Indoor Shadows

In our inquiry today, we reviewed what the terms transparent, translucent and opaque mean. We also discussed how these properties affect our lives. Our new lesson on light was about the absence of light - shadows. The children used a light source to put on shadow skits. The class had to guess what the students were doing from their shadows. The children noticed that the distance between the light source and the object causing the shadow affected the size of the shadow. Ask your child where they need to stand in relation to the light source to make a large shadow and a small shadow. We ended our inquiry into shadows with the class making shadow puppets. What a fun lesson!

The children attended gym, drama and French class today.
In math, the grade 3s learned about measuring temperature with a thermometer in degrees Celsius. They learned about some benchmark temperatures such as when water boils or freezes,  room temperature, and the temperature on a hot day. The grade 4s are still working on measuring time. Today they worked on elapsed time. They created schedules for a fun day, where the activities had to include hours and minutes, allowing for meal times and travel time between activities.
We ended the day working poems and speeches. Grade 4s were introduced to the Expository Pillar organiser which helps them organise their ideas and supporting details. Some of the grade 4s have chosen topics that they need to do research on. Think Pads will be available in the classroom. If students do not collect enough information to complete their paragraph at school, they will need to do additional  research at home. The students also worked on spelling, agendas and reading

Homework & Reminders

• Spelling
• MMS 3 p. 118 & 119
• MMS 4 p. 94 & 95
• Poems and Speeches
• Children wh have ordered a hot lunch for February 6 (Orchestra Games trip) will get a credit note for March 6 instead

Transparent, Translucent, and Opaque

Today we wondered what transparent, translucent, and opaque  materials were and what they have to do with light. Students shared their thoughts on what they thought these terms mean, helping us create class-generated definitions. We then used non-fiction texts to discover the meanings of these terms. The children discovered that they had had a pretty good idea of what transparent meant, a so-so idea of what translucent meant and no idea what opaque meant. Reading helped them give correct meanings to these words. The children then designed an investigation to test a variety of materials to determine if they were transparent, translucent or opaque. They discovered that their predictions were spot on. Tomorrow we will consider how a material reflecting, absorbing or letting light through affects people and the different ways these materials can be used.
The children attended gym, music and French class today.
In math, the grade 3s worked on understanding and solving problems with elapsed time. The grade 4s had a fun time estimating how long an activity would take, then carrying out the activity and timing the actual time. The children are bringing home the Data Management unit test and unit problem they worked on last week. Be sure to check your child's test folder.
We ended the day with the grade 3s working on their poems and the grade 4s working on their their speech planner. Both grades worked on spelling and agendas too.

Homework & Reminders:

• Spelling
• MMS 3 p. 116 & 117
• MMS 4 p. 92 & 93
• Poems & speeches
• Sign, review and return Data Management Unit test and unit problem

Life Without Light Tableau



Life Without Light Tableau



Life Without Light Tableau



Rating materials as good or bad reflectors



Building kaleidoscopes



Collaboration



Building a periscope as a team



Testing out the periscope



Making improvements to the periscope



Trying another group's periscope



Testing for transparency, translucency & opaqueness



Testing for transparency, translucency & opaqueness

Periscopes

Working together was the main part of our morning. Students worked in groups to design a periscope. It took quite a bit of discussion between group members before a design could be decided on. Once consensus was reached, groups built their periscopes. This task came with many challenges - one of which was figuring out how to angle the mirrors in the cartons. The children used problem solving skills as challenges arose. Tomorrow they get to show how their periscopes work to other groups.
The children enjoyed gym with Mr. Browning, drama with Mrs. Henein and French with Mme. Stella.
In math, grade 4s practiced telling time to the minute. The grade 3s also worked on telling time to the 5 minute interval.
We ended the day working on speeches, poems, agendas and spelling. A few of the grade 3s were brave enough to read their poems to the class. The grade 4s need to decide on their speech topic today. A number of children did not get their spelling done in class. They will be bringing their spelling home to complete.

Here, finally, are some pictures from our Medieval Day.

