January 30, 2015

Dear parents,

Today the children are going to help me write the blog.  I'm going to type it, and they're telling me what to type.  Here's what happened in our classroom today:

1. Opening Exercises (written by Alexus):  Today we did Opening Exercises.  We did a journal entry about 'If We Were Sick What Would We Do at Home?".  I wrote about how if I was sick, I would not be at school.  I'd be at home on the couch watching TV! I would be sleeping A LOT!!!
2. Spelling Test and Memory (written by Seth): We didn't all get A+ but we had lots of fun.  Mrs. Bergen told funny stories to go with the words.
3. Reading Workshop (written by Wonjun): We read a book from Book Adventure. Not everyone did a quiz, but we had fun.
4. Writing Workshop (written by Caleb): We worked on our Big Books.  I was working on my book called, "The Journey Through Time". Some of us finished our books, the book binder did not work.  Mrs. Bergen pushed every button she could.  Mrs. Everett and Mr. Morrow came into our classroom to help us. We couldn't put our books together, but some people put them together by hand.  
5. Computers (written by Irelyn): Today in Computers, we did All The Right Type.  Some people finished certain paragraphs.  Other people worked on tests on ATRT.  We all had a great time!
6. Recess (written by Jakin): We stayed inside because Mrs. Ryskamp wasn't here and she was the supervisor.  She was skating.  Then we went outside and played soccer.  It was a tie game, 2-2.
7. Music (written by Tyson): During Music we did some work on Note Flight composing songs and listening to them.  It took us about half the class time just to log on.  Mr. Banman had just enough time to teach us a few little tricks and then we had to go. 
8. Math (written by Jack): In Math I was doing my Xtra Math because I was done, and the other people were probably doing something to do with subtraction and estimating.  I started a cool domino track during Math, but Mrs. Bergen was so mean and made me clean it up.  This was one of the best Math class ever!
9. Lunch (written by Elvis): At lunch we played soccer and I got hit in the face by Tyrone.  The game ended up with tied teams, so it was 2-2, so it was really fair.
10. Science (written by Adia): We studied about planets.  I'm studying Jupiter and I learned that it's beige, white, red, and orange.  Jack is my partner and we work well together.  
11. B.U.G. Draw (written by Mrs. Bergen): The draw was a success.  Five students will be joining me for a pizza lunch next Friday.
12. Art (written by Mrs. Bergen): We finished up our hand projects from last week.  These will be on display next week on our bulletin board.

Have a super weekend everyone! 

January 29, 2015

We had a very productive day in Grade 3/4 today!  It went as follows:

1. Opening Exercises - the students did a Daily Gram
2. W.W. - the students did their final practice FSA tests, which were the short read and the short write.  We will begin the actual FSA's next week, and the Grade 3's will have other work to do at that time
3. Math - We worked on our corrections from last day and entered the realms of subtracting with borrowing, which is a complicated task for some students.  
4. R.W. - The class continued with their Guided Reading groups, and then did some independent reading
5. Farewell for Hyuk - today we bid farewell to Hyuk, our Korean student who has been here since early January.  We enjoyed a pizza lunch, a special chapel with a visit from a magician, and a dilly bar afterwards!  We pray that Hyuk has a wonderful flight back to Korea, and that we are able to keep in touch with him.

January 28, 2015

Good afternoon families!  Here's how our day went:

1. Prayer requests: It was on my heart to spend some time in prayer with the children, and I was sure glad I did as we ended up with 18 prayer requests.  They've certainly got a lot on their minds right now, and I'm so thankful that they have a class like ours full of supportive friends who can lift up their worries and concerns in prayer. 
2. Opening exercises: We did a Mad Minute.  We've moved on to subtraction now as most of the class is working on subtraction on Xtra Math.  If your child is still on addition in Xtra Math, please continue to encourage regular completion of it (every night).  Thank you!
3. W.W. - we continued with our Big Books
4. DPA - you guessed it...Dungeon Ball!  The teams were even, and the final showdown was very exciting.  I love it when there's no complaining and just fun being had during DPA!
5. Swimming - today the instructors spent some time reviewing safety and emergency procedures with the children.  Thanks to Shawna, Stephanie H., and Raelene for driving.
6. Grammar - Today we caught up on overdue work, and then went on to work on pronouns
7. S.S. - We continued with our government unit, focusing on local government.  Many parents have been asking when our field trip to City Hall will be.  The scheduled date is March 4th. :)

