Sep 282024
 

Hello!

We are still working on that noise level, but it seems students have started being more productive with their work, finishing in time this week.

In language arts this week we talked about the meaning behind Orange shirt day, and how the residential school experience tried to erase the culture and identity of the First Nations people in Canada. We thought about our identity, our likes and dislikes, our culture, and created our own Orange Shirt to reflect what we value about ourselves.

We also read, wrote, and had an assembly about the day.

In math we started our pattern unit. We looked at two step patterns: 3, 7, 5, 9, 7, 11, 9. The pattern rule is ‘Start at 3, add 4, sub 2’. We also learned how to make a t table to represent the data.  Most students did well with this, though some chose not to do the steps, so had corrections in the end.

In social studies we learned about the positions and jobs within each level of government. We played a quiz gameshow to help prepare for our quiz, and took the quiz Thursday. Most students did well, though some need to think about studying more next time.

In science we reviewed and learned about the properties of the 3 states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. We did a fun experiment to show all three.

Cross country is happening next Wednesday, and handball is starting soon. Next week we are learning about algebra in math (63+?=79), grammar in language arts (noun, verb, adjective, adverb, and synonym), how Canada runs an election in social studies, the phases of matter in science, and finish our Piccsso art. Going to be a jammed pack week.

Have a good long weekend, and see you Tuesday.

Sep 202024
 

Hello!

Two weeks down, and we are getting more settled in the class with expectations.

In math this week we reviewed what we should have learned about in grade 4, and took the Beginning Grade 5 assessment. There was a range of outcomes, and gives me a good picture of how math will go this year.

In language arts we learned all about Terry Fox. We created a class word web, and wrote some paragraphs about him.

In science we performed an experiment on how to make pennies shine. We went through the scientific method, and discovered that lemon juice is the best, while Ketchup and Hot sauce are a close second.

In social studies we started our government unit, learning about the three levels of government: federal, provincial, and municipal. We learned that each level focuses on different jobs, and created an info graphic about it.

On Thursday we participated in a bike safety course to help us know the rules of the road. Everyone seemed to gain more confidence with their bike.

On Friday we took part in our Terry Fox run, and ran around the big field. I feel like I did about 30 laps, but my legs hurt. Keep bringing those toonies in, there is one week left to make me run.

Next week we will start our pattern unit in math, learn about identity and Orange shirt day in language arts, learn about the specific names and position titles of each level of government in social studies, and start our solutions unit with a review of the phases of matter in science.

Have a good weekend, and see you Tuesday.

Sep 132024
 

Hello!

We made it past week 1! Students are starting to settle in, and class expectations are slowly sinking in.

In language arts this week we learned how to create a word web using the who/what/where prompts about our summer vacation. We then learned about proper paragraph format, using a topic sentence, 3 to 5 ideas, and a conclusion. We finally turned our word web into paragraphs.

In math we learned some ‘I’m finished my work and need something to do’ math games. Crazy 8s seems to be the most popular. On Friday I started the ‘What every grade 4 students should know’ assessment review. Seems like many students forgot some of their strategies, so it’s a good thing I coverall of them.

In social studies we looked at the map of Canada, labeling the capital cities and provinces.

In science we looked at the the scientific method, watching a couple of videos, and performing an experiment about a melting skittles. Apparently heat makes them melt.

In Art we created our classroom puzzle pieces, each designed to suit our own personality.

We even started French this week, learning some basic conversations, and practicing with our peers.

Next week we will review more math and have an assessment to see what stuck. We will learn and write about Terry Fox. We will start learning about the Canadian government system in social studies. We will experiment more with the scientific method in science. We have a bike safety workshop on Tuesday and Thursday. Its going to be a busy week.

Have a good weekend, and see you Monday.