennies.
In language the children continue to work on writing their review of Cinderella. Some children are writing their rough draft. Others are revising, peer-editing, and editing their work.
In our inquiry unit, the children had time in class to research their topic, write their poems and work on dance routines.
The children attended gym, music and french class today.
Reminders:
Both grades had time in class to work on this week's list words. In arithmetic they solved money problems involving quarters, dimes and pennies.
In language the children continue to work on writing their review of Cinderella. Some children are writing their rough draft. Others are revising, peer-editing, and editing their work.
In our inquiry unit, the children had time in class to research their topic, write their poems and work on dance routines.
The children attended gym, music and french class today.
Reminders:
- Spelling
- Project
- Arithmetic p. 77 & 78
- MMS 4 p. Review unit 3, do corrections, see me for help if needed as there will be a unit test on Tuesday, Nov. 20
- Picture retakes are tomorrow
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Skeletons
Grade 3s and 4s began their day working on math. Grade 4s had a fun activity building 3-D skeleton models of solids using marshmallows and toothpicks.This allowed students to model the number of edges and vertices in a solid. Grade 3s used models of solids to learn about the attributes of prisms and pyramids. Ask your child to tell you how a prism and a pyramid are the same, and how they are different.
Both grades worked on spelling and arithmetic in class. Both grades are reviewing comma and period rules in language.
The children have started working on writing their review on Cinderella. They reviewed a checklist and the rubric that will be used to assess their work. They have begun their review by brainstorming all they can remember about yesterday's show.
We ended our day working on our inquiry project. Students had class time to research their topic on the Internet, write poems or history notes and choreograph dance steps. Students may do additional research at home, but remember to bring your work to school. A few students have still not returned their signed project letters.
The children are bringing their pictures home today. Picture retakes will happen on Thursday, November 15.
The class also attended gym and french class today.
Reminders:
Both grades worked on spelling and arithmetic in class. Both grades are reviewing comma and period rules in language.
The children have started working on writing their review on Cinderella. They reviewed a checklist and the rubric that will be used to assess their work. They have begun their review by brainstorming all they can remember about yesterday's show.
We ended our day working on our inquiry project. Students had class time to research their topic on the Internet, write poems or history notes and choreograph dance steps. Students may do additional research at home, but remember to bring your work to school. A few students have still not returned their signed project letters.
The children are bringing their pictures home today. Picture retakes will happen on Thursday, November 15.
The class also attended gym and french class today.
Reminders:
- Spelling
- Inquiry project
- MMS 3p. 66 & 67
- MMS 4 p. 52 & 53
- Arithmetic p. 75 & 76
- Francais - Qui est-ce Napoleon B.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Cinderella
Grades 1 to 4 had a wonderful start to the week by travelling downtown to see Cinderella: A RATical retelling at the Young People's Theater. The play was thoroughly enjoyed by students, teachers and volunteers.
Once back at school the children worked on this week's spelling words. We did not have a math lesson today and there is no MMS assigned for homework. The children had a short arithmetic lesson and learned about division when there is a remainder. There is no arithmetic homework assigned today. We will review division with remainders tomorrow.
The children spent the last hour of the day working on their inquiry projects. There are a few Think pads in our class available for students who would like to do research their topic. Many students have not returned their project letters. A few students have not yet chosen a topic for their project. Please discuss the project with your child and return the signed letter. Send any research material you have for your child so that they may read it over during class time. Students will have 1 hour each day to work on their projects in class. The bulk of the project must be done in class.
Reminders:
Once back at school the children worked on this week's spelling words. We did not have a math lesson today and there is no MMS assigned for homework. The children had a short arithmetic lesson and learned about division when there is a remainder. There is no arithmetic homework assigned today. We will review division with remainders tomorrow.
The children spent the last hour of the day working on their inquiry projects. There are a few Think pads in our class available for students who would like to do research their topic. Many students have not returned their project letters. A few students have not yet chosen a topic for their project. Please discuss the project with your child and return the signed letter. Send any research material you have for your child so that they may read it over during class time. Students will have 1 hour each day to work on their projects in class. The bulk of the project must be done in class.
Reminders:
- Review list 11 spelling words for Friday's spelling test
- Think about ideas for the inquiry project and gather resources
- Set aside Wednesday, November 21 for our Grade 5- 8 performance of Shakespeare's Much Ado. Admission is free
Friday, November 9, 2012
Mary, Queen of Scots
We began our day with a convocation. Students were recognised for showing themsleves to be risk-takers at this morning's assembly. Congratulations to Lukas for being the grade 3/4 recipient of this award. We played a game of broken telephone this morning to see which house had the best communicators. Well done to Kappa for getting the message across clearly.
Grade 3s and 4s began their academic day working on math. Grade 3s worked on a strategy called solved a simpler pproblem. We used this strategy to to make as many trapezoids as possible using the seven tans in a tangram. Grade 4s spent time taking up the last 2 days math lessons on solids and their attributes.
Both grades wrote a spelling and arithmetic test. Tests are coming home today. Please take time to review the tests with your child.
The children learned about Mary, Queen of Scots in history today. They were fascinated by this story. Following on from last week's history lesson, children shared what they had discovered about Queen Beatrix of Holland. Braeden shared what he found out about the grizzly end of Gerard Balthazar, who killed William the Silent.
We ended the day facing Ms. Chin's class in a multiplication challenge. Ms Chin's class came out the victors, but we all won by having this fun way to practice our multiplication facts. Well done to both classes for enthusiasm you have showed. See you next month when the challenge includes multiplication facts up to 12 X 12. Keep practicing.
On Monday, our class is off to Toronto to watch Cinderella. Children need to come to school in their uniforms. They may bring a snack and a disposable water bottle along on the bus. We will have lunch when we return to school.
Reminders:
Grade 3s and 4s began their academic day working on math. Grade 3s worked on a strategy called solved a simpler pproblem. We used this strategy to to make as many trapezoids as possible using the seven tans in a tangram. Grade 4s spent time taking up the last 2 days math lessons on solids and their attributes.
Both grades wrote a spelling and arithmetic test. Tests are coming home today. Please take time to review the tests with your child.
The children learned about Mary, Queen of Scots in history today. They were fascinated by this story. Following on from last week's history lesson, children shared what they had discovered about Queen Beatrix of Holland. Braeden shared what he found out about the grizzly end of Gerard Balthazar, who killed William the Silent.
We ended the day facing Ms. Chin's class in a multiplication challenge. Ms Chin's class came out the victors, but we all won by having this fun way to practice our multiplication facts. Well done to both classes for enthusiasm you have showed. See you next month when the challenge includes multiplication facts up to 12 X 12. Keep practicing.
On Monday, our class is off to Toronto to watch Cinderella. Children need to come to school in their uniforms. They may bring a snack and a disposable water bottle along on the bus. We will have lunch when we return to school.
Reminders:
- sign and return spelling tests
- Think about ideas for your poetry/drama/dance project
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Gumboot Dancing
Grade 3s and 4s began their day by working on their reviews. Some children have completed the good copy of their review and now have the skills needed to write a review when we see Cinderella on Monday.
Both grades worked on their list 10 spelling words in class. In arithmetic, the class worked on review pages.
The children heard about gumboot dancing and how it got started in South African mines. They enjoyed viewing a video clip of miners performing the gumboot dance and a professional dance troupe performing gumboot dancing. The children had fun leading the class in improvised gumboot steps.
We also got to hear about about American line dancing. The children learned the steps to Cotton Eye Joe and got to put the steps to music.
Students will be bringing home a letter outlining our final project for this unit of poetry, drama and dance. Please take the time to read over the project with your child. They do not need to make a decision today. There will be time in class tomorrow for students to talk to each other and form groups for those that wish to.
Both grades ended the day with math. Grade 3s combined figures to create new figures. Grade 4s examined solids and sorted them according to their properties.
The children attended drama and gym class today.
Reminders:
Both grades worked on their list 10 spelling words in class. In arithmetic, the class worked on review pages.
