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:

• Sign spelling and math tests and do corrections
• Arithmetic p. 33 & 34
• Return Terry Fox forms

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

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:

• 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)

Mental Math

Grade 3s spent this morning completing their review for tomorrow's unit test on patterning and place value. While they were busy, the grade 4s worked on their report writing. Grade 4s also had time for independent reading. In arithmetic, we learned about writing money amounts represented by dollars or pennies. The children also spent time working on their spelling words for this week.
In science, students shared themany ways they found rocks and minerals being used in their homes. They reexamined their special rock and thought about its properties. The imagined that they had unlimited quantities of their special rock and then listed ways that people could use their special rock or mineral. The class continues to show enthusiasm for this unit by choosing to read our rock & mineral reference books, talking about rocks and minerals, sharing interesting rocks with the class and they are still using recess time to hunt for interesting rocks.
Grade 4s ended their day working on developing their mental math skills. Today we focused on two strategies - friendly numbers and counting on. Many students struggled with these strategies. Extra parental support with tonight's homework would be much appreciated. Talk to your child about your mental math strategies. Make it a habit that whenever you get into the car, one family member poses a 3-digit addition problem. Race to see who can solve it first and who can explain their strategy. Grade 3s ended the day working on a unit problem that shows their understanding of patterns and place value concepts.
The class attended gym, music and french class today.

Homework:

• Review list 4 words
• Arithmetic p. 31 & 32
• MMS 3 - Study pages 1 - 27 for tomorrow's unit test
• MMS 4 p. 20 & 21

Rocks and Minerals in Our Homes

Grade 3s worked hard on reviewing Patterns and Place Value for Thursday's unit test. As a result some did not get to work on this week's spelling words in class. They are bringing their spelling workbooks home and need to complete p. 18. Both grade 3s and 4s also wrote their first arithmetic test today. The poor grade 3s did a lot of math, but they did it all with a great attitude! Because of the arithmetic test, we did not do new work in arithmetic today. The only arithmetic homework is do corrections on already completed work.
Grade 4s worked on their reports and are learning about the writing process as they go.
In science, we continued learning about useful rocks and minerals. Students used the reference books in our classroom to conduct their own research on the many ways people use rocks and minerals. Students finished up working with their partners and presented the many ways they found. Well done grade 3s and 4s for all the effort you put into this activity. The children will be continuing this activity at home. They will search their homes for all the ways rocks and minerals are used there. They are bringing a worksheet home to complete.
Threes and fours attended gym, drama and french class today.

Remember tomorrow is Casual Day

Homework:

• Review list 4 spelling words
• Complete spelling p. 18 if applicable (check your child's agenda)
• MMS 3 - Review p. 1 - 27 for Thursday's unit test
• MMS 4 p. 18 & 19
• Arithmetic corrections - if applicable
• Science worksheet 

Summaries

Grade 3s and 4s carried on working on their rough draft on what life would be like without electricity. They learned how to conclude their report with a summary using the important ideas from their general statement and idea paragraphs. Students who completed their rough drafts got to enjoy independent reading before heading off to gym.
In spelling students were introduced to list 4 words. They worked on a review exercise in arithmetic today. In science, students reviewed the strategies that geologists use to describe rocks. They then conducted the hardness, limestone and magnetism tests on their special rocks to help them discover more about their rocks properties.
In math, grade 3s used number lines to round 2- and 3-digit numbers to the nearest ten or nearest hundred. Grade 4s used place-value concepts and number lines to compare 4-digit numbers.

Homework:

• Spelling
• MMS 3 p. 26 & 27, Review pages 1 - 28 for Thursday's unit test
• MMS 4 p. 16 & 17
• Arithmetic p. 27 & 28

Rough Draft

We have finaly made it past step 1 (prewriting) in the writing process. Today we began working on drafting our report on what life would be like without electricity. Students are using their general statement, ideas and examples form their web organiser to write the rough copy of their report. They got to enjoy 20 minutes of independent reaing before they headed off to gym. Back in class, grade 3s and 4s took turns writing their spelling tests and working on their arithmetic. Today's arithmetic was a review of concepts we have learned in class this week. The class participated in a reading survey that identifies their reading habits, strengths and weaknesses.
After french, we had a science lesson where we got to try the limestone and magnetism tests on our 3 rock samples. We discovered that none of our samples contain calcite and that sample 3 was magnetic. Students used labeled diagrams to show their observations.
We ran out of time and opted to spend the end of our day working on our mosaics instead of math. The children do not need to complete any MMS pages for homework this weekend, but the grade 3s do need to review all completed pages for next week's test.

