December 15, 2011

Word of the day: phenomenal (to honour the amazing performance at last night's Christmas concert!)

Please remember that tomorrow is the last day to contribute to the Food Bank. Thanks to all those who've sent items for this - and advance thanks to those who will do so tomorrow!

The students worked hard this afternoon - creating Genuine Reindeer Food and Authentic Snowman Soup. Enjoy the fruits of their labour!

December 14, 2011

Word of the day: don

This is it! Our concert night! Please have students at the school by 6:45. If you missed Monday's note, you should know that your child does not need special costuming. Their Christmas finery - or even ordinary street clothing - will suit our number just fine! The concert should last no longer than 45 minutes. Babysitting is available in the library for families with young siblings.

See you tonight!

December 12, 2011

Word of the day: apparel

Dress rehearsal is on tomorrow! Lights, camera, action! We're all ready to practise autograph signing ....

There's no spelling for Grade One this week. Enjoy the break!

December 9, 2011

Word of the day: bough

Nice job dressing up for the school's Christmas theme today?

A note went home regarding babysitting for the concerts next week.

Grade Ones have spelling test results in their agendas. (This class this week had another super showing!)

December 8, 2011

Word of the day: simultaneously

Grade Ones have a spelling test tomorrow. Study hard!

It's "Dress as a Christmas Item" Day tomorrow for anyone who wants to participate.

Our Christmas concert is next Wednesday evening. There is no set costuming for our performance; students can dress in their Christmas finery - or just in their ordinary school clothes. (Easy, right?!)

December 6, 2011

(Review) word of the day: veruca

The student council has organized a Christmas Dress Up Day for this Friday. Students are invited (but not required) to dress as a Christmas item: a tree, a gift, Santa, an angel, an ornament ... whatever tempts the imagination.

The school is once again collecting items to support our local Food Bank. If you would like to send non-perishable groceries, we'd be happy - and thankful - to accept them.

Grade one students: keep up the great Golden Envelope reading!

December 5, 2011

(Review) word of the day: octagon

December's book order arrived today. There is one book order that was handed in without a name on it. If your child ordered a book from the December choices and didn't receive it, please let me know.

December 1, 2011

(Review) word of the day: unique

First grade spelling test results are in the pockets of the agendas. (This week's test had GREAT results!)

Our class will be going to the museum tomorrow afternoon to look at the Christmas display there. Everyone will walk over right after gym (1:10 -1:50) and should return before 3 o'clock.

I will be away tomorrow. Miss Daniels will be subbing for me.

November 30, 2011

(Review) word of the day: adore

First graders will have their spelling test tomorrow.

Sam has been resurrected! She's back by popular demand! The second graders have been asking if we could put her back into circulation and I finally relented. (For those of you who don't know, Sam is a stuffed creature who goes home with a different student every night. Whoever takes her home writes a journal entry about the adventures they've shared. [The journal is provided in Sam's travel bag.] We draw names to see who will take Sam home; Matteo was Sam's first host and Michael is her host tonight. Hold your breath for your child's turn!)

November 29, 2011

(Review) word of the day: pacific

The first grade class looked at a Lego story this morning. We've added a peek at some Lego Art. Check it out!

November 28, 2011

(Review) word of the day: ancient

First grade spelling this week concentrates on the "ee" combination. Study hard for Friday's test!

We had our second visit from Baby Arlo today. It's amazing to see how much he's changing already!

Our gym class today was all about group juggling. There are some pretty fantastic athletes in Room 4 again this year!

November 24, 2011

(Review) word of the day: colossal

Thanks to everyone who sent cookies for our sale today. We raised $85.55 for our foster child fund! Great stuff! The students also got some practise counting quarters (and other coins) and making change - a nice tie-in to math.

Sledding today was great; if there was ever an afternoon to spend at Centennial Park, this was it. The weather was perfect and the new snow made it tons of fun. Let it snow some more!
Grade One students have their "Jail Words" spelling test tomorrow.

Remember that tomorrow is Pyjama Day. Students are invited (but not required) to wear their PJs to school - and to bring along a cuddly if they'd like.

There will be a noon dismissal for students tomorrow.

November 23, 2011

Word of the day: futile

Reminders for tomorrow:

1. Cookie sale. Thanks in advance for sending baking for this!
2. Sledding in the afternoon. We will leave the school around 2:00 and will return before the final bell. Please send appropriate clothing for your child, something to slide on (if possible) and a downhill ski helmet. (The school has helmets to borrow if your child doesn't have one.)
3. Book orders are due this Friday.
4. There will be a Pyjama Day this Friday. Students are invited (but not required) to come to school in their jammies, slippers, bathrobes ... whatever their bedtime attire is. Cuddlies are welcome for this event, as well!
5. There will be a noon dismissal this Friday.
6. First graders: keep up the Golden Envelope reading!

November 22, 2011

Word of the day: veruca

Grade Two report cards went home today. Sorry about the mix-up yesterday.

First grade students are bringing home their "How I Wonder" readers. They can choose a story from this to read aloud - with parental help, if needed!

First grade students should spend some time on the "Starfall" link on the side - practising reading the short phonetic stories.

Our Christmas concert date has been set. Our Grade 1/2 class will perform on Wednesday night, December 14th. Let the theatrics begin!

Second graders started a typing program today. They worked very well on this!

November 21, 2011

Word of the day: octagon

Report cards went home today. Please keep the report card but return the comment sheet and the envelope tomorrow. Thanks. I'll be setting up interview times with first grade parents tomorrow. I will not be requesting interviews with second grade parents but would be happy to meet any second grade parents who feel they need an interview with me.

Book orders went home today and are due this Friday.

The first grade spelling list this week is from our "Jail Words". These are words that break phonetic rules, like the Silent E rule, which says that when there is a word with a vowel (a,e,i,o or u) followed by a consonant (all the letters that are not vowels!), and then an "e", the "e" makes the vowel say its own name. For example, "pin" becomes "pine" and "mat" becomes "mate". Words like "some, come, have" don't follow this rule, so we throw them in jail. Similarly, we have a rule that says, "When 2 vowels go walking, the first one does the talking and it says its own name." "Said" and "great" break this rule; we don't say "sayed" or "greet" for those words.

It's our turn to host a cookie sale! This is a great time to learn about organizing, advertising, selling, cleaning up, and counting money. Funds raised support our school's charities. Thanks in advance for sending 2 dozen cookies (or rice krispie squares, or cupcakes, or ...) this Thursday morning for our sale.

November 18, 2011

Word of the day: elusive

The first grade students were given 2 books today as part of the TD bank's support of an intiative to promote reading. As well, there was a stack of books left over from giveaways from previous years so I snagged 2 more books for each student. The books are theirs to keep - enjoy the additions to your home libraries!

The golden envelopes are taking a rest for the weekend and will get back in circulation Monday.

November 16, 2011

Word of the day: adore

The golden envelope book today is meant to reinforce the short 'e' sound - and to complement the spelling list for this week. Enjoy!

Some of the students are really flying in first grade math and are on to counting money. We've been working on sorting coins, recognizing their values, counting multiples of the same coins, and trading coins - 2 nickels for a dime, 5 nickels for a quarter, etc.

Swimming is on again tomorrow. Remember to send warm hats for the apres-pool time.

November 15, 2011

Word of the day: pacific

Swimming is on again tomorrow afternoon.

We talked about the King Midas fairy tale today and the students came up with some alternatives to a "Golden Touch". Their ideas were great! Stay tuned for a bulletin board display!

We kept the first graders' golden envelopes at school today, as we ran out of time to start a new story. We'll get back on track with this tomorrow.

Quite a few of the first graders can count to 100 perfectly now - by ones, twos, fives and tens. As well, almost everyone can correctly count backward from 20, can correctly plug missing numbers into a sequence like 64 __ 66, and can accurately read and print the numbers to 100, beginning at random points. Everyone demonstrates a good understanding of adding and subtracting concepts and can apply them in problem solving. We've even started counting money - tackling nickels has been our first job. This class is moving right along in the math department.

November 14, 2011

Word of the day: ancient

Remember we will be swimming all week!

One of the units our science units is titled "Colour". We were discussing ways that animals or plants use colour to their advantage. One way that animals use colour is through camouflage. We thought that some of these Liu Bolin photos were a good use of human camouflage! There are more photos here as well. This guy is good!

November 14, 2011

Just a quick early morning reminder, in case anyone is checking this coooold morning: we start swimming lessons this afternoon. Students will need swim gear and some warm outerwear (especially a hat!) for after the lessons.

November 9, 2011

Word of the day: colossal

First graders have a spelling test tomorrow. Practise those "ing", "ang" and "ong" combos!

