September 26, 2014

Spelling
This week we kicked off our classroom spelling program! Our spelling work will involve hands on lessons where students spend time manipulating letters to make words, sort words and use prefixes, suffixes and roots to explore patterns in related or rhyming words. This semester, our spelling lessons are based on the "Making Words" program. The 3 main components of the lesson include making words, sorting words and transferring the spelling pattern they have learned to new words.

1) Making Words
Each lesson involves students using individual letter cards to building words directed by the teacher. After they spell a word, I will give students instructions to create a new word. Students continue building words following several patterns and will create 15 to 20 words each lesson.  For example, "Spell 'sent'...now add one letter to make 'spent'. If you can spell 'sent' you can spell 'spent' ".

2) Sorting Words
Next students have time to figure out the "Secret Word" that can be made using all of their letters. After finding the secret word, students sort their 15-20 words into rhyming words and related words.

3) Transfer What I Have Learned to New Words
The final step of our lessons always include a "Transfer Step" to help students apply what they learn to the spelling of new words. Here students are asked to spell new words on paper, using the same rhyming pattern of the words they worked with in the lesson. It's exciting to see the students build their knowledge of word patterns and apply the same concepts to their independent writing!

Kindergarten Buddies
Students are very excited to have the opportunity to take on the leadership role of being a "buddy" this year. On Friday we paired up with our Kindergarten buddies for the first time in the classroom! Students spent time getting to know their buddies, reading with their buddies and teaching our buddies an interactive alphabet song! We are looking forward to working with our buddies each week this year!

Happy Birthday Austin!

Terry Fox Run
This week our school has been raising money for cancer research by collecting Coins for Cancer. On Wednesday, the we took part in the annual Terry Fox Run. Thank you to everyone who made donations and participated in the walk!

Important Dates and Reminders:
Tuesday, September 30th: School Photo Orders are Due
Tuesday, September 30th: GMS Assembly 9:30 - 10:30

Have a great weekend!

September 19th, 2014

Treaty Four Field Trip
On Wednesday, we went to Fort Qu'apelle to take part in the Treaty Four events. Although it was quite a chilly day, we didn't let the cold stop our fun! What a great, interactive way to learn about the treaties and First Nations world view.

Back to School BBQ
What great weather for our Back to School BBQ on Thursday. It was great to see familiar faces and meet many of our new families!

Cross Country 
Congratulations to all of our athletes who trained and took part in the cross country meet at Douglas Park on Wednesday! Way to go!

V.O.I.C.E.S - Writer's Workshop
New to our classroom this week is our "V.O.I.C.E.S." board. This board is similar to the CAFE for reading but involves writing strategies! V.O.I.C.E.S. stands for Voice, Organization, Ideas, Conventions, Excellent Word Choice and Sentence Fluency.

Authors of the Week!

Our class is so proud of their writing from our Writer's Workshop this week, they were all asking to get a photo with their notebooks to share with you on the blog! Here's just a few of our awesome authors!

The Daily 5
This week we continued to build our reading and writing stamina. We also introduced the third component to The Daily 5 called "Read to Someone" and learned about the importance of choosing a good fit book using the I P.I.C.K acronym - Purpose (Why am I reading?), Interest (Do I like it?), Comprehension (Do I understand?) and Know (Do I know most of the words?). The students learned a song about how to pick a good fit book. We had a lot of fun creating actions for the words and the students are eager to perform their new song and dance in front of an audience!

Important Dates and Reminders:
September 22-26:    Coins for Cancer Week
                                 Monday - Nickels
                                 Tuesday - Dimes
                                 Wednesday - Quarters
                                 Thursday - Loonies
                                  Friday- Toonies                               
Wednesday, September 24th: Terry Fox Run

September 12, 2014

Building Our Reading & Writing Stamina
This week we have been working on building our reading and writing stamina. This involves working to extend the time students are able to focus on a reading or writing task without becoming distracted. Although our stamina is currently around 10-12 minutes, with practice we will work back into our regular routine of being able to focus for up to 20 minutes at a time. This takes time to train our bodies and brains to do - especially after being out of our routine for the summer months. I'm very impressed with how eager the students are to jump back into the swing of things!

In addition to building our reading stamina students have also started writing in their new Writer's Notebooks. We took some time to personalize our writer's notebooks to encourage students to take ownership over their writing this year!