The children heard about gumboot dancing and how it got started in South African mines. They enjoyed viewing a video clip of miners performing the gumboot dance and a professional dance troupe performing gumboot dancing. The children had fun leading the class in improvised gumboot steps.
We also got to hear about about American line dancing. The children learned the steps to Cotton Eye Joe and got to put the steps to music.
Students will be bringing home a letter outlining our final project for this unit of poetry, drama and dance. Please take the time to read over the project with your child. They do not need to make a decision today. There will be time in class tomorrow for students to talk to each other and form groups for those that wish to.
Both grades ended the day with math. Grade 3s combined figures to create new figures. Grade 4s examined solids and sorted them according to their properties.
The children attended drama and gym class today.
Reminders:
- Spelling
- Arithmetic p. 73 & 74
- MMS 3 p. 64 & 65
- MMS 4 p. 50 & 51
- Read and return the poetry/drama/dance project letter
- Look our for SJA after school programs letter coming home today
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Writing a Review
Grade 3s and 4s began their day working on their review of the Hansel and Gretel show we watched yesterday. The used a checklist they created to ensure that their review was complete. Students revised their reviews to include everything on the checklist and then had a friend edit their work.
Both grades got to work on list 10 words in preparation for Friday's spelling test. In arithmetic, students reviewed previous concepts such as uneven division and multiplying to check division.
In dance, the students got to enjoy watching serbian folk dancing called kolo. They also handled a traditional Serbian folk dance costume and got to learn the steps to a dance called Na Brdom, Brdom. The children worked up a sweat dancing and had a lot of fun.
Both grades finished their day with a math lesson. Grade 3s learned that if two figures are the same size and shape (having matching equal sides and matching equal angles) they are called congruent. The children cut figures to check for congruency by superimposing the figures. The also used tracing paper to check for congruency. Grade 4s have started learning about solids. They remembered that a face is a flat surface of a solid. They learned that a solid gets its name from its base.
The children also attended gym, french and music class today.
Reminders:
Both grades got to work on list 10 words in preparation for Friday's spelling test. In arithmetic, students reviewed previous concepts such as uneven division and multiplying to check division.
In dance, the students got to enjoy watching serbian folk dancing called kolo. They also handled a traditional Serbian folk dance costume and got to learn the steps to a dance called Na Brdom, Brdom. The children worked up a sweat dancing and had a lot of fun.
Both grades finished their day with a math lesson. Grade 3s learned that if two figures are the same size and shape (having matching equal sides and matching equal angles) they are called congruent. The children cut figures to check for congruency by superimposing the figures. The also used tracing paper to check for congruency. Grade 4s have started learning about solids. They remembered that a face is a flat surface of a solid. They learned that a solid gets its name from its base.
The children also attended gym, french and music class today.
Reminders:
- Spelling
- Arithmetic p. 71, 72
- MMS 3 p. 62 & 63
- MMS 4 p. 48 & 49
- Work on memorizing your multiplication facts
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Barynya, Holzhacker & Riverdance
Grade 3s and 4s began their day with math. Grade 3s reviewed the figures they learned about yesterday and what a regular figure is. The know how to name a figure by the number of sides or angles it has. Today they used a Venn diagram to sort figures according to their attributes. They know how to write the sorting rule for a Venn diagram. Grade 4s used today's math time to finish and take up yesterday's classwork about similar figures.
In arithmetic, the children learned to count money amounts that include a half dollar. Grade 4s had time in class to work on spelling and arithmetic. Grade 3s needed extra time to get through their math and did not get class time to work on spelling or arithmetic.
In dance, we viewed video clips of Russian, German and Irish folk dances. We discussed the elements of dance for each folk dance, as well as the music and costumes. Ask your child to describe the dances to you, as well as the feelings the dances created in the audience.
We ended our day reviewing what a review should contain. The children have a firmer understanding of this text form. We watched an animated version of Hansel and Gretel by the Brothers Grimm. The children will begin writing a review on this show tomorrow.
The children also attended gym, drama and music class today.
Reminders:
In arithmetic, the children learned to count money amounts that include a half dollar. Grade 4s had time in class to work on spelling and arithmetic. Grade 3s needed extra time to get through their math and did not get class time to work on spelling or arithmetic.
In dance, we viewed video clips of Russian, German and Irish folk dances. We discussed the elements of dance for each folk dance, as well as the music and costumes. Ask your child to describe the dances to you, as well as the feelings the dances created in the audience.
We ended our day reviewing what a review should contain. The children have a firmer understanding of this text form. We watched an animated version of Hansel and Gretel by the Brothers Grimm. The children will begin writing a review on this show tomorrow.
The children also attended gym, drama and music class today.
Reminders:
- Spelling
- Arithmetic p. 69 & 70
- MMS 3 p. 60 & 61
- Practice multiplication facts
Monday, November 5, 2012
Itik Itik
Grade 3s and 4s began their day learning about a new writing form - the review. Children shared what they thought a review was. They then read a review and created a checklist of what a review should contain. They understand that a review can be about different text forms such movies, websites, books, etc. They also understand that they must give their opinion of the text form without spoiling it for others.
Both grades worked on list 10 spelling words and arithmetic. They learned that they can check their division answers by multiplying the quotient and the divisor to get back to the dividend.
We began working on the dance component of our How We Express Ourselves Unit of Inquiry. Children worked with a partner to answer the following questions:
Both grades worked on list 10 spelling words and arithmetic. They learned that they can check their division answers by multiplying the quotient and the divisor to get back to the dividend.
We began working on the dance component of our How We Express Ourselves Unit of Inquiry. Children worked with a partner to answer the following questions:
- What different forms of dance are there?
- Why do dances exits?
- What are the messages of dances.
Partners shared their thinking with the class.
We then viewed a video clip of a Phillipine dance called the Itik Itik. Ask your child what the form of dance the Itik Itik is, why this dance exists and what the message of the dance is.
Both grades ended the day with Math. Grade 3s practiced naming geometric figures such as trapezoids, parallelograms, rhombuses, pentagons, hexagons. They learned that a regular figure has all sides equal and all angles equal. They also learned about some the attributes of parallelograms, trapezoids, and rhombuses. Ask your child to tell you about the attributes of these figures. Grade 4s leaned that we say figures are similar if they have equal corresponding angles but their side lengths are different. The side lengths of the larger of 2 similar figures are multiples of the corresponding side lengths in the smaller figure.
Students attended gym, music and french class today.
Congratulations to Julia, Carter and Temi for earning 100 000 hose points respectively for the houses by reciting the Remember, Remember poem.
Reminders:
- Review list10 spelling words
- Arithmetic p. 67 & 68
- MMS 3 p. 58 & 59
- MMS 4 p. 46 & 47
- Multiplication memorization for the championship against Ms Chin's class on Friday
- Scholastic orders are due Friday
Friday, November 2, 2012
William the Silent
Grade 3s and 4s began their day with a spelling and arithmetic test. Just the spelling tests are coming home today.
We had a history lesson today where we learned about a revolt in The Netherlands against King Philip of Spain. The children heard how William the Silent stood up to Philip and eventually helped The Netherlands become independent. Ask your child what they remember about today's lesson. We also completed map work. The children have been challenged to find a picture of Queen Beatrix who rules Holland today and is the great, great, great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great, granddaughter of William the Silent.
In poetry, the children selected a poem they had written to share with the class. The class responded with what they understood the message of the poem to be and reflected on how a student performed their poem.
We ended our day with math. Grade 3s learned that an angle is formed when two sides meet at a vertex. They learned about a very special kind of angle called a right angle, that looks like an angle in a square. The practiced creating figures where there are 1, 2 and 3-right angles. Ask your child which figure could not be formed. Grade 4s used the attributes of quadrilaterals to sort figures. They learned that a square can be called a trapezoid because it has at least 1 pair of parallel lines but a trapezoid is not a square.The children are bringing home a sheet that will help them complete their MMS 4 homework. They are learning to be good communicators in geometry by using the appropriate terms.
Ms. Chin's class has challenged our class to a multiplication championship. This will happen a week from now. The children are urged to memorize multiplication facts up to 7 x 7.