Archery Contest



Castle Building

Show 'n Share

More Show 'n Share

Helmet and Catapult

Hold your fire!

Getting ready for a feast

Delicious!

A Medieval spoon

Homework & Reminders

• Spelling p. 82
• MMS 3 p.114 & 115
• MMS 4 p. 90 & 91
• Poems & Speeches
• Drama - see Mrs. Henein's blog
• Tomorrow is Casual Day

Kaleidoscopes

Despite the snowy weather and slippery roads we had almost perfect attendance in our class today. Thank you for your commitment to our school day! The children worked on list 20 spelling words and agendas. We then continued with our inquiry into light. The children considered how kaleidoscopes and periscopes are similar. The children examined a kaleidoscope. Ask your child what the word "kaleidoscope" means. They then got into groups to construct a kaleidoscope. We need a little more time to finish them up tomorrow.
The children are getting lots of practice at working cooperatively in a group with all our investigations and experiments with light. The children attended gym class with Mr. Browning and music class with Ms. Levterova. We are also happy that Mme. Stella is back and the children are back to their regular French program with her.
In math, both grades began work on a new unit about measurement. Today we reviewed what the children learned about measurement last year. The grade 4s are learning to relate measures of time such as millennium, centuries, decades, years, months, weeks, days, hours, minutes and seconds. The grade 3s worked to use a calendar to measure time.
We ended the day introducing the Annual SJA Oral Competition. Both grades are bringing home a duo tang containing information about this competition. Be sure to look out for it in your child's backpack. Grade 3s will be reciting a poem. Grade 4s will be writing and reciting an expository speech. Read, sign and return the information package coming home today. We will be taking a short break from Arithmetic to make time to work on the oral presentations.

Homework & Reminders

• Spelling list 20
• MMS 3 p. 112 & 113
• MMS 4 p. 88 & 89
• Read, sign, complete assigned work, and return poetry & speech package

Good Reflectors

Today we had a visitor from the Heart and Stroke Foundation visit our school. She shared the habits and activities that help us keep our hearts healthy and motivated the children to become heart heroes. Students and teachers took part in a skipping contest.
At the end of Convocation, Ms. Elliot's and Chin's classes challenged our class to a skipping competition and we took up the challenge. Lara came in second overall. Well done Lara!
The children then participated in an active gym class with Mr. Browning. Back in class we had our weekly spelling tests and worked on some speed drills. Spelling tests are coming home today.
After lunch we worked on our inquiry into light. Today we wondered how light helps us to see. We turned the light off in our room. We were amazed at how much our eyes could adjust after awhile but we could not make out the colour of objects. The children deduced (thanks to some knowledge supplied by Jessica), that light bounces off objects and then into our eyes. Objects that reflect a lot of light are usually light in colour and objects that reflect little light are darker. The children were given seven items. They made a prediction about the ranking of these objects and then used a flashlight to test which objects were the best and worst reflectors. Jewel made a connection to our inquiry unit on safety last year  when we learned that we need to wear light or reflective clothes when doing activities outside in the dark.

Homework & Reminders

• Sign spelling tests coming home today
• Trip forms were due today
• See Jump Rope letters coming home today

How is Light Reflected

Our class was humming with excitement today. We asked the question, " What happens when light hits a mirror?" The children had many ideas, some similar and some different. They then heard how Archimedes supposedly had soldiers use small mirrors to reflect the light of the sun and burn Roman ships. The children were asked if they thought this story was true. Based on what they know about how mirrors reflect light, students made a hypothesis. They then used a flashlight, clay, index cards and a mirror to test their hypothesis  Ask you child to tell you what they learned about how mirrors reflect light and if their hypothesis was correct.
The children attended gym class with Mr. Browning today.
In math, the students worked in groups to solve a unit problem to show what they have learned about data management  Our class was very noisy, but productive with everyone conducting a survey at the same time.
We ended our day by beginning something new. The children have begun writing the first story in a graphic novel titled, "What If ...?" Today's story was all about what life would be like if the sun was our only source of light. Abel had a the wonderful idea of showing these novels at Arts Night later this year.

