Where did September go?

We have been incredibly busy this month, getting settled into the classroom with new routines and expectations, reviewing many math, reading and writing concepts and reviewing safety procedures in the classroom and outside. The children have been hard at work!

In math, we are currently wrapping up our patterning unit and will be writing a test on Thursday, October 3rd. For this test, your child will be expected to do the following:

1. Look at a pattern with shapes and be able to describe what the attributes are and how it changes.
2. Recognize and draw a pattern that can be described by a letter model. 
3. A number pattern will be given. A pattern rule needs to be written as well as the next three numbers. 
4. A T-chart will be given as the students will need to complete and describe the pattern rule. 
5. Two numbers will be given. The students will need to continue to create a pattern two times. Each pattern needs to be different.   (i.e., 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 The pattern starts at 5 and increases by 5 each time.   5, 10, 20, 35, 55, 80 The pattern starts at 5 and increases by a different amount each time. 
6. A problem solving question will be given. The students will need to use strategies taught and drawing pictures to solve the problem. 

Please note: Overall Expectation that will be covered is: describe, extend,and create a variety of numeric and geometric patterns, make predictions related to the patterns. 

Your child will be given a handout/study sheet on Monday in preparation for their test. 

In Reading we are learning how to summarize a text given. We have been using a summary graphic organizer (somebody, wanted, but, so, then) to help us understand our reading. Currently we read Stellaluna. After modelling how to summarize, the children were grouped in pairs to work together creating their summary. They have enjoyed the opportunity to discuss, share, confirm and question their activity with a partner. Gradually they will begin working independently once they have understood how summary helps readers understand a text.

Please note: Specific Expectation that is being covered is: Demonstrating Understanding

1.4 demonstrate understanding of a variety of texts by summarizing important ideas and citing supporting details (e.g., make an outline of a section from a textbook in another subject to prepare for a test).

In Writing we are learning how organize the main idea and supporting details in a text. We have been using the same text as we have with our reading. Therefore, it is a combined lesson. 

Please note: Specific expectation that is being covered is: identify and order main ideas and supporting details and group them into units that could be used to develop a summary, using a variety of graphic organizers (e.g., a Venn diagram, a para- graph frame) and organizational patterns (e.g., generalization with supporting information, cause and effect). 

Here are some dates to remember! 

Tuesday, October 1st - Bus Safety Program

Thursday, October 3rd - Patterning Test

Wednesday, October 9th - Meet the Teacher/Barbecue

Friday, October 11th - P.A.Day

Have a wonderful week! I look forward to meeting everyone on October 9th! 

Mrs. Sauder 

Welcome!

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

A few reminders...

This Monday, your child will be participating in the JungleSport activity at 8:20-9:10. They will also have an opportunity to go again on Friday at 8:20-9:10. They are really looking forward to this and I can't wait to take pictures to share on the blog! For those students who will not be attending will go to the library during that time.

Please don't forget the forms for Medieval Times. We are very excited and cannot wait for this event to occur! Only 8 days left until we go!

Also, Track and Field tryouts will occur on the 29th of May. The rain date for this event will be on the 30th. For this day, your child needs the following:
a) sunscreen
b) hat
c) proper running shoes
d) water
More information will be provided closer to the date.

T'is the season of allergies! Due to the warm weather and the spurt in the growth of plants, trees, and grass, we have experience some runny noses and watery eyes in this classroom. I ask if you could donate a box of kleenex to the class to help us throughout the day.

We are currently looking at linear measurement (cm, m, mm, dm) and time. We will be focusing on how to tell the time and elapsed time.

Here are a few links to help your child at home with understanding elapsed time:

http://www.internet4classrooms.com/skill_builders/telling_time_math_third_3rd_grade.htm
http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/elab2002/grade_3/018.html
http://marg.mhost.com/MathGr5/elapsedtime.htm
http://cemc2.math.uwaterloo.ca/mathfrog/english/kidz/Games4.shtml

Have a wonderful Mother's Day!