There will be a noon dismissal for students tomorrow.

We start our swim lessons next week. Please send swim gear and a warm hat to wear post-pool sessions. We'll be at the Aquatic Centre every afternoon. Lessons will run from 2:30 - 3:00, so some parents might like to pick their children up from the pool. If parents are not at the pool to meet their child(ren), we'll walk back to the school and dismiss from there.

We're still waiting for a few more Roots of Empathy forms and one or two more address forms...

November 8, 2011

(Review) word of the day: nefarious

Thanks to everyone who sent back address and Roots of Empathy forms. We'd like to get all these forms in before the weekend, if possible, so please try to get yours in asap, if you haven't already done so.

I'm wondering if anyone out there is available to help out prepping an art project for our class. The pay is awful, but you'll get a really nice feeling - and lots of appreciation - for helping!

November 7, 2011

(Review) word of the day: frequent

We met our lovely Roots of Empathy baby today. Baby Arlo is a delight!!!!!

Reminders for tomorrow:
Notes need to be singed and returned. (One of the notes - the Roots of Empathy one - went home Friday. THanks to those who've already returned those notes.)

November 3, 2011

(Review) word of the day: subtle

First graders' homework:

1. Study for tomorrow's "ing" spelling test.
2. Read the "Golden Envelope" book and have your parents record the book's title and today's date.

Our class will be participating in a "Roots of Empathy" program this year. Leslie Dolan will be delivering the program. She made her initial visit to the class today and gave us some background information about what she'll be doing. Basically, the program is designed to teach children about feelings (both their own and the feelings of others) and to develop empathy. The program uses a real live baby(!) to help teach its points. This year we're really lucky to have Baby Arlo and his parents participate in the program. Arlo and his parent(s) will visit the class once every 3 weeks and, under Leslie's expert guidance, we'll all develop our empathetic souls! More details will be sent home in a letter tomorrow - stay tuned!

November 2, 2011

(Review) word of the day: gullible

First grade students, remember to read to your parents and have them sign the Golden Envelope log sheet! Also, practise those "ing" spelling words!

I just noticed that yesterday's posting didn't show up on the blog. Sorry about that. I'm not sure what happened. Let's dig into my memory bank and see if I can remember what I wrote about.

I wrote about the first grade's golden envelope reading: a book will be sent home daily. Students are supposed to read the books aloud to an adult in the household, then the adult writes the book's title and the date it was read on the sheet taped to the golden envelope. This reading program really solidifies and accelerates the students' reading - and, consequently, has a positive impact on all their academics. Thanks in advance for everyone's support for this!

I also reminded parents that students should not bring Hallowe'en candy for recess snacks; this is consistent with our school's support of healthy eating.

I'm pretty sure I mentioned that the newsletter went home and that it shows our class will be hosting a cookie sale on Thursday, November 24th. Everyone will be asked to prepare 2 dozen of their kitchen's finest: cookies, cupcakes, rice krispie squares ... whatever tempts your culinary imagination. We'll set up little committees (advertising, preparation of selling booths, sales, clean-up, counting money) so the students will see the "behind the scenes" part of fund-raising. (Money raised suppports our school's Plan Canada foster child.) I'll send a note home closer to the sale to remind people of it.

Finally, I wanted to reminde people to sign and return the swim forms asap. We're only waiting for 3 more to come back! Thanks!

October 28, 2011

(Review) word of the day: gratitude

We were treated to a great theatrical presentation on preserving species and the environment this morning - ask your child about it!

The warlock/witch descriptions have been posted. We used the science theme of "The Five Senses" as the basis for the writing. Check it out on the bulletin board outside our classroom!

The grade six Haunted House was spooktacular! Thanks to everyone who supported it with food bank and $1.00 donations.

Remember that we'll have our Hallowe'en party Monday afternoon. Everyone should bring a small fruit juice to contribute to our witches' brew. Thanks in advance to anyone who'd like to send snacks for the afternoon as well.

October 27, 2011

(Review) word of the day: famished

Grade Ones have a spelling test tomorrow. Study hard!

We'll be visiting the Haunted House tomorrow morning - remember your loonies and food bank items, everyone!

We've got most of the swim forms back but are still waiting for a few. Please return yours asap, if you haven't already done so. Thanks!

We've been working on a "Who's Who" for Witches and Warlocks. This spellbinding writing project should be ready for viewing on the bulletin board outside our classroom by the end of tomorrow. Hold your breath!

Book orders went home today and are due tomorrow.

October 26, 2011

(Review) word of the day: repast

Thanks to everyone who returned the swim permission form. We're trying to have all of these returned before the end of the week.

The pool is selling tickets for the annual Hallowe'en Splash. The Splash will be held this Saturday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tickets for this spooktacular event are on sale at the Activity Centre for $10.00.

Remember that Mrs. Sawka's class is hosting a Haunted House fund-raiser this Friday. We'll be visiting the haunted house right after recess. Please send a loonie and a non-perishable food item for admission to this event.

Our class will have a Hallowe'en party next Monday afternoon. Students are invited to dress up (for the afternoon only). Students should also bring a SMALL juice box. We'll be combining everyone's juice to make some delectable witches' brew. As well, if anyone would like to send something for the treat table (cookies, cupcakes, veggies ... whatever tickles your digestive fancy), we'll do our best to eat everything and we express our thanks in advance to those generous treat-givers.

I'd like to add the Hallowe'en card that our class looked at last year. Here it is, for its return engagement!

Greatest Halloween Card Ever ...
Click Here
Or here:
http://ak.imgag.com/imgag/product/preview/flash/bws8Shell.swf?ihost=http://ak.imgag.com/imgag&brandldrPath=/product/full/el/&cardNum=/product/full/ap/3125133/graphic1

October 25, 2011

Word of the day: nefarious

There will be a Hallowe'en Haunted House in Mrs. Sawka's Grade 6 class this Friday. Our class will be visiting this fearsome spectacle right after morning recess. Admission to the house is one loonie and a non-perishable contribution to the food bank, so gather your courage, your loonie, and your groceries for this Friday morning!

Our school's swim program will begin in mid-November. A permission form/information note was sent home today regarding this. Please return the note as soon as possible.

The students had fun rattling around the Hallowe'en links this afternoon during computer. There are lots of puzzles, games, jokes, crafts, etc. on the links - have fun at home with them, too!

October 20, 2011

Word of the day: intrepid

Spelling test papers (for Grade One) are in the front pockets of agendas.


I've added yet another link at the side for more Hallowe'en fun! Yeehaw! There are lots of games to teach counting and skip counting (by 2's, 5's, 10's), and to practise number recognition and number sequencing ( 67, 68, 69, __, 71). We worked on printing number sentences to go with our "haunted house" math today. Everyone seems to be right on track with this!

We've also been practising identifying quotation marks and talking about when they should be used. Again, everyone is working well in this area.

I will be away next Monday. Mrs. Lemire will be in for me.

Remember that there is no school tomorrow (unless you're a teacher!). Have a extended weekend!

October 19, 2001 - Take Two!

I've added a link to treasure trove of Hallowe'en activities: jokes, games, number searches, and more! Just hit the Hallowe'en link on the right hand side of this blog. Have fun!

October 19, 2011

Word of the day: subtle

There will be a cookie sale tomorrow. Crack out those quarters!

The first graders are making great progress with counting. Several students counted to 100 by 1's, 5's and 10's today! As well, two students were able to correctly and independently print all the numbers to 100 - nice to report. We also began practising counting at random starting points - 68, 59, 87, etc. Most students were able to do this. Keep up that at-home practise! We'll soon be counting like champions!
We began solving Hallowe'en problems in math today, using manipulatives like rubber spiders, bats, pumpkins, etc. to introduce and reinforce the concepts of adding and subtracting. The students worked really well with this.


The first grade students will have their spelling test tomorrow. Study hard!

October 18, 2011

Word of the day: gullible (Ask your child to tell you the story of the unfortunate dog ...)

First grade students should keep practising counting - to 20 (frontward and backward) and to 100 (by 1's, 5's, and 10's). We also introduced the letter form of the numbers from eleven to twenty, inclusive. The excitement never ends!

We've been practising mapping skills in social studies. You can pull out a map if you like and get your child to identify the directions ( north, south, east, west, north-east, south-east, north-west, and south-west). See if your child can tell you the memory trick we use to tell west from east.

Thanks to those who've returned their photo orders and payment. (We've been asked to ensure that payment accompanies the orders before we submit the orders.)

Thanks as well to those who've returned their contact information for Ana Lea, our class's key communicator.

Remember that there is no school for students this Friday.

