Information for My Classes
June Updates
Language:
Students continue to conference, to discuss their reading and writing.
Math:
We are completing our study of probability, and we will then reinforce topics studied.
May Updates
Language:
We’ve begun our study of persuading. We will write texts and practise the oral communication skills required to present them. Students will then present a text to the class using media.
Math:
We will begin this month by completing our study of measurement topics. We will then focus our learning on geometry topics of location, symmetry and movement. By the end of the month we will start our learning of probability.
April Updates
Language
Students are completing their explanatory reports. We will then incorporate a media product by exploring the characteristics of, and designing a poster for their report. We will continue our study of summary and main idea for reading a text. Later in the month we will begin learning about persuading.
Math
This month our focus will be on measurement. We’ve begun by exploring length, which includes a focus on choosing units and perimeter. We will then look at area. A study of time will follow, which will include elapsed time and units of time.
March Updates
Language
Students will further develop their understanding of how to summarize a text, and find the main idea We will begin a study of how to organize and write explanatory texts. We will focus on researching people who have exemplified respect, as well as topics of how or why something works.
Math
We have begun a study of how to represent decimals (e.g., using a number line and money). We will then estimate, compare, add and subtract decimals.
February Updates
Language
Students will learn skills required for research this month. We will read texts related to Black History Month. As part of this learning, students will explore how to summarize what they have read by distinguishing between important ideas and interesting ideas. We will then learn about how to identify the main idea for the text. We will also discuss friendship (Valentine's Day).
Math
We will have completed our study of representing fractions. We will then explore how to compare and order fractions. Later this month we will begin a study of decimals by representing them.
January: Subject Updates
Language
In writing we will use the recount form. Emphasis will include ideas being organized in chronological order using the correct verb tense. Conferencing with students about their reading is ongoing. We will continue a media study of advertisements.
Math
We will begin the month by learning how to multiply by tens, hundreds and thousands. We will then learn about more complex multiplication and division, using two-digit numbers. Ongoing practice of multiplication and division facts is encouraged.
December: Subject Updates
Language
In Language, we will complete and share our narrative stories. We will continue to look at point of view when reading, as well as other text characteristics (e.g., characters, setting and plot development). We will also study how advertising is used in media (forms, audience and message).
Math
In Math, we will focus our study on Data Management. We will begin by looking at stem-and-leaf plots and double bar graphs. We will then compare data representations and explore the median of the data. Sum It UP links continue to be available, by scrolling down on this page.
November: Subject Updates
Language
This month we will begin by briefly doing research (All Saints Day). We will then start a focus on the characteristics of narrative texts (e.g., characters). We will read texts and think about the point of view being shared (narrator/ character in the story). We will write texts as well, practising both narration and the use of dialogue. We will also likely begin a short study of media texts.
Math
We will begin the month by completing our study of patterns, and next learn about equations through algebra. We will then study geometry. We will learn about angles and then study two- and three-dimensional figures. Students will continue to have the flexibility to learn on vertical board surfaces during our three-part lessons.
October: Subject Updates
Language
We will continue to use the daily five (reading to self, reading with someone, writing for self, word study and listening to reading) on a weekly basis. We will begin the month by more explicitly studying the reading strategies of making connections and questioning. In writing, we will be learning about writing using a paragraph. We will also explore the use of active listening for small groups.
Math
This month we will begin by learning about addition and subtraction of whole numbers. We will then explore simple multiplication and division. Practise with these basic operations using mental math is encouraged. By the end of the month we will begin a study of patterns. Sum it UP review pages continue to be posted at my site under Information for Both Classes.
Feedback:
Feedback from unit tests includes questions with emphasis from different categories (e.g., skills section is focused on knowledge and concepts section has a variety of types of questions including communication and application.
Levelling and/ or descriptive feedback will be provided.
Opening School Year Notes
This page will generally be updated at the beginning of each month. Information about the learning planned for that month, and other relevant details will be described for both classes.
Technology:
Our class has a SMART Board interactive whiteboard, 2 tech tubs made up of 5 Chromebooks each, and a mini iPad which will be used across the curriculum to enhance learning. Additionally, our class has access to the learning commons and the technology there.
