Friday, April 27, 2018

In math, we are nearing the end of our addition and subtraction unit.  Some of the children spent time today building "subtraction machines."  For example, if I put 8 in the machine and only 5 come out, how many got stuck in the machine?  Here is Levi's machine:

In language arts, we had an introduction to fiction writing this week.  We used picture prompts, reviewed our transitional phrases, and discussed the importance of having an introduction (characters and setting), problem and solution.  Although, the stories are not yet finished, they are off to a great start!  There was even a bit of time for peer editing.  Here is Andrew's beginning to his story:

Reminders:

• May 4: Volunteer appreciation 8:30 am
• May 4: Movie night

 

Monday, April 23, 2018

Today we worked with our friends in Mrs. Lai's class to recreate a well-known Calgary landmark.  Some of the structures we sketched and then built with straws and connectors were: the Calgary tower, the Telus science center, the peace bridge and the Saddledome.  

In the afternoon, we welcomed two guest artists to our school.  Anna and Kasia from "Passion for Glass" led us through a special glass art project.  We can't wait for our creations to be returned to us after they have gone through the kiln.

Reminders:

• April 25, 26: Popcorn days
• April 27: Fun lunch (www.healthyhunger.ca order by April 21)

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

We just finished our third day of swimming, and long naps seem imminent!  The kids have been doing a great job in their lessons and will wrap up at the pool tomorrow.

When we came back from swimming, our school was treated to a magic show about friendship.  We learned that when it comes to friendship, you have to consider other people's feelings, choose real (not fake) friends, create invitations, encourage others, learn names, be dependable and smile!

Reminders:

• April 19, 20: Student-led conferences
• April 20: No school
• April 25, 26: Popcorn days
• April 27: Fun lunch (www.healthyhunger.ca order by April 21)

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Today we tested our boats to see if they would float.  We had a great time working with our partners in Mrs. Lai's class for this project.  Thanks to all of the families for sending in building materials.  Tomorrow we will be reflecting on the project and writing about how we would change our designs if we were to repeat the task.  Many students indicated orally today that next time they would not make their boats as "top heavy."

In language arts, we read, "The Knuffle Bunny" by Mo Willems.  We used this story to discuss characters, problem and solution.  The students created flip books to show their understanding of these concepts.  

Reminders:

• April 17: Passion for glass art project form due
• April 16, 17, 18, 19: Swimming lessons: please have your child wear his/her swimsuit under his/her clothes when coming to school these days (be sure to pack underwear in a bag)
• April 19, 20: Student-led conferences
• April 20: No school
• April 27: Fun lunch (www.healthyhunger.ca order by April 21)

Monday, April 9, 2018

We added more words to our list of transitional phrases today and are continuing to experiment with varying how we begin our sentences.  In our writing workshop this morning, we wrote about an important person in our life and used transitional phrases where we could.

In science, we are once again working with our partners in Mrs. Lai's class.  This time, we are preparing to construct boats.  Today we watched an engineering video about building boats, to help us plan our designs.

At the end of the day, we enjoyed a lovely band performance from Simon Fraser students.


Reminders:

• April 17: Passion for glass art project form due
• April 16, 17, 18, 19: Swimming lessons 
• April 19, 20: Student-led conferences
• April 20: No school
• April 27: Fun lunch (www.healthyhunger.ca order by April 21)

Thursday, April 5, 2018

It's nice to be back at school, all together again.  Inaaya was back today and met with a big surprise: a new baby stroller!  She and her friends had a great time taking the dolls on various walks throughout the day.  

In writing, we are learning how to add transitional phrases to the beginnings of our sentences.  By doing so, we do not overuse certain beginnings such as "he/she/I."  We will continue to add to our list next week.

Here is an example of transitional phrases in action:

In math, we are working on subtraction.  Some of the strategies that we are practicing include: using objects and pictures to represent equations, using number lines, counting back on our fingers, and using backwards skip counting (-2, -5, -10 or -multiples of 10).  

We are also reviewing the concept of part-part-whole (known as number bonds).  This is a precursor to understanding fact families, and how subtraction is related to addition.  Ask your child to show you how to create two parts, and then put them together to form a whole.

The work below shows how we use part-part-whole (number bonds) to solve for a missing part, when the whole group and other part are known.

Reminders:

• April 6: Movie night (7pm)
• April 9: Swimming permission forms and Spolumbo's fundraiser forms due
• April 16, 17, 18, 19: Swimming lessons 
• April 19, 20: Student-led conferences
• April 20: No school
• April 27: Fun lunch (www.healthyhunger.ca order by April 21)