October 17, 2011

Word of the day: siblings

The first graders are bringing home a challenge with this week's spelling list: they're trying out the words could, would, and should. We'll review these words daily at school and I'm guessing there will be lots of students in here that will be spelling those words perfectly by the week's end.

In our first grade language arts program, we've been practising sight words, phonics, and using problem solving strategies to decipher unknown words. We've also introduced the use of apostrophes for possession (like writing "Mily's pony tail" or "Henri's book"). We've also begun using quotation marks in simple sentences like, Sam said, "Good work, Sally!" The students are catching on quickly - great to see!

Just a heads-up to close for today: There will be no school for students this Friday, as the staff will be traveling to Hinton for a day-long inservice.

October 4, 2011

(Review) word of the day: identical

We will be going to the arena at the activity centre tomorrow to watch the Oilers' hockey practise. We'll leave the arena by 11:30 to return to the school. We'll follow up our visit with a related Language Arts activity. Thanks!

October 4, 2011

(Review) word of the day: ecstatic

Book orders went home today and are due Thursday morning. There's a good selection of Hallowe'en books to consider!

The students brought home a piece of autumn art to liven up the fridge fronts - enjoy!

This Friday there wil be a noon dismissal for students.

The first graders are bringing home the new spelling list in their agendas - study hard for Friday's test!

September 30, 2011

(Reveiw) Word of the Day: cogitate

Thanks to all those who supported the Terry Fox run today - what a great cause, inspired by an amazing Canadian hero. We all ran one kilometre - and several people were ready for a second lap! Well done, Room 4!

The first graders are bringing home this week's spelling test, along with an apple book that was created to go along with a festival of apple ideas this morning. (We taste-tested apple jelly, apple cereal, apple juice, applesauce, and apple croissants, and recorded our results. We also did some apple math and practised reading the apple books. Some fun!)

Enjoy the weekend!

September 29, 2011

(Review) Word of the Day: crimson

Grade one students: spelling test tomorrow

We'll be running in the school's Terry Fox run tomorrow afternoon - one lap around the school block. Please make sure that all pledge sheets are in by tomorrow. Thanks!

September 28, 2011

(Review) word of the day: facetious

Remember that class pictures will be taken tomorrow.

Grade ones, practise counting from 1 to 20, frontward and backward!

Check our first grade class books on Daisy and Bobby. There's some pretty fun stuff in the books!

Remember to return the Terry Fox pledge forms (whether the students collect money or not) and money tomorrow. Thanks!

September 27, 2011

We're beginning a review of the first ten words of the day. Today's word for review was initial.
We used it in the following sentence: "Breakfast is the initial meal of the day."

The first graders are bringing home the sheets that accompany the first ten lessons of the Companion Reading portion of our Language Arts program. Parents can review the sheets with their children. The sheets can then stay at home - there' s no need to return them.

First grade parents, remember to check out the new phonics link at the side. If you run out of things to do for homework, you can always have your child practise counting aloud to 20 - forward and backward.

Remember that tomorrow is photo day. Dig out your favourite duds and practise those smiles!

Also, just a gentle reminder that the Terry Fox pledge sheets should be in by this Thursday. Please return the sheets whether your child is collecting pledges or not. Thanks. (An alternative to collecting pledges is to "Bring a toonie for Terry", but, again, collecting funds is an option, not a requirement, for our Friday afternoon run. We'll be running around the school block - a distance of one kilometre (and just 41 fewer kilometres than Terry ran EACH DAY!)

September 26, 2011

Word of the day: detest

We carried out an experiment today to illustrate what a fair test in science is. When you perform a fair test, you change only ONE thing in the experiment. Our "test" was seeing who could eat a bowl of pudding the fastest. The amount of pudding each person got was not the same, the start times of the eating was different, everyone used different utensils (an eggbeater for someone, a potato masher for someone, a turkey baster for someone else... ) - the only thing that should have changed was the person eating the pudding. We learned that our test was not a good one because more than one thing changed in it.

The first graders are bringing home a new batch of spelling words - ones with an "at" root. This week's spelling test will be on Friday morning again.

Individual school photos will be taken this Wednesday and class photos will be taken on Thursday. Shine up those smiles!

Someone had asked about Lego art last week and I said I'd put some up on the blog for your viewing delight. Just click on the word Lego in the last sentence and enjoy!

September 23, 2011

Word of the day: succulent (This word was chosen to go along with our pomegranate tasting/story today. We talked about the story of Demeter ["da mudda"] and her daughter Persephone and how those two relate to pomegranates and to the myth about seasons. It will be interesting to see who remembers any details of the story on Monday ... )

The spelling test results went home today for parental oohing and aahing. (There is no need to return the tests to school. Let the fridge magnet collection begin doing its work at home!)

I've added a link that teaches beginning phonics. Just click on "StarFall Phonics" at the side if you'd like to give it a try!

Enjoy the weekend!

September 22, 2011

Word of the day: omit

Thanks to Michael's mom for coming along on our thrift store adventure! The fruits of our shopping will be on display tomorrow morning on the bulletin board outside our classroom. Prepare for a dazzling sight!

It sounds like the second graders had a great hike to the fairy tree. Some of them reported to me that they didn't see and fairies but did manage to hear some. Apparently the fairies
sound like birds. Interesting.

The first grade students will have their first spelling quiz of the year tomorrow. Practise those "at" words!

There will be a noon dismissal for students tomorrow.

September 21, 2011

Word of the day for yesterday: identical

Word of the day for today: vital

Remember that we'll be going to the United Church thrift shop tomorrow morning to purchase scarecrow attire. (Some fun!) We should be back before morning recess. Please send a quarter or two to help pay for the clothing we'll be purchasing. Thanks.

The first graders are bringing home their number booklets today. (We've been practising the proper formation of numerals, as well as reading numbers when they're written in letter form.)

Please remember that if your child is not collecting pledges for the Terry Fox school run next Friday afternoon, the blank pledge form needs to be returned ASAP. Thanks!

September 19, 2011

Word of the day: ecstatic

A note regarding roadwork on Elm Street was sent home today for your information.

The first graders have their first spelling list in their agendas! Please practise the words with them. We'll have a spelling quiz on Friday. Thanks.

Rmember that this Thursday the second graders will be going on a walking field trip to the fairy tree and the first graders will be going to the United Church thrift shop to purchase scarecrow clothing.

Pledge forms for the Terry Fox run were sent home today. If you decide not to have your child collect pledges, please return the form to the school. The entire school will be participating in our own version of the Terry Fox Run on Friday September 30. (Pledge forms should be in prior to the run - thanks.) Parents are welcome to join us - we'll be running one kilometer (once around the block). It'll be a great way for the students to realise how far Terry ran each day of his Marathon of Hope: this amazing Canadian hero ran a full marathon every day of his campaign. So if we could just manage to run around our block 41 more times ....

September 16, 2011

Today's word of the day: cogitate (Ask your child how they look when they cogitate ...)

The students are bringing home notes regarding field trips next Thursday morning. (The second graders are going on a trip to the Fairy Tree while the first graders are going shopping for scarecrow clothing at the United Church thrift shop.)

The grade two students are also bringing home their spelling test books. The books need to be signed and returned for next Monday morning.

In science, we've been talking about the qualities that help someone become a good scientist. One of these qualities is being able to think creatively. Check out the creative thinking on display on our bulletin board next Monday morning!

If any students are interested in joining a noon hour hiking club (hiking portions of the Sawridge and Discovery [town] trails), there are notes with attached permission forms regarding this in the office.

September 15, 2011

Today's word of the day: crimson

A book order went home with the students today. Anyone who'd like to order books should have their order in by tomorrow. Thanks.

A ticket for an Edmonton Eskimoes event also went home with the students today.

We've been building a bank of sight words in Grade One. Words that we've covered so far include I, the, is, little, big, boy, girl, an, am, and see. We've also been working on recognising colour words and number words to ten. As well, we've been building blended words, using "ay" as a base - words like may, pay, bay, day, say, sway, lay, ray, hay, okay, etc. If anyone is keen to help their child practise any of these words, it would certainly be a big help.

September 14, 2011

Yesterday we started a new "Word of the Day" program. The students will be introduced to a new "big word", we'll discuss it and practise using it, and then they'll write the word in their agenda so that they can extend their learning into the home setting. (Using these big words makes the students feel very important - especially when they learn a word that their parents or caregivers might not know. Prepare to be humbled!) I'll post the words on this blog. Today's word was "facetious" and yesterday's was "initial".

The second graders have a spelling test tomorrow with Mrs. MacDonald.

There will be a cookie sale tomorrow. As always, cookies can be purchased for the low, low price of 25 cents. LIne up those quarters!

