Div.18 Class Website
Hello!
Welcome to Ms. Norris' class website! This page is to help inform you of what's going on in our classroom. This page has some helpful class info (what we're learning, agenda, important dates, etc). There are also some links that we may be using this year.
Be sure to check below each Monday for a weekly update from me!
Sherisse Norris
Territorial Acknowledgement
We acknowledge and thank the W̱SÁNEĆ people on whose traditional territory we live, learn, and teach. The W̱SÁNEĆ people have lived and worked on this land since time immemorial.
Upcoming Events/Reminders: April 29-May 3
Trail walk is on Wednesday. Parents are welcome to join us :) We usually leave between 8:55-9:00am and are back around 9:35am.
Math Morning happens each Monday. Come join us in the classroom for math games and puzzles from 8:40-9:10ish. Next one will be Monday, May 6th.
Div 18 is having a JERSEY DAY tomorrow. Students in our class are invited to wear their favourite jersey from their favourite team that they cheer for or a jersey from a team that they play on. Students are also welcome to wear a hat if they'd like :)
Grade 5s will be heading to Royal Oak Middle School tomorrow morning (Tuesday) for their tour. The ROMS counseling team will also be coming to Lochside on Friday afternoon to introduce themselves to the whole Grade 5 group. There is an opportunity for students to have a quick 1:1 meet and greet with counselors on Friday. If you think this is something worthwhile for your child, please let me know. This might be helpful for students feeling quite nervous about the transition to middle school.
The LAST Cross Country meet is this Wednesday after school. Good luck, runners!
All Grade 4/5s will be participating in an Emergency Preparedness program here at Lochside on Friday morning.
Camp Imadene permission slips went home last week. At Lochside it is our belief that every child attend camp. If the cost is a financial hardship, please reach out to either myself or our admin team, Helena or Leila. We work with families to make sure the cost is covered. We generally ask families to cover an amount that works for them (for example, $5 or $50 or something around that) and Lochside will cover the rest.
FYI - each year Div.18 goes on a special field trip in June to wrap up the year - a bike trip! More information to come but I like to give parents/families a heads up that it will likely be on Monday, June 17th from 11am to the end of the day. We go along the Lochside Trail towards Michell's Farm and stop for a lunch break, ice cream at Mattick's, and a play at McMinn before returning back at the end of the day. It is always a highlight of our year. Now that the weather is warming up, it is a great time to check their bikes (or get a new one!) and go on some practice rides in the neighbourhood so your child is prepared for this trip. This is also a wonderful field trip for parents to join us on. If you'd like to join us, please ensure your criminal records check is up to date with the school district.
Classroom Connections
Math: Mr. Vaughan and Ms. Marcoux have wrapped up their mini unit on area and perimeter. We will be continuing to learn about 2D and 3D shapes along with calculating area and perimeter in class over the next couple of weeks with a fun building project.
Literacy: Students have started their mystery stories with Ms. Marcoux and Mr. Vaughan and will continue to work on their stories this week and next. We are taking ideas and inspiration from the mystery detective cases we are reading at the moment.
PE: We have been learning how to play badminton in gym class. We will continue on with a tournament soon but had a fun BINGO plant scavenger hunt with Mr. V and Ms. M today.
Science: This week students will briefly learn about the 6 major world biomes. Then they will select a biome to research and become an expect in. This research will become the inspiration for our video games.
Coding: We continue to learn about block coding in class. Once or twice a week students are completing coding challenges in Scratch. They are loving these coding sessions!
Upcoming Events/Reminders: April 23-26
Trail walk is on Wednesday. Parents are welcome to join us :) We usually leave between 8:55-9:00am and are back around 9:35am.
Math Morning happens each Monday. Come join us in the classroom for math games and puzzles from 8:40-9:10ish. Next one will be Monday, April 29th.
The 2nd Cross Country meet is this Wednesday after school. Good luck, runners!
The office has noted many students are forgetting cutlery and our supply is not able to keep up. They have suggested that students keep a spare set of cutlery in their lunches to use when a spoon or fork may have been forgotten.
FYI - each year Div.18 goes on a special field trip in June to wrap up the year - a bike trip! More information to come but I like to give parents/families a heads up that it will likely be on Monday, June 17th from 11am to the end of the day. We go along the Lochside Trail towards Michell's Farm and stop for a lunch break, ice cream at Mattick's, and a play at McMinn before returning back at the end of the day. It is always a highlight of our year. Now that the weather is warming up, it is a great time to check their bikes (or get a new one!) and go on some practice rides in the neighbourhood so your child is prepared for this trip. This is also a wonderful field trip for parents to join us on. If you'd like to join us, please ensure your criminal records check is up to date with the school district.
Classroom Connections
Math: Mr. Vaughan and Ms. Marcoux are teaching math this week. We are focusing on area and perimeter and making connections between the two.
Literacy: We have wrapped up our robot stories and are moving on to a mystery unit. Ms. Marcoux and Mr. Vaughan delivered detective case files last week. We each have a mystery to read and solve. We will also be writing our own mystery stories as well.
