A.M. Class Updates

Subjects

Religion and Family Life:

Our faith will be embedded throughout our class time. We will use a new program for Religion called Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ, and the 'Fully Alive' program for Family Life.

Language Arts:

The four strands in Language are Oral Communication, Reading, Writing and Media Literacy. We will begin by developing strategies for three activities (whole group instruction followed by practice) that we will use regularly: reading to self, reading to someone and writing. Student choice will be part of our learning. Additionally there will be some work with words (e.g., vocabulary), as well as listening to reading (including the use of technology).

This month's learning will include lessons based on the theme 'Samaritans on the Digital Road'.

Mathematics:

The strands studied are Number Sense and Numeration, Measurement, Geometry, Patterning and Algebra and Data Management and Probability. We will use an electronic resource developed by Marian Small called MathUP. Lessons with be organized into three parts (Minds On, Action and Consolidation). Learning will also include number talks as well as games and puzzles. We will begin a study of representing whole numbers.

Learning Commons:

The morning class will go to the Learning Commons on morning. Please have books returned, so that students can exchange their books.

Here is a list of items that parents may wish to purchase for their child. The class does have these items but they are limited and need to be shared among the whole group:

-Coloured pencil crayons

-Hand held covered pencil sharpener

-Extra pencils/Eraser

-Scissors

-Glue Stick

-Calculator

-Geometry Set (more information when this math strand will begin)

Also, donations of boxes of tissues and zip-lock bags would be greatly appreciated.

Subject Areas:

Religion and Family Life:

We will be alternating between Religion and Family Life throughout the school year. We use the ‘Come and See’’ Religion program for Grade 4. ‘Fully Alive’ is the program used for Family Life.

Additionally, themes from both programs will be integrated throughout each day as we live our faith connections and continue Jesus Christ’s mission in our home, school and community. Miss Mulvihill will work with the morning class every Monday and Thursday. She will teach the students Religion.

Language Arts:

The curriculum includes the following strands: Oral Communication, Reading, Writing, and Media Literacy.

Students will regularly use and develop their skills to communicate orally, as they collaborate in a variety of ways. Reading strategies and texts will be selected which often suit a writing purpose and use a particular form. Some areas of language study will be provided more time and depth than others. We will be using the Nelson Literacy Program as a primary resource, as well as a variety of other stories, articles, and other reading materials in the classroom. Connections to media will be ongoing.

Lessons focused on the theme Samaritans on the Digital Road will be a focus this month.

Mathematics:

The strands within the Math curriculum are Number Sense and Numeration, Patterning and Algebra, Geometry and Spatial Sense, Data Management and Probability, and Measurement.

We have begun a study of whole numbers (read, represent, round, compare and order). We will then switch to a focus on addition and subtraction, followed by an introduction to patterning. We are using the resource ‘Math Makes Sense’ as part of our Grade 4 learning.

Students will collaborate at times when problem solving in three-part lessons; activating thinking can be a starting point for these lessons, before working on solving a problem, and then sometimes meeting back to show and/or discuss the work completed. Vertical board work will be used as part of this process of small group thinking.

Students are expected to know their addition and subtraction facts. Practising multiplication and division facts (9x9) would also be beneficial as they are relevant in each of the strands by the end of the school year (e.g. finding the area of a polygon).

Miss Mulvihill will work with the morning class every Monday and Thursday. She will teach the students Family Life as well as Oral and Media Communication.

Here is a list of items that parents may wish to purchase for their child. The class does have these items but they are limited and need to be shared among the whole group:

-Coloured pencil crayons

-Hand held covered pencil sharpener

-Extra pencils/Eraser

-Scissors

-Glue Stick

-Calculator

-Geometry Set

Also, any donations of boxes of tissues and zip-lock bags, as well as plastic bottled hand soap would be greatly appreciated.

Archives from Previous Years

June Updates

In Science students are completing their study of matter and energy. Student-directed research will be part of this learning.

In Physical Education we are playing frisbee games. In Health Education the grade 5 students have continued their learning about strategies for coping with stress, while the grade 4 students have learned about the importance of personal care and hygiene associated with the onset of puberty.

In Music we will continue to use the recorder, as well as singing as part our learning.

May Updates

In Science we will begin our final strand Understanding Matter and Energy. Grade 4 learning will focus on Light and Sound, and Grade 5 learning will explore Properties of and Changes in Matter.

In Physical Education we will continue our study of Tchoukball. Outdoor activities and tennis will also be part of our learning. In health Education the grade 5 students have continued their learning about strategies for coping with stress, while the grade 4 students have learned about the importance of personal care and hygiene associated with the onset of puberty.

