Monday - Thursday, April 12-15, 2021

My apologies. Something is going on with this blog site but I dont' know what it is and am unable to fix it. I will keep checking it but at this time, it is pointless for me to add posts that are all jumbled and difficult to read.

Thursday, March 11, 2021

 We had a rather productive day, despite the craziness and Spring Break being only one day away!

*Purdy's orders are in!  Some students took them home, others will need to be picked up.  You can call the office if unsure.  

We started our day watching an amazing video about people in China who live up in the mountains.  Check this out:

Next, we marked the possessive nouns worksheet that we did yesterday, followed by a second short review quiz about nouns.   That left a few minutes for students to work on their Landforms book in Book Creator.  

After recess break, students did their second X3 drill and recorded their results on their bar graph.  Then we marked / reviewed the perimeters package they worked on yesterday, not only reviewing what perimeter is, but developing strategies to make addition easier.   Students are also encouraged to write down partial sums and not to keep everything in their head; this is how mistakes are often made.  Students are also reminded to include the ever-important unit of measure in their answer!

After lunch, Pat's class presented their research projects about grease trails and the eulachon.  My class played Kahoot! after the presentations to see how well they listened to the presentations.  I think they enjoy the competition more than anything:)  

This took us to PE where we went outside to enjoy the fresh air.

Upon our return, students learned about warm and cool colours. 
They began landscape pictures using warm or cool colours (either one or the other for the sky, and the opposite for the land).  I also introduced them to Ted Harrison's art work and whose style we are using to create our art pieces.  The following are works in progress. 

REMINDERS: WEAR GREEN TOMORROW FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY, and TACO LUNCH PROVIDED for those who said they wanted some.  :)

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

 Greetings, folks.

Today's post isn't very exciting.  First thing this morning we looked at a presentation of old photographs, including the Eiffel Tower and Golden Gate Bridge under construction, the feet and crown of the Statue of Liberty before construction, and the first electric car.  We also saw early images of New York City and Chicago.  We had some good conversations around these photos.

Next, we continued with the Readwell program - students at different stages - while I had a chance to read with one or two students independently. 

After snack and recess break, students did Drills That Thrill (subtraction facts) and added to their line graphs.  Following that, we marked and reviewed subtraction involving borrowing when zeros are involved.  Most students are feeling comfortable; we need to keep practicing so that the process becomes second nature.  Some students need to keep practicing their subtraction facts; using the "adding up" strategy might be helpful.  For example:  13 - 7 = ?  Count up from 7 until you get to 13 (8-9-10-11-12-13) will give you 6. 

After lunch, the students went to the Big House for Culture with Ema and Isaiah.  Apparently Ema recorded some of their work and will be posting it to Facebook, so watch for that.  

Have a wonderful evening, everyone.

Ms. Sue

REMINDERS: 

PIZZA ORDERS ARE DUE TOMORROW!

$3 / each   cheese or pepperoni

$1 / cup of chocolate milk

$1 small bag of chips

PLEASE WEAR BOOTS

With the weather becoming increasingly wet, outdoor footwear is needed, with a change of indoor shoes. Runners are recommended but hard-soled slippers or acceptable.  Thank you for helping us keep our floors in good shape. 

Monday, February 10, 2020

Hi folks.  I just realized that I didn't post Friday's agenda and activities, and just deleted the photos from my camera.  Sorry about that.  Anyway.... here's our day today:


We hadn't done spelling for two weeks so got back it today, looking at some more Greek and Latin Roots: cap, brev, san, ord, phil.
Students had a bit of time to work on their package; tomorrow we will go over the words for their spelling list, and check the crossword together.

Following that, we took another look at subjects and predicates. We did an activity together whereby students started with a simple sentence, such as...
The dog sat.
Then added an adjective (to describe the noun):
The big dog sat.
Then added a second adjective: The big hairy dog sat.
Next, we add an adverb (to describe the verb): The big hairy dog sat on the mat.
And another adverb: The big hairy dog sat on the comfy mat.
Finally, for the purpose of this demonstration, we added a prepositional phrase: The big hairy dog sat on the comfy mat by the door.  I am reinforcing key vocabulary words: nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs while demonstrating how to make their "bare bones" sentences more interesting.

Following this, students started to work on their "Making Better Sentences" package.

After recess, we jumped into the math vocabulary related to multiplication.  Continuing from last week, we completed some more factoring activities and drew arrays.

For a break, students paired to play a game called Making Tens.

In the afternoon, after Plangendas, students worked in small groups to combine puzzle pieces.  Each set of four puzzle pieces contained a vocabulary word related to Earth, a picture, a definition, and examples.  They worked very well together; we will solve them after working through some information.

 

 

    *A REMINDER: This letter went home today!

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Good afternoon, everyone.  Here's a look at the shape of our day:

We started out reading a book that Chase brought in, tying to our Raven reflections.
The artist, Roy Henry Vickers, is a BC artist who has an art gallery in Tofino, if you ever get a chance to visit it.


REMINDERS: Spelling quiz tomorrow!
Calendar orders are also due tomorrow!
Subway lunch orders are due Monday.

