After a short recess we were off to our fourth swimming lesson. Today the instructors spoke primarily about water safety. Here are some photos:
Search This Blog
Friday, January 31, 2014
January 31, 2014
We started today with devotions, then had our spelling test and memory verse check. This was followed by Guided Reading groups, where the instructional focus today was on how good readers look up words that they don't know the meaning of and make note of interesting words they could use in their writing.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
January 30, 2014
We started today with Bible (the children told me none of you tested them on their new big words!! Please quiz them to make sure they know what they mean - omniscient (all knowing), omnipotent (all powerful) and omnipresent (all present/always there)). :)
Then we went on to our final FSA practice test, this time focusing on Reading Comprehension. Next week we'll do the actual tests, spread out over the week. There will be chunks of non-academic time next week to give the 4's a mental break after writing their tests, or beforehand, depending on the day. The 3's will be doing their own work either in the classroom or the lab while the 4's are writing their tests (the 3's will be in a different room from the 4's so as not to distract them).
After recess we had Music, then DPA, and then Math. The 3's continued with measuring using their rulers while the 4's went on to figuring out minutes on an analog clock.
The afternoon was spent catching up on incomplete and overdue work, and then we were off to chapel.
No homework tonight. :)
Then we went on to our final FSA practice test, this time focusing on Reading Comprehension. Next week we'll do the actual tests, spread out over the week. There will be chunks of non-academic time next week to give the 4's a mental break after writing their tests, or beforehand, depending on the day. The 3's will be doing their own work either in the classroom or the lab while the 4's are writing their tests (the 3's will be in a different room from the 4's so as not to distract them).
After recess we had Music, then DPA, and then Math. The 3's continued with measuring using their rulers while the 4's went on to figuring out minutes on an analog clock.
The afternoon was spent catching up on incomplete and overdue work, and then we were off to chapel.
No homework tonight. :)
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
January 29, 2014
Yikes! It's almost February! Time is flying by, and we have lots to do in the next 5 months!
We began today with some more FSA practice tests, this time focusing on the long write. The students had 60 minutes to write about a topic, knowing that content, paragraphs, punctuation, grammar, and spelling were important. The Grade 4's will have their actual FSA tests next week (the 3's will be doing other work).
Then we had some independent reading, followed by a brief read aloud time while the children had their snacks just before recess.
We switched things up after recess so that we could make use of the lab for S.S., and went there to work on the Copper Inuit projects right after recess. Then the students had P.E. and P.O.W. with Mr. Banman.
After lunch we had Math, and the 3's finished off some measuring with a ruler activities, and then went on to estimating measurements, while the 4's continued with elapsed time calculations and then telling time to the minute using an analog clock.
Have a relaxing, pleasant evening everyone.
We began today with some more FSA practice tests, this time focusing on the long write. The students had 60 minutes to write about a topic, knowing that content, paragraphs, punctuation, grammar, and spelling were important. The Grade 4's will have their actual FSA tests next week (the 3's will be doing other work).
Then we had some independent reading, followed by a brief read aloud time while the children had their snacks just before recess.
We switched things up after recess so that we could make use of the lab for S.S., and went there to work on the Copper Inuit projects right after recess. Then the students had P.E. and P.O.W. with Mr. Banman.
After lunch we had Math, and the 3's finished off some measuring with a ruler activities, and then went on to estimating measurements, while the 4's continued with elapsed time calculations and then telling time to the minute using an analog clock.
Have a relaxing, pleasant evening everyone.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
January 28, 2014
We started today with Bible, and the students added to their vocabulary with the words omniscient (all knowing) and omnipotent (all powerful)...quiz them tonight to see if they remember what these mean (I told them you would!) :)
Then we did an FSA reading and writing sample test which took until recess.
After that, the students had Music with Mr. Banman, and then we went on to Math. The 3's are measuring using centimetres and the 4's are working on elapsed time now.
Following Lunch, we had S.S., and the students continued with their Copper Inuit projects. Then they had Library and P.E.
Then we did an FSA reading and writing sample test which took until recess.
After that, the students had Music with Mr. Banman, and then we went on to Math. The 3's are measuring using centimetres and the 4's are working on elapsed time now.