Home Work:
Work may be assigned for home completion: to reinforce student learning, complete work that has been missed, and/or allow them to prepare for a summative assessment (e.g., test).
Ideas for continuous learning at home (when there is no assigned task) include: practise the basic operations for math, read, keep track of an interesting example when you used math in real life, write, design and/ or build something (with parent conferencing), communicate with others (speaking and listening), exercise, contribute at home and/or in the community, explore an educational app or online site.
Online Access:
The student portal is organized to allow students to access online learning tools including those used from Google (e.g., docs and slides) as well as Hapara (where students can build online folders for their work). Other links include Math Frog (linking activities to Ontario math strands), Into the Book (reading comprehension strategies), Wonderopolis (engage curiosity through reading and viewing) and Typing Club. Other links will likely be referenced as the year goes by. Students will be guided on how the portal can be used. Below is the link to the student portal.
https://sites.google.com/a/ocsbstudent.ca/k-6/
Assessment:
The primary purpose of assessment is to improve student learning. Assessment information reflects how well a student is achieving the curriculum expectations in a subject area and is gathered on an ongoing basis using observations, conversations and products of student learning.
These sources of information also allow for the learning skills and work habits to be evaluated, as well as guide the teacher in adapting instructional approaches to students’ needs. The learning skills and work habits are evaluated in six areas: responsibility, organization, independent work, collaboration, initiative, and self-regulation.
Labels
Please remember to label all personal property (e.g., hats and jackets) as other students often have identical items.
Learning Commons
Each morning class will begin visiting the learning commons (library) to exchange books, as well as extend our learning using available resources. Please remind your child to have his/her library books at school in order to exchange them for other books.
Math UP: Sum It Up Links and Activities (review, or if you missed a lesson)
https://www.mathup.ca/Games/Grade4/GoWiththeFlow
Representing Money Amounts
Representing Decimal Numbers on a Number Line
Decimal Fraction Match
https://www.mathup.ca/Games/Grade4/DecimalFractionMatch
Describing Amounts with Decimal Numbers
Extending the Place -Value System
Relating Numerators and Denominators to Estimate
Strategies for Comparing Fractions
Firefly Fractions Game
https://www.mathup.ca/Games/Grade4/FireflyFractions