September 8, 2011

We talked about how good scientists must be inventive and open to new ideas today and, in honour of that, we sampled a rutabaga. Ask your young scientist to describe the experience to you!

Thanks to all the parents who came to Meet the Teacher night - it was lovely to touch base with everyone again!

September 7, 2011

Welcome back to our class blog! I know you've been inundated with notes and notices from school, so I'll keep this first posting short.

The class is bringing home a note from me today regarding how the day is organised and reminding people of computer contracts, student info sheets, and tomorrow's Meet the Teacher event. The school newsletter was also sent home today.

In science today, we talked about the seasonal changes that are happening right now and went on a rose hip hunt. We also practised asking good questions (as scientists have to be able to do this) and introduced the apple clock to the class. (Drop in for a peek, if you get a minute.) We're going to see how long the apple will power the clock - hopefully it'll last a good long time.

We also completed a fall art project, which should be ready to view at tomorrow's "Meet the Teacher" evening. Hold your breath!

June 29, 2011

We spent some time sidewalk decorating this morning. Our inspiration was Justin Beever - check out his amazing artwork! (Just click on his name in the previous sentence.)

Have a wonderful summer, everyone! Remember to check in on Phoebe every now and then!

It's been a pleasure and a priviledge working with this bright, energetic, and wildly talented bunch of first graders. It's amazing and gratifying to see the growth everyone's undertaken; all the students from this year's Room 4 (and their parents!) have lots to be proud of! I hope everyone has a wonderful summer. We'll see you all (hopefully!) out and about our lovely town this July and August!

Please remember that tomorrow will be the students' last day. We will have an early recess, then will attend the Grade Six Walk Down at the Activity Centre. After the Walk Down, students will return to the school to pick up their portfolios, journals, and report cards before their noon dismissal.

June 27, 2011

Thanks to all those who sent wrapping paper for the journals. Mrs. Corkery and Mrs. Romaniuk are working hard making journal covers. They look great! (So do the journal covers. Ha ha.)

Please remember that the students will be bringing home their large art projects (along with their desk supplies) tomorrow. They'll need help carrying all the big projects home, as there are several things that would be awkward to take on a bike. Thanks!

Agendas went home today without an agenda entry, as the agenda pages have run out for this school year. All the students need to bring to school tomorrow is a backpack for their supplies.

Remember that students will be dismissed this Wednesday at noon for their summer vacation.

June 24, 2011

Thanks to everyone who sent snacks for our swimming party yesterday afternoon. Everyone ate very well!

Please remember to send some wrapping paper Monday morning so that we can make the journal covers. Thanks.

We will be sending home our big art projects (guitars, hot air ballons, dragons, etc.) next Tuesday afternoon, so please arrange some way of picking these gems up - they can be tough for the kids to cart home on their bikes! Thanks again.

Remember that next Wednesday students will be dismissed (for the summer!) at noon. There will be an early recess that day, followed by the Grade 6 Walk Down (Graduation) at the Activity Centre. Once that is completed, students will return to the school to pick up report cards and portfolios before the final curtain falls on Grade One.

June 22, 2011

Remember that we're going swimming tomorrow afternoon, so the students will need swim gear. Also, if anyone would like to contribute snacks (chips, cookies, veggies - your choice!) to our snack table, we'd appreciate it!

Please send some nice wrapping paper to school by next Monday morning. We are planning to make journal covers with the wrapping paper, so choose something special!

Mrs. Sawka's class joined us to help with our final art project of the year: paper maché hot air balloons. The sixth graders were great! It was fun to work with them!

June 16, 2011

A note has gone home regarding tomorrow's field trip to the Palisades. Just in case the note has gone AWOL, it said that we will not be traveling to the Palisades, due to the horrible prospect of spending a day dripping wet and uncomfortably cold. We still plan to do as many of the planned activities as possible; we'll just do them in the warm comfort of good old JES.

We would like to start the afternoon 5 minutes early, so if everyone could be at the school between 12:55 and 1:00, that would be great.

Thanks again to the parents who volunteered to drive and/or assist with the day. We really appreciate your kind offers!

June 15, 2011

Reminders for tomorrow are:

1. Read
2. Check out the hummingbird babies
3. Bring some more cereal boxes!

June 14, 2011

Thanks to those who sent cereal boxes in today. We can use lots more, so if anyone has some to give us, we'd be happy to get them. We're also hoping that a few more people will be able to drive to the Palisades on Friday. If you're able to help out (even by dropping your child off and picking them up at the end of the day), we'd appreciate it.

Time is marching by so quickly that I hadn't thought of checking the hummingbird web cam util today. Believe it or not, Phoebe's newest chicks are already here! They arrived on June 8th and 9th and are already an impressive size! Check out the link at the side!

June 13, 2011

If anyone has empty cereal boxes, we could use them for a project for our Palisades trip this Friday. Please send as many as you can spare. Also, if anyone is able to drive their child (you're not allowed driving anyone other than your own child) for our Friday trip, please let me know ASAP. Thanks! Also, we're still waiting for a couple of permission forms to be returned. Again, please return these as soon as possible. Thanks.

There is no spelling for this week. Yeehaw!

Thanks to the parents who helped out with the Friday afternoon trip to Mina Lake. The students have already written journal entries for the hike, which sounds like it was a great success!

June 6th, 2011

We have a new student! Welcome to Raphael - he is already fitting in beautifully!

Just a few reminders for this week:
1. We'll be having our first trip to the Municipal Library tomorrow afternoon. Please send your child's library card to school for this event. (If they don't have a card, the library will provide one, as long as parents provide the child's box # and telephone #.)
2. To help celebrate Environment Week, our school is participating in Wild and Wacky Walking Wednesday. Students are invited (but not required) to come to school in unusual ways - ones that don't involve the use of motor vehicles. (They can decorate a bike or use a pogo stick or get someone to push them in a wheel barrow - whatever they can dream up!)
3. We'll be hiking to Mina Lake this Friday - leaving at 11:00 and returning between 3:00 and 3:15. Remember that the students will need appropriate clothing and footwear and a backpack with a lunch and a water bottle. Sunscreen and mosquito repellent might not be a bad idea, as well. Thanks to the parents who've volunteered to come along on the hike. If any other parents would like to join us, just let me know - we'd be happy to have you come along!
4. This Friday is also Beach Day. Students are invited to dress in beach-type clothing. (Naturally, everyone will need to change into appropriate hiking wear before we head up to Mina.)
5. The last book order of the year is due this Friday. (Book orders went home with the students today.)

June 2, 2011

Reminders for tomorrow:

1. Spelling test
2. Golden envelope reading

I've added one more link (it's actually the one I was aiming for yesterday!) called National Geo Animals. There are some great things to see on this site - have fun!

June 1, 2011

There's a new link on the side for a kids' National Geographic site. We'll explore it tomorrow in computer class, but you might want to get a jumpstart on rattling around in it before then. Enjoy!

May 31, 2011

The students are bringing home a note regarding an upcoming French book fair. They also have been given a copy of this month's school newsletter - one that comes with a photo of our class all resplendent in their tye-died finery.

Thanks to all those who signed and returned the hiking permission form for next Friday. Thanks also to those who have sent in library information forms. (Remember only those students who need a library card need to fill out the form.) Our first visit to the public library will be next Tuesday.

The students wrote some great descriptions of their dream meals and they're ready for perusal on the bulletin board outside the classroom. Come on by for a read - and bring your appetites!

May 30. 2011

The students are bringing home 2 notes today. The first one is regarding a short field trip to the museum this Friday afternoon, when the class will be delivering some artwork to be displayed on the museum walls for the summer. We'll leave the school right after registration and should return between 2:00 and 2:30.

The second note provides information about an upcoming hike to Mina Lake. Please sign the permission slip attached to the note if your child has your okay to attend this hike.

The students have just completed a cool snake art project. It should be on display at the back of the classroom by the end of tomorrow. C'mon in and check it out!

Remember to keep up with the Golden Envelope reading and the writing that goes with it.

May 25, 2011

We learned some new forward rolls in gym class yesterday. See if your child can remember (and demonstrate!) the Pancake Roll, the Genie Roll, the Say-Your-Prayers Roll, or the straddle roll. Prepare to be dazzled!

I wanted to give everyone a "heads up" about a full day trip to the Palisades that we're planning for June 17th. We'll be looking for parent volunteers to help with this event, so if you're available and willing to assist us, please let me know. We'll send home details about the day in a note next week.

I've added a link to a website that has lots of good learning supports. It's listed as www.khanacademy.org on the side. Rattle around the site and let me know what you think!