Homework & Reminders

• Spelling
• Arithmetic p. 129, 130
• Laser Game

How Does Light Travel?

Today we dove right into our inquiry into light wondering how light travels. Students had many thoughts about how light travels. They shared their thoughts. We then did an experiment with a flashlight and chalk dust in a dark room. This experiment helped the children to better understand how light travels. Ask your child to explain this experiment to you. Next we viewed pictures of spot lights. The children agreed that it seemed that light travels in straight line. They used this information to make a hypothesis to explain how light travels. They then conducted an experiment with index cards and flashlights to test their hypothesis. Ask your child what they learned about how light travels. If they say that light travels in straight lines, ask them how they can convince you that this is true.
The children attended gym class with Mr. Browning and music class with Ms. Levterova.
They wrote their data management test today. In arithmetic they learned that when they are converting measures, they divide when converting from a smaller unit to a larger unit, and multiply when converting larger units to smaller units.

Homework and Reminders

• Spelling
• Arithmetic p. 127, 128
• Sign arithmetic tests that are coming home today

Life Without Light

We began our day working on this week's spelling words and agendas.
In our inquiry unit, we reviewed the differences between natural and artificial light and examples of each.We considered what life would be like if there was no light. Students worked in a group to generate sentences to explain what life would be like. Once ideas were recorded, students worked to create a tableau to show their ideas. Each group had a chance to practice on stage. Once everyone was ready, we set up chairs and enjoyed the tableau performances of all the groups Although there was a lot of giggling from the audience, we all understand that life without light would be awful and just downright impossible.
Children worked on their arithmetic next. Today's concept involved students understanding that there are 1000 g in a kilogram and relating grams and kilograms to ounces and pounds.
In math we continued working on review work to prepare for tomorrow's math test.
We ended the day with gym.

Homework & Reminders

• Spelling
• MMS 3 & 4 Study for tomorrow's unit test on data management
• Arithmetic p. 125 & 126
• Trip forms & payment

Natural & Artificial Light

After all the fun we had on Friday with our Medieval Day, some students in grade 3 & 4 struggled to stay quiet for some activities today. We reviewed what good listening skills are and the rules the students agreed were good to direct our behaviour in class. I am sure everyone will do a better job tomorrow.
We began an exciting new inquiry unit today. We will be investigating light and sound for the next 6 weeks, and I am excited about the activities planned as well as the directions the students' interests will take us. Today we wondered about what light is. The students showed what they already know about light, but also what they would like to discover about light. We also wondered what the difference between natural and artificial light. Students came up with a great list of examples of natural and artificial light. We will be needing some supplies  for our investigations. Please send empty, clean 1 L milk or juice cartons and Pringles or Lays canisters if you have.
Students attended gym class with Mr. Browning today. Most of the girls took a very long time to change out of their gym clothes today. The girls need to need to focus on changing only and get back to call within 5 minutes of the end of gym class. Perhaps moms and dads could time the girls in mornings to help them get an idea of how long it is taking them to get dressed.
The students attended music class with Ms. Levterova. She announced our trip to see Orchestra Games at the Toronto Centre for the Arts on Wednesday, Feb. 6. Forms and payment are due this Friday.This trip will help the students understand the sources and properties of sound as well as the impact orchestra sounds have on society.
Mme. Stella is away and we used french time to work on our new inquiry unit.
In math, both grades worked on reviewing and practicing concepts learned in our data management unit in preparation for Wednesday's unit test.
In arithmetic, students wrote a test. This test will be coming home later this week.

