5 Days Left of School!

5 Days left of school until the winter break? Wow...

Just a few reminders:

Penny Drive - The Me to We Club has asked if the class would bring in any spare pennies for charities. We have a red cup left on my desk where the children deposit their pennies, and at lunch time, a volunteer takes it to the office.
Indoor Shoes - With the inconsistency of the weather, we are continuing to experience muddy fields which equals muddy shoes. With this, I thank the children who has brought their indoor shoes to leave at the school. Also, this allows for the days when boots are worn, the children will have their indoor shoes to wear through the day in class.
Next Week - We will continue with a regular day schedule throughout the week. We will have some interruption, such as the holiday concert that will occur on the 19th at 1:20pm. We will not be performing at this concert, however, we will be attending to listen and watch some of the fabulous performances that will occur. Can't wait!
Class party...Yes! We will have a celebration for our hard work for the past four months. The children deserve it and for this we will have the party on Thursday the 20th. I highly suggest that everyone still bring a lunch!  Please, if possible could you donate some food/drink that can easily be divided? That is, please don't bring in a cake, but cupcakes would be most helpful. Please ensure that the product brought to school is PEANUT FREE! If the product may have traces of peanuts, it will need to be sent back home. It would be great to have some healthy snacks as not to just have a bunch of bags of chips. A fruit tray, vegetable tray would be wonderful! Also, I have had several children ask if we could do a gift exchange. I said ABSOLUTELY! Your child already drew a name that they will purchase a small gift for. (I have this information recorded in case they have forgotten who they should be buying for). They will not tell that child that they picked their name. It's a secret! We have discussed that the maximum that they can purchase is $5. If they choose to go more, it is completely up to your discretion. I have suggested they can find neat little gifts from the Dollar Store.

Now, a sneak peak as to what we have been doing in class:

Attendance - Every morning this week, the children has been responsible for their attedance. That is, they come into the classroom, find their name on the Smartboard and press the star on the Christmas tree. When they press their name, their name fades away. The name left on the tree, is the student that is away. (They sure have been quick getting into the classroom on time in the morning!)

Smartboard Attendance

Language - We read the book, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, written by Dr. Seuss. Their assignment for the remainder of the school next few weeks is to rewrite the story in the perspective of Max the Dog (Grinch's pet dog). They received a package to help them with their brainstorm and planning of their story book. They will be writing it on the computer and for some, they may draw or receive assistance with pictures from the Internet. They are having a lot of fun with this, once they understood what perspective/viewpoint meant.

Max's View - The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

Math - Morning Math Drill. Before we begin our math lesson, we have been doing small math questions that helps get their thinking 'warmed up'. Using the smartboard, one child each day clicks on the Christmas ornament and a math question appears. They discuss the answers and share with the class. Again, they have enjoyed it.

Mean, Mode, Range and Stem Leaf Plot - The children have been learning how to arrange and organize large amount of data. We have taken it to the next step and learned how to find the average. With understanding what the mode, mean, and range, they are able to find the average. We have been using the Smartboard for this as they are able to clearly see it and refer back to it. I am able to take a snapshot of what had been done on the Smartboard and post it. They have been paired up and are able to work together to sift through the information provided. One of the things they have picked up quickly is, how important to ensure that they have ALL the numbers given.

Finding the "mean"

Example of Question from the Smartboard

Social Studies - The children as been introduced a new project for social studies. This package was reviewed and handed out earlier this week. This project focus on the children examining the relationship with Ontario and their chosen Province or Territory. They are looking at how they physical region of the Province or Territory impact the need for trade. This is the big idea! And within their package, their research information is clearly organized to ensure that they are following the expectations. The final product is presented by their choice (a poster, powerpoint presentation, scrapbook, brochure, written essay etc.).

Using the Atlas to help gather information for their research

Art - Picasso! We were learning how to create a Picasso style portrait. And the results turned out wonderfully!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Mrs. Sauder

Last Week of November...

Thank you to all the parents who have taken the time out of their busy schedule to meet with me to discuss your child's report card. It was a successful evening and day!