Equivalent Fractions
Different Ways to Represent Fractions
Fraction Model Match
https://www.mathup.ca/Games/Grade4/FractionModelMatch
Describing the Partitioning of a Set Using a Fraction
Describing the Partitioning of an Area Using a Fraction
Dividing Two-Digit Numbers
Multiplying Two-Digit Numbers
Estimating Products and Quotients
Multiplying by 10, 100, and 1000
Dividing by 10 and 100
Landing Zones Game
https://www.mathup.ca/Games/Grade4/LandingZones
Exploring the Median
Comparing Data Representations
Double-Bar Graphs
Stem-and-Leaf Scramble
https://www.mathup.ca/uploads/pdf/G4_T21_GP_StemandLeafScramble.pdf
Stem-and-Leaf Plots
Net Building Game
https://www.mathup.ca/Games/Grade4/NetBuilding
Using Net Models
Skeleton ID Game
https://www.mathup.ca/Games/Grade4/SkeletonID
Building Skeleton Models
Sorting 3-D Figures
Sorting Quadrilaterals
Game: Angle Launch
https://www.mathup.ca/Games/Grade4/AngleLaunch
Measuring Angles
Estimating Angle Size
Solving Equations
Using Equations to Represent Situations
Using an Equation to Describe a Balance
Identifying Pattern Rules
https://www.mathup.ca/share?code=eyJHcmFkZUlkIjoiNSIsIlRvcGljSWQiOiI0OCIsIkxlc3NvbklkIjoiMzQ1IiwiUGF0aElkIjoiNTczNyIsIlBhcnQiOiJNaW5pIExlc3NvbiIsIlNlY3Rpb24iOjEsIlNlY3Rpb25UaXRsZSI6IlN1bSBJdCBVUCIsIlVzZXIiOiI1MzcyOkNocmlzIEJ1Y2NpbmkiLCJEYXRlIjoiMTEvMi8yMDE4IiwiQWxsb3dOYXYiOnRydWV9
Applying Pattern Rules
Exploring Shrinking Patterns
https://www.mathup.ca/share?code=eyJHcmFkZUlkIjoiNSIsIlRvcGljSWQiOiI0OCIsIkxlc3NvbklkIjoiMzQzIiwiUGF0aElkIjoiNTczNyIsIlBhcnQiOiJNaW5pIExlc3NvbiIsIlNlY3Rpb24iOjEsIlNlY3Rpb25UaXRsZSI6IlN1bSBJdCBVUCIsIlVzZXIiOiI1MzcyOkNocmlzIEJ1Y2NpbmkiLCJEYXRlIjoiMTEvMS8yMDE4IiwiQWxsb3dOYXYiOnRydWV9
Exploring Growing Patterns
https://www.mathup.ca/share?code=eyJHcmFkZUlkIjoiNSIsIlRvcGljSWQiOiI0OCIsIkxlc3NvbklkIjoiMzQyIiwiUGF0aElkIjoiNTczNyIsIlBhcnQiOiJNaW5pIExlc3NvbiIsIlNlY3Rpb24iOjEsIlNlY3Rpb25UaXRsZSI6IlN1bSBJdCBVUCIsIlVzZXIiOiI1MzcyOkNocmlzIEJ1Y2NpbmkiLCJEYXRlIjoiMTAvMjYvMjAxOCIsIkFsbG93TmF2Ijp0cnVlfQ
Exploring Repeating Patterns
https://www.mathup.ca/share?code=eyJHcmFkZUlkIjoiNSIsIlRvcGljSWQiOiI0OCIsIkxlc3NvbklkIjoiMzQxIiwiUGF0aElkIjoiNTczNyIsIlBhcnQiOiJNaW5pIExlc3NvbiIsIlNlY3Rpb24iOjEsIlNlY3Rpb25UaXRsZSI6IlN1bSBJdCBVUCIsIlVzZXIiOiI1MzcyOkNocmlzIEJ1Y2NpbmkiLCJEYXRlIjoiMTAvMjQvMjAxOCIsIkFsbG93TmF2Ijp0cnVlfQ
Unit Rates
https://www.mathup.ca/share?code=eyJHcmFkZUlkIjoiNSIsIlRvcGljSWQiOiI0NSIsIkxlc3NvbklkIjoiMzkwIiwiUGF0aElkIjoiNTczNyIsIlBhcnQiOiJNaW5pIExlc3NvbiIsIlNlY3Rpb24iOjEsIlNlY3Rpb25UaXRsZSI6IlN1bSBJdCBVUCIsIlVzZXIiOiI1MzcyOkNocmlzIEJ1Y2NpbmkiLCJEYXRlIjoiMTAvMTgvMjAxOCIsIkFsbG93TmF2Ijp0cnVlfQ
Relating Division Facts
