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