In Music we will further explore how to play and create using the recorder.

April Updates

In Science we will complete our study of structures and mechanisms. Students will work in groups to build a structure as part of their learning. By the end of the month we will begin our units focused on understanding matter and energy.

In Physical Education, we will complete our unit on basketball, and then begin our study of Tchoukball. Students will also participate in outdoor activities, as well as learn tennis. In Health we will continue participating as a school in social emotional learning activities (e.g., managing stress).

In Music, we will continue to learn how to play the recorder.

March Updates

In Science we continue to explore structures and mechanisms. Grade 4 students will examine pulley and gear systems in depth, and grade 5 students will focus on how structures are built to withstand extreme weather.

In Physical Education students are learning to play basketball. In Health we are participating as a school in weekly social emotional learning activities (e.g., importance of belly breathing).

In Music, we are developing our knowledge of theory. Students will benefit from having their recorder at school for activities using this instrument.

February Updates

In Science we have begun our new units. Grade 4 students will learn about pulleys and gears, while the grade 5 students will explore forces acting on structures and mechanisms.

In Physical Education, we will begin with badminton. Next we will learn about curling. By the end of the month, we will begin basketball. In Health we will focus on substance use and abuse (grade 4 smoking and grade 5 on alcohol).

We will begin our new Art strand, Music. Information home will follow soon regarding the recorder.

January Updates

In Science students will continue their study of earth and space systems (grade 4 focused on rocks and minerals, and grade 5 explore conservation of energy and resources). Investigation and inquiry will be part of this process.

In Physical Education, we will focus our learning on handball. Students will continue to reinforce their

understanding of strategies for conflict resolution (including the use of our WITS-related strategies).

In Dance, students will reinforce their learning, and encouraged to display creativity by combining movements from different styles learned.

December Updates

In Science, students have begun their study of earth and space systems (grade 4 focused on rocks and minerals, and grade 5 explore conservation of energy and resources). Investigation and inquiry will be part of this process.

In Physical Education, we are developing our throwing skills using a variety of strategies and equipment. We will implement

these skills in games as well (handballl). In Health we've begun our focus on 'Personal Safety and Injury Prevention'. Students will reinforce their

understanding of strategies for conflict resolution (including the use of our WITS-related strategies.

In Dance, students are collaborating in small groups to create a short dance.

November Updates

In Science, we will complete our Life Systems units. We will then review the concepts studied as preparation for a unit test by mid November.

In Physical Education we are continuing our study of volleyball; the rules of the game and game

strategies will be part of our learning. We will also extend our learning about fitness, and the

importance of proper stretching.

In Health we will complete our learning regarding healthy eating. We will next begin a unit

focused on personal safety and injury

prevention.

In Dance, students will explore creativity by combining movements from different styles learned. Students will share ideas in groups as part of this process.

October Updates:

In Science, we will continue our study of life systems; the grade 4 students are learning about habitats and communities, while the grade 5 student learning is focused on the human body organ systems. Students are developing the skill of using inquiry to further study an area of interest, related to classroom learning.

In Physical Education, we will complete our learning of soccer. Next we will begin to learn the skills required to play volleyball. In Health, we will continue our study of healthy eating.

In Dance, we will begin the month by further exploring familiar dances, before examining a wider range of dance styles during the months ahead.

Subject Areas:

a.m. Science, Physical and Health Education, Arts (Dance and Music)

Science:

The curriculum has four strands, and we have begun our first strand on life systems; the study of habitats (gr.4) and human organ systems (gr.5). Students will be encouraged to develop their scientific knowledge by checking what they think they know for accuracy, as well as asking relevant questions to expand their understanding through inquiry. Opportunities will be provided to use their skills of scientific investigation, and also apply their knowledge in each unit of study.

Physical and Health Education:

Physical Education will provide students the opportunity to develop their levels of fitness, as well as actively and safely participate in games and activities which require a variety of movement skills and strategies. We have use of the gym on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, as well as engaging in other physical activities throughout the week. Additionally, Health Education lessons across four strands will complement our physical education learning.

Arts:

The Arts are divided into four areas: Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts. The Arts will allow students to create and perform/present their work. The students will also reflect on what they have produced, as well as be provided with opportunities to examine the cultural context for the Art that has been explored. I will be teaching two of the four Arts (Dance and Music); M. Vigneault will teach Visual Art and Drama.