Just a few things that I would like to bring to your attention:

a) Please note that with the inconsistency of the weather, we have had a few chilly and wet days. Plese ensure that your child is dressed appropriately and most importantly are wearing boots. I have often reminded the children to bring a pair of indoor shoes to leave at school and to put their outdoor shoes or boots on. We are having a lot of issues of children coming into class with muddy shoes, leaving behind a mess under their desk and around the classroom.

b) Please ensure your child has a fresh set of pencils, erasers, and pencil crayons. I am noticing many children are running a bit low and are often needing to borrow a pencil or eraser daily.

c) Presentations are set to begin tomorrow (Wednesday, November 28th). Your child has already signed up and are eager to share their findings and their hard work. Can't wait to see everyone's presentations!

d) Next week, I will be handing out Scholastic orders (not from the Book Fair) and would like to remind you that if you are purchasing a book or two, to please make sure that you are paying the price under ON, NB, NL that is highlighted in the pink column. Thank you.

To follow up from the Parent Interviews, I have posted a list of websites that can help your child academically...

Math Online Activities:

http://aaamath.com/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/maths/

http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/math/index.htm

Language:

http://www.harcourtschool.com/menus/preview/harcourt_language/grammar_park.html

Typing:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/

Math

After working extremely hard on creating double bar graphs, we took the next step and learned how to make a line graph. I first modelled to the children a line graph so they are able to understand how to set the Y and X axis on the graph with appropriate labels and to plot the information onto the graph. Also, to allow them to see what a line graph looks like.

Modelled Line Graph - Hot Fudge Sundaes Sold

I then provided them with a data of Maple's 7 Days Weather Trend where they independently created their graph. This was to allow the children to explore this further.

Maple, Ontario 7 Days Trend

Language

We are back into our Guided Reading Centres. Here, our centres consist of: 

Guided Reading - Working with the teaching on improving reading skills orally and independently. Discussions about reading strategies used and critically thinking about what we have read.

Library/Quiet Reading - A visit to the library to exchange books (if needed) and quiet reading time. During quiet reading time, your child is encouraged to just enjoy a 15-20 minutes of quiet reading time. I have observed many children enjoy this time as it is sometimes hard to peel them away to begin our next task!

Reading Response - With the books your child has been reading, they are writing a letter to respond to their thinking while they are reading. Inside their yellow language duo-tang, they have a list of 'starters' that helps them to get started on what they want to write. For example, they can write what they think of the character in the book. Do they like the character or not like the character and being able to explain their reasoning in their letter can be one way to respond. 

Critical Thinking - We have been implementing a lot of critical thinking in our school and this has become a centre during our literacy block. Through group discussions, the children are encouraged to think outside of the box with teacher's guidance. Below is a sample of a question that the children are working on. This is a great discussion to have at the dinner table!

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Sauder

And We Are Back!

Between viruses on computer, and plowing through November, we are up and running again! Below, you will find an update as to what we have been doing in class so far.

 But first, I wish to extend my Wishes to those families who celebrate Diwali! Happy Diwali to you all!

In language we have been focusing on our writing, using power bubble writing. This is a graphic organizer that helps us to organize our thoughts when we are writing. This method has been used from primary grades right up to University/College grades. It's effective and helpful to all children and I have seen significant improvement in everyone's writing. We will continue to use this throughout the school year.

Power Writing Bubble

Next, in math, we have begun Data Management. We are learning how to collect data effectively and ask questions effectively. For example, we have been looking at questions such as what summer activities do you do in the summer time, and making sure we are asking the question effectively. For example, through observations, some children were asking, what is your favourite summer sport? Some activities listed were not sports. So, this is a great starting point in making sure that what we are reading and what we are asking are the same thing. Also, using our success criterias, we are making sure that our graphs are set up properly, labels, correct scale, title, evenly spaced categories and bars. 

To take the next step, the children yesterday learned how to create a double bar graph. Taking the information we collected from the question, "What is your favourite sport to play?" the children received a colour coded card to answer it (pink for girls and blue for boys). We created a bar graph using the entire class's information. Then, we sorted the information from boys to girls. 

Next, I modelled how to create the information using double bars. 

The children copied this into their notebooks. 

On Monday, we will continue to practice this! They actually showed interest in doing this! 

This week many families celebrated Diwali. We read and learned about Diwali and how it is a celebration of light. The children who celebrate Diwali shared that their favourite part of their celebration is the fireworks. So, we created a little firework show in our classroom! (Not literally!)