We ended our day with children sharing what they have learned about Barack Obama. Their next challenge is to find facts about Mitt Romney.
Monday is Guy Fawkes Day. Children will be rewarded 100 000 house points if they recite the Remember, Remember Poem (but leave out the gory bits).
The children also attended gym class today.
Reminders:
We had a history lesson today where we learned about a revolt in The Netherlands against King Philip of Spain. The children heard how William the Silent stood up to Philip and eventually helped The Netherlands become independent. Ask your child what they remember about today's lesson. We also completed map work. The children have been challenged to find a picture of Queen Beatrix who rules Holland today and is the great, great, great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great,great, granddaughter of William the Silent.
In poetry, the children selected a poem they had written to share with the class. The class responded with what they understood the message of the poem to be and reflected on how a student performed their poem.
We ended our day with math. Grade 3s learned that an angle is formed when two sides meet at a vertex. They learned about a very special kind of angle called a right angle, that looks like an angle in a square. The practiced creating figures where there are 1, 2 and 3-right angles. Ask your child which figure could not be formed. Grade 4s used the attributes of quadrilaterals to sort figures. They learned that a square can be called a trapezoid because it has at least 1 pair of parallel lines but a trapezoid is not a square.The children are bringing home a sheet that will help them complete their MMS 4 homework. They are learning to be good communicators in geometry by using the appropriate terms.
Ms. Chin's class has challenged our class to a multiplication championship. This will happen a week from now. The children are urged to memorize multiplication facts up to 7 x 7.
We ended our day with children sharing what they have learned about Barack Obama. Their next challenge is to find facts about Mitt Romney.
Monday is Guy Fawkes Day. Children will be rewarded 100 000 house points if they recite the Remember, Remember Poem (but leave out the gory bits).
The children also attended gym class today.
Reminders:
- Sign spelling test
- MMS 3 p. 56 & 57
- MMS 4 p. 44 & 45
- Memorize multiplication facts
- Find a picture of Queen Beatrix
- Find out facts about Mitt Romney
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Geoboards
Grade 3s and 4s began their day working on comma rules. They have begun to do revision pages about the comma and period rules we have learned in class. Both grades also worked on list 9 spelling words.
In arithmetic, students are counting money amounts that include quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies. We also reviewed long division where the divisor doesn't divide evenly into the dividend.
Some students worked really quickly and were able to enjoy reading time in class.
In poetry, students are finishing off the good copy of their quatrain poem. Some students chose to share their poem with the class, giving students the opportunity to enjoy each other's poetry and to reflect on the poems' message.
We ended our day with geometry. Grade 3s are beginning a new unit. Today's lesson focused on understanding the difference between a figure and a solid, attributes, equal lines and parallel lines. Grade 4s continued working on angles in quadrilaterals. Both grades got to construct figures on geoboards and then show their figures on dot paper.
Students attended gym and french class today.
Reminders:
In arithmetic, students are counting money amounts that include quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies. We also reviewed long division where the divisor doesn't divide evenly into the dividend.
Some students worked really quickly and were able to enjoy reading time in class.
In poetry, students are finishing off the good copy of their quatrain poem. Some students chose to share their poem with the class, giving students the opportunity to enjoy each other's poetry and to reflect on the poems' message.
We ended our day with geometry. Grade 3s are beginning a new unit. Today's lesson focused on understanding the difference between a figure and a solid, attributes, equal lines and parallel lines. Grade 4s continued working on angles in quadrilaterals. Both grades got to construct figures on geoboards and then show their figures on dot paper.
Students attended gym and french class today.
Reminders:
- Review list words for tomorrow's spelling test
- Arithmetic p. 65 & 66
- MMS 3 p. 54 & 55
- MMS p. 42 & 43
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Halloween/Fall Festival
SJA students began the day with a house game. Representatives from each house used toilet paper to wrap up one of their house leaders. Congratulations to Kappa for their splendid job on mummifying Mme. Stella.
Grade 3s and 4s began their academic day learning new comma rules:
Students continued working on their quatrain poems. Many have completed the good copy of their poem.
Students ended the day attending the Halloween/Fall Festival put on the Ms Elliot's grade 7 & 8 class. The children were very excited about all the extra activities today.
The children also attended gym, music and french class today.
Reminders:
Grade 3s and 4s began their academic day learning new comma rules:
- Use commas to separate items in a list
- Use commas to separate day, month and year
Students continued working on their quatrain poems. Many have completed the good copy of their poem.
Students ended the day attending the Halloween/Fall Festival put on the Ms Elliot's grade 7 & 8 class. The children were very excited about all the extra activities today.
The children also attended gym, music and french class today.
Reminders:
- Review spelling words for Friday's spelling test
- Arithmetic p. 63 & 64
- Tomorrow is Casual Day for those participating
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Commas
Grade 3s began their day with a math test. Grade 4s continued to explore angles in quadrilaterals. They are becoming more comfortable using a protractor to measure angles in a closed figure. They are also using geometry terms to describe their thinking. Many of these terms will be on their spelling test this week. No MMS homework has been assigned yet as we have not completed our class lesson yet.
Both grades worked on list 9 spelling words. In arithmetic, students practised counting money amounts with 25 cents.
We did not get through our poetry lessonn today, as it was time to have our pictures taken.
In language, we learned 3 rules about how commas are used in sentences.
Both grades worked on list 9 spelling words. In arithmetic, students practised counting money amounts with 25 cents.
We did not get through our poetry lessonn today, as it was time to have our pictures taken.
In language, we learned 3 rules about how commas are used in sentences.
- Commas are used after a yes or no at the beginning of a sentence
- Commas are used after a person's name in a direct address
- Commas are used to separate cities from states or cities from provinces
Scholastic order forms are coming home today for families who would like to order. Forms are due back Friday, November 9. Cheques only please.
Tomorrow is our Halloween/Fall Festival Spirit Day. Students may come to school in their costumes or wear fall colours.
Children attended gym, french and drama class today.
Reminders
- Study list 9 words for Friday's spelling test
- Arithmetic p. 61 & 62
- Scholastic due Nov. 9
- $2.50 is needed to participate in the Halloween Festival from 2:30 - 4:00 tomorrow, parents are welcome to attend
Monday, October 29, 2012
Two-Digit Quotients
This morning our class welcomed Mr. Browning to grade 3 & 4. Mr Browning will be assisting in our class for the next month or so.
Grade 3s and 4s began their day working on language rules involving periods. Students were familiar with most of the rules covered today.
In arithmetic, we worked on long division problems where we have a 2-digit quotient. The children finally got to discover what "bring down" means. Most children will need to complete today's arithmetic for homework and they may need some support to correctly complete the long-division problems.
In an effort to be internationally-minded, the children were presented with a picture of Barack Obama. They shared what they already know about him as well as questions they have. Students will be researching to find answers to the questions they have.
In our poetry unit, the children watched a wonderful DVD called A Child's Garden of Poetry. It included animated readings of poems and reflections of the poems by children.
In math, grade 4s continued working to discover the properties of quadrilaterals. Grade 3s took up the test that they wrote on Friday. The grade 3s are bringing their test home today. Please take time to review the test with your child as the class will be writing a retest tomorrow.
Look about for a Parent Guild letter coming home today.
The class attended gym, music and french today
Reminders:
Grade 3s and 4s began their day working on language rules involving periods. Students were familiar with most of the rules covered today.
- End declarative sentences with a period
- Initials are followed by a period
- Abbreviated titles of respect are followed by a period
- Abbreviated months of the year and days of the week are followed by a period
In arithmetic, we worked on long division problems where we have a 2-digit quotient. The children finally got to discover what "bring down" means. Most children will need to complete today's arithmetic for homework and they may need some support to correctly complete the long-division problems.
In an effort to be internationally-minded, the children were presented with a picture of Barack Obama. They shared what they already know about him as well as questions they have. Students will be researching to find answers to the questions they have.
In our poetry unit, the children watched a wonderful DVD called A Child's Garden of Poetry. It included animated readings of poems and reflections of the poems by children.