Our "Proud Wall"
We have some ROCK STAR writers in our classroom! Students will choose a draft from one of the entries in their Writer's Notebook to publish and display on our "Proud Wall" each month. I can't wait to read the first published pieces they add to our wall!

Classroom Twitter Feed
This year we will continue to learn about digital citizenship through modeling, displaying and practicing positive and authentic messages on our Classroom Twitter Board. Students will respond to the "Trending Topic", which will often be used as an exit slip to give students a chance to reflect and respond to what they have learned in class. The trending topic we used to kick of our Twitter Board is "What was the best part of your summer holiday?" Stay tuned for the next "Trending Topic" in Learning Centre 4!

Important Dates and Reminders:
Monday, September 15: Back to School BBQ Order Forms Due
Wednesday, September 17: Treaty 4 Field Trip
Friday, September 19: Letter About My Child Due
September 22-26:    Coins for Cancer Week
                                 Monday - Nickels
                                 Tuesday - Dimes
                                 Wednesday - Quarters
                                 Thursday - Loonies
                                  Friday- Toonies                               
Wednesday, September 24: Terry Fox Run

September 5, 2014

                                                 We are going to have a BRIGHT year in Grade 4/5!

Our "Relaxation Station" Students are welcome to spend time at this station as needed throughout the day. Students use this time to think about how to solve a problem, if they need time to cool down or simply need a small break. 

What Kind of Teacher do YOU Want?
Not only did we take some time to get to know each other this week, we also took some time to find out what kind of teacher the students want to have this year. I will do my best to live up to their vision, however, I'm not sure I will be able to break dance every single morning! I love how much fun we had creating this list together.

Some student responses included:
 "A teacher who is kind and sweet." 

 "A teacher who has fun, makes the day bright and loves us."

"A teacher who makes us laugh in class." 

 "Lots of field trips."

"Gives best hugs."

 "Greets us at the door."
 "A teacher that is respectful. A teacher that has a soft voice."
" A teacher who appreciates us for who we are, who has fun learning ideas"

Brain Breaks and Mindfulness

Brain Breaks will continue to play a large role in our classroom this year. Brain breaks are quick movement breaks (1-2 minutes) and we do them when our mind needs "re-energized". These movement breaks help cross the mid-line of your body which helps both sides of your brain engage. One of the programs I use for interactive brain breaks using technology is called Go Noodle. This program allows students to choose a mascot who grows and changes the more brain breaks we do. This year the students voted on a mascot named "Squatchy Berger", as seen in the photo! The students really look forward to brain breaks and it's a great way to get moving in the classroom!

Just as we need brain breaks to re-energize our brains, there are also times where our minds re so busy with thoughts that it's difficult to focus on the task at hand. Mindfulness is the practice of living in the present moment by focusing our attention and observing what is going on around us. One way in which we practice mindfulness in the classroom is by taking part in belly-breaths. School can be a long day for many students and sometimes the last part of the day is the hardest to remain focused. However, it is amazing how productive and engaged students are after just a few short moments of breathing and relaxation to calm their busy minds. 

Scholastic Book Orders
I will be sending home a Scholastic Book Order each month with your child. The due date for orders will be written in your child's agenda. If you would like to order from Scholastic, please return the order form with a cheque made out to Scholastic Canada Ltd.

Treaty Four Field Trip
To coincide with our teaching of treaties, we will be participating in activities at this year's Treaty Four in Fort Qu'Apelle. This is an exciting opportunity as we are taking all students Grades One through Eight. We will be leaving the school at 9:00 A.M. on Wednesday, September 17 and returning prior to 3:30 P.M.. Students are asked to dress for the weather and bring a brown bag lunch. The cost per student is $4.00 and payment can be made online. Parents wishing to join us must have a current Police Information Check on file with the board office. Bus space is limited, so please let us know if you would like to join us.

A Field Trip consent and waiver form was sent home this week. Please ensure to return the signed permission form and complete the $4.00 payment online as soon as possible.

Agenda Fee
Each student received a school agenda this week. The fee for the agenda is $4.00 and can be paid for online.

Return Back to School Forms
Please return the back to school forms (media release, lunchroom program and severe weather plan forms) as soon as possible, if you have no already done so.

Say Cheese! Picture Day is Just Around the Corner!
Just a reminder that school picture day is on Monday, September 8th!

Important Dates and Reminders:
Monday, September 8th: School Picture Day
Wednesday, September 17: Treaty 4 Field Trip
Friday, September 19th: Letter About My Child Due
Wednesday, September 24th: Terry Fox Run