The hummingbird webcam is showing that Phoebe's baby has left the nest and that Momma Hummer has already laid two new eggs! That's one ambitious hummingbird! The Canada goose webcam site has posted a video outlining the life of this year's eggs/gooslings. The first steps the babies take from the nest is particularly spectacular!

May 19, 2011

Reminders for tomorrow:

1. Spelling test

2. Cookie sale

3. Noon dismissal

May 18, 2011

Mrs. Romaniuk has found a video of a robin's nest to complement all the webcam shots of our baby birds. Just click on the words "robin's nest" in the previous sentence.

Some students are bringing home completed reading comprehension sheets and completed companion reading duotangs. There is no need to return these items to school - they're ready to be bronzed and put into the family shrines forever.

May 17, 2011

Just a quick reminder today that there is a noon dismissal this Friday.

Keep up the Golden Envelope reading everyone!

May 16, 2011

This week's spelling words are in the agendas, as usual.

We've been investing quite a bit of time learning about coins and how to count them. If you're willing to spill out your pockets or piggy banks and practise counting money at home, it would be good practise for the students. We always sort the coins into piles of quarters, dimes, pennies, etc., then begin counting with the coins that are worth the most money. We've also begun sorting coins into one dollar groupings - 3 quarters, 2 dimes and 5 pennies - that kind of thing. Some of the students are getting very good at counting money!

We're also revisiting counting by 1's, 2's, 5's, 10's, and 25's up to 100. Some of the students are able to do this forward and backward - great to see - and can go well beyond the 100 target, as well.

The "Robot Writing" is up for display on our hallway bulletin board for anyone looking for reading material.

The Canada goose pair has left the nest with the new babies, and Scout (the baby hummer) looks gigantic compared to the size it was when we first saw it. Scout showed off with an amazing display of wing acrobatics this morning - very impressive!

May 13, 2011

The students are bringing home a tree seedling, complete with planting instructions, today. If you don't have a yard to plant it in 0r prefer not to plant it in your own yard, perhaps you can pass the tree on to someone who'd like it - or maybe you could find a good home for it in the forest. Planting it could be the focal point of a family hike!

Spelling test results are in the front pockets of the agendas.

If you get time next week, drop by and peruse the robot descriptions the class wrote today. They're on the bulletin board just outside the classroom. The class did a great job on these!

May 12, 2011

The students will be bringing home their tie dyed t-shirts tomorrow. Please note that the shirts will very likely have some residual dye in them and that they should be washed accordingly. I'd hate to have anyone accidentally tint their whites an unwanted shade ...

Remember to check out the nesting webcams! The baby hummingbird is growing like a weed!

While you're in the checking out mood, try taking a peek at these moon images. (Just click on the words "moon images" in the previous sentence.) When I see things like this, it always makes me wish I'd thought of the ideas first. The link will take you to 3 photos, but make sure you look at the additional ones - you can get to them by clicking on "More Photos" right under the third picture.

May 9, 2011

The students did a great job on the Mother's Day presentation today! Thanks to all the parents who came out to spectate - you should be very proud of your sons and daughters.

Ethan's mom told us about an interesting webcam. It's located at the Edinburgh Botanical Gardens, where it's set up to show a Corpse Flower. I've got to check out the link. (It's been added at the side.)

The spelling list for this week will go home tomorrow. Also, the Golden envelope books will go home tomorrow as well. (We took a day off from our regular schedule so that we could practise our performance.)

May 5, 2011

Reminders for tomorrow:

1. Spelling test

2. Break out your blue jeans and saddle up your hosses for Western Day

3. Noon dismissal

The students were quite interested in the eagle web cam today. The parents were feeding the babies - some fun!

May 4, 2011

The students are bringing home invitations to our Mother's Day performance next Monday afternoon. We hope all the moms can attend!

For those of you who didn't know, the second hummingbird chick did not survive after all. However, the first chick - named Scout - is thriving and growing by the minute! There's a new web cam link - this one to the Hornby Island eagle cam. Enjoy!

Just a quick reminder that this Friday there will be a noon dismissal. Also, students are invited to dress up in western wear Friday morning for the school's latest spirit day. Yeehaw!

May 2, 2011

There was big hummingbird nest news over the weekend. The second egg hatched - or at least began to hatch - but fell out of the nest. The owner of the webcam initially thought that the bird had perished, but noticed some movement after all, so returned the bird to the nest. However, it didn't take any food from the mother, so it's been removed from the nest and given to a "rehabber" who reports that it is eating and has even had a little poop! We're all hoping that the newest little hummer will survive and thrive.

Spelling lists are in the agendas again.

Newsletters went home today. Please note that there will be a noon dismissal this Friday.

The student council is holding a Western Day this Friday. Students are invited to dress up in western duds for the morning.

Some students have finished a package of reading comprehension materials and are bringing the completed sheets home. There is no need to return the sheets to school.

If you get a chance, drop by and check out the tie dyed t-shirts on display on our bulletin board. They look groovy, man!

April 29, 2011

Keep an eye on that hummingbird nest this weekend - we're still awaiting the arrival of Chick # Two!

The students are bringing home a math duotang on measurement. They can keep these at home - there's no need to return them. Spelling test results also went home today.

Remember that there is a Japanese Drumming performance tomorrow night at the Activity Centre and that there is a dance recital this evening at the same location.

Enjoy the weekend!

April 28, 2011

Reminders for tomorrow:

1. Spelling test

2. Check out the hummingbird web cam - the first egg hatched last night! If we're lucky, we'll get to see the second baby hatch. Hold your breath!

April 27, 2011

Here's some really advance warning about a school spirit day that is scheduled for next Friday. Students will be invited to dress up in western style duds - something that should be easy for us, given the cowboy/cowgirl vests we've created!

Keep up the work with the golden envelope reading. Let's make the most of these last two months of school!

April 26, 2011

I've added two new links to compliment our Seasons unit in science. They're spring web cams. One is of a hummingbird nest- somewhere in California. The other is the Edmonton Journal's goose cam - from a farm west of our capital city. Enjoy!

April 19, 2011

Sorry for missing a few days here - I've been busy with meetings for the last little while. I'll try to be more on target after this!

We had lots of fun with our Flubber science activity yesterday. The students used it to create everything from bracelets to bird nests to 3 metre long snakes to fake mustaches - some fun! (I'm constantly impressed with the creative powers of this group!)

I promised the class I'd include the Flubber recipe on the blog, so here it is, complete with metric conversions, no less!


You'll need two containers. Put the following into container #1: one and a half cups (350 ml) of warm water, two cups (475 ml) of white glue, and several drops of food colouring.

Next, mix three teaspoons (15 ml) of Borax with one and a third cups (300 ml) warm water in a second container.

Now pour the contents of container # 2 into the first container. Knead the mixture. Enjoy!


Just a reminder that school is closed this Friday for the Good Friday holiday.

April 13, 2011

Reminders; Book orders are due Friday. We'll be leaving for the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge at 9:15 Friday morning and are scheduled to depart from there at 2:15. Please send your child with a water bottle and a snack (or two, if you'd like) in a comfortable backpack. The terrain that we'll be covering may be a little wet, so you might want to send your child with waterproof footwear. As well, they should be dressed appropriately for the weather - a hat and mittens would be a good idea, in case the temperatures dip down on us. We've begun a "Cows and their Cowboys" theme this week, so I thought I'd resurrect this you tube cowboy video. Enjoy! (Just click on the following address.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_MaJDK3VNE

April 11, 2011

Reminders: Book orders went home today and are due Friday. As outlined in the note/permission form that was sent out just prior to the spring break, this Friday we'll be attending the Robert Bateman "Get to Know" program at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. We'll leave before morning recess and plan to return by the regular dismissal time in the afternoon. The Lodge is hosting a hot dog lunch for the students at noon. Please make sure that your child is dressed appropriately for a day of outdoor activities for this event. Thanks!

March 25, 2011

Homework for the holidays is just to read, read, read, and then read some more. I've kept the Golden Envelopes and the agendas here at school - enjoy the break!

March 24, 2011

Reminders:

Study for tomorrow's spelling test - the last one before the spring break!

There is a noon dismissal tomorrow.

The class was trying to come up with 10 body part words that have only 3 letters. So far we've got arm, leg, and eye. What are other body parts can you think to help round out the list to 10?

March 23, 2011

If you didn't get a chance to check out the sand castles from yesterday's post, see if you can find a minute to do that now. There are some spectacular pieces!

The students were going to try a math challenge on someone at home today. It goes like this:

"You are driving a bus. At the first stop, 5 people get on. At the next stop, 6 more people get on. At the third stop, 2 people get off but 4 more get on. At the fourth stop, 10 people get on. At the fifth stop, 3 people get off and 7 people get on. What is the age of the bus driver?"

