October 3, 2014

What a day we had today!  Your child might mention that I spoke to the class this afternoon about the importance of listening.  Today seemed horrible with regards to this, as many times the class was just not paying attention.  Please reiterate that at home with your children.  The more attentive they are in class, the quicker we can move on to bigger and better things. :)

1. Opening Exercises - the children did Independent Reading
2. Spelling test and memory check - nearly everyone did very well.  Marks are in planners
3. R.W. - we finished our work from Chapter 2 of The Chocolate Touch. We spent quite a bit of time discussing cause and effect, and how it is an integral part of a good story.  The class discussed causes and effects from two of the books we are currently reading, as well as in our own lives.
4. Computers - the children are progressing at individualized rates through All the Right Type
5. D.P.A. - the class enjoyed another game of Guard the Castle
6. Music - with Mr. Banman
7. Math - The grade 3's worked on their addition patterns today while the 4's learned about predicting and justifying their answers based on information they already have
8. Science - We did an outdoor activity to start class today, as I wanted to show the children that although the sun appears very small in the sky, it's actually enormous, and that distance makes things appear smaller.  We found an entertaining song about the sun (check it out here), and the class journaled about their learning that we did outside.  We also corrected any thinking that the sun is a ball of fire (they should be able to tell you what it is...give them a hint that it has to do with hydrogen and helium). 
9. Art - We started our annual spider spirographs today.  This is related to our Math unit on patterns, and is a project which requires a ton of care and precision.  Some students were asking if they could do a spirograph at home too, so here's a link: (Spirograph directions and template).

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!