In math, grade 4s continued working to discover the properties of quadrilaterals. Grade 3s took up the test that they wrote on Friday. The grade 3s are bringing their test home today. Please take time to review the test with your child as the class will be writing a retest tomorrow.
Look about for a Parent Guild letter coming home today.
The class attended gym, music and french today
Reminders:
- Spelling
- MMS 3: Sign and review unit test, study for tomorrow's retest on patterns in addition and subtraction
- MMS 4 p. 40 & 41
- Arithmetic p. 59 & 60
- Research questions about Barack Obama
- RSVP to Parent Guild today
- Tomorrow is Picture Day
Friday, October 26, 2012
Quadrilaterals and El-Dorado
The students of SJA started the day with a house game. Students from grade 1 and teachers faced each other in a hockey shoot off with a basketball. Well done to Theta for winning the student game, and Zeta for the teacher game.
Back in grade 3 & 4, the class was in for a special treat. Mr. Sawatsky visited our class to share one of his favourite poems. The poem was by the Beat poet Jack Keruoac. Mr. Sawatsky read the poem to the class and invited the class to share their thoughts on interesting words they heard. He shared the meaning of the poem, some history of poetry and discussed literary devices that poets use. He also told the students that the only rules for writing poetry are the rules the poet subscribes him/herself to. The children were very happy to hear this rule!
Both grades wrote their spelling test today. Spelling, arithmetic and language tests are coming home today. Please take time to review the tests with your child, sign them and return them to school on Monday.
Grade 4s worked on exploring quadrilaterals in math today. Ask your child what a quadrilateral is and to name as many examples as they can of quadrilaterals. We created a chart to organise the properties of quadrilaterals that relates to their sides and diagonals. Students measured the lines and commented on how may pairs of equal or parallel sides there were. Grade 4s students need to complete this chart for homework over the weekend.
Grade 3 students worked on their unit test on patterns in addition and subtraction. These tests will be coming home on Monday. They also took time to review the unit problem they worked on yesterday to ensure that they showed their thinking.
In our second history lesson, the class learned how the Spanish came to South America and the gold that was discovered with native peoples. Ask your child to tell you what they remember about this time period in history. They ended the day working on a picture of a conquistador.
The children also attended gym and french class today.
Reminders:
Back in grade 3 & 4, the class was in for a special treat. Mr. Sawatsky visited our class to share one of his favourite poems. The poem was by the Beat poet Jack Keruoac. Mr. Sawatsky read the poem to the class and invited the class to share their thoughts on interesting words they heard. He shared the meaning of the poem, some history of poetry and discussed literary devices that poets use. He also told the students that the only rules for writing poetry are the rules the poet subscribes him/herself to. The children were very happy to hear this rule!
Both grades wrote their spelling test today. Spelling, arithmetic and language tests are coming home today. Please take time to review the tests with your child, sign them and return them to school on Monday.
Grade 4s worked on exploring quadrilaterals in math today. Ask your child what a quadrilateral is and to name as many examples as they can of quadrilaterals. We created a chart to organise the properties of quadrilaterals that relates to their sides and diagonals. Students measured the lines and commented on how may pairs of equal or parallel sides there were. Grade 4s students need to complete this chart for homework over the weekend.
Grade 3 students worked on their unit test on patterns in addition and subtraction. These tests will be coming home on Monday. They also took time to review the unit problem they worked on yesterday to ensure that they showed their thinking.
In our second history lesson, the class learned how the Spanish came to South America and the gold that was discovered with native peoples. Ask your child to tell you what they remember about this time period in history. They ended the day working on a picture of a conquistador.
The children also attended gym and french class today.
Reminders:
- Sign all tests coming home today
- Grade 4s are to complete the chart on the properties of quadrilaterals in their Duo-tangs
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Rhyming Patterns
Grade 3s and 4s began their day by taking up yesterday's language test and writing another language test and an arithmetic test. All tests will be coming home tomorrow.
Both grades worked on reviewing list 8 words for tomorrow's spelling test.
In our inquiry into how artists express themselves through poetry, students enjoyed listening to and discussing many poems written by Jack Prelutsky. We discussed who the intended audience for the poems might be. The grade 3s and 4s have a preference for humorous poetry! The form of poem under student today was the quatrain poem. Students made connections to french and cinquain poems and correctly deduced that a quatrain poem is a 4 lined poem. These poems rhyme. We examined 3 poems with different rhyming patterns. Students then used what they had learned to identify the rhyming patterns in 2 different quatrain poems.
In math, grade 3s worked to complete their review of patterns in addition and subtraction. They are bringing their review home. Parents, please work with your child to complete the review and/or correct any questions to prepare for tomorrow's unit test. Grade 3s worked with a partner to solve a unit problem to show what they have learned during this unit.
Grade 4s continued to learn about measuring angles. Today, we made another non-standard protractor from wax paper. This one was made up of 8 congruent slices. They used this protractor to measure angles. They also learned about the standard protractor which is made up of 180 congruent slices. They learned how to position the protractor when measuring angles clockwise and counter-clockwise. They are bringing their protractors home with them today so they can complete their math homework. Remember to return protractors to school tomorrow.
Reminders:
Both grades worked on reviewing list 8 words for tomorrow's spelling test.
In our inquiry into how artists express themselves through poetry, students enjoyed listening to and discussing many poems written by Jack Prelutsky. We discussed who the intended audience for the poems might be. The grade 3s and 4s have a preference for humorous poetry! The form of poem under student today was the quatrain poem. Students made connections to french and cinquain poems and correctly deduced that a quatrain poem is a 4 lined poem. These poems rhyme. We examined 3 poems with different rhyming patterns. Students then used what they had learned to identify the rhyming patterns in 2 different quatrain poems.
In math, grade 3s worked to complete their review of patterns in addition and subtraction. They are bringing their review home. Parents, please work with your child to complete the review and/or correct any questions to prepare for tomorrow's unit test. Grade 3s worked with a partner to solve a unit problem to show what they have learned during this unit.
Grade 4s continued to learn about measuring angles. Today, we made another non-standard protractor from wax paper. This one was made up of 8 congruent slices. They used this protractor to measure angles. They also learned about the standard protractor which is made up of 180 congruent slices. They learned how to position the protractor when measuring angles clockwise and counter-clockwise. They are bringing their protractors home with them today so they can complete their math homework. Remember to return protractors to school tomorrow.
Reminders:
- Review list 8 words for tomorrow's spelling test
- MMS 3, review pages 28 - 53 and the review pages coming home for tomorrow's unit test
- MMS 4 p. 38 & 39
- Cinderella trip forms are due tomorrow
- Photo forms are due (Select a pose and background colour)
- $2.50 for the Halloween/Fall Festival event next week
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Multiplying by a factor of 5
Grade 3s and 4s began their day with a language test. This test will come home on Friday. Both grades also worked list 8 spelling words in class. Many students got to enjoy 20 minutes of independent reading in class today. In arithmetic, we discussed how to find a product when one of the factors is 5. Our class agreed that this was easy peasy!
In our poetry unit, students worked on finishing a good copy of their shape poem. Some students have even written and published a second shape poem.
In math, grade 3s worked on review work to help them prepare for Friday's test on patterns in addition and subtraction. Grade 3s should review pages 28 - 53 in their homework books and see me during second recess tomorrow if they have any questions about their homework.Grade 4s worked on exploring angles by comparing them to a pattern block square. We took today's math lesson to compete yesterday's lesson and to take up yesterday's MMS homework as many students had a hard time completing it correctly. No new MMS homework has been assigned for today.
The children attended gym, french and music class today. Some students are bringing french work to complete at home.
Reminders:
In our poetry unit, students worked on finishing a good copy of their shape poem. Some students have even written and published a second shape poem.
In math, grade 3s worked on review work to help them prepare for Friday's test on patterns in addition and subtraction. Grade 3s should review pages 28 - 53 in their homework books and see me during second recess tomorrow if they have any questions about their homework.Grade 4s worked on exploring angles by comparing them to a pattern block square. We took today's math lesson to compete yesterday's lesson and to take up yesterday's MMS homework as many students had a hard time completing it correctly. No new MMS homework has been assigned for today.