Homework & Reminders:

• Review list 19 words for Friday's spelling test
• MMS 3 Review p. 96-111
• MMS 4 Review p. 76-87
• Look out for a trip letter coming home today
• Discuss what innovation and technology mean
• Bring in 1 L milk or juice carton and Lays or Pringles cannisters

Medieval Day

Our day started with Convocation. We learned that Zeta is still in the lead for the house competition, followed by Kappa and then Theta. We played a house game where students had to match a definition to its learner profile attribute. Houses helped their candidate, but their messenger had to be one of our kindergarten students. Kappa won this game thanks to the sterling performance of Poorvi, who also knew the learner profile attributes in French.
Back in class we began Medieval Day and what a fabulous day it was! The costumes were great and the class was humming with excitement. Students focused on work as the explained why they thought a feudal system was a good way to live or why they thought it wasn't. They also compared the feudal system to the way we live today.
Students then participated in Medieval gym class where they played Oranges and Lemons and Bocci.
Back in class students set up their artefacts and put on a show and share for the entire school. Ks to grade 8 visited our class to see what we have been learning and to ask questions.
Next up was reading buddies with Ms. Genco's SKs. Grade 3s and 4s shared a book about the middle ages with their buddies.
By this time, everybody was ready for a FEAST! The food was delicious and fingers were sticky and greasy. The children declared that they would like to have a feast everyday. Then they called for the entertainers. The chanted for Jessica to perform her peacock dance and for Carter to perform his break dance, and before you knew it, everybody was dancing ... gangam style. With a bit more space in our bellies, we managed to focus on the third course of our feast - dessert.
At this point, all the lords and ladies had to lower themselves to the menial task of cleaning up. We headed off to the kitchen to bake bread. As we waited for the bread to rise, students took time to reflect on and share what they enjoyed most about this unit. Visiting Medieval Times was the favourite by far. Other favourites were Medieval Day, making a coat of arms and shield with Mr. Browning and making stained glass windows.
While our bread baked, we had a archery and catapult competition for all students who built these artefacts. The archers first had to practice safety tips while at the firing range.
We ended the day enjoying freshly baked, piping hot bread smothered in butter and jam. Mmmmm
Now, we all need a nap to recover from such a busy day.
Thank you to the great attitudes lords, ladies and peasants. Have a wonderful weekend!

Homework & Reminders:

• MMS 3 & 4, review unit 5 on data management for Tuesday or Wednesday's test

Tables as a Strategy for Solving Problems

This morning was a much more productive building time for everyone in grades 3 & 4. Students had their supplies at school and worked on their projects. A few experienced some frustration that is part of doing something new. They did a great job of problem solving and trying to overcome obstacles. The children were sad when building time was over.
They had a good time with Mr. Browning. I heard a rumour that today is the last day of volleyball for our class.
Back in class, the two grades took turns writing their spelling tests, working on their agendas, and reflecting on each others medieval art. Spelling tests are coming home today. Please sign and return the test.
Next up was drama class with Mrs. Henein. Some students had to sit out of drama because they had not done their drama homework.
After French, the grade 3s learned how to conduct a survey  They practiced choosing a topic, posing a question with possible answers, making predictions, and recording their data. Grade 4s worked on a strategy lesson today. The strategy was using a table to solve a problem. The children did a great job at using this strategy. We ended the day with review work in arithmetic.
We are all excited for tomorrow's Medieval Day.

Homework & Reminders

• Sign & return spelling tests
• MMS 3 p. 110 & 111
• MMS 4 Study p. 76 - 86
• Arithmetic p. 123 & 124
• Medieval and modern comparisons are due tomorrow
• Come to school dressed in your costume tomorrow
• Remember to bring food for the feast

Surveys

Building a medieval artefact was productive for all the students who brought in their building supplies. There were a few students who did not bring in any building supplies. Their time was a bit frustrating as they could not spend the hour allocated for building effectively. All students need to be better prepared tomorrow as we will be building for another hour tomorrow.
Students worked on volleyball skills in gym with Mr. Browning. Back in class, we finished reviewing lists 13 to 17 for tomorrow's spelling test and worked on agendas before joining Ms. Levterova for music.
Mme. Stella was holding a French medieval book when she left our class today. This was a sure clue that the children have spoken with her about the need for a medieval French lesson on Friday.
In math, grade 3s used tables and tally marks to collect and organise data. The grade 4s composed a survey question and possible answers, made a prediction about what they thought the results would be, before carrying out their survey with their classmates and then displaying the data in a bar graph. We are nearing the end of our Data Management unit. We will do review work on Monday. If we get through all our review work, students will write their unit test on Tuesday. If we do not get through all our review work on Monday, we will write the unit test on Wednesday instead.
We ended the day working on arithmetic. We focused on the litre as a metric measure of capacity. The students understand that a litre is a little more than a quart.