Mrs. Sauder

April Update

I am hoping that this week we will continue to have seasonal weather! It is a nice change having gone from -1•C  to 14•C when I left my house this morning! With the warmer weather that we have been receiving, comes rain. And with rain, we are getting muddy shoes and clothes in the portable. I have asked the students to please bring extra pants, socks and shoes to school and to leave it in a labelled plastic bag. This way, if they get wet or fall in the mud, they already have spare clothes ready as many of you may not be able to get away from work to help them. Also, it is highly recommended that your child wear rubber boots to school. At present, there is a fence that has been erected mostly in the tarmac area in preparation for renovations. This has decreased the space for children to play and therefore some children may get into the grass/mud area. For this reason, I ask that your child wear rubber boots on rainy/damp days.

Field Trip - On Thursday, May 23 all Grade 4's students will be attending Medieval Times located downtown Toronto. The bus will take us at approximately 8:45am. We will be back on time for the afternoon dismissal. This is a truly wonderful field trip and I know the children are all looking forward to it! On the form, please indicate whether or not your child is a vegetarian.

JungleSport - During the week of May 13-17th, JungleSport will be coming to Maple Creek. This is an outdoor adventure that is brought indoor in the school's gym. They will experience, swinging vines, rock climbing, rickety bridges, snaky ladders, zip lines, giant swings etc. During this experience, the children are required to wear the provided safety equipments; helmet and harness. For further details, please see their website: www.junglesport.ca. Please don't forget to bring back the signed consent form and $6 for your child to participate. 

Jump Rope for Heart - Students will be participating in Jump Rope for Heart this year and the date for this event is yet to be determined. Please note, your child need to have the envelope SIGNED in order to participate. If they do not bring the signed envelope back, they will not be participating. 

Friday, April 18th - Math Test

Your child will be writing a multiplication/division test. This week we have been reviewing the strategies used to answer multiplication and division facts. They will need to know: 

a) Find the result and explain what they did. 

i.e., Use 4x6 = 24 to find 24 ÷ 6. 4x6 is a member of the same fact family, from which you can tell 24÷6 = 4

b) Check a division equation by multiplying and correct any errors that may be found. 

c) Create an array of a given number. Write the fact family for each array. 

An array is an object that is arranged in the shape of a rectangle. 

4x6, 6x4, 24÷6=4, 24÷4=6

* * * *

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d) 2 problem solving questions. This will determining if your child is able to use a strategy taught to help solve a question and understanding how it is being used to solve the problem. 

e) Understanding the term quotient and determining the which is smaller in a given number sentence. 

Quotient - the result when you divide. 

Thank you, 

Mrs. Sauder

It has been awhile...

First, I wish everyone a safe and happy Easter holiday. We shall see you back here in school on Tuesday, April 2nd.

Below, you will find all the wonderful things we have been doing in the class and what we are currently working on:  

Reading: 

We are currently studying the elements of a graphic novel. In our guided reading group we are looking at how a graphic novel differs from non-fiction and fiction text. For example, in a graphic novel, we must look for and understand symbolisms, the meaning of colours used to represent each panel, different types of balloons and boxes used and characters emotions used to express themselves in each panel. Since there are a limited amount of text used in graphic novels, the reader must be able to "read" the visuals inside each panel to fully understand the story. 

So far, the children have been enjoying this and look forward to our meeting each day. 

Writing: 

We have finished writing our persuasive text and have moved on this week to procedural writing. This week they have been shown how to use the graphic organizer that was created in order to support their writing. Tomorrow, they will receive their first rough draft with feedback to ensure that they have followed the success criteria as posted below:

Having started this, the children were encouraged to choose a subject/topic that they are most familiar with. For example, as a class we looked at how there are different ways of making popcorn. We chose one way, a way in which I was most familiar with. I explained that since I was familiar with my method of making popcorn, I will write about it. There were different topics they chose and they were: How to play soccer, How to host a party, How to play dodgeball, etc.