The children attended gym, french and music class today. Some students are bringing french work to complete at home.
Reminders:
- Review list 8 words for Friday's spelling test
- MMS 3 Review p. 28 - 53 for Friday's unit test
- MMS 4 p. Correct and complete yesterday's MMS pages 26 & 27
- Arithmetic p. 57 & 58
- Trip forms for the Cinderella performance are due on Friday
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Shape Poems
Grade 4 students had geometry lesson exploring angles today. They also heard about 3 geometry related words that will feature on this week's spelling test. Students learned that angles are found where two lines meet or cross. They were reminded of a right angle being the same as an angle in a square corner. They compared angles that were less, equal or greater to a right angle.
Grade 3 students used the standard algorithm for subtraction to subtract 3-digit numbers and to solve word problems.
Both grades worked on reviewing list 8 words for this week's spelling test.
In arithmetic, students learned to check subtraction problems by adding the difference to the subtrahend.
In poetry, the children chose a topic for their shape poem and used a word web to brainstorm ideas for their shape poem. They have been challenged to use alliteration in their poem. Some students have begun drafting their shape poem too.
We ended the day reviewing and correcting all our language work on kinds of sentences and capitalization rules to prepare for tomorrow's language test. Students shared what they had discovered about Mayor Hazel McCallion too.
Students attended gym, drama and french class today
Reminders:
Grade 3 students used the standard algorithm for subtraction to subtract 3-digit numbers and to solve word problems.
Both grades worked on reviewing list 8 words for this week's spelling test.
In arithmetic, students learned to check subtraction problems by adding the difference to the subtrahend.
In poetry, the children chose a topic for their shape poem and used a word web to brainstorm ideas for their shape poem. They have been challenged to use alliteration in their poem. Some students have begun drafting their shape poem too.
We ended the day reviewing and correcting all our language work on kinds of sentences and capitalization rules to prepare for tomorrow's language test. Students shared what they had discovered about Mayor Hazel McCallion too.
Students attended gym, drama and french class today
Reminders:
- Practice list 8 words
- MMS 3 p. 52 & 53
- MMS 4 p. 36 & 37
- Arithmetic p. 55 & 56
- Look out for a lunch letter coming home today
- Look out for a letter from SJA student council about a Halloween Fall Festival event
- Look out for a letter about a drama project coming home today
Monday, October 22, 2012
Alliteration
We began our day discussing what it means to be a global citizen and have global perspectives. Students are asked to focus on a local figure today - Mayor Hazel McCallion. Students posed questions about the Mayor and many questions were answered by other students in class. Other questions need further investigation. Students will need to research questions like: "How old is Mayor Hazel? Where was she born? Is she a good mayor? What is the most important thing she has done as mayor?" Some questions may be hard to find answers to, such as "What were her dreams when she was little?"
Both grades began their day doing review work on kinds of sentences and capitalization rules. Students will be writing a language test on Wednesday. Students who completed their language work got to enjoy 20 minutes of reading.
Students were introduced to list 8 spelling words for this week. In arithmetic, we practiced long division with a 2-digit dividend.
For our poetry unit, we read 2 shape poems about a jellyfish and a snake by Patrick Lashmar. Students discussed what they liked about the poems and were introduced to a literary device called alliteration. Ask your child to explain what alliteration is to you. WE have also begun reading a book of poems by Jack Prelutsky called Be Glad Your Nose is on Your Face.
In math, grade 3s reviewed the standard algorithm for addition involving 3-digit numbers. Grade 3s will be writing a unit test on Patterns in Addition and Subtraction this Friday. Grade 4s reviewed the meaning of congruency, figures and solids. They used tracing paper to check if two figures are congruent.
The children attended gym, music and french class today.
Reminders
Both grades began their day doing review work on kinds of sentences and capitalization rules. Students will be writing a language test on Wednesday. Students who completed their language work got to enjoy 20 minutes of reading.
Students were introduced to list 8 spelling words for this week. In arithmetic, we practiced long division with a 2-digit dividend.
For our poetry unit, we read 2 shape poems about a jellyfish and a snake by Patrick Lashmar. Students discussed what they liked about the poems and were introduced to a literary device called alliteration. Ask your child to explain what alliteration is to you. WE have also begun reading a book of poems by Jack Prelutsky called Be Glad Your Nose is on Your Face.
In math, grade 3s reviewed the standard algorithm for addition involving 3-digit numbers. Grade 3s will be writing a unit test on Patterns in Addition and Subtraction this Friday. Grade 4s reviewed the meaning of congruency, figures and solids. They used tracing paper to check if two figures are congruent.
The children attended gym, music and french class today.
Reminders
- Practise list 8 spelling for Friday's test
- MMS 3 p. 50 & 51
- MMS 4 p. 34 & 35
- Arithmetic p. 53 & 54
- Research Mayor Hazel McCallion
- Language test on Wednesday
- MMS 3 unit test on Friday (p.28-53)
Friday, October 19, 2012
Poetry Sharing
Grade 3s and 4s started their day with a spelling test. Theses tests as well as yesterday's math and arithmetic tests are coming home today. Parents, please review the tests with your child and have them do corrections as applicable. In arithmetic, students learned to count money amounts that include dimes, nickels and pennies.
We had our first history lesson today. We will be covering Early Modern Times over the course of the year. Today's lesson went back to 1500 and the circumstances that led to Charles V becoming the king of The Netherlands, Spain and Germany (....and more). Ask your child to tell you what they remember. The children drew a map of Europe to show the countries Charles' family ruled. They also drew a graphic representation of today's history lesson.
For our inquiry unit into poems, students displayed their illustrated cinquain poems. They also recited their poems to the class. Children reflected on their own recitals ans well as the message of their peers. We are doing a great job of tackling all 3 inquiry lines for this unit in the first week.
Both grades ended their day with math. Grade 3s solved subtraction problems involving 3-digit numbers. Grade 4s had their last period to solve their unit problem on planning a cross-Canada trip.
Look out for Picture Day forms coming home today.
The children attended french and gym class today.
Parents of all SJA students are invited to a Cheese and Wine Evening by the SJA Parent Guild. This event will take place on Thursday, November 1, 2012, from 7pm to 8:30 pm at the school. Child care will not be available Please make arrangements for your children to be taken care of. Please RSVP to parentguild@stjudesacademy.com by October 29, 2012.
Reminders:
We had our first history lesson today. We will be covering Early Modern Times over the course of the year. Today's lesson went back to 1500 and the circumstances that led to Charles V becoming the king of The Netherlands, Spain and Germany (....and more). Ask your child to tell you what they remember. The children drew a map of Europe to show the countries Charles' family ruled. They also drew a graphic representation of today's history lesson.
For our inquiry unit into poems, students displayed their illustrated cinquain poems. They also recited their poems to the class. Children reflected on their own recitals ans well as the message of their peers. We are doing a great job of tackling all 3 inquiry lines for this unit in the first week.
Both grades ended their day with math. Grade 3s solved subtraction problems involving 3-digit numbers. Grade 4s had their last period to solve their unit problem on planning a cross-Canada trip.
Look out for Picture Day forms coming home today.
The children attended french and gym class today.
Parents of all SJA students are invited to a Cheese and Wine Evening by the SJA Parent Guild. This event will take place on Thursday, November 1, 2012, from 7pm to 8:30 pm at the school. Child care will not be available Please make arrangements for your children to be taken care of. Please RSVP to parentguild@stjudesacademy.com by October 29, 2012.
Reminders:
- Sign and review math, spelling & arithmetic tests
- MMS 3 p. 48 & 49
- Arithmetic p. 51 & 52
- Picture Day forms
- Find our what a water mocassin is
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Grade 4s started their day writing their whole numbers unit test. Both grades wrote an arithmetic test today Tests will be coming home tomorrow. No new arithmetic was assigned today. Both grades worked on their spelling words for tomorrow's test. Grade 3s got to enjoy 20 minutes of independent reading.
In language, we reviewed capitalization rules already learned and learned 3 new rules:
In language, we reviewed capitalization rules already learned and learned 3 new rules:
- capitalize initials
- capitalize titles of respect
- capitalize the first, last and every important words in titles of songs, poems, books, chapters, etc.