Good luck with the challenge!

March 22, 2011

Thanks to all the people who have returned their report card envelopes, comment sheets and interview sheets. If you haven't returned those things yet, please send them back ASAP so that we can get some interview times set up. There's lots to show you!

Also, please sign and return the permission slips that went home yesterday. We're trying to collect all of these before the spring break. Thanks.

We were exploring examples of Harrison Hot Spring's wonderful sand sculptures - enjoy the photos! (Just click on the address listed below.)

http://www.greatervancouverparks.com/HARRISONSandCastles01.html

March 21, 2011

This week's spelling list is a challenging one - it concentrates on the "ight" family. We've been encountering these words quite often lately, so it's a good time to put them on a spelling list.

Report cards went home today. Please return the parent comment sheet, the interview sheet and the report card envelpe. (We'll reuse the envelope in June.) Please don't be alarmed if I've asked for an interview, as I've asked everyone to come in for one. There are so many things to go over and report that I felt meetings were appropriate for everyone.

A note went home today regarding a special event at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge that will take place after the spring break. Please sign and return the attached permission form if your child will be attending the event.

Students will be dismissed this Friday at noon - start making your plans for the holiday!

March 17, 2011

Happy St. Patrick's Day! The leprechaun visited our class in the wee hours of last night and caused considerable trouble in the classroom. (We know it was the leprechaun because he left a note AND a phone message.) What a mess. Your child can tell you all about the tricks that were played.

Today was rather full - there were lots of activities to get through. As a result, we didn't get a chance to choose new books for the Golden Envelopes so will take a break from that reading/writing until tomorrow. (Think of how many people will get 100% on tomorrow's spelling test now that there's extra time to use for studying spelling words!)

March 14, 2011

This week's spelling words are in the agendas. We spent a bit of time on the Spelling City link today. This site provides an excellent way to practise spelling skills, as it applies them to reading comprehension and thinking abilities. Lots of the activities are presented in game format and have immediate feedback - things the students really appreciate.

With spring weather in the air and wet clothing a distinct potential, it would be a good idea for students to continue bringing ski pants or some other sort of protection for their clothing.

March 11, 2011

Spelling test results are in the front pocket of the agendas. The students are also bringing home our latest science construction project. (I apologize for any coronaries they may cause. Ha ha.)

We had some more fun on the "ski hill" on our school playground today. (The new fluffy snow was just too good to pass up.) The class did very well with their hill work! Several students came with no mittens so we raided the Lost and Found on their behalf. Please check to make sure that your son or daughter has mittens at school every day. Even if we're not skiing, they should have mittens for the recess breaks. Thanks.

Enjoy the weekend!

March 10, 2011

Thanks to everyone for supporting our cookie sale today. We made $96.33! (Amazing how the sale of 25 cent cookies can produce that sum, isn't it?) The class helped set up, sell cookies, and count the coins at the end. (Let's see who remembers how to count by 25 tomorrow!) What a great way to learn about money - and about helping our Foster Child.

Cross country skiing just gets better and better with this class. Some people are starting to set the track on fire when they ski around the big loop and more and more people are standing up ALL THE WAY DOWN THE HILL! Yeehaw! Hopefully our snow will hold so that we can go a few more times next week. (Some of the students have trouble tieing their own ski boot laces. If you find the time, could you check to see if your child knows how to do this? If they don't, it would be very helpful if you could give them a lesson in tieing laces. Thanks.)

Remember that there will be a spelling test tomorrow and that it will again be in the sentence format.

I'm sorry to write that I didn't get a chance to look over the blue book sentences today. (It looks like I've got double duty tomorrow.)

March 9, 2011

Cross country skiing was lovely today - the class did very well and the weather couldn't have been better. We may go again tomorrow first thing in the afternoon - weather permitting, of course, so please send hoodies, mitts and toques again.

It's our turn to hold a cookie sale tomorrow. Please send 2 dozen baked goods for us to sell. Thanks!

The students have been going to the whiteboard to write sentences. Most mornings we write sentences with quotation marks in them and the students are doing very well with this. Today, however, everyone wrote nothing on the board. Parents, please ask your child about this.

It was a bit frosty to cross country ski this morning and the Grade Three students had booked the skis for the afternoon, so we didn't get a chance to go today. We'll try again tomorrow - again, weather permitting.

Come by the school some time this week and check out the life sized self portraits that the students designed and created. We made them as a follow-up to a book called "I Ain't Gonna Paint No More." It's about a little boy who gets in trouble for painting the walls and floors and ceilings of his house. He promises that he won't paint anymore, but then his good intentions crumble because, as he puts it, "There ain't no harm if I paint my arm, I just can't rest 'til I paint my chest, and I just can't stand not to paint my hand." He ends up covered in paint from head to toe... just like our art projects!

March 7, 2011

This week's spelling words are posted in the agendas, along with a note regarding our upcoming cookie sale.

We will be cross country skiing tomorrow morning (weather permitting). Please ensure that your child is dressed appropriately. Mittens and a toque are essential and a hoodie is recommended.

The companion reading duotangs that were sent home last week can stay at home. They show a good cross section of the kind of written work that compliments the Companion Reading portion of our Language Arts program. You'll find everything in the duotangs, from phonics to words in context to comprehension to written expression to grammar and mechanics to handwriting practise.

The writing portion of the Golden Envelope program is coming along nicely. The students did an independent book reading with a follow-up sentence writing exercise in class this morning and did very well! Keep up the great work at home, everyone! We'll continue to check in with the reading/writing all this week. I'm sure I'll continue to be impressed.

Enjoy the lovely weather we've returned to today!

March 3, 2011

Reminders for tomorrow:
1. Spelling test
2. Noon dismissal
3. Book orders due
4. Twin Day! For those who'd like to participate in a whole class Twin Extravaganza, we're all going to try to wear blue jeans and white shirts. (Then we can design a name for us - would we be "double octuplets"?)

March 2, 2011

Reminders:
1. Spelling test Friday
2. Book orders due Friday
3. Twin Day Friday

If you haven't checked in to Spelling City for a while, this might be a good time to revisit it. Just click on the link on the right hand side of the page. You'll find all kinds of activities and games to help practise the spelling words.

As well, we're revisiting counting by 2's, 5's and 10's. Lots of the students can list these numbers to 100 (and beyond, in some cases!). If your little Einstein can already do this, have them practise counting backward from 100 - something that's a little more challenging.

March 1, 2011

My apologies for the mistake I made yesterday on the blog. I wrote that our cookie sale is going to be held March 3rd. I should have written March 10. Sorry about that.

Reminders:

1. Book orders are due Friday.
2. This Friday will be Twin Day. Students are invited (but, as always, not required) to dress up with the same outfit/hair style/accessories as a partner or partners. It should be fun!
3. Newsletters went home today.

We made bluerprints for Marshmallow/Toothpick name tags today and then followed through to construct them. Now, how to put them on display ....

February 28, 2011

Whew! Where has February gone?! The March book orders were handed out today and are due Friday. There are some "Under the Sea" books which look like they'd match our current classroom theme. ( I have to admit that "Mary Had a Little Jam" is tempting me too!)

This week's spelling list reviews the "aw" sound and the commonly used words "want" and "went".

I thought I'd let you know that next week it's our room's turn to host a cookie sale. I'll let you know the particulars next Monday, but mark Thursday, March 3rd on your calendars for our sale.

February 23, 2011

We celebrated 100 days of school today - bouncing balls 100 times, running 100 laps of the gym (that was a combined effort with everyone running 4 or 5 or 6 laps), etc. in gym, reading books about 100, creating our own booklets with a hundred theme, printing 100 numbers, timing 100 seconds, counting to 100 by 5's, 10's, and 2's .... some fun!

There will be a cookie sale tomorrow. Dig out those quarters!

I've added a link to some aquarium videos, to compliment the "Under the Sea" theme that we're currently employing here in Room Four Where the Excitement Never Ends. Just click on the Aquarium Video link on the right hand side. It'll take you to a video of an otter being fed. The videos underneath the otter one will show all kinds of other aquatic animals in action. Enjoy!

February 16, 2011

Reminder for tomorrow:
1. Read the Golden Envelope book and write the sentences for it.


There were several mugs left over from this afternoon's winter carnival (which was oodles and oodles of fun!). Check in with us tomorrow if you didn't pick up your mug at the end of today.

For those who stay for lunch: it might be a good idea to send an extra pair of dry mitts to school each day. Lots of mittens are getting quite wet at recess and, even though the register in the classroom is available to dry them out, they are often still wet by noon (or by after school for the out-of-school care kids). Dry mitts would definitely be more comfy; if you have a spare pair, I'm guessing they'd be put to good use here at good old JES.

