It has been a busy few weeks! Language Arts- We finished reading Wonder just before winter holidays. It is a powerful novel with so many ideas to discuss and lots of new vocabulary. Once we finished, it felt like we were saying goodbye to a friend. This week we watched the movie together. Thank you to all of the parents who sent in popcorn and drinks for us to share, it made the movie even more fun. The children have not stopped talking (and documenting) the similarities and differences between the book and movie. The best discussions have been about the whys. Why were certain events changed? Why were characters and events left out completely? We read Gangsta Granny by David Walliams. It is a fun story fun that was a quick read. We are now reading Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl. Math Our new math unit is on multiplying and dividing larger numbers. We have started exploring different ways of solving two-digit by one-digit multiplication questions. Along with each strategy, we discuss how accurate it is (are there many steps where you could possibly make a mistake) and how efficient is it (can you get an answer quickly)? We have been playing games to strengthen the children's recall of basic multiplication facts up to 9X9. Please practice at home together when you have a chance! Science We collected junk mail for the months of November and December from twelve of our families. Thanks for sending it in! We organized it into groups based on who it was from and figured out that Canadian Tire sent out the most by far. We then took a look at what paper was used in most of the junk mail and determined that a plastic-y almost laminated card stock was really popular especially from real estate agents and a much thinner but also shiny paper was popular for pizza flyers and fast food coupons. Our next step was to soak some of the pieces in water overnight to see what the result was. The one that broke down most completely was newsprint. The shiny real estate cards took longer to breakdown and their ink came off in layers and floated like leaves in the water. We discussed what all of this means and for the future of our environment. The students have decided they would like to write a class email to Canadian Tire to express concern with the amount of paper their flyers and catalogues use. We will learn how to use tact and diplomacy. Our next unit is called Building Devices and Vehicles that move and it is an exciting one! Our next Social Studies unit is about the history of Alberta. We are just beginning this unit now and it will take us into May.
We have started with the history of the Indigenous people and their way of life before the European settlers came. Reminders:
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Happy New Year to everyone! I have enjoyed hearing all the stories of the students' adventures over the holidays.
It is report card time for teachers and that means that much of my blogging time is taken up with that immense task. There is lots of news to share so keep your eyes peeled to this spot next week when I will update you on all that we are currently doing and what is coming up next! Hopefully your child has been filling you in on the fun we have had in the last week. |
Karen Cooper
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