Swimming lessons are going very well. We're lucky that the weather has warmed up for us so that we don't iciclize on our trek back to school. (Thanks to whoever is in charge of the weather this week!) Also, thanks so much to the parents who have been helping out with the changing rooms - you're appreciated! Please remember to send swimming gear again tomorrow morning.
We had a pretty full schedule today so did not get a chance to introduce the type of golden envelope book that has been coming home for the past while. Students made their own (quick!) choice today - hopefully they chose well!
This Friday is "Rock Star Day". Students are invited (but not required) to dress up as a rock star Friday morning. It should be interesting ....
If you enjoyed the driftwood art yesterday, you might like the "hand art" photos that accompany today's blog post. Feast your eyes on these: Hand Art pictures.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
November 29, 2010
It's hard to believe that we're in the last gasps of November. The year is flying by!
Remember to send swimming gear for tomorrow morning. (The lessons went very well today, by the way.) Also, a warm hat is essential for our walk back to the school after swimming.
We're waiting for a few report cards to be returned. If you still have your child's report card at home, please sign and return it as soon as you can. Thanks.
This week's spelling assignment is based on the "magic e" rule - so "pin" becomes "pine", "cub" becomes "cube", etc. The spelling also compliments the Golden Envelope book for the day.
I came across this amazing driftwood art and thought everyone might like a peek. (I'm thinking, however tempting it may be, we should probably NOT attempt this as a class project. But we can always dream! Who knows what fires may be lit from these photos?!) Just scroll down the page after you click on the words "driftwood art" (in the first line of this paragraph) and you'll see some amazing sights.
Remember to send swimming gear for tomorrow morning. (The lessons went very well today, by the way.) Also, a warm hat is essential for our walk back to the school after swimming.
We're waiting for a few report cards to be returned. If you still have your child's report card at home, please sign and return it as soon as you can. Thanks.
This week's spelling assignment is based on the "magic e" rule - so "pin" becomes "pine", "cub" becomes "cube", etc. The spelling also compliments the Golden Envelope book for the day.
I came across this amazing driftwood art and thought everyone might like a peek. (I'm thinking, however tempting it may be, we should probably NOT attempt this as a class project. But we can always dream! Who knows what fires may be lit from these photos?!) Just scroll down the page after you click on the words "driftwood art" (in the first line of this paragraph) and you'll see some amazing sights.
Friday, November 26, 2010
November 26, 2010
Thanks to everyone who came in for interviews this week; it's always nice to touch base with home and hearth. Please remember, too, that you don't need to have a formal interview if you ever have questions or concerns. Just drop in and talk to me - or leave a note in your child's agenda or on the message machine. (Our phone number is 780-852-4447 and the classroom extension is 204.)
Spelling test results went home today.
We have swimming every morning next week - remember swim gear and warm clothes for afterward.
If you're rattling around the Tumblebooks site this weekend, be sure to look at the "Games" components of the stories that are available. (You'll find it on the far right of the screen - just opposite the "View online" bubble.) There are some great ideas in the games area - super extensions that reinforce comprehension and fluency, especially for those readers who are beginning to blast off with their reading.
We've begun a new writing component for our Language Arts program. Each day a student's name will be drawn. The person chosen will get to take home the class "stuffie" - a pink critter named Sam. Sam will join in with the student's activities for the evening, then the student will write a journal entry describing those activities. (There's also room for a photo or picture to be added to the journal.) Then Sam, her journal, and the tote bag she come in will be returned to school the next day for someone else. It's always fun to see what Sam's been up to - can't wait until next Monday morning, when Matteo (Sam's first host) returns with news about their weekend!
Spelling test results went home today.
We have swimming every morning next week - remember swim gear and warm clothes for afterward.
If you're rattling around the Tumblebooks site this weekend, be sure to look at the "Games" components of the stories that are available. (You'll find it on the far right of the screen - just opposite the "View online" bubble.) There are some great ideas in the games area - super extensions that reinforce comprehension and fluency, especially for those readers who are beginning to blast off with their reading.