Homework & Reminders:

• Spelling
• MMS 3 p. 108 & 109
• MMS 4 p. 86 & 87
• Arithmetic p. 121 & 122
• Complete medieval and modern comparisons
• Bring in building supplies for the project we are working on tomorrow
• MMS test on Tues. or Wed.

Stained Glass Windows

Kindergarten skills in tracing and cutting out proved very valuable to students. They worked with tissue paper to create a stained glass mirror effect for their Medieval art projects. This project turned out to be very tricky. A number of students missed gym to finish their work or .... to start again.
After gym, students worked on spelling words and agendas. We focused on list 14 and 15 words today before joining Mrs. Henein for drama class.
After French class, grade 3 students worked on a strategy lesson in math. Today's strategy was to solve a tricky problem by first solving a simple problem. This strategy can be used in any math unit. The grade 4s completed yesterday's class work on drawing bar graphs by hand. Once done, the students used Microsoft Excel to create bar graphs. There is no MMS homework for both grades today.
In arithmetic we learned that there are 5 280 feet in a mile and 1760 yards in a mile. Many students worked hard and completed all their arithmetic in class.
We discussed what it means to be open-minded today as this is the learner profile we are focusing on for the month of January. The students shared their ideas of what this means to them. Ask your child what open-minded means, and share your understanding with them.
Some students have not let me know what they will be contributing to the Medieval feast on Friday. Please check the menu on last Friday's blog and be sure to let me know.

The SJA Parent Guild have decided on the date for this year's Gala event. Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 24 at 4 pm.

Homework and Reminders:

• Spelling lists 13-17
• Arithmetic p. 119 & 120
• Sign language and arithmetic tests coming home today
• Complete the comparison of Medieval and modern societies
• Medieval building project supplies are due tomorrow
• Tonight 's IB Parent Info. Night begins at 7 pm

Ounces, Pounds and Tons

We began our Medieval art project today. The children are making stained glass windows. Today they spent time working on their design and finally making the frame of their window. The children had great attitudes as they worked on their art. We will continue working on this project tomorrow.
The class was off to gym next. After gym, they worked on spelling and agendas. This week we will be reviewing lists 13-17. We focused on list 13 words today. Ms. Levterova was not at school today and the children did not go to music. Instead we got started on our arithmetic lesson early. The goal was to get as much done in class so there is less to do for homework. In today's lesson we learned the relationship between ounces, pounds, and tons. The children held 1 ounce in one hand and a pound in the other hand to help them have an understanding of these weight measures.
After French, both grades had math class and both grades worked on drawing bar graphs by hand where the graph has a scale of one to many.
At the end of the day, the children had time to work on their Medieval research where they are comparing their medieval person or artefact to the equivalent in our modern society. Some children are bringing their research home to do some further work.
Look out for child care statements and lunch forms coming home today.

Homework & Reminders:

• Review spelling lists 13 - 17
• Spelling test on Thursday
• MMS 3 p. 106, 107
• MMS 4 p. 54, 85
• Arithmetic p. 117, 118
• Medieval comparison research
• Collect supplies for medieval project building on Wednesday
• Friday is Medieval Day - come in costume and bring food to share
• IB Parent Info Night tomorrow at 7 pm

Planning our Medieval Week

On Friday, the school got to enjoy house games at the start of the day. Students from Kappa, Zeta, and Theta went up against each other in a game of dribbling and shooting the hoop relays. Congratulations to Zeta for winning each game and for the strong lead in the overall house competition.
In class, grade 3s and 4s wrote this week's spelling and arithmetic tests. Spelling tests have gone home and arithmetic tests will come home on Monday. There is no arithmetic homework this weekend.
The children attended gym, French and had reading buddies with Ms. Genco's SKs. This time is much enjoyed by all students.
In math, grade 3s used pictographs to display data using scales of many to 1. Grade 4s used ThinkPads to generate pictographs on the SoftSchools website and using Micrsoft Excel. Visit the following site for more practice: http://www.softschools.com/math/data_analysis/pictograph/make_your_own_pictograph/
For instructions on how to used Excel to create pictographs, see the following site: http://spreadsheets.about.com/od/excelcharts/ss/pictograph_4.htm

