May 1, 2015

Procedural Writing
We had quite a giggle together during Writer's Workshop on Tuesday afternoon when I asked the students to teach me how to crack an egg. I followed each instruction exactly as it was said, and the kids were howling with laughter after my first attempt. The instructions... "Mrs. Cameron, you have to hit the egg on the table." This is the result. The students all ran up to crowd around the table once they realized I had only done that one instruction, completely missing the bowl! I wish you could have seen the look on their faces! The students quickly realized there was much more detail needed to properly explain to someone how to crack an egg, and by the third or fourth egg the students were thinking of every little step in great detail.

"First you will need an egg and a bowl. After gathering your materials, pick up the egg and GENTLY (emphasis on gently!) crack the egg on the edge of the bowl. Hold the egg above the bowl as you push both thumbs into the crack of the egg..."

The students decided I got an "Egg +" (A+) on the final attempt, but only because their instructions became much clearer! Students then returned to their desks to create their own step by step instructions in writing. I think it's safe to say that these students will always remember how to crack an egg!

Having Fun in the Sun!
On Monday the weather was so beautiful we decided to take our Phys. Ed class outdoors! Many of our students had never played kick ball before and it was the perfect day to learn!

Science Centre Field Trip and Upcoming Events
This week a permission for was sent home for our upcoming class field trip to the Science Centre on Tuesday, May 12. Please sign and return the permission form at your earliest convenience. The cost of the trip is $9.40 and payments can be made online using "School Cash". This fee covers your child's admission to the Science Centre, the 3D IMAX Movie, Journey to the South Pacific, and bus transportation.

**Please Note: I have also sent home several field trip and event permission forms for the remainder of the school year. We will attending a play at the U of R called "New Canadian Kid" (Cost is covered by the SCC), Track and Field Permission form, and our year end school swim at Regent Park Pool ($1.00). Please see the permission forms for more information about these events and return at your earliest convenience. We have lots to look forward to in Learning Centre 4!

Holes by Louis Sachar
On Tuesday we finished reading the novel Holes by Louis Sachar. What an AWESOME book! I have never seen a class so drawn into a read aloud like this class with the book Holes. We were left in suspense at the end of almost every chapter and the students would beg me to keep reading! We had such great conversations throughout this novel, trying to put the pieces together, and I feel a bit sad that it's already over! It also served as an excellent mentor text to share our thinking, learn about different literary elements used in good writing, and model various reading strategies. The students can't wait to watch the movie next week, where they will have to compare what was the same and different between the book and the movie.

Oratory at the Huda School
On Friday morning we walked over to the Huda School for our annual Oratory. Our class recited the poem "I Never Want to Go to Bed" by Kenn Nesbitt. This week we added some actions to our poem and our class did a wonderful job reciting the poem!

Expanding Our Vocabulary in Word Work
Check out how Abiha and Micaela have challenged themselves with their independent word work this week! WOW!

Important Dates and Reminders:
Tuesday, May 12: Science Centre and IMAX Field Trip

Friday, May 15: P.D Day - No School
Monday, May 18: Victoria Day Holiday - No School

Monday, May 25: GMS Track Meet
Friday, June 5: Douglas Park Track Meet
Thursday, June 18: U of R Theatre "New Canadian Kid" in AM
Monday, June 22: School Swim at Regent Park Pool
Thursday, June 25: Last Day of School & Final Report Card Day

April 24, 2015

Congratulations to Our April Virtue Winners!
Congratulations to Anthony and Abdullah K. who received the virtue award for Fairness at Friday's assembly! Great job boys!

In Learning Centre 4, we take ownership of our learning! Check out these independent rockstars working towards their individual goals!

Creating a "Pocket Book of Change"
As students rotate through various experiments about the Properties and Changes of Materials, they document their learning in a book they each created called a "Pocket-book of Change". Here are a few of our stations this week.