The display is stunning and I cannot wait for you to see it when you come to visit this week for our Parent Interviews! 

Have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to seeing you all this week!

Mrs. Sauder 

Happy Halloween!

Meet Mr. Frank! 

Today we had a few former Maple Creekers visit the school to help many classroom and teachers. Our fabulous helpers helped decorate our front door! 

With being on the subject of Halloween, I just want to let everyone know that we will be busy tomorrow afternoon providing a fun "haunted portable" with three other junior classrooms. We have already begun to discuss how the classroom will be set up and the children are already asking if they may bring in any extra lights or decorations to help set up the room. If you have some donations, please send them with your son/daughter in a marked bag so that it can be returned tomorrow. Also, please note that it is our hope that every student can bring in a canned food for our "Scare Away Hunger" food drive. Thanks in advance for your cooperation. They are really really excited about this! Oh! And in light of this event, please note that we will not be having a classroom party. Instead, we will celebrate as a class by creating and formulating a "haunted classroom". 

Please for the Dance-A-Thon tomorrow, we will be dancing after morning recess in the gym. Students are welcomed to wear their costumes during the dance-a-thon but fake weapons are not permitted. 

As a school, we are asking that your child refrain from bringing in treats in order for us to continue our 'healthy foods' programme, and to protect our children from peanut allergies. They may bring in extra money to buy juice and popcorn at the dance. Glow sticks will also be sold by our grade 8 students. We look forward to a fun, safe dance-a-thon. 

BORC

On Wednesday, October 24 we had a fabulous trip to Borc. The weather cooperated for most of the day! 

Travelling through the woods

Canadian Geese

BORC sign

Off to our game, "Web of Life"

After our hike through the woods, the children were greeted to hot chocolate in which they thoroughly enjoyed! Once we were warmed up, we learned the purpose and outcome of our Web of life game. We were very excited to play it, and we couldn't wait to eat our lunches and get started! As a Grade 4 teacher, this trip has always been the highlight of my year... Such good fun! 

Earth Rangers

On Thursday, October 25th we had the Earth Rangers visit the school. Here, we learned about how we can become Earth Rangers and learned of several animals that visited us. 

Unfortunately, during the time this blog was posted, there was many technical difficulties that occurred (freezing, missing pictures, reconfiguration of the blog etc.), and this blog was not posted when it was indeed was. Hence, I apologize for this being up late especially the Halloween information. 
This evening I will post pictures of our haunted portable and update you with our learning of the week. 

Mrs. Sauder 

Field Trip Tomorrow

BORC TRIP 

Just a friendly reminder that tomorrow we will be off on our trip to the Burrlington Outdoor Resource Centre. Despite the rain, we will still be participating in outdoor activities and therefore please ensure that your child is dressed appropriately according the weather. Below, you will find a list that will help you choose the appropriate clothing for the day...

- warm hat/gloves

- extra socks

- rain boots

- rain coat

- long pants

- extra pants (just in case...)

- dress in layers

Please make sure that your child has a good breakfast on the day of the trip as s/he will need extra energy for an active morning. To promote care for the environment, please prepare food and drinks in reusable or recyclable containers to reduce garbage. A healthy morning snack is recommended, two drinks (including a re-usable water container) and a litter-free lunch. Please keep in mind that ALL York Region schools are nut free. 

A Busy Week...

Habitat-Diorama

Habitat-Diorama

During the last couple of days, the children were quite busy working on their dioramas. I have included some of the children's work that is still in progress. They are really enjoying it!

Also, we worked on a summary assignment this week and each child received feedback. This will help them improve their next summary task for next week. Using a rubric, teacher's feedback and their previously written summary, the children will complete another written summary next week. This will allow them a chance to improve their marks and gather a better understanding visually, how to improve their written task.

Yesterday we had art. We were finishing up our sketching of our right shoe! We learned that we have to look at the shoe and draw rather than looking at the shoe then look at our sketching paper to draw from memory. It was HaRd! However, they persevered and it turned out amazingly!

Today we had a Bus Safety and Evacuation assembly. We learned about all the safety rules and even learned out to safely and properly jump out the back of the bus in case of an emergency evacuation. They really enjoyed it!