We've begun a new writing component for our Language Arts program. Each day a student's name will be drawn. The person chosen will get to take home the class "stuffie" - a pink critter named Sam. Sam will join in with the student's activities for the evening, then the student will write a journal entry describing those activities. (There's also room for a photo or picture to be added to the journal.) Then Sam, her journal, and the tote bag she come in will be returned to school the next day for someone else. It's always fun to see what Sam's been up to - can't wait until next Monday morning, when Matteo (Sam's first host) returns with news about their weekend!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
November 25, 2010
Reminders for tomorrow:
1. Spelling test - yay!
2. There will be a noon dismissal for students tomorrow.
The students were each given a "Skippyjon Jones" book today for their golden envelope reading. The books are for the students to keep - there is no need to return them tomorrow. (Please send the gold envelope back, though!)
I should remind everyone that next week our class goes to the pool every morning for our swimming lessons. The lessons are scheduled for 9:30 - 10:00 so we will leave the school around 9:10 and should return before noon. (Ha ha. We're aiming for a return some time around 10:30.) Please ensure that your child has a swim suit and towel, and that they are warmly dressed next week. Warm hats will be especially important.
1. Spelling test - yay!
2. There will be a noon dismissal for students tomorrow.
The students were each given a "Skippyjon Jones" book today for their golden envelope reading. The books are for the students to keep - there is no need to return them tomorrow. (Please send the gold envelope back, though!)
I should remind everyone that next week our class goes to the pool every morning for our swimming lessons. The lessons are scheduled for 9:30 - 10:00 so we will leave the school around 9:10 and should return before noon. (Ha ha. We're aiming for a return some time around 10:30.) Please ensure that your child has a swim suit and towel, and that they are warmly dressed next week. Warm hats will be especially important.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
November 24, 2010
Thanks for returning all the parent-teacher interview forms. I'll be contacting everyone by phone to set up meeting times.
We have a new girl added to our class today - welcome, Marielle!
Reminders for tomorrow:
1. Read the "Golden Envelope" book.
2. Study spelling.
Also, I should remind everyone that there will be a noon dismissal for students this Friday.
We have been studying colour in science and recently talked about the role that colour can play in nature. The subject of camouflage came up, so I thought I'd add this link to a "human camo" expert. (Just click on the words "human camo" in the last sentence.) Enjoy!
We have a new girl added to our class today - welcome, Marielle!
Reminders for tomorrow:
1. Read the "Golden Envelope" book.
2. Study spelling.
Also, I should remind everyone that there will be a noon dismissal for students this Friday.
We have been studying colour in science and recently talked about the role that colour can play in nature. The subject of camouflage came up, so I thought I'd add this link to a "human camo" expert. (Just click on the words "human camo" in the last sentence.) Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
November 23, 2010
Sorry for not posting for the last couple of days. (The power was cut off Friday before I could post and I've been at a workshop in Edmonton for the last 2 days.)
By now everyone should have had a chance to read over the report card that was sent home yesterday. Please sign and return the report card in the envelope it came in. (We reuse the envelopes.) Also, if you haven't already signed and returned your interview form, please do that ASAP and I'll set up an interview time with you. Thanks!
Stay warm!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
November 17, 2010
Reminders:
1. Cookie sale tomorrow.
2. Study spelling.
3. Read the "Golden Envelope" book.
4. I forgot to send home today's note. It outlined the swim schedule at the local pool. Anyone who missed picking it up can get it tomorrow.
Enjoy the snow!
1. Cookie sale tomorrow.
2. Study spelling.
3. Read the "Golden Envelope" book.
4. I forgot to send home today's note. It outlined the swim schedule at the local pool. Anyone who missed picking it up can get it tomorrow.
Enjoy the snow!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
November 16, 2010
Reminders:
1. If you haven't already sent back the swim permission form, please do so asap. Thanks!
2. There will be a cookie sale Thursday.
3. Practise the spelling words! Remember that "Spelling City" link at the side. It's got lots of great activities.
4. Read the "Golden Envelope" book. Remember, if you're stuck, ask, "What do I know about this word?" Or look at the picture - maybe it will help with the word(s). Or read the rest of the sentence. Or ask if you know another word like the one you're stuck on.
5. Try jumping on the math links and rattle around some of the games there.
1. If you haven't already sent back the swim permission form, please do so asap. Thanks!
2. There will be a cookie sale Thursday.
3. Practise the spelling words! Remember that "Spelling City" link at the side. It's got lots of great activities.
4. Read the "Golden Envelope" book. Remember, if you're stuck, ask, "What do I know about this word?" Or look at the picture - maybe it will help with the word(s). Or read the rest of the sentence. Or ask if you know another word like the one you're stuck on.
5. Try jumping on the math links and rattle around some of the games there.
Monday, November 15, 2010
November 15, 2010
Just a heads-up for this Thursday: there will be a cookie sale at recess. Shine up those quarters!