Following Lunch, we had S.S., and the students continued with their Copper Inuit projects. Then they had Library and P.E.
Monday, January 27, 2014
January 27, 2014
We began today with RW, and we read the next chapter from Charlotte's Web. The students had to prove certain statements from the story, and we did some syllable work as well.
Then we had Spelling, and the words are posted online as always. Our memory verse is one that many of the children are familiar with the first part, but not as much with the second part.
Following DPA and recess, we had WW, and I shared with the students some examples of satisfactory, proficient and excellent writing using the same prompt that they used. It was interesting noting the writing traits the included (and didn't include) in their work. Then the students had some time to work on their own narrative, which will eventually be on display in the classroom on our 'Wall of Fame'.
Then the 4's did some FSA practice on the longer Math component of the test, which is administered online. This is primarily to get them familiar with the format. The 3's worked on review work at this time.
Following lunch we had Science, and our focus today was on adaptations that animals have to allow them to live most effectively in their habitat.
We finished the day with Chapel.
No homework other than working on spelling words and the memory verse. :)
Then we had Spelling, and the words are posted online as always. Our memory verse is one that many of the children are familiar with the first part, but not as much with the second part.
Following DPA and recess, we had WW, and I shared with the students some examples of satisfactory, proficient and excellent writing using the same prompt that they used. It was interesting noting the writing traits the included (and didn't include) in their work. Then the students had some time to work on their own narrative, which will eventually be on display in the classroom on our 'Wall of Fame'.
Then the 4's did some FSA practice on the longer Math component of the test, which is administered online. This is primarily to get them familiar with the format. The 3's worked on review work at this time.
Following lunch we had Science, and our focus today was on adaptations that animals have to allow them to live most effectively in their habitat.
We finished the day with Chapel.
No homework other than working on spelling words and the memory verse. :)
Friday, January 24, 2014
January 24, 2014
Then we headed off to swimming which was great. Thanks to Stephanie Hampson for helping with driving this time!
The weather today was spectacular and the children really enjoyed the sunshine at lunch, skipping and playing soccer.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
January 23, 2014
We started the day today with switching up our Opening Exercises a bit. The children finally cracked their black duotangs, which we haven't touched this year, and we made them our Opening Exercise duotang. They've put their exercise book inside, and we'll continue using that for our O.W.I.'s, but they'll be getting 'Daily Gram's' from me that will go in there as well, where they will have to correct a variety of grammar mistakes. I'll send these home every once in a while so you are informed as to how things are going.
Then we had Bible, and today our focus was on where God is, and how strong He is. We learned the word omnipresent (does your child remember what that means?).
After Bible we had Handwriting and Grammar. The 4's worked on their Qq's and the 3's worked on connecting their letters in Handwriting. In Grammar everyone worked with linking verbs.
Then we had a brief Math class and we spent some time working with bar graphs and pictographs.
After recess the students had Music and DPA, and then we joined the school in a farewell assembly for the international students.
Following lunch we had Art (ask them about the geometric shapes they used and the patterns we had), and then Chapel, which was all about worrying, an emotion many of us battle.
Then we had Bible, and today our focus was on where God is, and how strong He is. We learned the word omnipresent (does your child remember what that means?).
After Bible we had Handwriting and Grammar. The 4's worked on their Qq's and the 3's worked on connecting their letters in Handwriting. In Grammar everyone worked with linking verbs.
Then we had a brief Math class and we spent some time working with bar graphs and pictographs.
After recess the students had Music and DPA, and then we joined the school in a farewell assembly for the international students.
Following lunch we had Art (ask them about the geometric shapes they used and the patterns we had), and then Chapel, which was all about worrying, an emotion many of us battle.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
January 22, 2014
Good day everyone! I'm curious to see how many of you (any?) are still reading the blog...please comment below if you read this so that I know someone is!
Today we began with WW and we're working with a picture prompt and creating a story. Today the lesson was focused on using descriptive words, which is similar to our VBO lesson from last day. I also reviewed the essential parts of a story (Beginning, middle and end) with the class.