https://www.mathup.ca/share?code=eyJHcmFkZUlkIjoiNSIsIlRvcGljSWQiOiI0NSIsIkxlc3NvbklkIjoiMzg5IiwiUGF0aElkIjoiNTczNyIsIlBhcnQiOiJNaW5pIExlc3NvbiIsIlNlY3Rpb24iOjEsIlNlY3Rpb25UaXRsZSI6IlN1bSBJdCBVUCIsIlVzZXIiOiI1MzcyOkNocmlzIEJ1Y2NpbmkiLCJEYXRlIjoiMTAvMTgvMjAxOCIsIkFsbG93TmF2Ijp0cnVlfQ
Describing Division Situations
https://www.mathup.ca/share?code=eyJHcmFkZUlkIjoiNSIsIlRvcGljSWQiOiI0NSIsIkxlc3NvbklkIjoiMzg4IiwiUGF0aElkIjoiNTczNyIsIlBhcnQiOiJNaW5pIExlc3NvbiIsIlNlY3Rpb24iOjEsIlNlY3Rpb25UaXRsZSI6IlN1bSBJdCBVUCIsIlVzZXIiOiI1MzcyOkNocmlzIEJ1Y2NpbmkiLCJEYXRlIjoiMTAvMTcvMjAxOCIsIkFsbG93TmF2Ijp0cnVlfQ
Relating Multiplication Facts
Describing Multiplication Situations
Solving and Creating Addition and Subtraction Problems
https://www.mathup.ca/share?code=eyJHcmFkZUlkIjoiNSIsIlRvcGljSWQiOiI0MyIsIkxlc3NvbklkIjoiNDExIiwiUGF0aElkIjoiNTczNyIsIlBhcnQiOiJNaW5pIExlc3NvbiIsIlNlY3Rpb24iOjEsIlNlY3Rpb25UaXRsZSI6IlN1bSBJdCBVUCIsIlVzZXIiOiI1MzcyOkNocmlzIEJ1Y2NpbmkiLCJEYXRlIjoiMTAvMTAvMjAxOCIsIkFsbG93TmF2Ijp0cnVlfQ
Adding and Subtracting Four-Digit Numbers
https://www.mathup.ca/share?code=eyJHcmFkZUlkIjoiNSIsIlRvcGljSWQiOiI0MyIsIkxlc3NvbklkIjoiNDEwIiwiUGF0aElkIjoiNTczNyIsIlBhcnQiOiJNaW5pIExlc3NvbiIsIlNlY3Rpb24iOjEsIlNlY3Rpb25UaXRsZSI6IlN1bSBJdCBVUCIsIlVzZXIiOiI1MzcyOkNocmlzIEJ1Y2NpbmkiLCJEYXRlIjoiMTAvOS8yMDE4IiwiQWxsb3dOYXYiOnRydWV9
ESTIMATION STRATEGIES FOR ADDING AND SUBTRACTING
https://www.mathup.ca/share?code=eyJHcmFkZUlkIjoiNSIsIlRvcGljSWQiOiI0MyIsIkxlc3NvbklkIjoiNDA5IiwiUGF0aElkIjoiNTczNyIsIlBhcnQiOiJNaW5pIExlc3NvbiIsIlNlY3Rpb24iOjEsIlNlY3Rpb25UaXRsZSI6IlN1bSBJdCBVUCIsIlVzZXIiOiI1MzcyOkNocmlzIEJ1Y2NpbmkiLCJEYXRlIjoiMTAvMy8yMDE4IiwiQWxsb3dOYXYiOnRydWV9
Adding and Subtracting Using Mental Strategies
https://www.mathup.ca/share?code=eyJHcmFkZUlkIjoiNSIsIlRvcGljSWQiOiI0MyIsIkxlc3NvbklkIjoiNDA4IiwiUGF0aElkIjoiNTczNyIsIlBhcnQiOiJNaW5pIExlc3NvbiIsIlNlY3Rpb24iOjEsIlNlY3Rpb25UaXRsZSI6IlN1bSBJdCBVUCIsIlVzZXIiOiI1MzcyOkNocmlzIEJ1Y2NpbmkiLCJEYXRlIjoiMTAvMi8yMDE4IiwiQWxsb3dOYXYiOnRydWV9
Adding and Subtracting Whole Dollar Amounts
Topics 1 and 2
Representing Four-Digit Numbers Using Thousands, Hundreds, or Tens
Representing Four-Digit Numbers Using Thousands, Hundreds, Tens, and Ones
Writing Numbers in Words
Comparing Representations of Four-Digit Numbers
Using Information About Numbers to Learn More About Them
Using Benchmark Numbers to Estimate
Comparing and Ordering Four-Digit Numbers
Using Estimates to Solve Problems
https://www.mathup.ca/share?code=eyJHcmFkZUlkIjoiNSIsIlRvcGljSWQiOiIzOCIsIkxlc3NvbklkIjoiNDA2IiwiUGF0aElkIjoiNTczNyIsIlBhcnQiOiJNaW5pIExlc3NvbiIsIlNlY3Rpb24iOjEsIlNlY3Rpb25UaXRsZSI6IlN1bSBJdCBVUCIsIlVzZXIiOiI1MzcyOkNocmlzIEJ1Y2NpbmkiLCJEYXRlIjoiOS8yMS8yMDE4IiwiQWxsb3dOYXYiOnRydWV9
Archives
June Updates
Language
We began the month by presenting our persuasive texts. In Reading we will use the Into the Book site for reading comprehension. All book from the Learning Commons are due.