February 15, 2011

Our class will be going to Centennial Park tomorrow afternoon to participate in the school's winter carnival activities. Please ensure that your child is dressed appropriately for an afternoon outside. Students have been asked to bring ski helmets (we have some to loan) and an unbreakable, labeled mug (one of the stations is a hot chocolate station). We'll start the fun at 1:30. Activities will wrap up at 3:00 and we'll return to the school then.

This week's spelling list has been entered in the agendas. The Friday test will again be given in sentence format and will be checked for correct punctuation and capitalization. (The class is doing very well in these areas!)

February 14, 2011

Happy Valentine's Day! Thanks to everyone for the cards and treats - we had some fun in Room 4 this afternoon!

We'll send this week's spelling list home tomorrow. Tonight's homework is just to read the Golden Envelope book and to write about it in the sentence book.

February 9, 2011

Enjoy the loooooong weekend! (We sent two books home today for the Golden Envelope weekend reading. Keep up the great sentence writing!)

February 8, 2011

Great job on the Golden Envelope writing, everyone! This writing component will REALLY help with everyone's reading abilities. Keep up the super work!

Remember that tomorrow there will be a noon dismissal to allow the teachers to travel to the teachers' convention. Also, tomorrow is Wacky Hair Day! Students are invited (but not required) to wear wigs or crazy hair styles/colours/hair extensions (anybody planning on adding objects to their hair creations?!).

In case anyone's Valentine list went AWOL last night, here are the first names of the students in our class: Joie, Sarah, Ethan, Josh, Lloyd, Patrick, Mily, Andre, Wyatt, Ysabelle, Andy, Matteo, Adrian, Bryzen, Athena, Zoe, and Marielle.

February 7, 2011

There will be no spelling this week - we just thought that making a fake list of really difficult words would be a funny, funny trick to play on the parents. (We're warming up for April Fool's!)

The Golden Envelope program has entered a new phase. Please check out the note in your child's agenda regarding this. The addition of sentence writing will help extend and cement the reading skills the students have cultivated to date.

There should be a list of all the students' names in the front pockets of the agendas. The list is for anyone who would like to send Valentines next Monday. (Students are not required to bring Valentines, but if they do, they should bring one for everyone in the class. This helps keep everyone happy!)

Remember that students will be dismissed Wednesday at noon and that there is no school this Thursday and Friday.

Come and check out the "I Spy" bulletin board that went up today. The students' art work and their written efforts are outstanding!

February 4, 2011

Congratulations to Zoe and Ethan, who became the first to finish the game of Clock yesterday! How exciting!

Reminders for tomorrow:

Spelling test - complete with sentences, so we'll be checking for correct punctuation and capitalization

Golden Envelope reading

Book orders due

February 2, 2011

Happy Groundhog Day! It's unclear what our part of the world would forecast for winter's length. Apparently if a groundhog sees its shadow, it means 6 more weeks of winter. If there's now shadow, spring is supposed to be just around the corner. But it seems that we had cloud in the morning and sunshine is the afternoon, so the duration of our winter is anybody's guess.

The students are bringing home the pinch pot egg separators that we made with Libby Weir. The bottoms of the separators are a little rough, but they should still work to separate eggs. Happy meringue-ing!

Keep the Golden Envelope reading going!

Practise for this week's spelling test. There will be a sentence format for these tests from now on, to allow the students to practise and review proper punctuation and capitalization.

Please remember that book orders are due Friday. Also, we're having a Wacky Hair Day next Tuesday. As well, next Wednesday there is a noon dismissal to allow the teachers to travel to Edmonton for the teacher's convention next Thursday and Friday (February 10th and 11th).

January 31, 2011

It's hard to believe that it's the end of January already! Now for the second half of the year !

This week's spelling words concentrate on the "ong" family and on words that are from the latest class booklet (Huge Dog, Huge Dog, What Do You Hear?" (The class booklet is this night's Golden Envelope selection again and can be kept at home.)

If you haven't dropped in to see the art show yet, it's on until 5:00 tonight. (It's in the gym.) There are some really cool projects on display. Take advantage of this Arctic weather we're having to treat yourself to a little culture!

January 28, 2011

Spelling test results are in the front pocket of the agenda, along with the astronomy event note.

Students are bringing home a copy of the words they've written for a little classroom book. You'll find this literary miracle in the Golden Envelope as a replacement for the regular take-home books. In case the sheet of paper went AWOL on the way home, the words are:

Twinkle, twinkle, take a look. We hope you like our little book.

Twinkle, twinkle, little shark. Can I meet you at the park?

Twinkle, twinkle, little bug. Wipe your feet upon the rug.

Twinkle, twinkle, little dino. Would you like to fight a rhino?

Twinkle, twinkle, little chick. I just heard that you are sick.

Twinkle, twinkle, litte Sam. Would you like to eat some ham?

Twinkle, twinkle, little bath. Are you walking down the path?

Twinkle, twinkle, little mouse. I just love your cozy house.

Twinkle, twinkle, little ants. Do you like my hockey pants?

Twinkle, twinkle, little snail. Are you on a big fat whale?

Twinkle, twinkle, little rat. I wonder if you have a hat.

Twinkle, twinkle, little rose. I could pick you with my toes.

Twinkle, twinkle, little fish. I wonder if you have a dish.

Twinkle, twinkle, little fox. Do you have the chicken pox?

Twinkle, twinkle, little girls. How would you like some curls?

Twinkle, twinkle, little turtle. Is your name Bert or Myrtle?

Twinkle, twinkle, Classroom Four. We've made a book that we adore!

January 27, 2011

Reminders:
1. For tomorrow's spelling test, the words will be given in sentence format again, so there will be a check for capitals and periods.

2. I forgot to hand out today's note. It's regarding an upcoming astronomy event at the Activity Centre. I'll send the note home tomorrow. (Sorry.)

3. We tried a divergent thinking activity this morning. As a class, we brainstormed to see how many white things we could think of. Our goal was to think of 10 items. We came up with 51! Some of the ideas included swans, bunnies in winter, milk, Santa's beard, sheep, dandelion seeds .... it was amazing how creative the class was! (If anyone thinks of more things to add to our list, we'd love to hear your ideas!)

January 26, 2011

Reminders for tomorrow:

1. Skating! Please send appropriate clothing, skates, and helmets. Thanks again to all the parents who are planning to help out with skate tying and on-the-ice supervision.

2. There will be a cookie sale at recess tomorrow. (Sorry for the late notice on this one - it was just announced after the final bell of the day.)

3. A note went home today regarding next Monday's Student Led Conference featuring the art projects that have been created under Libby Weir's expert instruction and encouragement. The conference will run from 1:00 until 5:00. Please feel free to come to the room and pick up your child for a tour of the gym and hallways. Prepare to be shocked and amazed!

January 25, 2011

Reminders:

Tonight is the Family Games Night from 6:30 until 8:00 upstairs at JES. Come on out for some board games, some computer games, or some Karaoke!

We're going to take advantage of the warm temperatures and the snow (before it melts away) and squeeze in another session of cross country skiing tomorrow morning. Please send a hat, a hoodie (if possible) and mitts tomorrow morning. Thanks.

January 24, 2011

This week's spelling list is a combination of "ould" and "ick" words. (Remember that the Friday spelling tests from now on will be given in sentence format, so that the students must remember capitals and end punctuation.

Remember that tomorrow evening there will be a Family Literacy Game Night from 6:30 until 8:00. There will be board games in the library, karaoke in the staff room, smart board games in rooms 212, 214, and 215, and the computer room will be open for 15 minute sign-in sessions.

We plan to go cross country skiing tomorrow at the soccer pitch. Please ensure that your child has appropriate clothing, including a hat, a hoodie, and mitts for this activity.

Thanks to the parents who are helping with the Brain Boost program again this week. We really appreciate you!

Thanks to everyone who is thoughtfully removing winter footwear before walking down the hallways. It's helping keep our socks dry - and our floors clean!

January 21, 2011

The spelling test results are in the front pockets of the agendas. We've added a new ingredient to the tests: writing the list words in dictated sentences so that I can check to see if students are using capitals for the beginnings of sentences and adding correct end punctuation. Most students did a very good job on this!

January 20, 2011

Everyone in the class is bringing home a copy of Carumba, a book by Canadian author Marie-Louise Gay. The TD Bank is giving a copy of this book to every first grade student in Canada. Enjoy your copy!

We have a noon dismissal tomorrow.

Remember to study for tomorrow's spelling test and that we are having a "Celebrity Day" where students are invited to dress up as a famous character.

January 19, 2011

Remember that we have skating tomorrow.