Then we had RW and the students worked with their Guided Reading groups and simply had a reading block. I read aloud from 'The Hobbit' and then our special visitor arrived! Thanks to Seth's family, his uncle planned a last minute stop at our school. He's training to be a dog handler with the RCMP and the kids were so excited to meet the puppy, Ford, that he's currently working with. Here are some photos:
After recess the students had S.S., and we headed down to the lab to work on our Copper Inuit projects. At this age we spend a lot of time learning how to use Microsoft Word, so much of our time was spent on that. With time they'll be quicker with this technology than we are, I'm sure!
Then they had P.E. and P.O.W. with Mr. Banman.
Following lunch we had Math. The Grade 3's worked on calendars today (we learned the rhyme, "30 days has September, April, June and November, all the rest have 31, except for February, the odd one."), and the 4's continued on telling time. Many of the students in Grade 4 get confused with an analog clock when it's near the next hour (i.e. 3:55, or 5:50), thinking that it's the next hour because the hour hand is close to the next hour. I've been emphasizing that it's whatever hour the hour hand has passed, not what it's coming close to. Please review this at home though!
We had a spectacular view out our classroom window this morning which Irelyn noticed, so she took this picture for you. Enjoy!
Today we began with WW and we're working with a picture prompt and creating a story. Today the lesson was focused on using descriptive words, which is similar to our VBO lesson from last day. I also reviewed the essential parts of a story (Beginning, middle and end) with the class.
Then we had RW and the students worked with their Guided Reading groups and simply had a reading block. I read aloud from 'The Hobbit' and then our special visitor arrived! Thanks to Seth's family, his uncle planned a last minute stop at our school. He's training to be a dog handler with the RCMP and the kids were so excited to meet the puppy, Ford, that he's currently working with. Here are some photos:
After recess the students had S.S., and we headed down to the lab to work on our Copper Inuit projects. At this age we spend a lot of time learning how to use Microsoft Word, so much of our time was spent on that. With time they'll be quicker with this technology than we are, I'm sure!
Then they had P.E. and P.O.W. with Mr. Banman.
Following lunch we had Math. The Grade 3's worked on calendars today (we learned the rhyme, "30 days has September, April, June and November, all the rest have 31, except for February, the odd one."), and the 4's continued on telling time. Many of the students in Grade 4 get confused with an analog clock when it's near the next hour (i.e. 3:55, or 5:50), thinking that it's the next hour because the hour hand is close to the next hour. I've been emphasizing that it's whatever hour the hour hand has passed, not what it's coming close to. Please review this at home though!
We had a spectacular view out our classroom window this morning which Irelyn noticed, so she took this picture for you. Enjoy!
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
January 21, 2014
Just a couple of quick notes to let you know that we had a Jump Rope For Heart assembly today and more information will be coming home later in the week or early next week.
No homework tonight everyone!
Monday, January 20, 2014
January 20, 2014
We had an absolutely glorious day today with the sun shining, and it sounds like this weather will continue for many days!
Today began with RW, and we continued through 'Charlotte's Web' Ch. 4. After that the students had their Spelling Pre-Test (just 12 review words for everyone) and then we went outside for some DPA in the sun.
Following recess, we had WW. Today's discussion was all about VBO's (Vague, boring and overused words). I'll be emphasizing with the students over the next few months to avoid using these words more than once in their writing.
Then we had Math, and after completing a 5-minute Frenzy, we went on to play a Math game called Pig. The Grade 3's played this using addition and the 4's using multiplication. It's a fantastic way to work on basic facts, and they don't even know they're working! A quote from one of the students was, "That was the best math class ever because we didn't even do any math!" Little did they know... :)
Following Lunch we enjoyed another 20 minutes of the Planet Earth video and then some students did a desk clean, some caught up on late work and others did independent reading. This was followed by Chapel.
Enjoy your homework-free evening everyone!
Today began with RW, and we continued through 'Charlotte's Web' Ch. 4. After that the students had their Spelling Pre-Test (just 12 review words for everyone) and then we went outside for some DPA in the sun.
Following recess, we had WW. Today's discussion was all about VBO's (Vague, boring and overused words). I'll be emphasizing with the students over the next few months to avoid using these words more than once in their writing.
