Please note: this is NOT an April Fool's joke! No siree, it's for real! Welcome to my classroom blog! I've been working towards achieving this (blog) for what seems like months - better late then never, right? *smile* I'm excited to begin this online journey with your child and YOU - providing you with updates of our exciting learning and upcoming events from our classroom/school community to your home! This blog is another avenue for US to share and celebrate your child's learning!!!
First and foremost, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you so much for your continued support in your child's learning! Working as a collaborative team has made a significant difference - I value and appreciate you reinforcing school concepts at home!
Literacy:
We have been working on the 'Reading Comprehension Strategy' of "Predicting." Reading is Thinking! When your child brings their 'Home Reading' book home, please have your child make a prediction using evidence (pictures, words, schema) from the text to help support their thinking. Predicting is when a reader anticipates what will happen next based on text clues (evidence).
The students have also started a 'Daily Language Review' (Bell Work) that reinforces language concepts (e.g. reading, writing, editing, conventions). When your child brings this home on Mondays, please go over this with them and encourage your child to fix their errors. Bell Work is designed for your child to get their 'Minds On' for literacy as soon as the bell rings! Your child has worked diligently to do their personal best!
Word Study:
This week's words have a focus on the long 'a' vowel sound. Have your child sing our vowels song to you! Thank you parents for encouraging your child to complete their daily Word Study Homework, this is making a significant difference in your child's reading development! I'm so proud of the students' improvements on their weekly tests and seeing their reading levels soar!
Mathematics:
We have wrapped up our 'Greater Numbers' learning (place value); we will most certainly revisit this concept throughout the remainder of the year. Your child has enjoyed playing our Place Value Pocket Chart game in class. I'm thrilled that most students have grasped the concept of place value!
This week, I will be introducing the concept of "Fractions." Students will have the opportunity to explore and discover ways to equally divide and share special treats with their classmates. Your child has been enthusiastically participating in our "Math Minds On Songs" in class to help initiate and consolidate their learning. Ask your child what their favourite Math Song is that we've learned this school year. I predict the Attributes and Place Value song! Hmmm...
Parents thank you also for taking the time to play our Weekly Math In A Bag game! Practicing numeracy skills at home is vital and helps your child build upon their growing skills!
Science:
Your child is a scientist and is investigating the "Development of Baby Chicks!" Yes! You read that correctly, we're hatching baby chicks in our classroom! Ask your child about our 'Chick Learning,' and they will teach you some of the new vocabulary that they've learned in this process. The estimated time of arrival for the chicks is April 17th, just in time for our Earth Day Celebrations which will take place on Fri. Apr. 20th. This is my first experience as a teacher hatching baby chicks, please keep your fingers and toes crossed that most if not ALL 27 fertilized eggs HATCH!!!
Social Studies:
Mapping! The children are learning about maps and globes. They are so excited to share this learning! I have mentioned to the children that although we now have GPS', it is important to learn and understand basic mapping skills before they opt for an automated device guiding them to their destination. Ask your child about the 4 key directions, map key/legend, continents, and the significance of blue/green. I have made up 'Mapping Skills Games' for in class use, I can't wait to introduce these purposeful activities to them - I think they'll really enjoy playing them!
Upcoming School Events:
Spirit Day - Thurs. Apr. 5th
- Have your child dress up in their favourite sport's team jersey/shirt. I'm a huge soccer fan, so I'll be sporting an England jersey :) Can't wait for the next World Cup! What's your favourite sport's team?
Scholastic Books Orders - Due Tues. Apr. 10th
- Help support our school library!
Earth Day Celebration - Fri. Apr. 20th
- Students will have the opportunity to learn and participate in purposeful and engaging activities throughout the school. Ohhh yesss, there will be a BABY CHICKS learning station!!! Cheep, cheep :)
May you continue to grow gracefully, creatively, and joyously ...
Namaste (I Honour You),
Miss Gill
PS: ask your child about the songwriter's powerful message!