Homework:
-Sign, correct and return spelling tests
-Arithmetic p. 25 & 26
-Look in your child's agenda for lunch forms coming home

Have a wonderful weekend!

Limestone Test

We began today by working on report writing. Students used the web organizer from yesterday and came up with 3 examples that would explain the idea that each of their 3 or 4 paragraphs will focus on. The children enjoyed 20 minutes of independent reading time with a book of their choice. They worked on their spelling words and learned how to multiply when 3 is a factor in arithmetic. Students are asked to practice counting in 3s till 36 to help them with multiplication.
Ms Henein says the children have been been very creative in drama where they have been writing plays. She says she is looking forward to seeing them perform their plays.
In math, grade 4s learned how to round to the nearest thousand, hundred or ten using a number line. They also learned how to round using a trick that I showed them. Grade 3s worked on understanding how big or small 1000 is. Ask your child to tell you when 1000 is a big number, and when it is a small number. Also, ask them how many ones, tens and hundreds there are in 1000.
We learned about the limestone and magnetism tests in science today. Ask your child to describe these tests to you. Geologists use these tests to discover more about rocks and minerals. We had fun conducting the hardness test on 3 samples today. We used our fingernail, a penny, an iron nail and glass to scratch each of our samples. Students used a chart to record their findings. Look in your child's agenda for a letter about our class trip to Milton Quarry. This trip will help answer all our inquiry questions for this unit.
The children also attended gym and french class today.

Homework:

• Review list 3 for tomorrow's spelling test
• Arithmetic p. 23 & 24
• MMS 3 p. 24 & 25
• MMS 4 p. 14 & 15
• Practice counting by 3s till 36
• Milton Quarry trip letter

Mohs' Scale of Hardness

Report writing started our day off. We focused on different ways to organize the ideas we brainstormed ysterday. We looked at good examples of student work in organizing ideas. The children used a web organizer. They added their general statement and identified 3 or 4 ideas that they would like to expand on in their report. Students had 20 minutes of class time for silent reading before they went to gym.
Back in class, students worked in their spelling workbooks and we learned how to write Roman numerals 1 to 12 in arithmetic. The children then enjoyed a music class with Ms. L.
After french, grade 4s began a new math unit on whole numbers. The learned how to show numbers in standard form, words, Base ten Blocks, Base Ten names, place-value charts and expanded form. Grade 3s learned to use a math strategy called make an organised list. They used this strategy to solve problems.
We ended our day learning about a test that geologists use to learn more about rock characteristics, called the hardness test. Ask your child to tell you who designed this test and how the test works.

Homework

• Spelling
• Arithmetic p. 21 & 22
• MMS 3 Study pages 1 - 23 in preparation for next week's test. Ensure all pages are complete. Be sure to see me if you need any help before next week's test
• MMS 4 p. 12 &13
• Sign and return tests (language test - grade 3 & 4), (Number Pattern retest - grade 4 only)

Brainstorm

Grade 4s began their day by reviewing grade 3 Number Sense and Numeration. The class then wrote their first lanugauge test on kinds of sentences. They worked on their spelling words for this week in their workbooks. Following gym, the class reviewed concepts we have learned about in arithmetic. We began learning how to write a report. We are looking at Friday's writing assignment, where the class had to write a report on what it would be like to live without electricity. We are using the writing process to write a better report. Today we focused on the first step in the writing process - Prewriting. Children had time to think about the topic and then brainstorm ideas that came to them. We shared our brainstorm ideas with each other. Tomorrow we will work on the last step of Prewriting - organising your ideas. The class then had drama with Ms Henein.
After french class, the grade 3s learned to represent 3-digit numbers in standard form, in words, as Base Ten Blocks, as a Base Ten name, and in a place value chart. The grade 4s worked on their Number Patterns retest.
In science, we reviewed the 3 types of rock and how they form. Thanks to some of our students, we got to watch a reenactment of how sedimenteary rocks are formed. Students completed a chart showing what they have learned about rock types.
We ended our day reading Brendan Buckley. Look out for a Terry Fox letter and Scholastic order forms. Please note that Scholastic is optional and only cheques are accepted. Orders are due on Monday, September, 24.