Next week will be quite a busy week for us! On Monday, we have a P.A.Day! On Tuesday, please note that we will be having our pictures taken! This is because we will be away on Wednesday for our trip to BORC. On Thursday Earth Rangers will be in. This has always been the Grade 4s favourites!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Lions, Tigers and Bears Oh My....

Welcome Back! With technological difficulties behind us, we are back with updates in Room 502!

Since the last post, the children has been actively working on their diorama. They are very excited to work on this during Science class and I have been blown away by such enthusiasm and creativity demonstrated in their boxes. During this time, we will continue to explore what a level 1-4 diorama is, and ensuring that they are following the guidelines provided in their project package. 

Gathering of information

This week, we will begin literacy centres. The centres consists of guided reading, library visit, reading response and critical thinking. I am most excited about our critical thinking centre as it is a centre where a video (the videos are previewed to ensure age appropriateness) will be posted and the group will discuss the video and write a response to a question that has been given. Using media in the classroom today is a great way to have students engaged in their learning. Also, I believe this is one of the many ways for children to critically think about news today and having an opportunity to express their thoughts. We are learning how to express our thoughts using guidelines posted in the classroom to help them be successful at this.

In Social Studies, we have been working on the 7 Physical Regions of Canada. Using computers, they have been researching the areas specifically looking at how the make up of the land connects to the natural resources.

Drawing of landform region 

In language, we continue to practice writing summaries and we will be wrapping up this unit in the next few days. The children has been practicing summarizing what they have read to show their understanding and as a organization strategy for writing.

In math, we are wrapping up the unit on patterning. Over the last couple of days, the children have been working on problem solving questions with their math partner. They are partnered up in order to be able to discuss, come up with strategies and utilize the strategy that best help them solve problems especially in everyday situations. These strategies have been taught throughout the unit.

Important Dates: 
October 19th - math unit test
October 24th - BORC field trip
October 29th - science diorama due

Happy Thanksgiving To You and Your Family! 

This year I am thankful for many things! Firstly, I am thankful for having a loving and healthy family, one whom is always there with smiles and hugs! Secondly, I am thankful for having a wonderful class this year. Every morning, I enjoy seeing the smiles on each child's face upon entering the classroom.  This is truly an awesome way to start each day! Also, I truly am thankful that each child has a smile at the end of the day, heading out the door for home. Have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday's Posting...

First off, I would like to THANK all the parents who came to visit the classroom last night. It was wonderful to meet new parents and get reacquainted with the others! It is going to be a wonderful school year!
Today was a busy day. We had worked straight through the day, starting with Social Studies and ending with gym! In Social Studies, we took a trip to the East Coast, looking at the Appalachian Highland Region which is one of the seven physical regions found in Canada. We had a look at a video, through Discovery Education, that gave us an idea of what the Appalachian Highlands looks like. Then, we came back to solve problems looking for a pattern in mathematics. With this, we will discuss our findings tomorrow in class. Hence, there are some children with homework tonight as it wasn't completed in class. After a busy first part of the morning, we had a nice recess break. Afterwards, it was time to have a group of children visit the library for book exchange. We continued to look at the Appalachian Highlands, but learning how to take the main ideas of the reading and creating a brief summary. This model will help children succeed in their future writing tasks. We like to get in as many practice and feedback from the teacher and our peers in order to be successful at it. To take a break from the summary writing, the children were given a writing topic today, "If you could be anyone in the world today, who would you be and why?". They were given suggestions such as friends, families, heros, or celebrities. Also, they were asked to write what their day would look like if they were that person.
After lunch, we did some review on our map, "Major, Non-Capital Cities in Canada" that we had used an atlas for. Using our doc camera, we were able to share our answers, ensuring we have the correct names of the cities in the correct Provinces & Territories. Next, we worked on major roadways through Canada and then closed it up with a mapping of Ontario's physical region. The children by then were grateful for a closure of the day by continuing our hockey tournament in gym. During this time, the children are learning how to hold a stick, and working co-operatively as a team. They are enjoying this tournament immensely as they are showing great team spirit by cheering on their opponents!