Here is a list of items that parents may wish to purchase for their child. The class does have these items but they are limited and need to be shared among the class:

-Coloured pencil crayons

-Hand held covered pencil sharpener

-Extra pencils/Eraser

-Scissors

-Glue Stick

Also any donations of boxes of tissues and zip-lock bags would be greatly appreciated.

Students also require both indoor and outdoor shoes. The indoor shoes should be appropriate for Physical Education.

Subject Areas:

a.m. Science, Physical and Health Education, Arts (Dance and Music)

Science:

The curriculum has four strands, and we have begun our first strand on life systems; the study of habitats (gr.4) and human organ systems (gr.5). Students will be encouraged to develop their level of scientific knowledge by checking what they think they know for accuracy, as well as asking relevant questions to expand their understanding. Opportunities will be provided to use their skills of scientific investigation, and also apply their knowledge in each unit of study.

Physical and Health Education:

The Physical Education program will provide students the opportunity to develop their levels of fitness, as well as actively and safely participate in games and activities which require a variety of movement skills and strategies. We have use of the gym on Tuesday and Thursday mornings as well as other physical activities throughout the week. Additionally, Health Education lessons across four strands will complement our Physical Education learning.

Arts:

The Arts are divided into four areas: Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts. The Arts will allow students to create and perform/present their work. They will also reflect on what they have formed, as well as be provided with opportunities to examine the cultural context for the Art that has been explored. I will be teaching two of the four Arts (Dance and Music); M. Vigneault will teach Visual Art and Drama.

In Religion, we will use the text to explore unit 10 'The Church witnesses'. In Family Life we will complete our study of theme 5, Living in the World.

In Literacy, students are creating media products based on the person they admire. We are developing our understanding of synthesizing as part of our learning, including reading.

In Math, we are completing our study of probability. We will then reinforce our learning by reviewing concepts studied, working in cooperative groups as part of this process.

Archive

In Religion, we will continue our Easter journey to Pentecost. We will use the text to explore unit 9 'The Church rejoices'. In Family Life we will study theme 5, Living in the World.

In Literacy, we will continue our study of summarizing as a comprehension strategy for reading. We will also learn about how to write a non-fiction text based on our ongoing study of people we admire. Students will create a media product as part of their learning.

In Math, we will complete our study of linear dimensions, perimeter and area for our second measurement unit. Then we will study probability. Students will use strategies to determine and represent outcomes in simple probability experiments.

Archive

In Religion, we will complete our Lenten journey, and then begin our celebration of Easter as a class. We will use the text to further explore unit 8 'The Church loves'. In Family Life we will study theme 3, Created Sexual: Male and Female; please refer to the letter sent home for more information.

In Literacy, we will complete our presentations based on a structure to persuade others to visit. We will then begin a study of people we admire by exploring the Gospel Values. We will also focus on the strategy of summarizing for reading.

We will complete our study of a range of concepts including capacity, volume and mass. We will then look at the linear dimensions perimeter and area as part of our second measurement unit.

Archive

In Language we will apply the reading strategies of questioning and synthesizing, by using research to study a structure. We will then apply our learning of how persuading can be used; each student will convince our audience to visit a structure somewhere in the world. By the end of the month, students will select and use technology to present their work.

In Math we will continue our study of transformational geometry. Later in the month, we will begin our study of measurement. We will explore the concepts time, volume, mass and capacity as part of this learning.

Archive

In Religion, we will begin our Lenten journey this month on Ash Wednesday. We will use the text to explore parts of unit 6 'The Church acts justly' and unit 7 'The Church reconciles'. In Family Life we will begin theme 4 'Growing in Commitment'.

In Language, we will learn about the reading strategies questioning and synthesizing and how they can be used to build an understanding of a new topic. We also start our learning of how persuading is used in a range of ways to communicate to an audience.

In Math we have begun a unit focused on fractions; we will learn about how to represent, compare and order them as well as and the concept of equivalent fractions. Then, we develop our understanding of the relationship between fractions and decimals. By the end of the month we will begin our study of transformational geometry.

In Literacy students will reinforce their understanding of the

recount writing form. Next, we will read for meaning by making

inferences about has been read. We will continue to develop skills for communicating

orally in a range of contexts.

In Math we will move from our study from whole numbers to

examining decimal numbers (tenths and hundredths). We will use

a variety of strategies, including using base ten blocks in new

ways, as part of our learning. Proportional reasoning

(the relationship between numbers) will be an ongoing part of our discussions.

In Religion we will learn about the meaning of the Epiphany.