Homework:

- Spelling
- Arithmetic p. 19 & 20
- M.M.S. p. 20 & 21

The 3 Types of Rocks

Students reviewed kinds of sentences in language this morning, identifying declarative, interrogative and exclamatory sentences. We had a silent reading period today, and students are steadily completing books and starting to write book reports.
After gym the class worked on their spelling and review pages on arithmetic before they attended music class with Ms. L.
After French, the grade 4s worked on a review of grade 3 Number Sense and Numeration, while the grade 3s ordered and compared 3-digit numbers. Grade 3s played a game where the goal was to make the greatest or least 3-digit number. They practiced using the greater than and less than symbols, and ordered a series of numbers from least to greatest or from greatest to least.
Our inquiry today was about kinds of rocks. Students worked with a partner to discover how many kinds of rocks there are, what they are called, how the different rock types form and examples of each rock type. Students used the skills from language to change the declarative sentences about rock types into interrogative sentences. We then used the questions and answers that students made to play a house game about rock types. Ask your child what they learned about rock types today.

Homework:

• Spelling - review list 3 words
• Arithmetic p. 17 & 18
• MMS 3 p. 20 & 21
• Grade 4s only - Sign and review Number Patterns Tests. Study for a retest tomorrow if applicable.

Mosaics

Spirit Day was tremendous fun this morning. Teams of 3 children, each representing their house, tried to score a soccer goal against Mr. Rojas. The last team was comprised of teachers. Theta came out the overwhelming winners. Well done Theta!,
Grade 3s and 4s began their day with an arithmetic drill and spelling test. Tests are coming home today. Please sign and review the test with your child and have them write incorrect words out 5 times if applicable. The students worked on their special rocks today. They reexamined their rocks and decided if their rocks were rocks or minerals. They recorded their thoughts in their "My Special Rock" book. Students had some time to work on their arithmetic too.
Writing a report on what life would be like without electricity was the next order of the day following gym class.
After french class with Mme. Stella, grade 4s wrote their unit test on Number Patterns while grade 3s learned about extending number patterns into 200s, 300s, 400s and so on.
We ended the day learning more about how people use rocks and minerals in creating mosaics. Students used coloured paper squares to create their own mosaic.
Look out for letters in your child's agenda about acro and birthday parties.

Homework:

• Sign and return spelling tests
• MMS 3 p. 18 & 19
• Arithmetic p. 13 & 14

Have a wonderful weekend!

Smashing Rocks

What an exciting day! The children learned that an exclamatory sentence may show strong feelings such such as fear, surprise and excitement. Exclamatory sentences may also begin with "What " or "How", but they are not interrogative sentences. The class wrapped up preparing for tomorrow's spelling test in their workbooks.
In arithmetic, we earned how to "borrow" form the tens and hundreds place when subtracting 3-digit numbers. The class is bringing their arithmetic books home today. We had our second period of silent reading today after an active gym class and before the students went to a fun drama class with Ms. Henein.
In math, the grade 4s continued to prepare for tomorrow's unit test on patterning by working on a practice test. Students received individual help with questions that found tricky. Grade 3s learned how to model 3-digit numbers with Base Ten Blocks.The know how to communicate 3-digit numbers as a base ten picture, base ten name, number or word. They also understand how much each place value represents within a 3-digit number.
We ended our day with science. Yesterday, each group was given a rock sample. We smashed the rock open, using proper safety precautions, of course. Using the knowledge we gained from yesterday's note taking exercise on rocks and minerals, students decided whether their sample was a rock or mineral by examining the inside and outside of their sample. They wrote a note to convince other groups of their decisions. Representatives from each groups shared the note with the class. The children examined each other's rocks and practiced their thinking skills by deciding if they agreed on the classification.
The class attended french with Mme Stella today.