Math

Last week we began learning our multiplication table. I had told the children that they are to practice each night with their multiplication table as they are given a drill sheet every other day. At present, your child has worked on 3 multiplication drills. The first two drills were their one and two times tables. They were given 5 minutes to complete 100 questions. They did fantastically! Today, they were given the 3 times table with 8 minutes to complete...They continued to do amazingly and therefore for their 4 times table, we may do a 7 minute time limit on it! Not only have they been practicing their multiplication through drills, but also they have been reciting the 1 and 2 times table to me independently. Once a child has correctly completed their timetable, they received a sticker to mark their success. We will continue this right up to our 12 times table. The children are excited about this challenge and have constantly asked to cite their tables. They have also shared with me that they have downloaded apps and used particular websites to help them with their studies. I have encouraged the children to take their drill worksheets home to share with you.

Here are some sites that you can use to help your child continue with their multiplication tables: 

http://www.multiplication.com/games/all-games

http://www.fun4thebrain.com/mult.html

http://www.mathplayground.com/hm_multiplication.html

http://www.softschools.com/math/multiplication/multiplication_drills_game/

http://aaamath.com/

There are many more sites that you can choose from and these are just suggestions. I was able to find these by using a google search. I have always been a fan of aaamath.com....

Science

We have begun to learn about lights and the big idea for the children to walk away with is: 

Technological innovations involving light and sound have an impact on the environment. So far we understand the difference between natural and artificial light and yesterday we conducted an experiment of created a rainbow using a flashlight, water, and mirror. Today, we looked at how light travels (in a straight line). 

Health 

In health we have started to learn and explore cyberbullying and online privacy. This is part of our Healthy Schools and Healthy Communities Unit. It was very interesting and quite an eye opener for me to see the number of children who believe that all websites are safe to visit and are private. This has certainly become a teaching point for me. They were surprised that this is not the case. Every Thursday, we have been focusing on our Health Unit and therefore tomorrow, we will look at Online Privacy. 

Spring Basket Fundraiser

It is that time of the year again where we will be doing the basket fundraiser here at Maple Creek. As a class, we have decided that we would like to do an "Outdoor Activity" Basket. We are waiting to be approved first, and once we have, I will let you know. We will compose a list of items that will fit nicely to our theme and basket. 

Have a wonderful Easter Holiday, 

Mrs. Sauder

Rocks and Persuasions

As I was driving home today, I heard on the radio that the Alberta Clipper is heading our way...I love a good snowy day to cuddle up under a blanket with a good book. For this weekend, perhaps your child would be interested in checking out some of these websites for reading...

http://www.funbrain.com/brain/ReadingBrain/ReadingBrain.html

http://www.jumpstart.com/parents/activities/reading-activities

http://www.funenglishgames.com/readinggames.html

http://tumblebooks.com/

I will continue to post other reading sites over the next few days.

Here is what we have been doing in class...

Language: 
We have continued with Guided Reading. In place our Critical Thinking, we are going to be working on a mini-novel study focusing on Characters. In this Paper Bag Character Study, your child is encouraged to choose and read a book that has a rich, memorable character. They will be designing all sides of the paper bag and inside they will add 10 items that will associate with their character. The items may symbolize the character, something the character wants, an item that changed the character or the plot. Your child received a worksheet for their instructions, planning, and rubric. I will post pictures once they have completed this assignment.
I do want to mention that this activity was created and designed by a teacher, Jennifer Runde, who has incredible resources to support any literacy and math lessons. (I had discovered her on Pinterest and have been following her since...what a fabulous site Pinterest is!).

For writing, we are beginning to understand and write a persuasive text. We have begun to understand the value of talking in groups to help us come up with reasons when supporting an argument. Together, as a class, we learned what persuasion is, we discussed where we have seen a persuasive text, and then discussed a issue that holds close to their heart...the lack of...GYM TIME. They discussed, provided 3 reasons why we need more gym time and supported their argument with fact and reasons...Today, they discussed whether or not Maple Creek Public School should wear uniforms...Very interesting discussions there!