Combining Our Love for Music and Movement with "STOMP"

This week we have also started a "STOMP" routine in Arts. Ed. Stomp is a style of dance that involves creating a rhythm using only your body through a series of stomps and claps. The routine is fairly challenging, but our class are true professionals! They have been practicing so hard, it amazes me how far they have come with following a challenging beat, in just two classes!

Such Powerful, Positive Messages in Our Classroom This Week!

With these positive attitudes, I have no doubt that our students will achieve their dreams by not let excuses stand in their way!

Important Dates and Reminders:

Friday, May 1: Oratory at the Huda School in AM
Friday, May 15: P.D Day - No School
Monday, May 18: Victoria Day Holiday - No School

April 17, 2015

It's Official! We've Reached Our "100 Book Challenge" Goal

Oratory Practice
We are currently practicing our poem "I Never Want to Go To Bed" by Kenn Nesbitt for Oratory at the Huda School.

I Never Want to Go to Bed 

--Kenn Nesbitt

I never want to go to bed. I like to stay up late. I'm bouncing off the bedroom walls and, frankly, feeling great! I'm dancing like a maniac instead of counting sheep. My mom says, "Time for bed." My dad yells, "Get your butt to sleep!" I'm not sure what my bottom has to do with anything, but that's okay because I'd rather jump around and sing. I don't know what it was that made me feel so wide awake. Could it have been the Red Bull and the double-chocolate cake? I wonder if the seven cups of coffee plus dessert of Hershey bars and Skittles are what left me this alert? Whatever it turns out to be that made me feel this right, I hope I track it down so I can stay up every... ZZZzzzzz Properties of Matter: Hands on Learning Stations In Science, students were very busy rotating through several hands on learning stations.The stations allowed students to explore the properties of materials, as well as concepts such as condensation,  evaporation and changes in materials when exposed to different temperatures or substances.

Flashlight Friday

This week I introduced FLASH LIGHT FRIDAY to our classroom! This was a fun and exciting way to mix up our regular routine. The students were so motivated to use every possible minute of their time to get cozy, settle in with a good book and read by the light of their flashlight! It was a huge hit and I anticipate a few more Flashlight Fridays to come again before the end of the school year!

Never Miss a Chance to Dance!

Here's a sneak peak of our class learning a new song and dance in Arts Ed called "I Let Her Go". This dance involves working with a new partner each verse as we move around the circle. Ask your child to teach it to you! It's one song you might not be able to get out of your head anytime soon! (Can't say I didn't warn you!)

Important Dates and Reminders:

Thursday, April 23: Spring Carnival 5:30-7:30

Friday, April 24: GMS Assembly 2:30 - 3:30 

April 2, 2015

Day of Pink
This week we wore pink on Wednesday and revisited some past conversations we've had about what it really means to "Stand up for bullying". On Tuesday, students grade 5 and up attended the Day of Pink Rally at the University of Regina and shared with us their experience. Students listened to a speaker Travis Price, the Day of Pink co-founder, share his story about bullying. Travis and his friend asked students to wear pink in their home town in Nova Scotia, after a student from his school was bullied for wearing a pink shirt. This sparked some good conversations within our classroom about how to recognize bullying and what we can do about it to make a difference.

New April Reading Logs
New April reading logs went home on Wednesday. These new reading logs require students to name the date, book title, minutes read, and collect a parent signature to verify they are putting in the time at home! Don't forget to read up a storm over the break and include your minutes on your reading log!

Easter Egg Fun
Things got a little messy on Wednesday as we had a crafty end to our day while making Easter Eggs with a "sweet surprise" inside! We can't wait for them to dry so we can pop our balloons and admire the finished product!

Have a fun & safe break!
Ms. Cameron

Important Dates and Reminders:
Friday, April 3-10: No School - Holidays
Monday, April 13: First day back to school after week long break
Tuesday, April 14: Spring Picture Day
Friday, April 24: Achievers Assembly at 2:30