Math
We studied probability concepts. Predictions were followed by experiments, after which students compared the results. We are reinforcing concepts studied (Scratch coding will be used).
May: Subject Updates
Language
This month students will learn about the skills required for communicating orally to a larger audience. Persuasive texts will be studied and written as part of our learning. Students will also learn how media can be used to assist them for presenting to their classmates.
Math
We will begin the month by completing our unit on transformational geometry. We will then study measurement. We will explore time (to the nearest minute, elapsed time as well as the relationship between years decades and centuries). We will also learn about mass and capacity (how to select the correct units, compare and order) as well as volume.
April: Subject Updates
Language
Students are completing their explanatory writing. We will learn about how a poster can be used as a media product. We will further develop our understanding of summarizing and main idea for reading. Students will use an art product they have created to generate writing. Finally we will learn about communicating to larger groups.
Math
We are learning to compare and order fractions. We will explore the relationship between fractions and decimals. We will then learn to represent, compare and order decimal numbers to tenths. We will also add and subtract decimals; a knowledge of money will part of our learning. We will then begin to learn about transformations in geometry. Coordinate grids and reflections will be part of our learning.
March: Subject Updates
Language
Students will further develop their understanding of how to summarize a text, and find the main idea A study of how to organize and write explanatory texts will focus on researching people who have exemplified respect, as well topics of how or why something works.
Math
We will complete our learning of linear measurement. We will then begin a study of fractions and decimals. Concepts over the course of the unit that will be studied include:
representing fractions of a whole, and as part of a set
comparing fractions to benchmarks (e.g., 1/2) and also order them
represent, compare and order decimal numbers to tenths
representing money amounts and making change will be part of our learning
explore the relationship between fractions and decimals.
February Subject Updates
Language
Students will learn skills required for research this month. We will read texts related to Black History Month in Canada and the Winter Olympics. As part of this learning, students will explore how to summarize what they have read by distinguishing between important ideas and interesting ideas. We will then learn about how to identify the main idea for the text.
Math
We have begun our unit on Measurement. We are learning about linear dimensions and units required for measuring length (cm, m, km, mm, dm). We will then learn about strategies for perimeter. We will also learn about how to measure area. Home activities can include estimating objects using the units studied.
Measurement Review
estimate and measure length, height and distance
draw a specific length
select and justify the most appropriate standard unit (i.e., millimetre, centimetre, decimetre, metre, kilometre) to measure
decide between perimeter and area
estimate and measure the perimeter and area of polygons
compare shapes that have the same perimeter or area
January Subject Updates
Language
Students will begin the month by writing a recount. Conferencing with students about their Daily Three work will take place. A study of media will be part of our learning this month as well.
Math
In Math we will focus our study on multiplication and division of numbers (with and without remainders). We will continue to use number talks to develop mental math skills. Home practice of multiplication and division facts is a strategy that would support our learning.
Review:
Multiplication and Division Facts
Multiplication Relationships (if I have 2, and you have 1, I have 2 times more or twice as much)
Rounding and Calculating: Multiplying 2 digit and a 1 digit number
Multiplying by 10, 100 and 1000 and dividing by 10 and 100
Dividing: 2 digit and a 1 digit number (remainder)
December Subject Updates
Language
Students have completed their narrative stories, which they will share in groups. We are now exploring types of media texts, including the site Common Sense Media. We will also look at point of view, when reading texts.
Math
We are exploring Data Management concepts this month. We will learn about how to read and display different types of data (including double bar and stem-and-leaf plots) Students will collect data from home as part of this learning. Finding the median for the data will be practised.