January 27th, 2015

Happy Tuesday everyone! Here's what happened in our class today:

1. OE: The students did a journal entry on the following topic: "If you were Mr. Morrow for a week, what changes would you make to the school? What would you keep the same?" They came up with some very interesting--and unrealistic--ideas!
2. Bible: We watched the 2nd part to our mini series on Poetry in the Bible. This episode focused on Proverbs which transitioned nicely into Writing Workshop.
3. WW: We continued the theme we were learning about during Bible into our WW time.
4. Math: We reviewed points, line segments, lines, and rays.
5. Library: With Mrs. McNutt.
6. PE: We played some Belly Ball today.
7. Science: PE went a little bit later than we expected so we weren't able to finish our structures today. We will work on them next Science time. Thanks in advance to everyone who has brought in newspaper or sent it along with their child. We wouldn't have been able to do this project without you :)

Enjoy the rest of your day!

January 26, 2015

The sun was shining through our windows this afternoon and so much learning was taking place!  Our room was a wonderful spot to be on this spring-like January day!

1. Opening Exercises - we began the day with a picture that the children wrote an O.W.I. on.  The snapshot was of three young boys, laughing together, and one appeared to be whispering something to the other.  The class enjoyed writing three Observations, 2 Wonders, and 1 Inference on it.
2. Spelling - Unit 17 and Psalm 98:4-6 this week
3. R.W. - we spent a big chunk of time on independent reading today because I really want to give all the students a chance to get started on Book Adventure (www.bookadventure.com).  They can access this from home as well, and can earn prizes in class based on quizzes they do from books they've read.
4. Math - we continued with estimating to find differences
5. P.E. -with Mr. Banman
6. S.S. - what a thoughtful discussion our class had today on government (local).  I'm excited to delve into this unit, and I received an awesome parcel from Elections Canada as well to supplement my plans.  This group of children is so inquisitive and keen to learn more about how our community is governed!
7. Chapel - led by Mrs. Bloch

January 23, 2015

It's Friday, and with so many fun activities taking place in other classes (skating, skiing, and snowboarding field trips), we tried to get plenty accomplished with a little fun thrown in as well today.

1. Opening Exercises - the students completed a daily gram.  Many students struggle with combining short sentences into one complex sentence, and this is something that can easily be practiced at home.  Simply write out two or three simple sentences, such as: The boy is happy.  The boy is excited.  It's his birthday.  Then, ask your child to combine them into one complex sentence.  A correct response for this example would be: The boy is happy and excited because it's his birthday.
2. Spelling Test - the student's marks are in their planner, along with their memory mark.  Next week's memory test is Psalm 98:4-6 for those of you wanting to practice on the weekend
3. WW - we started our group stories.  The kids had fun with this, but needed some fairly tight guidelines in place as to content.  Each child writes one sentence of a story and then passes it to the next student until it gets back to the first writer.
4. DPA - good ol' dungeon ball again!
5. Computers - the children worked on their typing skills for 25 minutes today, using All The Right Type
6. Music - with Mr. Banman
7. Math - we started subtraction today!
8. Science - we enjoyed some of the documentary, 'Planet Earth', and then started on our planet projects
9. Art - we created some 3D hands today, and the kids did a wonderful job on it.