Don't forget, tomorrow is Spirit Day! Wear your house colours.

Homework:

• Spelling
• Arithmetic p. 13 & 14
• MMS 3 p. 16 & 17
• MMS 4 Study pages 1 to 11

Note Taking

We began our day with math. Grade 4s worked on a practice math test in preparation for Friday's unit test on number patterns. Grade 3s learned about ordinal numbers. They used a hundred chart to find ordinal numbers in response to a clue, such as find the 17th number with a 2 in it. We did not have time to do arithmetic in class today and these books will not be coming home today.
Students worked on this week's spelling words by arranging them alphabetically or by using them to answer clues. There will be a bonus spelling word on this week's spelling test. Ask your child what the word is.
We had our first silent reading period today. The children have begun keeping a log of their reading and will be writing a book report on completion of their book.
Our inquiry question for today was "What is the difference between rocks and minerals?" Ask your child to explain the difference to you. The children were introduced to note taking for this lesson. We took turns reading a text and extracting facts about rocks and minerals to add to our charts.
Grade 3s and 4s attended gym, french and music class today

Homework:

• Spelling
• MMS 3 p. 14 & 15
• MMS Study p. 1 - 11

My Special Rock

Grade 3s and 4s began their day working on their spelling lists in preparation for Friday's spelling test. In arithmetic they continued to review concepts we have learned this week. We took time to discuss common mistakes students are making, such as not paying attention to the operation and adding when they should be subtracting. In math, the grade 4s practiced a strategy called Guess and Check. Ask your child to describe this strategy to you. We used this strategy to solve equations where there are 2 and 3 unknowns. The grade 4s will be writing a unit test on patterning this Friday. They should review, complete and correct  pages 1 to 11 in their MMS Practice and Homework Books to prepare. Students should see me for any help they need before the test day. The grade 3s used Base Ten Blocks to model numbers. They recorded numbers as Base Ten Block pictures using lines to represent a rod and a circle to represent a cube.
The children learned that telling sentences are also called declarative sentences and that asking sentences are also called interrogative sentences. They practiced identifying and writing different sentence types and add the corrected end mark to the sentences. They were reminded that proper sentence structure is expected in all subject areas.
We ended our day with our inquiry into rocks and minerals. The children began one of the summative projects for this unit. They each chose a rock that they found to be unique from the collection of rocks that have gathered over the past week. The project is called My Special Rock. The children will be investigating the physical properties of their special rock, how people could use their special rock and how humans affect the landscape where their rock is found. Today they used their senses to describe their rock using attributes such as shape, size, texture, colour, lustre, weight, etc. The children have shown enthusiasm for this unit and their excitement is contagious. Many students are still using recess time to rockhound and are asking for class time to present the rocks they have collected. Let us know if your child is exploring their interests about rocks at home by becoming a follower to this blog and by posting comments.
The children attended gym, french and drama class today.

Homework:

• Spelling
• Arithmetic p. 11 & 12
• MMS 3 p. 12 & 13
• MMS 4  Study pages 1 to 11 for Friday's unit test

Rock Groups

Today in arithmetic, we reviewed concepts that we covered last week and discussed errors that the students are making. The class is bringing their arithmetic workbooks home to complete and/or correct their classwork. In MMS, the grade 3s found the total number of objects by grouping by tens and ones. The grade 4s used number patterns to find missing terms in equations involving subtraction.
Both grades read a short story containing this week's spelling words. They copied their words into their agendas. Review this week's spelling words daily in preparation or Friday's spelling test.
In science, students used their senses to describe a rock sample. We reviewed the attributes we can use to describe rocks. Ask your child to list all the attributes they remember from today's lesson. The boys and girls selected one attribute and sorted their rock collection by this attribute. Together, they came up with a way to record their work on paper. They displayed their work for other groups to see and answered questions about their classification system.
Grade 3s and 4s attended gym and french class today.