Grade 4s continued working to show what they remember of grade 3 measurement concepts in preparation for our new unit. Grade 3s added 3-digit numbers with and without grouping using Base Ten Blocks to help them understand what regrouping means.
The children also attended gym, french and drama class today. Some children are bringing french work home that needs to be completed.
Reminders:
- Review spelling for tomorrow's test
- MMS 3 p. 46 & 47
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Cinquain Poems
Yesterday grade 4s began their day reviewing our MMS Whole Numbers unit. We managed to ge through our review and most children wrote their unit test too.Today a few children completed their math test. The tests are coming home today. Please take time to review the test with your child as the class will be writing a retest tomorrow.Grade 4s students worked in groups to solve a unit problem using the skills they have gained in this math unit. They are planning a 7-day car trip anywhere across Canada. They may not travel more that 500 km a day. They have to calculate the difference in distance traveled each day as well as the total distance traveled. They also have a to stick to a budget of $1000 allocated for gas, accommodation and food.
Grade 3s worked on a math strategy for solving word problems called Guess and Check yesterday. Today they worked on estimating when adding or subtracting by using rounding and front-end estimation.
In yesterday's arithmetic students practiced subtracting when there is a zero in the minuend and today we practiced dividng when the divisor is 3. The children spent time both today and yesterday preparing for Friday's spelling test.
In our poetry, drama and dance unit, students learned about the form of cinquain poems and discovered why they are called cinquain poems. Students read cinquain poems and reflected on their message. They then chose a topic of their own and brainstormed and wrote their own cinquain poem. Students have revised, edited and published an illustrated version of their poems. Some even chose a new topic and through the writing process wrote a new poem.
We have also spent time reviewing capitalization rules already learned and learning a few more rules:
Grade 3s worked on a math strategy for solving word problems called Guess and Check yesterday. Today they worked on estimating when adding or subtracting by using rounding and front-end estimation.
In yesterday's arithmetic students practiced subtracting when there is a zero in the minuend and today we practiced dividng when the divisor is 3. The children spent time both today and yesterday preparing for Friday's spelling test.
In our poetry, drama and dance unit, students learned about the form of cinquain poems and discovered why they are called cinquain poems. Students read cinquain poems and reflected on their message. They then chose a topic of their own and brainstormed and wrote their own cinquain poem. Students have revised, edited and published an illustrated version of their poems. Some even chose a new topic and through the writing process wrote a new poem.
We have also spent time reviewing capitalization rules already learned and learning a few more rules:
- Capitalize words referring to God and the Bible
- Capitalize proper nouns
The children attended gym, music and french class today.
Reminders:
- Spelling
- MMS 3 p. 44 & 45
- MMS 4 Sign and review tests. Prepare to write a retest tomorrow
- Arithmetic p. 49 & 50
- Look out for piano letters coming home today
- Some students are bringing home french homework
Monday, October 15, 2012
How We Express Ourselves
Grade 3s and 4s began their day working on revising and learning the following capitalization rules:
- The first word in every sentence
- The word I
- Holidays and special days
- Months of the year, days of the week, BUT NOT SEASONS
They also enjoyed 20 minutes of independent reading time in class.
In spelling, they worked on list 7 words and in arithmetic the practiced counting money amounts with nickels and pennies.
We began a now unit of inquiry today titled The Poet's Society which falls under the transdisciplinary theme How we express ourselves. Students were introduced to the central idea for this them - Through artists' expression,we get and give a glimpse of the artist's mind. The children were also introduced to our lines of inquiry for this unit, to which their responses were, "Huh?" Through experience we know that that is always our reactions to lines of inquiry and by the end of the unit we are very comfortable with explaining concepts.
Our first inquiry question for students to discuss with a partner was, "What makes a piece of writing a poem?" Students responses are on display in our classroom. The poetic form students were introduced to today is the cinquain poem. Ask your child to tell you why a cinquain poem is called a cinquain poem and what is unique about each line in the poem.
We ended our day with math. Grade 3s worked on mental math strategies called subtract tens then subtract ones to subtract 2-digit numbers. Grade 4s worked on reviewing measurement concepts they learned in grade 3. They will continue to revise whole numbers tomorrow and write their unit test on Wednesday.
Reminders:
- MMS 3 p. 42 & 43
- MMS 4 Study pages 12 - 33 Test postponed (again) to Wednesday
- Arithmetic p. 45 & 46
- Spelling - List 7
Friday, October 12, 2012
Unit Reflections
Grade 3s and 4s began their day with a selling and arithmetic test. Both these are coming home today for parents to sign and review with their child. Please have your child do corrections if applicable.
Grade 3s discussed mental math today. The children practiced two different strategies that could be used to solve math problems mentally - take from one and give to the other and add on tens then add on ones. Grade 4s worked on reviewing whole numbers in preparation for Monday's test.
The remainder of the day was spent completing news reports and mosaics. Some students spent time reflecting on our rocks and minerals unit, telling what they enjoyed most about the unit and how the showed that they were an inquirer. Some students have began working on the cover page for their IB Portfolios. This includes choosing a learner profile attribute that best describes them.
Reminders:
Grade 3s discussed mental math today. The children practiced two different strategies that could be used to solve math problems mentally - take from one and give to the other and add on tens then add on ones. Grade 4s worked on reviewing whole numbers in preparation for Monday's test.
The remainder of the day was spent completing news reports and mosaics. Some students spent time reflecting on our rocks and minerals unit, telling what they enjoyed most about the unit and how the showed that they were an inquirer. Some students have began working on the cover page for their IB Portfolios. This includes choosing a learner profile attribute that best describes them.
Reminders:
- Sign spelling and arithmetic tests, do corrections if applicable
- MMS 3 p. 40 & 41
- MMS 4 Study p. 12 - 33 Test will be on Tuesday instead of Monday
- Grade 4 students need to ensure they have a protractor at school as we begin a measurement unit next week
- Arithmetic Workbooks are coming with students who need to correct or complete pages 43 & 44
- Mme. Stella is also reminding some students that they need to complete their french homework
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Geologist Visit
Grade 3s and 4s started the day with dreaded division in arithmetic. They learned that division is equal sharing and that it is the opposite of multiplication. They learned what the terms dividend, divisor, and quotient mean. They learned the 5 steps in division. Ask your child to tell you what the 5 steps are. They also learned 4 different strategies for dividing (making equal groups, making the same number in a group, skip counting and finding the missing factor in a multiplication sentence). The practiced their new skills on a few problems and discovered that division is not so dreaded after all.
In math, grade 3s used Base Ten Block pictures to model 2-digit addition and subtraction. The grade 4s worked on using a strategy called making an organized list to solve word problems. There is no new MMS homework assigned for grade 4s today. Instead the grade 4s are asked to review pages 12 -33 for Monday's unit test on whole numbers. Both grades worked on reviewing spelling lists 1 to 5 for tomorrow's spelling test.
The children also worked on their news reports and are making good progress.
One of our students invited a guest to visit our class today. Our guest, Lincoln, studied geology for 7 years. He showed cool videos where the children saw the rock cycle and how all the 3 types of rocks are formed. He also showed slides off different minerals. The children were very excited to see the amazing colours that minerals come in. Lincoln admitted that many names given to rocks and minerals are tongue-twisters. Lincoln informed the class about possible career opportunities for geology students as well as the kind of companies that hire geology students. At the end of the visit, Lincoln spoke to the children individually as they showed him their rock collections and he gave insight into what kind of rocks they have collected.
Reminders
In math, grade 3s used Base Ten Block pictures to model 2-digit addition and subtraction. The grade 4s worked on using a strategy called making an organized list to solve word problems. There is no new MMS homework assigned for grade 4s today. Instead the grade 4s are asked to review pages 12 -33 for Monday's unit test on whole numbers. Both grades worked on reviewing spelling lists 1 to 5 for tomorrow's spelling test.
The children also worked on their news reports and are making good progress.