January 22, 2015

Today was one of those day where most of it was fantastic, but it ended in a pretty sour way with our class discovering more Lego had been stolen.  I've sent an email to everyone to let you know that Lego is no longer allowed at school.  I still hope that whoever took it comes forward and hands it in, without consequence.  The Lego was very special and a collectible, and it is sad that this even took place.  Please talk once more with your children about this.  Thanks.

Here's the good news from today:

1. Opening Exercises - the children read independently
2. W.W. - we worked on our Big Books, most of which are at the published stage
3. Handwriting - the 3's worked on upper case D's and E's and C's, while the 4's reviewed S
4. Math - the 3's did 3 digit plus 3 digit and the 4's did 4 digit plus 4 digit addition today
5. R.W. - we read from The Chocolate Touch .  Just two more chapters left in that book!
6. P.E. - with Mr. Banman
7. R.W.
8. Chapel - Mrs. Ryskamp led today

January 21, 2015

We had a wonderful Wednesday today. It started with our Opening Exercises, where the students journaled about what it would be like if it actually rained cats and dogs. Then we went on to grammar where we continued our work with verbs. Afterwards we had Social Studies and we started our unit on government. This unit will include a few debates whichc I always look forward to, as well as a culminating field trip to visit our mayor, Sharon Gaetz, in March

Afterwards we had a fun game of Dungeon Ball for DPA, and then we were off to swimming. Thanks to my drivers (Stephanie F., Bob, and Raelene) for helping us out.  Some of the children mentioned that they`d enjoy walking sometime, so we might plan that for one up the upcoming weeks when the weather is good.  I did overhear them say that it was simply for time out of the classroom though.  ;)

Following swimming we did a desk clean, which many students were in dire need of, and then we had lunch.  The afternoon was spent doing the writing component of the FSA practice tests.  The Grade 3's worked with my mom (a retired elementary teacher) on their own writing during this time.

Again, if anyone knows the whereabouts or has information pertaining to the whereabouts of the missing Lego wheelbarrows from our class, that would be much appreciated.  Thank you!

January 20th, 2015

Happy Tuesday everyone! Here's what happened in our class today:

1. OE: We did some DOL today. The students had to take three poorly written sentences and fix them.
2. Bible: We watched a video from the series "What's in the Bible." It talked about poetry in the Bible which fits so well with our WW unit on Poetry.
3. WW: Bible made a smooth transition into WW. We talked about how poems are found in the Bible, as well as all around us.
4. Math: We worked on matching clues with their appropriate shapes, as well as a little math vocab review.
5. Library: With Mrs. McNutt.
6. PE: We played Dungeon Ball and Secret Dr. Dodgeball.
7. Science: We continued building our newspaper structures. I'll see if I can upload the photo of the tallest one so far later tonight!

January 19, 2015

Merry Monday to all of you!  After a super busy weekend running around with my family, I was happy to be back in the classroom today, following a structured routine!

1. Opening exercises - we did 2 and 3 digit addition today.  Most children seem to have a solid grasp on this, but many continue to struggle with speed.  Please continue working on Math facts (via Xtra Math) at home
2. Spelling - Unit 16, and memory verse Psalm 98:6 this week.  
3. R.W. - we had independent reading and then I read to the children
4. Math - we worked on mental math.  I find it interesting that most of the children find it easier to do the regular addition than to do mental math, but at least they have some strategies now.
5. P.E. - with Mr. Banman
6. S.S. - we finished our community projects
7. Chapel - Mrs. Hills led

January 16, 2015

Here's what happened in our room today:

1. Opening exercises - we did an O.W.I., based on a funny photo of  a man beside a strange horn-shaped thing
2. Spelling test - marks are in their planners
3. R.W. - we read from The Chocolate Touch (chapter 9)
4. D.P.A. - Dungeon Ball again!
5. Computers - free time, and many kids chose to do tests on Book Adventure
6. Music - with Mr. Banman
7. Assembly - for Jump Rope for Heart.  Please see the handouts coming home about it
8. Math - we did corrections today.  Any that aren't done need to be completed for homework please.
9. Science - today marked the day we started our planet project!  Ask your child for more info, but I will also be sending information home to you over the next week about it
10. Art - we worked on our northern lights pictures using soft pastels

January 15, 2015

Thursdays always feel like busy days, but we get so much accomplished!  We welcomed Jakin to our class today, and everything went very well.  All the children were welcoming, and I am sure he had a wonderful day.