It's great to see everyone keeping up with the "Golden Envelope" reading program - well done!
Don't forget to try out the Spelling City link at the side - it's got tons of games and activities that will help make a spelling Einstein (I hope that's how Albert spelled his name....) out of anyone! Just enter the list of spelling words on the blanks and start your spelling engines.
It's great to see everyone keeping up with the "Golden Envelope" reading program - well done!
Don't forget to try out the Spelling City link at the side - it's got tons of games and activities that will help make a spelling Einstein (I hope that's how Albert spelled his name....) out of anyone! Just enter the list of spelling words on the blanks and start your spelling engines.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
November 10, 2010
Remember that there is no school tomorrow.
There will be a pajama day at school Friday. Students are invited (but not required) to wear pj's and bring slippers, housecoats, and snuggly animals. Think of all the time you'll save getting ready in the morning!
Remember to practise for Friday's spelling test.
We wrote another test on reading number words today. There was lots of improvement overall - great to see!
I will be away on Friday so will not post again until Monday after school. Until then ....
There will be a pajama day at school Friday. Students are invited (but not required) to wear pj's and bring slippers, housecoats, and snuggly animals. Think of all the time you'll save getting ready in the morning!
Remember to practise for Friday's spelling test.
We wrote another test on reading number words today. There was lots of improvement overall - great to see!
I will be away on Friday so will not post again until Monday after school. Until then ....
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
November 9, 2010
Reminders for today:
1. Practise spelling.
2. Practise counting - forward to 20 and backward to one, and by 2's, 5's and 10's to 100.
3. Print out the number words to twenty (one, two, three, etc.) and practise reading them. We tested the class today on these words. Anyone who did not get 20/20 will have another chance to write the test tomorrow. Practise hard! If your child is stuck on a word, ask them, "What do you know about this word?" then wait for them to try to solve the problem on their own. Watch out for numbers that begin the same way (like twelve and twenty) and have them look at the whole word. If your child makes a mistake reading the numbers, ask them to take a second look or "Check that one again."
Today's take-home "Golden Envelope" reading selection is a snappy little number called "Hal and Nip". Have your child work on reading the sentences smoothly. It should sound as though they're speaking to someone - try to have them avoid being robotic. (Repeating a sentence once they've worked through it and figured out the sense of it will help them smooth the reading out.)
There will be no school on Remembrance Day.
The guitars are on display at the back of the classroom and they look FANTASTIC! Drop in for a peek if you get a minute.
1. Practise spelling.
2. Practise counting - forward to 20 and backward to one, and by 2's, 5's and 10's to 100.
3. Print out the number words to twenty (one, two, three, etc.) and practise reading them. We tested the class today on these words. Anyone who did not get 20/20 will have another chance to write the test tomorrow. Practise hard! If your child is stuck on a word, ask them, "What do you know about this word?" then wait for them to try to solve the problem on their own. Watch out for numbers that begin the same way (like twelve and twenty) and have them look at the whole word. If your child makes a mistake reading the numbers, ask them to take a second look or "Check that one again."
Today's take-home "Golden Envelope" reading selection is a snappy little number called "Hal and Nip". Have your child work on reading the sentences smoothly. It should sound as though they're speaking to someone - try to have them avoid being robotic. (Repeating a sentence once they've worked through it and figured out the sense of it will help them smooth the reading out.)
There will be no school on Remembrance Day.
The guitars are on display at the back of the classroom and they look FANTASTIC! Drop in for a peek if you get a minute.
Monday, November 8, 2010
November 8, 2010
The book orders that came home today are due this Friday. Thanks.
We'll be having a test tomorrow on recognizing the words for the numbers from one to twenty and on counting forward to 20 and backward from 20 down to 0. Study hard!
This week's spelling list is a little shorter because the words are a bit tougher. The words were chosen because they appear so often in our reading.
The students finished up a "sub rosa" (see if your child remembers what that means) project for Mrs. Wilson. (Sadly, Mrs. Wilson will be leaving us at the end of December for the greener pastures and brighter lights of retirement.) Your child is allowed to tell you what we did, but you MUST be sworn to secrecy regarding our activity!
The Hallowe'en activity booklets that went home today are yours to keep. You can fatten up your magazine racks now!
Welcome back, Matteo - and thank you for the yummy treats you brought back from Hawaii!