November Subject Updates
Language
We have begun by learning the characteristics of different types of narrative texts that are communicated to an audience in different ways. We will use describing to explore characters and setting. We will also focus on the formatting for narration and dialogue. Home conversations could include the point of view from which the story is being told (narration) as well as a point of view that your child is curious about. Other questions that could be used are: what information most helped you understand the text (e.g., information/ pictures) and what prior knowledge helped you understand what you were reading? The comprehension strategy of visualizing will be used as well.
We will also explore the site Common Sense Media as part of our learning, by the beginning of December.
Math:
We will transition our study of Mathematics from patterning and algebra to geometry at the beginning of the month. We will learn about angles, and study quadrilaterals (rectangle, square, trapezoid, parallelogram, rhombus). We will then explore three dimensional figures. By the end of the month we will likely begin a study of data management. Students are encouraged to continue to practise multiplication facts. They can also work on division facts, as we will soon focus on them more closely as a class.
r
October Subject Updates
Language:
We will begin the month by making connections to help us as readers to make meaning from a text, and provide opportunities to develop the skill of reading aloud. We will also use the R.A.T.E. acronym (restate, answer, text reference and explain your own ideas) as a way of organizing our written reading responses.
We will practise writing a paragraph. We will also look at the writing process, allowing students to use the descriptive and/ or procedural forms.
Oral communication will focus on the importance of active listening for communicating with others. We will also increase our understanding of media.
Math:
We will begin by completing our first unit study of whole numbers. Next we will focus our learning on patterning (both numeric and geometric) and algebra. Number talks will begin to include multiplication equations by the end of the month. Please note that summative math assessments generally assess application of procedures, understanding of concepts, problem solving and communication.
This page will generally be updated at the beginning of each month. Information about the learning planned for that month, and other relevant details will be described for both classes.
Technology:
Our class has a SMART Board interactive whiteboard, 2 tech tubs made up of 5 Chromebooks each, and a mini iPad which will be used across the curriculum to enhance learning. Additionally, our class has access to the learning commons and the technology there.
Home Work:
Work may be assigned for home completion to reinforce the student’s learning, complete work that has been missed, and/or allow them to prepare for a summative assessment (e.g., test). There will usually be a math worksheet per week, a night of reading (and tracking of what has been read) and encouragement to review as required.
Ideas for continuous learning at home (when there is no assigned task) include: practise the basic operations for math, read, keep track of an interesting example when you used math in real life, write, design and/ or build something (with parent conferencing), communicate with others (speaking and listening), exercise, contribute at home and/or in the community, explore an educational app or online site.
Online Access:
The student portal is organized to allow students to access online learning tools including those used from Google (e.g., docs and slides) as well as Hapara (where students can build online folders for their work). Other links include Math Frog (linking activities to Ontario math strands), Into the Book (reading comprehension strategies), Wonderopolis (engage curiosity through reading and viewing) and Typing Club. Other links will likely be referenced as the year goes by. Students will be guided on how the portal can be used. Below is the link to the student portal.
https://sites.google.com/a/ocsbstudent.ca/k-6/
Agenda:
The agenda is a tool for recording class assignments, timelines, tests, and any other important information from school to home. The agenda will also be used as a parent/teacher communication tool. If you know that your child will be absent from school for any reason during upcoming weeks of the school year, we appreciate if possible that you notify us in writing and the information will be shared at the office and noted in our system.
Assessment:
The primary purpose of assessment is to improve student learning. Assessment information reflects how well a student is achieving the curriculum expectations in a subject area and is gathered on an ongoing basis using observations, conversations and products of student learning.
These sources of information also allow for the learning skills and work habits to be evaluated, as well as guide the teacher in adapting instructional approaches to students’ needs. The learning skills and work habits are evaluated in six areas: responsibility, organization, independent work, collaboration, initiative, and self-regulation.
Labels:
Please remember to label all personal property (e.g., hats and jackets) as other students often have identical items.
Learning Commons:
The class will begin visiting the learning commons (library) to exchange books as well as extend our learning using available resources. Please remind your child to have his/her library books at school in order to exchange them for other books.
June Updates
Family Life
We will complete theme 5, Living in the World.
Language
We begin the month by presenting our persuasive texts. In Reading we will use the Into the Book site for reading comprehension. All book from the Learning Commons are due on June 12th.