Here's what we did today:

1. Opening Exercises - the students completed a daily gram.  Some students had a tough time getting started today due to the excitement of a new student in the room, so not everyone managed to complete their assignment.
2. W.W. - the class continued on their Big Books.
3. Handwriting - Grade 4's worked on some review activities while the 3's spent time on upper case A and O
4. Math - we completed work that we started last Friday, with both grades working on estimating and addition.  The 3's are doing 2 digit plus 2 digit at this point and the 4's are doing 3 digit plus 3 digit
5. R.W. - Today we had Guided Reading for the first time since before Christmas, and then Independent Reading.  
6. P.E. - with Mr. Banman
7. R.W. - with Mr. Ediger
8. Chapel - Miss Dyck led today

January 14, 2015

Good afternoon everyone!  It's good to be back at school, and the weather outside couldn't get much more pleasant for mid-January.

I let the students know that we would have a new student joining us tomorrow.  He is in Grade 4, and we are excited to have him in our class.  Please encourage your child (although honestly, most of them don't even need this as it's natural for them) to be an exceptional friend to him.

Here's what we did today:

1. Opening exercises - we worked on a homophone crossword
2. W.W. - the students continued on their Big Books.  Many are heading on to their published copies which is exciting.  Most of the students are working with a partner on this task.
3. Grammar - today's focus was on linking and helping verbs (am, is, be, was, were).
4. DPA - another rousing game of Dungeon Ball was played which is the favourite lately for our class
5. Swimming - everything went well!  Thanks to my drivers, Aryn, Bob, and Raelene.
6. R.W. - we squeezed in 10 minutes of The Indian in the Cupboard before lunch, which we haven't read in a month!
7. S.S. - the class continued on their community creation. These will be on display in the hallway in the near future

January 13, 2015

Here was our shape of the day for Tuesday, January 13th:

1. OE: The students did some independent silent reading.
2. Bible: We did prayer journals and shared prayer requests/praise items with the class.
3. WW: We started off with a little review of what we've been learning in poetry with a poetry competition. The students sat in the their seating groups and had to answer questions--kind of like Jeopardy. They always love a little competition :) We then continued to work on our good copies of our concrete poems.
4. Math: We continued working on symmetry.
5. Library: With Mrs. McNutt.
6. PE: We played Belly Ball today--always a class favorite!
7. Science: We started our Science Structures! The class has been looking forward to this since before Christmas. We are still welcoming newspaper as we'll need as much as possible to make these structures as tall as possible.

January 12, 2015

Here's what went down in grade 3/4 today:

1. O.E.: The students wrote a journal write about what they did this weekend.
2. Spelling/Memory: We are on Unit #15 for spelling and we are doing Psalm 98:5 this week.
3. W.W.: We worked on our good copies of our concrete poems.
4. Math: We did "I Have, Who Has?" We beat our record time by 20 seconds! The students were pretty excited about that! We finished our symmetry paintings.
5. P.E.: With Mr. Bandman.
6. HACE: We finished our New Years Goals.
7. Chapel: Mr. Ediger led.