We'll be having a test tomorrow on recognizing the words for the numbers from one to twenty and on counting forward to 20 and backward from 20 down to 0. Study hard!
This week's spelling list is a little shorter because the words are a bit tougher. The words were chosen because they appear so often in our reading.
The students finished up a "sub rosa" (see if your child remembers what that means) project for Mrs. Wilson. (Sadly, Mrs. Wilson will be leaving us at the end of December for the greener pastures and brighter lights of retirement.) Your child is allowed to tell you what we did, but you MUST be sworn to secrecy regarding our activity!
The Hallowe'en activity booklets that went home today are yours to keep. You can fatten up your magazine racks now!
Welcome back, Matteo - and thank you for the yummy treats you brought back from Hawaii!
Friday, November 5, 2010
November 5, 2010
Great job on the "Golden Envelope" reading program. Today's book is concentrating on the short "o" sound; I hope you enjoy "Dot's Pot".
Remember that "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is playing Sunday at 1:00 at the Activity Centre. Hope to see lots of people there!
Enjoy the weekend!
Remember that "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is playing Sunday at 1:00 at the Activity Centre. Hope to see lots of people there!
Enjoy the weekend!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
November 4, 2010
Study hard for tomorrow's spelling test!
Remember that tomorrow is an early dismissal day; students are finished classes at noon.
Today's golden envelope book ("Will Bill") reviews the short "i" sound. Students have been working really well through these books. The at-home review is helping alot!
Our time in the computer lab went much more smoothly today - more students are remembering their birthdays - great to see! Please check and see if your child knows his/her birthday and, if you get a chance, have them memorize this information. It makes logging in at the computer lab a far faster process.
While we were in the lab today, some students accessed the "A Plus Math" site. It's listed in the links on the right hand side of this blog. There are some math games that will extend the adding and subtracting bases that we've been working to establish. Some of the games involve adding or subtracting larger numbers than those we've used in class, but they provide opportunities for good enrichment.
Remember that "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is playing this Sunday at 1:00 at the activity centre. Tickets are available at Tekarra Colour Lab and at The Other Paw. Hope to see you there!
Remember that tomorrow is an early dismissal day; students are finished classes at noon.
Today's golden envelope book ("Will Bill") reviews the short "i" sound. Students have been working really well through these books. The at-home review is helping alot!
Our time in the computer lab went much more smoothly today - more students are remembering their birthdays - great to see! Please check and see if your child knows his/her birthday and, if you get a chance, have them memorize this information. It makes logging in at the computer lab a far faster process.
While we were in the lab today, some students accessed the "A Plus Math" site. It's listed in the links on the right hand side of this blog. There are some math games that will extend the adding and subtracting bases that we've been working to establish. Some of the games involve adding or subtracting larger numbers than those we've used in class, but they provide opportunities for good enrichment.
Remember that "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is playing this Sunday at 1:00 at the activity centre. Tickets are available at Tekarra Colour Lab and at The Other Paw. Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
November 3, 2010
Just a reminder that the book fair is open tonight until 7:00 in the library upstairs.
There is a School Advisory Council meeting tonight as well - at 7:00 in the staffroom upstairs. Everyone is welcome to attend.
There is another cookie sale tomorrow. Dig out those quarters!
There will be no school for students this Friday afternoon. Hopefully the beautiful weather will hold until then so that everyone can get outside to enjoy the time away from studies!
We were reviewing the concepts of "more than" and "less than" today in math. Some students are struggling to understand the meanings of these terms. A good way to practise at home is to count a set number of items - buttons, pennies, chocolate chips, spoons - whatever - with the child and then have them show what one (or two or three or four) MORE would look like. Then do the same thing with the idea of one (or two or three or four) LESS.
We worked on reviewing the short "e" sound today; this goes along with the "Brett, My Pet" book. Lots of the students are beginning to smooth out their reading now - it's great to see the progress.
The guitar factory here in Room 4 opened up today. The guitars should be "sparkle-ized" and strung and ready for viewing by next Monday morning. Hold your breath!
There is a School Advisory Council meeting tonight as well - at 7:00 in the staffroom upstairs. Everyone is welcome to attend.
There is another cookie sale tomorrow. Dig out those quarters!
There will be no school for students this Friday afternoon. Hopefully the beautiful weather will hold until then so that everyone can get outside to enjoy the time away from studies!