Math
We are studying probability concepts. Predictions are followed by experiments, after which students will compare the results. We will then reinforce concepts studied (Scratch coding will be used). We will also continue our use of number talks.
May Updates
Family Life
We will focus our learning by beginning theme 5, Living in the World. Our learning will explore how we care for others and involve ourselves, as part of the world community.
Language
We begin the month by extending our learning of the skills needed for giving an oral presentation to a larger group. Persuasive texts will be studied and written. Students will also learn how media can be used to assist them for presenting to their classmates.
Math
We are completing our study of measurement this week. We will then learn about transformations in geometry. Coordinate grids and reflections will be part of our learning. Finally, we will begin a study of probability by the end of the month.
April Updates
Family Life
We will focus our learning on theme 3 Created Sexual: Male and Female. Please refer to the letter sent home for more information.
Language
We are completing our explanatory reports in writing. We will also build on our knowledge of posters by creating one. Our learning will then focus on fictional texts, to reinforce the skill of summarizing and finding the main idea in a text. By the end of the month, we will also learn skills for making an oral presentation to a larger group.
Math
We are completing our study of fractions and decimals. We will then explore the second of our measurement units by studying length, perimeter, area and volume.
March Updates
Family Life
We will complete our study of theme 4 'Growing in Commitment'.
Language
We will continue our study of summarizing, and identifying the main idea from a text. We will shift some of our focus from non-fiction to fictional texts. We will also continue to study people who have made a difference in the world, as well as the organizing and writing of explanatory texts. In Media we will learn about how a poster can be used as a text.
Math
We began the month by representing money amounts and making change. This month our focus will be on fractions and decimals. We will represent fractions of a whole and as part of a set. We will compare fractions to benchmarks (e.g., 1/2) and also order them. We will then learn to represent, compare and order decimal numbers to tenths. Finally, we will explore the relationship between fractions and decimals.
February Updates
Family Life
We will continue our study of theme 4 'Growing in Commitment'.
Language
We've begun our learning by looking at summarizing as a reading strategy. We discussed how some ideas are interesting but not so important that they be included in the summary. As it is Black History month we have begun to read about, and soon research people that have made a difference. We also increase our knowledge of explanatory texts.
Math
We have begun our study of measurement by exploring units of time, as well as time to the nearest minute using analog clocks. We will next examine how time can be estimated and then look at elapsed time; home practice using real-life questions about how much time has gone by would support student learning. We will then examine mass and capacity; again any opportunity to look at (measurements) or even hold food or drink containers could help develop students' knowledge.
January Updates
Family Life
We will complete our study of theme 2 by exploring friendships. We will also likely begin theme 4 'Growing in Commitment'.
Language
In Reading we will focus on the point of view (voice/ opinion) in a variety of texts studied. We will reinforce our use of RATE (see last month's introduction to this strategy) as part of this learning. Conferencing to allow students the opportunity to read aloud, will be ongoing.
We will also reinforce our understanding of paragraph writing using the recount/ descriptive forms.
Math
In Math we will focus our study on multiplication and division of numbers. We will continue to use number talks to develop mental math skills. We will also refer to questions that allow students to monitor their learning. Areas of emphasis are: identifying key facts and using effective strategies to answer a question, checking the reasonableness of an answer, clarifying written explanations and checking that all parts of a question have been answered.
December Updates
Family Life:
We will continue our study of theme 2, Living in Relationship.
Language
Students will create short postcard messages as part of a school board activity. Please note that postage is provided.
We are increasing our knowledge of narrative texts. Students are learning elements of this writing form using a range of texts. Students will soon write their own narratives.
Below is a strategy that we are beginning to use as a class, that could be practised at home when reading. Use R.A.T.E. when responding to reading comprehension questions:
Restate the question to begin my response. (e.g., for the question, How did the main character change during the story? begin with, The main character...)
Answer the question with accuracy (re-read the question as needed).
Text proof (e.g., reference to a page number) is part of my response.
Experience from my life and/ or my own ideas are part of my answer.
Pick one of the questions below to practise RATE with:
Sample thinking questions before reading:
What does the title tell you as a reader?