Students used the remaining class time to begin comparing their medieval person or artefact to the modern equivalent. This will be the focus as we finish up our inquiry unit, along with a lot of fun activities that the children have chosen to do. For our final inquiry week on the Middle Ages, students will working on and completing an art and building project. Friday will be our final day of the unit and the students have asked to celebrate the unit with a Medieval Day. Children spent time brainstorming, researching, and voting on the activities for Medieval Day. Monday and Tuesday will be spent working on the Medieval art project. On Wednesday and Thursday, students have chosen to build bows and arrows, trebuchets, catapults, castles, ladies' hats or knights head gear. Ask your child what they have chosen. They need to start collecting supplies to have them ready for building beginning on Wednesday. We have many books in our classroom with ideas and supplies for these projects and the supplies are inexpensive and easy to work with. Alternatively, students can research supplies and ideas from home.
Students may come to school dressed in a Medieval costume. Please don't purchase a costume. Rather use imagination with clothes you already have.
On Friday, the students have planned the following schedule:

Medieval Day, Friday, January 18, 2013
9:00 - 10:00 Treasure Hunt
10:00 - 10:30 Gym (Bocci, Oranges & Lemons, Blind Man's Bluff)
10:30 - 11:00 St. George and the Dragon Play (performed by grade 3s & 4s)
11:00 - 11:30 Reading Buddies (Grade 3s & 4s to select a book on or about the Middle Ages)
11:30 - 11:50 Medieval Feast (See menu below)
11:50 - 12:10 Recess (or feast clean-up)
12:10 - 1:00 Medieval French (students still need to speak to Mme. Stella on how to make their French lesson a Medieval one)
1:00 - 1:50 Make & bake bread, unit reflections while the bread is baking
1:50 - 2:10 Lunch - enjoy hot bread
2:10 - 2:30 Recess
2:30 - 3:30 Bow & arrow, trebuchet, and catapult contests; Jousting with noodles tournament, Capture the Flag

Students do not need to bring their regular lunch. Instead everybody needs to contribute a dish to our feast. Some students have already chosen a dish to bring. If your child has not chosen a dish, please see what is still needed below and let us know what you will be sending.
Menu (We will be using fingers for cutlery) and trenchers (bread) as plates

Bread (to be used as trenchers)

First Course
Pottage (Kunsh)
Small savoury tarts, or mini quiches (Adam)
Mixed green salad (Jessica & Meena)
'Gilded' meatballs (Julia, Alex)
Honeyed carrots (Carter)

Second Course
Roasted chicken decorated with parsely and apple slices (Temi, Braeden, Jewel)
Apple sauce with cinnamon (Braeden)

Third Course
Small fruit tartlets ( Lukas)
Medieval gingerbread (Rachel)
Grapes (Shannon, Zain & Lara)
Dried apricots and dates (Victoria)
Spiced cider (Ghazi, Nathan, Ms. Ahmed)

Reminders & Homework

• Sign, correct & return spelling
• MMS 3 p. 104, 105
• Read the information about our Medieval Week above and start collecting supplies and ingredients. Also respond as to which dish you will be contributing

Have a wonderful weekend!

Feudal System

Our middle ages lesson focused on the social organization of that time. The children heard about William the Conqueror, the Battle of Hastings, lords, vassals, and serfs.The girls were not pleased to hear about the role of most women during the middle ages.  Ask your child to explain the feudal system to you.
After gym class, the children worked on their spelling words and agendas before attending drama class.
After French, the grade 3s worked on interpreting data from circle graphs in math. The grade 4s drew pictographs by hand.We ended the day working on arithmetic. Students reviewed calendar time concepts such as days in a month, days in a year or leap year and weeks in a year.
Next week, on January 15 at 7 pm, SJA will be hosting an IB information Night for parents. If you would like more information about the IBO, be sure to attend this meeting.