Next, we read and discussed two "Famous Failures" figures: Michael Jordan and Steve Jobs.  Both persons experienced failure but demonstrated determination and perseverance to improve their situation and to do their personal best.

After PE and recess, we marked and reviewed our math from the last couple of days, including expanded form, place values and value of a digit.  Then the students had some time on Mathletics practicing these same concepts.  Also included were comparing numbers and ordering sets of numbers in order from least to greatest and vice versa.

After lunch and a quick practice of the Candy Man, I introduced the kids to Kahoot!, an online platform for game-style quiz taking.  With a partner (two to each iPad), they tested their knowledge about the Water Cycle and Energy. They really enjoyed this.

For the last half hour or so, students worked to finish their Zentangle art pieces.  Here are some finished ones:

 

 

 

Monday, November 18, 2019

Good day, folks!  We had another busy day - I am working them hard, but hope they're having fun!

Here's a look at our day:



Before choosing our seating for the week, we read and briefly discussed a story about Anne Frank.

Next, the students were introduced to more Greek and Latin Root words; they worked on their package for a bit.  It is due Wednesday, with a little class time to work on it tomorrow.
The spelling list is below; quiz Friday.

After recess, we did another drill, this time is was subtracting random numbers from 10.  While checking our answers as a class, the students are practicing using their math vocabulary.  Some are getting quite creative as to how to say "10 - 7 = 3", using "difference", "equation", "take away", "subtract" and "minus". 

During math, students also created a number pocket and cut out digits for making numbers.  We practiced some subtraction and addition problems, making the number in their number pockets.

In the afternoon, all of the intermediate students went to an Assembly.  The focus for this week is Respect: active listening.  Mme. Tedesco focused on this during the assembly.  Students of mixed grade levels worked together on an activity.  The teachers used this 45 minutes to collaborate and discuss curriculum areas to address in their classrooms.

Following the assembly, we continued drawing the Water Cycle (from Friday).  Here are couple of student samples:

 

THIS LETTER WENT HOME TODAY!  SEEKING MORE HELPERS, PLEASE!

Dear Parents,                                                                                              November 18, 2019

Thank you to those of you who responded to the first letter requesting volunteers - sent home November 4^th.  We have two volunteers but need more, please!

We have three upcoming outings for which I need parent helpers, please and thank you.  The dates and outings are as described below.  Please let me know as soon as possible if you are able to help out with any of these.

Thursday, November 21 – [12:50-2:15] - Winter Farmers’ Market – (Three parents required.) (Two more parents required.)   We will go on the bus.

Friday, November 22 – [10:20-12:00] - Walk to Mount Cartier Court to participate in their music hour.  (One parent required.)

Tuesday, November 26 – [9:00 – 11:15] – Southside and Community Connections tours (Two parents required.) .  (One more parent required.)     We will go on the bus.

Just “star” the one(s) you’re able to help with and include your name on the line below.  Thank you very much in advance!

Monday, November 4, 2019

Welcome to November, everyone!  Here's a glimpse of our day:

Students chose their seats today.  The desks had been arranged in groups of four, three, two, or single.  We drew sticks and students chose their seat, keeping in mind where and with whom they work best.  Most made good decisions so we'll see how the rest of the week goes.

We briefly reviewed the elements of a story (characters, setting, conflict, resolution, and key details) before students completed a short exercise as part of their daily reading skills focus.

Next, we read A River Runs Wild  by Lynne Cherry.

It was a story based on a restoration and renewal project of the Nashua River in Eastern USA, and the push for environmental laws to be created.  In 1965, the U.S. Congress passed the first Clean Water Act. It was a start, and perhaps set goals for other areas.

After a fire drill, recess and addition drills, students graphed their data from their Halloween Candy haul.  We reviewed the criteria of a graph before starting. The following are some examples.  Those students who did not bring their data to school today, got started on their graph and are to complete it at home tonight.

 

After lunch, we had a whole-school assembly.  Students sorted their CARE CARDS into their preferred charity (Water Aid or Ronald McDonald House), were reminded to use Power words (words to empower them) to solve problems peacefully, and watched a slideshow of photos.

Back in the classroom, students completed their "Plangendas" and had a brief silent reading period before being introduced to Zentangles.  We started a couple of these before the end of the day.

IMPORTANCE NOTICE: I need a parent helper for Friday's walk to Mount Cartier Court, please!!
I sent a note home outlining two other upcoming outings as well.  Please consider joining us for any of these events. (See below)

PAC Sushi Lunch order forms went home today, as well.

November 4, 2019

Dear Parents,

We have three upcoming outings for which I need parent helpers, please and thank you.  The dates and outings are as described below.  Please let me know as soon as possible if you are able to help out with any of these.

Friday, November 8 – [10:20-12:00] - Walk to Mount Cartier Court to participate in their music hour.  (One parent required.)

Thursday, November 21 – [12:50-2:15] - Winter Farmers’ Market – (Three parents required.)

Tuesday, November 26 – [9:00 – 11:15] – Southside and Community Connections tours (Two parents required.)

Just “star” the one(s) you’re able to help with and include your name on the line below.  Thank you very much in advance!