We will also study unit 5, 'The Church welcomes all nations'. In Family

Life we will complete our study of theme 2, 'Living in Relationship'.

Archive:

In Literacy we will focus much of our learning on descriptive

texts. We will explore how visualization can serve as a strategy in

this area, as well as ways to enhance the clarity of our writing.

We will also continue to analyze media texts.

In Math, we have completed our unit on Geometry, and we will

next study Data Management. Students will learn about collecting,

representing, and interpreting data in a variety of ways.

In Religion, we will study unit 4 entitled, 'The Church expects the

coming of the Lord'. We will experience weekly Advent

celebrations as a school, and learn about the Jesse Tree through

daily reflections. In Family Life we will continue to explore theme

2, 'Living in Relationship'.

In Literacy we will continue our study of narrative texts.

We will look at elements of these texts (e.g., characters) as

well as types of narratives. We will then write narratives both

collaboratively and individually. Oral communication will

examine ways of being successful when working in small groups,

and applied in a variety of settings.

In Math we will complete our learning on multiplication (video

is archived below, showing the box method) and division.

We will then study two- and three-dimensional geometry.

In Religion, we will focus our study on unit 3 'The Church

Celebrates God's Mighty Deeds'.

Also, we will focus a week on the theme 'Samaritans on the

Digital Road'; these lessons will examine the idea of

being a discerning digital citizen, and make links to our learning

in language (e.g., media literacy).

We will reflect on the importance of Remembrance Day, and

Bullying Awareness Week will take place later this

month as well.

In Family Life, we will begin theme 2 'Living in

Relationship'.

In Religion we will have completed unit 1, and we will explore unit 2 'The Church Believes in the Lord Jesus'. In Family Life we continue to examine theme 1.

In Language, we are writing personal recounts by following the steps of the writing process. In reading we will continue to explore the use of comprehension strategies for understanding a text. The students have begun to use Raz-Kids to reinforce their reading skills using technology. Students will also continue to develop their knowledge of strategies for using oral communication effectively with others. In Media, we will explore how different media texts are intended for particular audiences.

In Math, we are continuing our study of patterning and algebra. By the end of the month we will shift our focus to a study of multiplication and division. We've started using Dreambox as a tool for mathematical thinking to support their learning. I hope the handout which was sent home is a useful reference tool. The video below demonstrates a method the students will have the opportunity to use, for multiplying two-digit by two-digit whole numbers.

Here is a list of items that parents may wish to purchase for their child. The class does have these items but they are limited and need to be shared among the class:

-Coloured pencil crayons

-Hand held covered pencil sharpener

-Extra pencils/Eraser

-Scissors

-Glue Stick

-Calculator

-Geometry Set

Also any donations of boxes of tissues and zip-lock bags would be greatly appreciated.

Students also require both indoor and outdoor shoes. The indoor shoes should be appropriate for Physical Education.

Subject Areas:

a.m. Language Arts, Mathematics, Religion and Family Life

Language Arts:

The curriculum includes the following strands: Oral Communication, Reading, Writing, and Media Literacy. We will be using an approach to literacy in which teacher modeled lessons with explicit instruction of a skill will be combined with collaboration between teacher and students, small group work, and finally independence in order to develop literacy skills. Reading strategies will be introduced and then implemented to suit the tasks we are working on that month. Writing purposes will vary and use a form which suits the task at hand. Inquiry will be an ongoing part of our learning. We will be using the Nelson Literacy Program as a resource, as well as a variety of other stories, articles, and other reading materials in the classroom.

Mathematics:

The strands within the Math curriculum are Number Sense and Numeration, Patterning and Algebra, Geometry and Spatial Sense, Data Management and Probability, and Measurement. We have begun a study of whole numbers, which will then switch to a focus on problem solving with addition and subtraction, as well as learning multiplication and division facts. We are using the resource ‘Math Makes Sense’ as part of our Grade 5 learning. Students will often collaborate when problem solving in three-part lessons; activating thinking is the starting point for these lessons, before working on solving these problems, and then meeting back to show and/or discuss the work completed. Students are expected to know their addition and subtraction facts. Practising multiplication and division facts (9x9) would also be beneficial as they are relevant in each of the strands by the end of the school year (e.g. finding the area of a polygon).

Religion and Family Life:

We will be alternating between Religion and Family Life throughout the school year. We use the ’May We Be One’ Religion program for Grade 5. ‘Fully Alive’ is the program used for Family Life. Additionally, themes from both programs will be integrated throughout each day as we live our faith connections and continue Christ’s mission in our home, school and community.