Then we had Math, and after completing a 5-minute Frenzy, we went on to play a Math game called Pig. The Grade 3's played this using addition and the 4's using multiplication. It's a fantastic way to work on basic facts, and they don't even know they're working! A quote from one of the students was, "That was the best math class ever because we didn't even do any math!" Little did they know... :)
Following Lunch we enjoyed another 20 minutes of the Planet Earth video and then some students did a desk clean, some caught up on late work and others did independent reading. This was followed by Chapel.
Enjoy your homework-free evening everyone!
Friday, January 17, 2014
January 17, 2014
We started the day with our Spelling test, and then went on to finish (almost - a few didn't quite get there) our first exercises on Measurement for this unit.
Then we were off to Swimming, which went well! The kids have improved a lot even since last week, which is awesome.
Then we were off to Swimming, which went well! The kids have improved a lot even since last week, which is awesome.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
January 16, 2014
What a beautiful afternoon! I'm writing this and enjoying a glorious view of the sun starting to set from my classroom. I hope you're all out enjoying this wonderful weather.
We began today with Bible, and talked about how old God is. Ask your child, but hopefully his or her answer is "ageless"! Ask them what eternal and everlasting means, as these are words we used today in class.
This was followed by handwriting (the Grade 3's have now learned all of their lower-case letters) and grammar (on to action verbs today).
After recess the class had Music and DPA and then we had Math. Our new unit is Measurement, and the 3's today were learning about measuring in time and the 4's were focusing on dates.
We finished a Monet art project today as well, and these are on display in the hallway. For now, enjoy the photo!
We began today with Bible, and talked about how old God is. Ask your child, but hopefully his or her answer is "ageless"! Ask them what eternal and everlasting means, as these are words we used today in class.
This was followed by handwriting (the Grade 3's have now learned all of their lower-case letters) and grammar (on to action verbs today).
After recess the class had Music and DPA and then we had Math. Our new unit is Measurement, and the 3's today were learning about measuring in time and the 4's were focusing on dates.
We finished a Monet art project today as well, and these are on display in the hallway. For now, enjoy the photo!
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
January 15, 2014
We began the day with Writing Workshop, and the students have submitted all their contributions for the classroom newspaper. I'll compile them into one document and print out copies for everyone to take home. They are excited to see the final product!
Then we had Reading Workshop, and the students spent some time doing independent reading and then I read to them from 'The Hobbit'.
After recess we had our Math test (class average was in the 80-85% range for both grades!), and then the students had P.E. with Mr. Banman followed by P.O.W.
We had an alarming interruption to our S.S. class after lunch (literally, as we had a fire drill), and then we continued on with our research projects on the Copper Inuit.
Have a wonderful afternoon everyone!
Then we had Reading Workshop, and the students spent some time doing independent reading and then I read to them from 'The Hobbit'.
After recess we had our Math test (class average was in the 80-85% range for both grades!), and then the students had P.E. with Mr. Banman followed by P.O.W.
We had an alarming interruption to our S.S. class after lunch (literally, as we had a fire drill), and then we continued on with our research projects on the Copper Inuit.
Have a wonderful afternoon everyone!
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
January 14, 2014
Just a couple of quick notes today to let you know that the students all did some review work in math today and seem to be ready for the test tomorrow. Hooray! Here are a couple of great action shots of the fun we were having in the swings today at lunch!
Monday, January 13, 2014
January 13, 2014
Good afternoon everyone! I hope this gloomy, grey day finds you enjoying some time with your family, whether it be at home or out and about.
We started today with RW, and the students worked in their Guided Reading groups (or half of them did anyway...we had a number of students absent today, so some groups didn't run, and the remaining student in those groups did Independent Reading in lieu), and then we spent some time on our Literature Study, Charlotte's Web.
Then we had our Spelling Pre-Test and wrote out Psalm 23:3-4, our memory verse this week.
Following a fun game of Octopus/line tag, we had Recess, and then WW. Our newspaper articles are slowly trickling in, and soon I'll put together the final document.
After WW we had Math. Don't forget about our test on Wednesday! Review everything from Unit 3 of the textbook.
Following Lunch we had Science, and today we learned about habitats and organisms. The students compared the needs of plants and animals in a Venn Diagram, and also compared two different habitats.
Mrs. Hills led chapel today, and we sang some fun worship songs with Mrs. Everett.