We were reviewing the concepts of "more than" and "less than" today in math. Some students are struggling to understand the meanings of these terms. A good way to practise at home is to count a set number of items - buttons, pennies, chocolate chips, spoons - whatever - with the child and then have them show what one (or two or three or four) MORE would look like. Then do the same thing with the idea of one (or two or three or four) LESS.
We worked on reviewing the short "e" sound today; this goes along with the "Brett, My Pet" book. Lots of the students are beginning to smooth out their reading now - it's great to see the progress.
The guitar factory here in Room 4 opened up today. The guitars should be "sparkle-ized" and strung and ready for viewing by next Monday morning. Hold your breath!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
November 2, 2010
Reminders:
1. The book fair is open until 7:00 tonight in the library upstairs. It's also open tomorrow from 8:30 until 7:00 pm.
2. There is a note in your child's agenda regarding a performance this Sunday of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" - big news since this is a novel that I read to the class earlier this year.
3. Photos were sent home today. Enjoy!
Thanks so much to Ethan's mom, Sarah's parents, and Zoe's parents for cutting out our guitar forms. We're planning on decorating them tomorrow... stay tuned (ha ha) for an update on this fabulous project!
Thanks to Bryzen for the wonderful gifts he brought for the class today. What a thoughtful and generous boy!
We made thinking caps in school today to go along with the "My Cap" book - stop in and have a look if you get a chance tomorrow.
Click here to find some more counting practise - this time counting by 2's. Just scroll down to the Caterpillar counting games - there's one to practise counting forward and one to practise counting backward. Then scrool down to the Cockatoo song and try reading the lyrics which incorporates rhyming word practise with a page that counts by 2's.
1. The book fair is open until 7:00 tonight in the library upstairs. It's also open tomorrow from 8:30 until 7:00 pm.
2. There is a note in your child's agenda regarding a performance this Sunday of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" - big news since this is a novel that I read to the class earlier this year.
3. Photos were sent home today. Enjoy!
Thanks so much to Ethan's mom, Sarah's parents, and Zoe's parents for cutting out our guitar forms. We're planning on decorating them tomorrow... stay tuned (ha ha) for an update on this fabulous project!
Thanks to Bryzen for the wonderful gifts he brought for the class today. What a thoughtful and generous boy!
We made thinking caps in school today to go along with the "My Cap" book - stop in and have a look if you get a chance tomorrow.
Click here to find some more counting practise - this time counting by 2's. Just scroll down to the Caterpillar counting games - there's one to practise counting forward and one to practise counting backward. Then scrool down to the Cockatoo song and try reading the lyrics which incorporates rhyming word practise with a page that counts by 2's.
Monday, November 1, 2010
November 1, 2010
We went over yesterday's blog posting in class today to show the students how to find a Hallowe'en card, a Hallowe'en counting game, and the links to some Hallowe'en songs and a spelling site. Just look at yesterday's posting to find these thrilling items.
Newletters went home today.
There will be a book fair in the library this Tuesday and Wednesday (8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.). Our class will be visiting the fair in the afternoon. If you would like to purchase books, you can drop in yourself at any time during "business hours" or, if you'd prefer, you can send money with your child so they can make their own purchases. (Buying books is strictly optional, of course. We'll just browse if no one has any money.)
I wanted to post the expectations for the math unit we are currently working on. Students are expected to be able to:
1. Read and write numbers from 1 to 20.
2. Read number words from 1 to 20.
3. Count forward from 0 to 20.
4. Count backward from 20 to 0.
5. Match number words to groups of things.
6. Build numbers in different ways.
7. Compare numbers and pictures using words like "more, fewer, and same."
8. Estimate numbers of things and check by counting.
9. Solve simple number problems.
Newletters went home today.
There will be a book fair in the library this Tuesday and Wednesday (8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.). Our class will be visiting the fair in the afternoon. If you would like to purchase books, you can drop in yourself at any time during "business hours" or, if you'd prefer, you can send money with your child so they can make their own purchases. (Buying books is strictly optional, of course. We'll just browse if no one has any money.)
I wanted to post the expectations for the math unit we are currently working on. Students are expected to be able to:
1. Read and write numbers from 1 to 20.
2. Read number words from 1 to 20.
3. Count forward from 0 to 20.
4. Count backward from 20 to 0.
5. Match number words to groups of things.
6. Build numbers in different ways.
7. Compare numbers and pictures using words like "more, fewer, and same."
8. Estimate numbers of things and check by counting.
9. Solve simple number problems.
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