Just a few housekeeping notes: 

Borc field trip will be happening on Wednesday, October 24. Your child received a permission form this afternoon. Please note, this trip is FREE. Yes, it is free! The school has made arrangements for bus cost. During this trip, we will be continuing our study on Habitat & Communities.

Spiritwear - A handout was given to your child this afternoon regarding the sale of the school's clothing such as t-shirts, sweatshirt, hooded sweatshirt etc. All information and prices are found in the handout.

Popcorn & Chip Sale - A yellow notice was also handed out this afternoon notifying you that your child may purchase a popcorn or chip snack at morning recess for $1.

Crime Stopper - On Monday, we had a visit from York Regional Crime Stoppers. We learned how to report a crime through email, phone and text. Also, we learned that we shouldn't be providing personal information on the Internet and to be careful with webcams. It was an interesting assembly.

October 1st Already?

Where has the month of September gone? I am sure we are all wondering this as we had once again been quite busy here in the classroom.
We have continued to work on our summary writing that helps us determine what information is most important and not. We will continue with this in our non-fiction unit.
For math we have continued to work on patterning. We have been focusing on using t-charts as a strategy to help us organize our thinking and to use proper mathematical language to express our answers.
In our Canada studies, we have continued to work away with mapping and have learned how to use an atlas. We will continue to do this for the remainder of the week.
Your child has chosen an animal for the habitat and communities project. At present, we are still wrapping up our understanding of structural and behavioural adaptations, food chain, and will learn about producers and consumers. Your child will receive their project package next week. It is important that the children understand the foundations of habitats and communities before we begin this.

Please note that we have homework this evening. Your child will need to work on mid-chapter review from the math textbook. This was assigned on Wednesday and unfortunately some children are behind and was not completed this past weekend. We will need to get caught up, hence, homework this evening. Also, in science, your child will need to complete their science homework, which consists of Food Chains on Isle Royale. This is due on Wednesday.

Just a reminder, this Wednesday evening (October 3rd) is the Meet the Teacher night! I am looking forward to meeting you all!


Happy Monday!

Mrs. Sauder

A Wet Soggy Day!

Family of ducks

I hope this post find everyone safe, dry and warm at home this evening! We couldn't believe how much rain received today! So much so, that at lunch time we realized we had a family of ducks visiting in the school yard! It may be hard to see, but it's below the seagull, over to the left!

Reminders:
a) Please send in the form package that needs to be signed.
b) Duo-tangs or binders for subject areas...Please see last post for specifics.
c) For French, please also provide a binder or duo-tang for your child.
d) Markers for classroom art.
e) Please check over your child's verification forms. Please make changes. If no changes are needed, please still sign it and bring it in.
f) Pizza form for Meet the Creature...I mean, Teacher night :)

Some children has been asking, I will be handing out Scholastic sometime this week. When ordering from Scholastic, please make sure you check for the Ontario pricing and that a check is written instead of cash.

Have a warm and dry evening everyone!

Mrs. Sauder

We've Been Busy!

This week has been an incredibly busy week as we have been settling into our routines and schedule. We had a visit at the school's library and learned that we can take two books out this year. Oh the perks of being a Junior! The children are very excited about this! I have requested that the children take out one book that is of their choice and the second book to be a Just Right book. By choosing their Just Right book, they are to be able to pass the 5 Finger Test (if they cannot read 5 words on one page, it is not a Just Right book). This past week, the children only took one book out as the library was extremely busy that day. This week, your child will be place in a group and will together walk to the library and will be greeted by Mrs. Buchanan. Mrs. Buchanan will be there to assist the children with their book selection (if needed) and to monitor them in the library. During this time, the rest of the class will be reading quietly to themselves or with me.

Important Notices: 

We are in need of duo-tangs for our subjects:

Blue - math
Green - science
Yellow/Orange - Language
Red/Pink/Purple - Social Studies
Also... Mdm Ricci has requested that the children have a duo-tang or binder for French as well.

Thank you to everyone for bringing in their packages of Forms and their Verification forms! Please keep them coming in!

In our other subject areas: 

Language - Establishing good routines in the classroom provides an opportunity for children to excel in all areas. Because of this, we have been working on getting into the class on time right after recess. Some are still working on this. Also, we are working on making good choices of when it is appropriate to ask to use the washroom, fill up their water bottles, get stuff out of their bags, etc. Unfortunately, we are having problems with this. Often I have turned down some of these requests as it wasn't the appropriate time. I do not want them to miss out what is being taught. Please note however, the children do tell me, if they need to go to the washroom whether it's an emergency or not. 