Homework & Reminders

• Spelling list 17
• MMS 3 p. 102 & 103
• MMS 4 p. 82 & 83
• Arithmetic p. 115 & 116
• IB Parent Info. Meeting on Jan.15 at 7 pm

Dozens

The grade 3 class continued working on their medieval person or artifact this morning. Students shared the resources in the class to conduct their research. The medieval research chart and sheet are to be completed for today's homework. Students are bringing their work home home to complete these two pages. The last page, the comparison page, is not to be done for homework - we will work on this page in class tomorrow.
The children continued reviewing list 17 words in preparation for Friday's spelling test.
Grade 3 and 4s participated in music, gym, and French class today.
In math, grade 3s interpreted data from bar graphs and pictographs. Grade 4s read and interpreted circle graphs. In arithmetic, students learned that 12 of something is called a dozen (dz.) They continued practicing concepts already learned.

Homework & Reminders

• Review list 17 spelling words for Friday's test
• MMS 3 p. 100, 101
• MMS 4 p. 80 & 81
• Arithmetic p. 113, 114
• Medieval Research chart and sheet to be completed at home - due tomorrow

Research

Our class was buzzing this morning with children researching their topic on ThinkPads, using resource books in the classroom to find information or helping a buddy out by sharing relevant information. The children are getting stuck into their Medieval projects. Some are asking to do some work at home too, so parents may see the project packages coming home and your child asking for computer time to do some research.
In gym class, the students were learning to volley with Mr. Browning. Back in class they worked on list 17 spelling words and agendas before having a fun drama class with Ms. Henein.
After french, students in grade 3 used 3 attributes to sort objects. Their Venn diagram looked a bit different today from the one they used yesterday. The grade 4s read and interpreted pictographs and bar graphs. In arithmetic, we reviewed multiplication when 7 is a factor and related this to the days of a week, and the approximate days in a month.

Homework & Reminders:

• Review list 17 spelling words
• MMS 3 p. 98 & 99
• MMS 4 p. 78 & 79
• Arithmetic p. 111 & 112
• Medieval research for those who want to do some work at home (don't forget to being your packages back to school with you)
• Scholastic forms are coming home today. Orders are due on Monday (Cheques only)

Influences from the Past

It was wonderful to see all the grade 3s and 4s this morning. We welcomed Zain and Ms. Bannon to our class today. The children wasted no time in getting right back to work. We began our day working on our Medieval unit. We have begun reading a new book called The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop. The children were introduced to one of their final projects for our Medieval unit. We are considering how the Middle Ages has influenced modern societies. The children are choosing a medieval artifact or person to research. They will compare that tool or person to their modern-day equivalent and then say how the person or artifact has influenced our lives today. The children have all chosen their research topics and are ready to start researching when they get to class tomorrow morning.
The children enjoyed gym time with Mr. Browning and changed for gym and back for class in great time. Well done everyone! We worked on list 17 spelling words and agendas.Remaining class time was used for reading or medieval research. The class then had music class with Ms. L.
After French, the grade 3s and 4s began their 5th MMS unit on Data Management. Grade 3s reviewed what they had learned about data management in grade 2 and were introduced to the expectations for grade 3. Today's lesson focused on sorting data using 2 attributes  Ask your child to explain what an attribute is and which graphic organizer they could use to sort by two attributes. The grade 4s reviewed what they learned about data management in grade 3 and were introduced to the grade 4 expectations. Today's lesson focused on interpreting data presented in tables. We ended our day with an arithmetic lesson, where the children used quarts, pecks and bushels as capacity measures. To help our children to be internationally minded, we learn both imperial and metric measures at SJA.

Homework & Reminders:

• Study list 17 words for Friday's spelling test
• MMS 3 p. 96 & 97
• MMS 4 p. 76 & 77
• Arithmetic p. 109, 110