January 9, 2015

Hello everyone!  We had a wonderful day (minus a long discussion about fairness during soccer at lunch), and got plenty done:

1. Opening Exercises - independent reading
2. Math - we did our practice FSA numeracy test today.  Parents of Grade 4`s, please encourage your children to take their time and ensure their answer is correct.  Many of them were done way before they had to be, and had lots incorrect. We will do a practice writing component next week, and then start our FSA`s the following week.  During the actual FSA`s the Grade 3`s will be doing other work.
3. Music - with Mr. Banman
4. Spelling and memory test - marks are in their planners
5. R.W. - I introduced a new program we`re starting today, called Book Adventure.  Your child knows all about it, and they can show you it at Book Adventure .  Their username is likely their first name and birth year, and their password is cascade1.
6. Science - we talked about the order of the planets, and how some are solid and some are made of gas
7. DPA - we had a dance brain break today, which everyone enjoyed!
8. Art - we started our northern lights silhouettes today, which will be beautiful once completed!

January 8, 2015

Good afternoon everyone!

Here's how our day went:

1.) opening exercises - we did a Mad Minute today, and welcomed Hyuk, our new Grade 4 international student who will be here for this month. 

2.) w.w. - we continued working on our big books.  Also, Mrs. Simpson worked with many of the students on their handwriting this morning, to help keep them from falling behind.  Thank you to her!

3.) handwriting - the grade 4's worked on upper and lower case p and q and the 3's worked on connections

4.) math - we continued with our work on estimation.  Some students have homework for work not finished in class. 

5.) FSA practice - the whole class did a practice test for the Grade 4 FSA reading test. We will also be doing practice tests over the next couple of weeks for numeracy and writing. The actual tests will take place at a later date, and the grade 3's won't write those. There were a few grade 4 students who didn't finish the test, but they only had 45 minutes and they'll have 60 for the actual test.  Here is a link to a parent brochure about the test:FSA Parent Brochure

6.) P.E. - with Mr. Banman

7.) R.W. - with Mr. Ediger

8.) chapel - Mrs. Lothian led 

January 7, 2015

This is what went down in our classroom today:

1. Opening Exercises - we did an O.W.I. using a picture from a lake in Hungary (which led to a search of where Hungary was!)
2. W.W. - we worked for a long chunk of time on our Big Books.  Many children are approaching the conclusion of their discovery drafts, and are keen to move on to their published copies.
3. Field Trip - we went to our first swimming lessons today and all went well.  Here are a few photos for you to enjoy:
   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   
   
4. Grammar - the students worked on singular and plural nouns as well as action verbs
5. S.S. - the class started creating their own community today, and we had a special visitor (my mom!) in to help, which was fun for all of us

January 6, 2015

Wow, it sure feels like a long time since I've taught the Grade 3's and 4's. Three weeks to be exact! But it feels good to be back in the rhythm of things with them.

Here's how our day went:
1. OE: We did a math word problem where they were given the solution, but they had to make up the problem. There were some very creative word problems!
2. Bible: We spent our Bible time sharing a bit of our Christmas vacations, as well as sharing prayer requests and praise items.
3. WW: The students were introduced to Concrete Poems. We did rough drafts of a concrete poem. They will work on their good copies next week.
4. Math: We did symmetry paintings.
5. HACE: We talked about goals and how long term goals are different from short term goals. The students then each came up with their own goal for 2015.
6. PE: We played Dungeon Ball followed by Dr. Dodgeball.
7. Science: We began our Newspaper Structures Project. The students got into groups of 2 to start their blueprints for the project.

**If you have any newspaper lying around, our class is collecting as much as possible for our Structures project. You can send it in any day this week and we'll store it here until next Tuesday. Thanks in advance!**

January 5, 2015

Happy New Year everyone!

We got right back to work here at school today.  The children were enthusiastic, excited to see everyone, and ready to learn.

Here's what we did:

1. Opening exercises - daily gram
2. Spelling - Unit #14 and Psalm 98:4
3. Math - we worked on estimation in both grades today, primarily using rounding, but also some front-end estimation
4. P.E. - with Mr. Banman
5. S.S. - we're wrapping up our communities unit, talking about the different reasons people live in communities.  On Wednesday, the students will create their own communities with these things in mind
6. Chapel - led by Mrs. Hills

Check your emails as I'm sending home a short video clip of the children during Social Studies today!