We started today with RW, and the students worked in their Guided Reading groups (or half of them did anyway...we had a number of students absent today, so some groups didn't run, and the remaining student in those groups did Independent Reading in lieu), and then we spent some time on our Literature Study, Charlotte's Web.
Then we had our Spelling Pre-Test and wrote out Psalm 23:3-4, our memory verse this week.
Following a fun game of Octopus/line tag, we had Recess, and then WW. Our newspaper articles are slowly trickling in, and soon I'll put together the final document.
After WW we had Math. Don't forget about our test on Wednesday! Review everything from Unit 3 of the textbook.
Following Lunch we had Science, and today we learned about habitats and organisms. The students compared the needs of plants and animals in a Venn Diagram, and also compared two different habitats.
Mrs. Hills led chapel today, and we sang some fun worship songs with Mrs. Everett.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Friday, January 10, 2014
Our first swimming day!
The kids were buzzing with excitement about our field trip today when they came into the classroom. Mrs. Everett led them in devotions and then I administered their Spelling Test and memory verse check. This was followed by some early morning Math (hooray!). The Grade 3's are working on the last section of their unit (problem solving) and the 4's are on to review. Please spend some time this weekend reviewing the number operations we've covered over the past couple months.
Our swimming field trip was awesome. The kids were split into 2 groups (it will be 3 next week, but with 3 students absent, it made more sense to have 2 this week), and worked with an instructor on their swimming skills. We ended up with an extra 15 minutes thanks to the YMCA!
After swimming the children had lunch, and then we started our new Science unit about Habitats and Communities. The children will have a project next week related to this unit that will have to be done at home, so please be prepared. It will come home Monday, and will be due the following Monday.
The children ended their day with P.E. with Mr. Banman.
Have a blessed weekend everyone! :)
The kids were buzzing with excitement about our field trip today when they came into the classroom. Mrs. Everett led them in devotions and then I administered their Spelling Test and memory verse check. This was followed by some early morning Math (hooray!). The Grade 3's are working on the last section of their unit (problem solving) and the 4's are on to review. Please spend some time this weekend reviewing the number operations we've covered over the past couple months.
Our swimming field trip was awesome. The kids were split into 2 groups (it will be 3 next week, but with 3 students absent, it made more sense to have 2 this week), and worked with an instructor on their swimming skills. We ended up with an extra 15 minutes thanks to the YMCA!
After swimming the children had lunch, and then we started our new Science unit about Habitats and Communities. The children will have a project next week related to this unit that will have to be done at home, so please be prepared. It will come home Monday, and will be due the following Monday.
The children ended their day with P.E. with Mr. Banman.
Have a blessed weekend everyone! :)
Thursday, January 9, 2014
January 10, 2014
Today was a busy, productive day. We started with Bible, and continued with our discussion about whether or not God is a personal being. We read different verses that made reference to God having emotions, and His ability to make choices.
This was followed by Handwriting and Grammar, and then Library.
After Recess the students had Music, DPA and then Math. During Math both grades continued with their work from yesterday (the 3's with 3 digit subtraction and the 4's with word problems). We will have a Math test on this unit next Wednesday.
During Art today we started some painting based on Monet's artwork. They look stunning so far! The children were eager to get their fingers in the paint, and had a blast with this project today.
This was followed by Handwriting and Grammar, and then Library.
After Recess the students had Music, DPA and then Math. During Math both grades continued with their work from yesterday (the 3's with 3 digit subtraction and the 4's with word problems). We will have a Math test on this unit next Wednesday.
During Art today we started some painting based on Monet's artwork. They look stunning so far! The children were eager to get their fingers in the paint, and had a blast with this project today.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
January 9, 2014
We continued working on our newspaper articles today (stay tuned for your published copy in the next week or two!). The students enjoyed some independent reading time as well, and we started on Chapter 2 of 'The Hobbit'. The vocabulary in this book is a bit beyond some of the students, but I'm helping them through it, as it's an excellent read aloud.