Math
We have completed our Number Sense & Numeration (place value, compare and order numbers, rounding) and have begun 3D Geometry. We identified and classified the shapes and reviewed the number of faces, edges and vertices. To support their learning, today the children created their shapes using marshmellows and toothpicks/straws...yes...they actually created it and didn't eat it (they could at the end of the lesson).

Science
Currently we are studying Rocks and Minerals. I have included several pictures here and I will explain the unit...I really enjoy teaching this unit!

In this Rock and Minerals unit, the children are using the background knowledge that had been taught to explore the question: How does surface mining affect society and the environment. We will be looking very closely at the Melancthon Township - Mega Quarry issues. (This issue hits close to home for me as I live in this area). I really want the children to come up with their own conclusion, whether the impact of surface mining has a positive or negative affect to society and the environment. They will have a choice on how they will present their own conclusion.

Art
Birch Tree Art...Beautiful piece of work the children created....(Thanks to Pinterest!).

Safe travels tomorrow and be sure to listen to the news in the morning for any potential bus cancellations.

Have a wonderful rest of the week!

Mrs. Sauder

It has been awhile...

Since the winter holidays, the children have been busy catching up and finishing up their writing and social studies assignment in class. We successfully completed our social studies presentations this week and boy, they worked hard on it! The children were given ample of opportunity to complete this assignment on time and were given feedback in ways to help improve the content of their slideshow, essay, or scrapbooks. (The children were given a list of ways they could research and present their project and creating slideshows was the popular choice!).

We have been studying numbers in math this past week and we were learning about place value, comparing and ordering numbers, rounding numbers and making change. On Wednesday, we will be having a small test to determine their understanding. In order for your child to study for this small test, they will be asked to:

Read and write numbers in standard and expanded forms. For example: 

Standard Form - 9352
Expanded Form using NUMBERS - 9000 + 300 + 50 + 2
Expanded Form using WORDS - 9 Thousands + 3 Hundreds + 5 Tens + 2 Ones
As we read it - Nine thousand three hundred and fifty two.

* some children are combining the number and words like this: 9 thousands, 3 hundreds and fifty two. This is incorrect - especially when they are not reading the questions carefully. *

Rounding - 9352
To the nearest thousands - 9000
To the nearest hundreds 9400
To the nearest tens 50

* rounding rule is if the number is 5 or higher we round UP. If it is 4 or less, round DOWN.

Comparing and ordering numbers: 

6573 < 7673          32 049 > 32 409   This is comparing...

6573, 7673, 32 049, 32 409

Money change 

The biggest hurdle the children faced with money is simply reading what the amount is given in words. For example, some children were stumped with determining the worth of 4 Toonies. An anchor chart was provided on the chalkboard to help determine the worth of 1 Toonie, 1 Loonie, etc. However, when I asked, how much is a Toonie, they replied $2. When I asked how much two Toonies were, they figured it out that it's $4. When they read the question independently, $2 was the answer they gave for a 2 Toonie question....hmmmm.

A great website to help your child practice is aaamath.com. On the left hand side of the page, lists the areas your child can work on. Have fun!

On Monday we are having a PowerStream Presentation in which we will watch from 8:45-9:45a.m. This is an Electrical Safety and Conservation Awareness

On Tuesday and Wednesday your child will be presenting the "Les Trois Petits Cochons" with Mme. Ricci. Your child was given a handout last week informing you of this presentation. If you did not this handout, please do not hesitate to contact myself or Mme. Ricci if you are interested in attending this performance and to find out which day your child is performing.  The performances are scheduled for 2:00 on Tuesday and 1:10 on Wednesday.  

This coming week will be a four day week as Friday is a P.A Day.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Mrs. Sauder