Homework:

• Spelling list 2
• MMS p. 10 & 11
• Arithmetic p. 9 & 10

We began our day with a spelling test. The children are bringing their tests home today. Please review them with your child, sign them and have your child do corrections if necessary. We reviewed sentences and phrases today. The children worked independently in their language books to identify phrases and sentences. We also discussed telling, asking and exclamatory sentences. The children worked to identify different types of sentences.
In arithmetic we learned about measuring in inches, feet and yards, as well as multiplying by 1 and 0. The whole class is bringing their arithmetic books home to correct and/or complete today's pages. In math, the grade 3s used a number line to compare numbers. The grade 4s learned about equations and used number patterns to find all the possible ways to make an equation true.
Today in science, the children wrote about the rules and equipment needed when rockhounding. They compared the rocks they collected to those that other groups collected. We did a walk-about as the children displayed their collections for others to examine. Some of our students have been collecting rocks during recess. They are eagerly reading all the books about rocks and minerals in our class and are becoming more knowledgeable about this topic.

Homework:

• Sign and return spelling test
• MMS p. 8 & 9
• Arithmetic p. 7 & 8

Have a wonderful weekend!

Rockhounds

We began our day with arithmetic. We reviewed adding 3-digit numbers with carrying, am and pm, and using decimal points and dollar signs in money amounts. Some children did not get their arithmetic done in class, and are bringing these books home to correct and/or complete. In math, the grade 3s used a number line to skip count on or back at different starting points. They described the patterns they observed. The grade 4s had  fun working with number patterns on a calculator. Remember to send in a calculator for your child if you haven't already done so.
In science, the children worked with a partner to describe a rock sample. We learned that rockhounders collect rocks. After reviewing safety rules, the class went on a rockhounding expedition. Some children were so excited about their rocks that they are bringing them home for further examination. Remember to return them as we need them for tomorrow's science lesson.
The children completed a proofreading exercises with their spelling words today.
Grade 3 and 4s attended gym, drama and french class too.
We ended the day with a house game. Well done to Zeta for winning today's game.
Look in your child's agenda for letters about Bricks for Kids, sandwiches and Rhythmic Gymnastics (girls)

Homework:

• Learn list 1 words for tomorrow's spelling test
• MMS p. 6 & 7
• Arithmetic p. 1 - 6

Second Day of School

The children began their day with an arithmetic speed drill. Also in arithmetic we reviewed adding two digit numbers without carrying (borrowing). Students worked on their spelling words in preparation for Friday's test. In math, the grade 3s used a hundred chart to count by 2s, 5s and 10s. They described the patterns that they saw. The grade 4s students identified number patterns as repeating, increasing or decreasing patterns. They created patterns rules for patterns and extended patterns using the pattern rule.
In language, we reviewed sentences and phrases. We began reading two books in class, Lets Go Rock Collecting and Brendan Buckley's Universe and Everything In It. Brendan is a true inquirer and reminded us that asking questions leads to more questions forming in our minds.
We began working on our Rocks and Minerals science unit today. They children worked with a partner to show what they know about rocks and minerals and the questions they have about rocks and minerals.

Homework:

• Review list 1 spelling words for Friday's test
• MMS p. 4 & 5 and orrections to yesterday's work if applicable
• Look for letters about pizza, hot dogs, milk, karate & piano coming home today

First Day of School

The grade 3 & 4 children had a productive first day. We spent the morning discussing the year ahead and our Essential Agreement. The children then organised their school supplies before heading off to gym with Mr. Rojas. Back in class we worked on time and place value in arithmetic. The children also worked on this week's spelling words. In math, the grade 3s began a unit on Place Value and Patterning. They examined and described patterns in a hundred chart. The grade 4s began a unit on number patterns. They worked on describing patterns as either a position pattern or a number pattern.  The children are bringing home their MMS workbooks and they need to complete pages 2 and 3. The children also attended french with Mme. Stella today.

Homework

• Spelling - review list 1 words for Friday's spelling test
• MMS - page 2 & 3
• Review, sign and return the SJA Handbooks that are coming home today

Parents, please initial your child's agenda daily.