There will be a cookie sale tomorrow at recess. Dig out those quarters!

There will be a noon dismissal on Friday. Also, students are invited (but not required) to dress as a celebrity Friday morning. The celebrity can be a famous sports person, an actor, a singer, a scientist - anything goes!

January 18, 2011

The class did a super job cross country skiing today! We would like to get out to the ball diamond again, but will have to keep a weather eye out and wait for another good day. We'll aim for next week - stay tuned for a decision on which day(s) we'll try to go. If you get a chance, check to see if your child knows how to tie shoes - all the x-c boots have laces and it speeds things up if everyone knows how to tie their own.

We'll be going sliding at Centennial Park tomorrow afternoon. Please send sleds and ski helmets if you have them. We do have ski helmets to loan if people need them.

Remember that we have skating Thursday afternoon, so everyone will need to bring rink gear on that day. (Skiing, sledding, skating - isn't winter great?!)

We had another super art lesson with Libby Weir this afternoon. We go again tomorrow afternoon and once more Thursday morning. (The Picasso/Renoir/Group of Seven traits that are coming out .... oh my!) Libby just told me that if anyone has extra fabric that they'd like to donate to our class for tomorrow's art project, she'd accept it with thanks and appreciation.

Today's Golden Envelope reading book is from our basal reading series. If you get a chance, you can point out the use of quotation marks and the "y" endings on noisy, silly, smelly, grumpy, and lonely (to go with our spelling lesson this week) in the Twinkle Twinkle story.

I thought I should throw in a quick reminder that our class uses the side door by the bike racks. If students come in another door with their boots on, it can leave puddles, which are nasty for the people who've left their boots in the proper spot and who are walking in sock feet to their lockers. Thanks to all the parents who thoughtfully leave their boots at the doors, too. It really helps keep our socks dry!

I need to send another thank you to all the parents who have volunteered to prepare and deliver the school's brain boost snacks. We really appreciate your time and efforts.

January 17, 2011

Read! The people who are practising their Golden Envelope books each night are really starting to take off in the reading department. Remember if your child makes an error, ask them if the sentence or word looks right, sounds right or makes sense. As well, when your child comes to a problem word, ask them what they know about the word.


This week's spelling list is concentrating on the "y" endings. This letter is a chameleon - it sometimes takes on the long "e" sound (as in the words from today's list), itsometimes sounds like a long "a" (as in the words day and may), it sometimes sounds like a long "i" (as in the words try and fry) - and it sometimes sounds like the beginning of the word yellow. Today's list uses the "y" as a long "e" sound. The students should recognize that the y's in the list act like a "Magic E", jumping over the letter to its left and making the vowel say its own name. (That's why some of the words have double consonants - so that the y will not be able to make the vowel say its own name.

We had our first round of art with Libby Weir today. We're planning to use today's project as a surprise gift, so please don't ask what the project was! We have art again tomorrow afternoon, so remember to leave the fancy clothes at home....

We're planning on cross country skiing tomorrow morning, weather permitting. Please ensure that your child has a warm hat, mitts, and ski pants, if possible. Also, if your child has a warm hoodie to wear under their winter coat, please send the hoodie along. (Cross country skiing can be a very hot, sweaty undertaking and the students often beg to take their jackets off. I don't mind if they do this, as long as the weather isn't too cold, and they have a hoodie.

As well, we'd like to try sledding (again, weather permitting) at the ball diamond park Wednesday afternoon. Please send sleds and helmets (if you have them) for this activity. We'll leave the school right after lunch and will return before 2:15.

Our school is hosting a Family Games Night Tuesday, January 25 from 6:30 until 8 pm. Your child will be bringing home a note tomorrow regarding this event.

There is a noon dismissal this Friday. Cross your fingers for great snow and warm weather to enjoy it in!

January 14, 2011

Our class will be working with Libby Weir, a local artist, on some art projects next week. We get the benefit of Libby's expertise for an hour every day! Some of the projects promise to be messy, so you might want to consider leaving fancy clothing out of next week's wardrobe selection.

On Monday, January 30, we will showcase our learning experiences with Libby by hosting a school-wide student-led conference. The conference will begin at 1:00 and run until 5:00 and will feature the creations that students will have completed with Libby. The artwork will be set up in the gym. Please feel free to come and "borrow" your son/daughter from class for a few minutes so that they can show you their work. Or, if it works better for you, you could come and see the art projects after school until 5:00.

It's too bad that the weather didn't cooperate and let us go sliding this afternoon. We'll take a look at our calendar and try to reschedule for another time. Stay tuned!

January 13, 2011

Reminders:
1. Spelling test tomorrow
2. Read!
3. We'll go sledding tomorrow ONLY if the weather improves. You can send warm clothes, helmets and sleds and we'll cross our fingers for warmer weather tomorrow afternoon.

The class has been fitted/sized with cross country ski boots and skis. Again, we'll wait for warmer weather before we try out a x-c ski adventure. It's great to have the snow - now we just have to organize the right mercury level!

The Clifford books that the students brought home yesterday are for the students to keep. Enjoy the addition to your family library!

January 12, 2011

Reminders:
1. Read! The students' reading should be smoothing out nicely so that they don't sound like their words are separated into by long pauses. We always say in class that reading should sound as though you are speaking to someone and should not be "robotic".
2. We are still looking for Gatorade drink lids. We need 7 more. If anyone can help us out, we'd appreciate it!
3. We go skating tomorrow afternoon. The arena is booked for our class from 2:00 until 3:00. Thanks for sending helmets and skates - and thanks in advance to all the parents who will be helping out on the ice and with skate tying.

January 11, 2011

Reminders:
1. Read!
2. Practise some addition facts - the second link on the side is a good starting point. It allows the students to choose their own level (from adding 0 to adding 9) and also gives two options for playing: Level One is a one minute timed challenge and Level Two lets you finish all the questions and then lets you know how long it took to do it. The students are getting better at adding all the time. It's great to see the progress!
3. Thanks to the people who sent snowman "hats". We need lots more, so if you 've got any empty Powerade or Gatorade containers, we'd love to have the clean lids from them.

January 10, 2011

Reminders:
1. Study spelling. This week's words don't follow a pattern as most of the previous lists have. Instead, they are common words that all the first graders should be able to read and spell automatically.
2. We will be skating again this Thursday afternoon. Thanks in advance for sending skates, appropriate clothing, and helmets, and for all the parents who will help us out at the arena.
3. If the weather smartens up, we will be going sliding Friday afternoon at the ball park hill. Please send warm clothing and sleds for this activity.
4. Read! (Don't forget about the Tumblebooks site. If your child reads a book from the site, please have them take the follow-up quiz (if it's available) and try a follow-up game (if it's available.)

We are making snowmen Wednesday afternoon and are looking for Gatorade or Powerade lids to use as snowmen hats. If you have any clean lids that you could donate to our class, we'd appreciate them. Thanks!

January 6, 2011

Thanks to all the parents who helped out at the arena today. It's amazing how many good skaters we have - and how much improvement first graders can make in one short hour on the ice!

Reminders for tomorrow:
1. January book orders are due.
2. Spelling test
3. Read the Golden Envelope book.


If you haven't already checked out the new Addition Practise link, try it out.

January 5, 2011

Remember to bring your skates and helmet for skating at the Activity Centre tomorrow afternoon. We'll leave the school around 1:40 and will dismiss from the Activity Centre. (Students who have to return to the school can do so with the teachers.) Any volunteers who would like to help tie skates are most welcome to do so - with our thanks!

Book orders are due Friday.

Keep reading those golden envelopes books!

I've added a new link for more adding practise. The new link is called "Addition Game" and has opportunities to connect with subtracting practise, as well. Check it out!

January 4, 2011

Reminders:
1. Study spelling.
2. Skating on Thursday. We'll leave the school around 1:40.
3. Book orders are due Friday.

January 3, 2011

It's hard to believe that it's 2011 already! Happy New Year to everyone!

Reminders:
1. Study spelling.
2. A few people have not yet returned the November report card. Please do so ASAP. Thanks!
3. We will be going skating Thursday afternoons in January at the Activity Centre. Please send skates and appropriate clothing on those days. Helmets are mandatory as well, so if your child has a hockey helmet, please send that as well. (We do have helmets at school for those who need to borrow one.) Any parents who are available to help tie skates are welcome to come along - with our thanks! Dismissal will be from the Activity Centre. Those students who need to return to the school for the Out-of-school-care program can return with the teachers.

There are a few students who do not have skates. If anyone has some skates that they'd be willing to lend, please let me know and we'll try to find a fit for those skateless students. Thanks.

4. Book orders are due this Friday.