One of our students invited a guest to visit our class today. Our guest, Lincoln, studied geology for 7 years. He showed cool videos where the children saw the rock cycle and how all the 3 types of rocks are formed. He also showed slides off different minerals. The children were very excited to see the amazing colours that minerals come in. Lincoln admitted that many names given to rocks and minerals are tongue-twisters. Lincoln informed the class about possible career opportunities for geology students as well as the kind of companies that hire geology students. At the end of the visit, Lincoln spoke to the children individually as they showed him their rock collections and he gave insight into what kind of rocks they have collected.
Reminders
- Spelling lists 1 - 5
- MMS 3 p. 38 & 39
- MMS 4 Review pages 12 to 33 in preparation for Monday's unit test
- Arithmetic p. 43 & 44
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Writing Process
We began our day by working on our news reports about or trip to the Milton Quarry. Students re learning about the writing process as we go. Most are done their rough copy, a few have completed their second drafts while others are doing their good copy.
In math, grade 3s used related facts to find missing numbers. The children are getting comfortable with explaining their strategies (making ten, counting on, using doubles or near doubles). The grade 4s practiced subtracting from a 4-digit number. They know that can check their answer by adding the difference and the subtrahend or they can check the reasonableness of their answers by rounding.
The children spent class time reviewing lists 4 & 5 for Friday's spelling test. In arithmetic, they counted money amounts with $5 or 5 cents. A few children even got all their homework done in class today!
The grade 3s and 4s did such a great job at working that we even got time at the end of the day to work on our news reports some more. Well done boys and girls!
The class attended gym, music and french today.
Reminders:
In math, grade 3s used related facts to find missing numbers. The children are getting comfortable with explaining their strategies (making ten, counting on, using doubles or near doubles). The grade 4s practiced subtracting from a 4-digit number. They know that can check their answer by adding the difference and the subtrahend or they can check the reasonableness of their answers by rounding.
The children spent class time reviewing lists 4 & 5 for Friday's spelling test. In arithmetic, they counted money amounts with $5 or 5 cents. A few children even got all their homework done in class today!
The grade 3s and 4s did such a great job at working that we even got time at the end of the day to work on our news reports some more. Well done boys and girls!
The class attended gym, music and french today.
Reminders:
- Spelling lists 1 - 5
- MMS 3 p. 36 & 37
- MMS 4 p. 32 & 33
- Arithmetic p. 41 & 42
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Tryptophan Tuesday
Our grade 4 students are looking very spiff in their ties and blazers today . Please remember that you must wear your sweater too.
Grade 3s and 4s began their week with math. Grade 3s showed the related addition and subtracted facts for 3 numbers, example, 3 + 5 = 8, 5 + 3 = 8, 8 - 5 = 3 and 8 - 3 = 5. Grade 4s worked on finding the differences between 2 3-digit numbers using place value concepts. They are using this strategy to solve word problems. Both grades spent time in class reviewing spelling lists 1 - 3 for this Friday's test. Friday's spelling test will include words from lists 1 to 5. In arithmetic, students learned how to measure objects to the one-half inch. They know to check if the zero mark on their ruler is in line with the ruler's edge or a distance away from the ruler. Most did not get time to work on arithmetic in class and will have to complete it for homework.
For our inquiry unit on rocks and minerals, we viewed a slide show about our trip to Milton Quarry last Thursday. This was a great way to remind ourselves of the things we saw and learned and the sequence in which things happen to the rocks at the quarry. Ask your child to tell you the sequence. The children continued working on the rough copies of their news report about our quarry trip. Some have started to make revisions to include important information they have omitted or to correct the sequence of events or the style in which they are writing.
The boys and girls also attended gym, drama and french class today.
Reminders
Grade 3s and 4s began their week with math. Grade 3s showed the related addition and subtracted facts for 3 numbers, example, 3 + 5 = 8, 5 + 3 = 8, 8 - 5 = 3 and 8 - 3 = 5. Grade 4s worked on finding the differences between 2 3-digit numbers using place value concepts. They are using this strategy to solve word problems. Both grades spent time in class reviewing spelling lists 1 - 3 for this Friday's test. Friday's spelling test will include words from lists 1 to 5. In arithmetic, students learned how to measure objects to the one-half inch. They know to check if the zero mark on their ruler is in line with the ruler's edge or a distance away from the ruler. Most did not get time to work on arithmetic in class and will have to complete it for homework.
For our inquiry unit on rocks and minerals, we viewed a slide show about our trip to Milton Quarry last Thursday. This was a great way to remind ourselves of the things we saw and learned and the sequence in which things happen to the rocks at the quarry. Ask your child to tell you the sequence. The children continued working on the rough copies of their news report about our quarry trip. Some have started to make revisions to include important information they have omitted or to correct the sequence of events or the style in which they are writing.
The boys and girls also attended gym, drama and french class today.
Reminders
- Spelling lists 1 - 5
- MMS 3 p. 34 & 35
- MMS 4 p. 30 & 31
- Arithmetic p. 39 & 40
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Milton Quarry
What fun this morning was! The children who raised the most money for our Terry Fox Run got to smush a cream pie in Mr. Browning's face, to the delight of all the children of SJA.
Our class was soon off to visit Milton Quarry and we couldn't have picked a more perfect day for our visit. The trees on the Niagara Escarpment were gorgeous. We saw how Dufferin aggregates had built a bridge across the the gap where the escarpment has been blasted so that the Bruce Trail can pass through. This may be a nice activity for Thanksgiving weekend.
Because it is an active quarry, students had a bus tour through the quarry. Our guides explained how the escarpment was formed and how their operation works. We also saw how Dufferin aggregates rehabilitates the land and the plans for the land once the mining operation is done. Ask your child to tell you what they learned.
Back at school, the children wrote this week's spelling test and then worked on writing a news report about our trip. This report is the main task where the children will show what they know about rock characteristics, how people use rocks and the effects that people have on the landscape, as we wrap up our first unit of inquiry.
The children attended french class today.
Look out for letters about karate and after care fees coming home today.
Reminders:
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!
Our class was soon off to visit Milton Quarry and we couldn't have picked a more perfect day for our visit. The trees on the Niagara Escarpment were gorgeous. We saw how Dufferin aggregates had built a bridge across the the gap where the escarpment has been blasted so that the Bruce Trail can pass through. This may be a nice activity for Thanksgiving weekend.
Because it is an active quarry, students had a bus tour through the quarry. Our guides explained how the escarpment was formed and how their operation works. We also saw how Dufferin aggregates rehabilitates the land and the plans for the land once the mining operation is done. Ask your child to tell you what they learned.
Back at school, the children wrote this week's spelling test and then worked on writing a news report about our trip. This report is the main task where the children will show what they know about rock characteristics, how people use rocks and the effects that people have on the landscape, as we wrap up our first unit of inquiry.
The children attended french class today.
Look out for letters about karate and after care fees coming home today.
Reminders:
- Complete and correct MMS & arithmetic pages assigned this week
- Sign and correct spelling
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
News Report
Grade 3s and 4s began their day with math. Grade 4s practised using mental math strategies called friendly numbers and counting on to find the differences between 2 3-digit numbers. Ask your child to explain these strategies to you. Grade 3s used different strategies to recall basic addition facts. One of the strategies is to use fact families. Ask your child to explain what a fact family is.
In arithmetic, we learned how repeated addition can be written as multiplication and how multiplication can be written as repeated addition.
The children worked on reviewing this week's spelling works for tomorrow's test.
In writing, we reviewed the essential characteristics of a news report. Students used their ideas from yesterday to write a news report about Friday's Terry Fox Run. They are learning how to be good communicators through the written word. They are also preparing for the news report they will write about our trip to Milton Quarry tomorrow. Students are to wear their SJA uniforms for tomorrow's trip.
The class attended gym, music and french today.
Reminders:
In arithmetic, we learned how repeated addition can be written as multiplication and how multiplication can be written as repeated addition.
The children worked on reviewing this week's spelling works for tomorrow's test.