What do you want to learn from this book?
Sample thinking questions during reading:
What do you think will happen next?
When you were reading this part, what were you picturing?
What are you wondering?
Sample thinking questions after reading:
How did the main character change during the story?
What was your favourite part? What part you would change if you were the editor?
Who told (narrated) the story? Whose point of view would you be interested in?
What is the message (main idea) of this story?
Math
This month students will learn about data management. This will include how to interpret data from tables and graphs, as well as how to show data on graphs including the double bar and stem and leaf plot. We will also learn about how to find the median for the data. Practice of multiplication and division facts is encouraged, as we will focus our learning on these concepts in January.
Students are welcome to use the site Mathfrog (link can be accessed at the student portal) to access some of the activities linked to each of the five math strands.
November Updates
Family Life:
We have begun our study of theme 2 Living in Relationship.
Language:
We have started learning how we use inferencing as a strategy. We use information from a text both in words and pictures as clues, and we also apply our background knowledge. Conversations around home reading could include questions like: What information most helped you understand the text (e.g., information/ pictures)? and What prior knowledge helped you understand what you were reading?)
We will then study a media website called Common Sense Media. Finally we will begin a focus on the characteristics of narrative texts.
Math:
We have transitioned our study of mathematics from patterning and algebra to geometry. We are learning about angles, and have begun a study quadrilaterals. We will then explore three dimensional figures. By the end of the month we will likely begin a study of data management.
October Updates
Family Life:
This month we will complete our study of theme 1, Created and Loved by God.
Language:
We will begin the month by developing our knowledge of how making connections can help us as a reader to make meaning from a text. We will also use the APES acronym as a way of organizing our written reading responses.
In writing we will practise using the paragraph form.
Oral communication will focus on the importance of active listening for communicating with others. We will also increase our understanding of media.
Math:
We will begin by completing our unit study of whole numbers. Next we will focus our learning on patterns (both numeric and geometric). Vertical boards will continue to be used to support.
Assessment:
The primary purpose of assessment is to improve student learning. Assessment information reflects how well a student is achieving the curriculum expectations in a subject area and is gathered on an ongoing basis using observations, conversations and products of student learning.
These sources of information also allow for the learning skills and work habits to be evaluated, as well as guide the teacher in adapting instructional approaches to students’ needs. The learning skills and work habits are evaluated in six areas: responsibility, organization, independent work, collaboration, initiative, and self-regulation.
Home Work:
Work may be assigned for home completion to reinforce the student’s learning, and/or to allow them to prepare for a summative assessment. Usually there will be a math worksheet per week, a night of reading and tracking what was read and review as required.
Ideas for continuous learning at home (when there is no assigned task) include: practise the basic operations for math, read a variety of materials, keep track of an interesting example when you used math in real life, use writing, design and/ or build something (with parent conferencing), communicate with others (speaking and listening), exercise, contribute at home and/or in the community, explore an educational app or online site. The Khan Academy is a free opportunity online for students to develop their math skills.
Learning Commons:
The class will begin visiting the learning commons (library) to exchange books as well as extend our learning (p.m. class on Monday and a.m. class on Friday). Please remind your child to have his/her library book(s) at school in order to exchange it for another book.
Technology:
Our class has a SMART Board interactive whiteboard, 2 tech tubs made up of 5 Chromebooks each, and an iPad which will be used across the curriculum to enhance learning. Additionally, our class has access to the learning commons and the technology carts.
Makerspace:
The class has an area called a makerspace. It is a place in the room where students can creatively explore areas of interest using problem solving. They can use skills from a variety of subject areas to design, build, and test ideas using available materials. Technology can be used for this purpose, using teacher conferencing as part of the process.
Agenda:
The agenda is used to record class assignments, timelines, tests, and any other important information from school to home. The agenda will also be used as a parent/teacher communication tool.
Labels:
Please remember to label all personal property (e.g., hats and jackets) as other students often have identical items.
Absences
If you know that your child will be absent from school for any reason during upcoming weeks of the school year, we appreciate if possible that you notify us in writing and the information will be shared at the office and noted in our system.