After Recess, we had Math. Be sure to ask your child how I "blew their minds" today, and then, if they're in Grade 3, quiz them with a few 3 digit minus 3 digit math problems where they have to borrow. If they're in Grade 4, try a 6 digit minus 6 digit (and then get them to read the answer!). We even ventured into a 7 digit minus 6 digit today, which the 4's loved. Also, be sure to find out how your child did on our 5 minute frenzy. This is in lieu of Mad Minutes now, and will be done 3 days per week.
They then had P.E. with Mr. Banman.
After Lunch we had S.S. and we're learning about the Copper Inuit. We did some research in our texts about the climate, food, plants and landforms where the Copper Inuit live (see if your child remembers any), and then we went on to watch a portion of a BBC documentary about the Inuit, which was absolutely fascinating. As I explained to the students, what a blessing it is for us to have the technology available to be able to get a glimpse of life in the arctic, and see God's magnificent creation up close!
After Recess, we had Math. Be sure to ask your child how I "blew their minds" today, and then, if they're in Grade 3, quiz them with a few 3 digit minus 3 digit math problems where they have to borrow. If they're in Grade 4, try a 6 digit minus 6 digit (and then get them to read the answer!). We even ventured into a 7 digit minus 6 digit today, which the 4's loved. Also, be sure to find out how your child did on our 5 minute frenzy. This is in lieu of Mad Minutes now, and will be done 3 days per week.
They then had P.E. with Mr. Banman.
After Lunch we had S.S. and we're learning about the Copper Inuit. We did some research in our texts about the climate, food, plants and landforms where the Copper Inuit live (see if your child remembers any), and then we went on to watch a portion of a BBC documentary about the Inuit, which was absolutely fascinating. As I explained to the students, what a blessing it is for us to have the technology available to be able to get a glimpse of life in the arctic, and see God's magnificent creation up close!
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
January 7, 2014
We had Bible first thing, and talked about whether or not God is a person. After looking up multiple verses, we came to the conclusion that because God thinks, has feelings and knows right from wrong, He is a person.
Then we had Reading Workshop, and we continued on with Ch. 3 of Charlotte's Web. This was a funny chapter we just read, about Wilbur escaping from his pigpen, and the goose getting quite excited about it.
Just before Recess we spent some time working on our newspaper articles, and some children are getting close to being finished. We will be publishing these into one big newspaper which will be brought home for you to enjoy.
Following Recess the students had Music and then Math. We are nearing the end of our number operations unit, and will begin to do some review over the next week or two.
After Lunch, we had S.S. and are starting to learn about the first residents of Canada, and will focus on the Copper Inuit as a small research project in the weeks to come.
The students ended their day with Library and P.E.
Then we had Reading Workshop, and we continued on with Ch. 3 of Charlotte's Web. This was a funny chapter we just read, about Wilbur escaping from his pigpen, and the goose getting quite excited about it.
Just before Recess we spent some time working on our newspaper articles, and some children are getting close to being finished. We will be publishing these into one big newspaper which will be brought home for you to enjoy.
Following Recess the students had Music and then Math. We are nearing the end of our number operations unit, and will begin to do some review over the next week or two.
After Lunch, we had S.S. and are starting to learn about the first residents of Canada, and will focus on the Copper Inuit as a small research project in the weeks to come.
The students ended their day with Library and P.E.
Monday, January 6, 2014
January 6, 2014
Happy new year everyone! We had a good day back at school today, and slowly eased into our typical routines.
We had a school-wide assembly this morning and Mr. Morrow introduced the new exchange students who are at our school for the next month from Korea. Some students from our class are hosting a few of these students, and we can't wait to hear all their stories!
Then, on to school work, which began with enjoying our read aloud, 'The Hobbit'. The students then went on to work in their guided reading groups, with a focus today on summarizing and connecting.
Everyone enjoyed a game of floor hockey for DPA, and then we had our spelling pre-test. The memory verse this week comes from Psalm 23, and the students will be memorizing the entire psalm over the next many weeks.
This was followed by some letter writing and then math. If the grade 3 students didn't complete their in class work, they have it for homework tonight.
We are heading into a new unit in Science this week focusing on habitats and communities. The class had been begging to watch more of the Planet Earth documentary we began in December so we viewed the chapter on Mountains today. If you've never watched this series, I highly recommend it. God's glorious creation at it's finest!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)