In writing, we reviewed the essential characteristics of a news report. Students used their ideas from yesterday to write a news report about Friday's Terry Fox Run. They are learning how to be good communicators through the written word. They are also preparing for the news report they will write about our trip to Milton Quarry tomorrow. Students are to wear their SJA uniforms for tomorrow's trip.
The class attended gym, music and french today.
Reminders:
- Spelling
- MMS 3 p. 32 & 33
- MMS 4 p. 28 & 29
- Arithmetic p. 39 & 40
- Winter uniforms are to be worn after the Thanksgiving weekend
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Weathering and Erosion
Grade 3s began their day with math. They learned about addition strategies such as doubles, near doubles and making 10. They are challenged to try use theses strategies when adding instead of counting on using fingers. Grade 4s used their knowledge on rounding to estimate when finding differences between two 3-digit numbers.They learned that rounding only the subtrahend gives a more accurate estimate.
In arithmetic, we learned how to multiply when one of the factors is 4. Students understand that the order of the factors does not change the product. Being able to confidently count by 4s will help with multiplication problems. Ask your child to count by 3s and 4s regularly. Most students did not have enough time to work on spelling today and will have to catch up tomorrow during class.
In our science unit, the children reviewed what it means to be an inquirer. Ask your child what they think this term means. Today's questions were What is weathering? and What is erosion? We discussed they ways that inquirers find answers to their questions. Students focused on reading to discover their answers. They worked with a partner to read texts and answer our questions about erosion and weathering. Ask your child to explain weathering and erosion to you.
We are learning about a new text form in writing - the news report. We read a news report about a fire gutting a school. The students contributed ideas on what should be in a news report. Ask your child to tell you what a news report should contain. Children began gathering ideas to write a report on Friday's Terry Fox Run.
The children also attended gym, drama and french class today.
There will be a free session of Microball Basketball at 4:30 pm tomorrow. All students are welcome to attend.
Reminders:
In arithmetic, we learned how to multiply when one of the factors is 4. Students understand that the order of the factors does not change the product. Being able to confidently count by 4s will help with multiplication problems. Ask your child to count by 3s and 4s regularly. Most students did not have enough time to work on spelling today and will have to catch up tomorrow during class.
In our science unit, the children reviewed what it means to be an inquirer. Ask your child what they think this term means. Today's questions were What is weathering? and What is erosion? We discussed they ways that inquirers find answers to their questions. Students focused on reading to discover their answers. They worked with a partner to read texts and answer our questions about erosion and weathering. Ask your child to explain weathering and erosion to you.
We are learning about a new text form in writing - the news report. We read a news report about a fire gutting a school. The students contributed ideas on what should be in a news report. Ask your child to tell you what a news report should contain. Children began gathering ideas to write a report on Friday's Terry Fox Run.
The children also attended gym, drama and french class today.
There will be a free session of Microball Basketball at 4:30 pm tomorrow. All students are welcome to attend.
Reminders:
- Spelling
- MMS 3 p. 30 & 31
- MMS 4 p. 26 & 27
- Arithmetic p. 35 & 36
- Count in 4s til 48
- Sign & review arithmetic test coming home today
Monday, October 1, 2012
Life Without Rocks and Minerals
Grade 3s and 4s began their day by writing a report about what life would be like without rocks and minerals. They used their knowledge of report format to include a general statement, idea paragraphs and a summary. They used their knowledge of the ways in which people use rocks and minerals to imagine what it would be like without these things.
In spelling, students worked on list 5 words. Please note, this week's spelling test will be on Thursday as Friday is a PD Day. We did not do new work in arithmetic today. Students wrote an arithmetic test to show their understanding of concepts we have been learning about.
In math, grade 3s began a new unit on Patterns in Addition and Subtraction. They used an addition chart to find addition facts. Some of the patterns they noticed were that whenever one of the addends is 0 the sum is the other number, and that the sum is always an even number when adding doubles.
Grade 4s worked on adding 4-digit numbers using place value and expanded form. Most grade 4s prefer using place value when adding.
The children attended french gym and music class today.
Parents, please note that students need to come to school wearing their winter uniform after this Thanksgiving weekend.
Reminders:
In spelling, students worked on list 5 words. Please note, this week's spelling test will be on Thursday as Friday is a PD Day. We did not do new work in arithmetic today. Students wrote an arithmetic test to show their understanding of concepts we have been learning about.
In math, grade 3s began a new unit on Patterns in Addition and Subtraction. They used an addition chart to find addition facts. Some of the patterns they noticed were that whenever one of the addends is 0 the sum is the other number, and that the sum is always an even number when adding doubles.
Grade 4s worked on adding 4-digit numbers using place value and expanded form. Most grade 4s prefer using place value when adding.
The children attended french gym and music class today.
Parents, please note that students need to come to school wearing their winter uniform after this Thanksgiving weekend.
Reminders:
- Spelling.
- MMS 3 p. 28 & 29
- MMS 4 p. 24 & 25
- Scholastic orders are coming home today and are due on Thursday
- There is no school on Friday as
Friday, September 28, 2012
Terry Fox Day
Grade 3s and 4s began their day with a spelling test. These are coming home today with arithmetic and MMS 3 tests. Please have your child do corrections if applicable. The children worked on their reports and wrapped those up today. Next week they will write a report to show what they have learned on a new topic.
In arithmetic, we learned about English liquid measures; the cup, pint, quart, and gallon. The students understand that knowing both imperial and metric measures makes them internationally-minded, able to use and understand texts originating from different countries.
The children had gym and french class before we headed out to the park to remember Terry Fox and to support cancer research. Grade 3s and 4s used this opportunity as with all other outdoor activities to rock hound. I have seen a few really impressive collections.
We ended our day working on our soap carvings. It smelled REAAALLLYYY clean in our classroom. It turns out carving takes patience and doesn't always go the way you plan. Students were overheard saying that they would be trying this at home over the weekend. So moms, if your soap bars start disappearing, you know who to blame .
Reminders:
In arithmetic, we learned about English liquid measures; the cup, pint, quart, and gallon. The students understand that knowing both imperial and metric measures makes them internationally-minded, able to use and understand texts originating from different countries.
The children had gym and french class before we headed out to the park to remember Terry Fox and to support cancer research. Grade 3s and 4s used this opportunity as with all other outdoor activities to rock hound. I have seen a few really impressive collections.
We ended our day working on our soap carvings. It smelled REAAALLLYYY clean in our classroom. It turns out carving takes patience and doesn't always go the way you plan. Students were overheard saying that they would be trying this at home over the weekend. So moms, if your soap bars start disappearing, you know who to blame .
Reminders:
- Sign spelling and math tests and do corrections
- Arithmetic p. 33 & 34
- Return Terry Fox forms
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Soapstone Carvings
Grade 3s began their day with by writing their unit test on place value and number patterns. Grade 4s worked on adding 3-digit numbers in math. Students who got their work done on time enjoyed independent reading time. The class worked on their list 4 spelling words. In arithmetic we learned how to carry when multiplying numbers.
The class is almost done working on their reports on what life would be like without electricity. They have learned much about this writing form.
In science, we read a book called The Inuit by Natalie Rosinsky. We learned about the history and traditions of this people group. We also learned that the Inuit are famous the world over for their art. Soapstone carvings are one form of art that they are known for. The students will be attempting a soap carving of their own tomorrow. Today, they planned their carving by making a sketch of their ideas.
The class attended gym, drama and french today.
Reminders:
The class is almost done working on their reports on what life would be like without electricity. They have learned much about this writing form.
In science, we read a book called The Inuit by Natalie Rosinsky. We learned about the history and traditions of this people group. We also learned that the Inuit are famous the world over for their art. Soapstone carvings are one form of art that they are known for. The students will be attempting a soap carving of their own tomorrow. Today, they planned their carving by making a sketch of their ideas.
The class attended gym, drama and french today.
Reminders:
- Review list 4 words for tomorrow's spelling test
- Arithmetic p. 31 & 32
- MMS 4 p. 22 & 23
- Science worksheets if you haven't already returned them
- French (if applicable)
- Wear gym clothes tomorrow
- Return Terry Fox forms
- Milton Quarry Forms and payment (if aplicable)
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