Writing out their summary

Graphic Organizer

During this time, we are learning how to summarize our reading. I have modelled to the children how to find the main idea in a non-fiction article called "Kitchen Chemistry" by Owl Magazine. Using a graphic organizer,

Busy at work!

we read it together, and I pulled out all the main ideas, reminding the children we are taking out the unnecessary information. In turn, they took the information and wrote the summary. As a class, we will look at the final products and come up with our learning intention and success criteria. 

Math - Patterning has been a lot of fun in the classroom this week! We have been learning the importance of reading the instructions carefully and using Grade 4 language when describing patterns. For example, attributes, growing, shrinking, increasing, decreasing etc. Also, the children are demonstrating their understanding of what a letter model is and the importance of clearly demonstrating the letter model, matching their pattern. We will be looking at number patterns this coming week. 

Science - We have started Habitat and Communities. The children will be introduced the Big Idea. The Big Idea is a question that is posed to help children think critically about their subject. That is, in Habitat and Communities, the children are learning how human and environment changes affect animals habitats. Based on this, the children had to think of an animal that they would like to study for their future assignment. While we are learning about habitats, we are building our background knowledge by working on worksheets and group discussions. Children will later on receive their project package that will be completed in the classroom. This will not be a home based project. 

Art Activity

Social Studies - Locating and labelling each of Canada's Provinces and Territories has been the focus this week in our Social Studies class. We learned how to read a map using our agendas. We also understood the importance of colouring a map neatly in order to demonstrate the importance of Provincial borders and the country border. Also, we have understood the importance of not colouring in the lakes and oceans. This was a challenging activity this week!

First Week Down!

Morning view from Room 502

What an incredibly busy week it had been! It had been an exciting but definitely an exhausting one! Between setting up routines at home and at school, there didn't seem to be enough time during the day and night to relax! This week, the children were able to experience just about all of their subjects and met their music teacher, Ms. Maidenberg and their French teacher, Mdm Ricci. They loved it! 

Next week, we will be visiting the library for a quick orientation with Mrs. Buchanan. Already, the children have been asking when we would be visiting, and I'm glad to tell them on Monday that we will be visiting during the week. A specific time has not yet been established just yet. 

On Friday morning, we had an assembly with the Junior and Intermediate grades discussing the rules and expectations within the school and the portables. Some of the discussion that were brought up were:

* No entry in the portables during recess time.

* Cell phones MUST be turned OFF at all time...students are to use the office phones if they need to call home.

* Students must have a clothes pin/clip from a teacher to gain entry in the school during recess time.

* Students need to review the dress code found in the York Region District School Board handbook. 

* If you are dropping off a lunch, please make sure you drop it off at the OFFICE. We don't want any children running to the parking lot and back to the portable as it is too dangerous.

Here is a sneak peek at some of the things we have been doing in the class. 

Letter writing with All About Me Graphic Organizer

What are all the things we know in math? A group reflection mindmap

Optical Illusion art project...

We have also started Habitats and Communities for Science and Canada for Social Studies. Hence, it has been a BUSY four days! 

We have been in a need of duo-tangs!!! Please, if you can, your child need 1 of each...a yellow duo-tang, dark blue duo-tang, red duo-tang and a green duo-tang. This will greatly help the organization of your child's work. We are experiencing a shortage of this and it will be greatly appreciated if your child can get this next week. Thank you!!!!

Please sign up on the page (located on the left side of the blog) for an email notification of when the blog has been updated. 

Welcome Back to School!

It is truly incredible as to how our summers tend to fly by faster each year. With this, I ensured that I spent as much time as I could with my family. We spent many days visiting friends and families, travelling to cottages, hanging out at the beach and of course, hanging around the house enjoying our swimming pool. Now, it's time to get ready for September. With this, I have chosen to use this blog as a way to communicate to you of all the wonderful things that will be happening in the classroom. You will have access to this at any time and, you will be informed of the events happening in the school.
I look forward to this year and getting to know the children in Grade 4!

Mrs. Sauder