PE: We have been learning how to play badminton in gym class. We are learning to serve and have a rally. This week we will focus on game play.
Science: Last week we had an awesome field trip to Beaver Lake with the CRD naturalists and the restoration team. We learned about the meaning of biodiversity and native vs invasive species, searched for native species in the park using picture clues, played games to learn about the positive impacts of restoration teams and the negative impacts of invasive plants on local animals. We also had an opportunity to join the restoration team in pulling out English ivy, an invasive plant, along the paths. If you go for a walk around Elk/Beaver Lake, see if your child can point out the area we worked on.
Coding: We have started to learn about block coding in class recently. We are using the program Scratch and students have a list of coding challenges they are trying to complete. Last week students were working on moving sprites (characters) across the screen, adding sound effects, and changing their sprite's costumes. They are loving this new challenge!
Upcoming Events/Reminders: April 15-19
Trail walk is on Wednesday. Parents are welcome to join us :) We usually leave between 8:55-9:00am and are back around 9:35am.
Math Morning happens each Monday. Come join us in the classroom for math games and puzzles from 8:40-9:10ish. Next one will be Monday, April 29th since next Monday, April 22nd is a non-instructional day for students.
Thank you to those families who could attend the Literacy Fair last week. The posters are up in the hallway if you missed seeing them. Students have been presenting their learning in front of the class and have been doing a terrific job. The last 4 presentations are tomorrow. Sadly the district decided to postpone the MakerFaire this year. We will have a celebration for our wooden robots and robot stories here at Lochside instead.
Cross Country has started with their first meet this Wednesday after school. Good luck, runners!
The office has noted many students are forgetting cutlery and our supply is not able to keep up. They have suggested that students keep a spare set of cutlery in their lunches to use when a spoon or fork may have been forgotten.
We have two student teachers from UVic joining us for the next 3 weeks. They will be teaching some lessons each week. Ask your students what they learned about Mr. Vaughan and Ms. Marcoux today.
Our field trip on Biodiversity Heroes is this Friday at Beaver Lake. Most of the program will be outdoors to please ensure your child is ready for the day, if it's a raincoat or a hat or both!
FYI - each year Div.18 goes on a special field trip in June to wrap up the year - a bike trip! More information to come but I like to give parents/families a heads up that it will likely be on Monday, June 17th from 11am to the end of the day. We go along the Lochside Trail towards Michell's Farm and stop for a lunch break, ice cream at Mattick's, and a play at McMinn before returning back at the end of the day. It is always a highlight of our year. Now that the weather is warming up, it is a great time to check their bikes (or get a new one!) and go on some practice rides in the neighbourhood so your child is prepared for this trip.
Upcoming Events/Reminders: April 8 - 12
Trail walk is on Wednesday. Parents are welcome to join us :) We usually leave between 8:55-9:00am and are back around 9:35am.
Math Morning happens each Monday. Come join us in the classroom for math games and puzzles from 8:40-9:10ish. Next one will be Monday, April 8th
Lochside is hosting a Literacy Fair on Tuesday, April 9th from 2-4pm. We will be having a look at the work around the school with our buddies from 2:00-2:48pm. Parents and families are welcome to come in to the school and view the work at dismissal from 2:48-4:00pm. Class work and projects will be displayed in the hallways and in the gym. Our class will be displaying their Two Worlds Meet Inquiry Projects. (We were hoping to have our wooden robots and robot stories ready for this fair, but we still need a little bit of time. Our district is hosting a MakerFaire for Grade 4/5s at Keating Elementary on May 2nd from 4-7pm so the plan is to share their robot work in that opportunity - more information to come. Lots of exciting projects happening right now!).
Cross Country will be starting up soon. Forms went home this week for interested runners and are due back now.
The office has noted many students are forgetting cutlery and our supply is not able to keep up. They have suggested that students keep a spare set of cutlery in their lunches to use when a spoon or fork may have been forgotten.
Grade 5 parents: I will be starting to have conversations with Royal Oak Middle School about placements for next year. I would love some input from families to help with this transition. Please fill out THIS form by Wednesday, April 10th.
Our class photo will be on Wednesday, April 10th.
ELL Potluck will be hosted here at Lochside from 5:30-7:00pm. ELL families have already been sent information about this event.
The Royal Oak Middle School Band will be here next Friday. What a fun opportunity for the Grade 5s to see what it might be like to participate in the band program, learn a new skill, and play music together.
Upcoming Events/Reminders: March 11-15
Trail walk is on Wednesday. For the next few weeks we are needing at least one parent to join us. We usually leave between 8:55-9:00am and are back around 9:35am. Please sign up HERE so I know we have at least one parent joining us each week.
Thank you for reading The Wild Robot at home - it has been fun to hear the kids chat about the book in class. HERE is the website to follow the reading schedule and for some family discussion ideas - we'll be finishing the book this year! In class we will compare The Wild Robot with A Rover's Story, another robot story we are currently reading as a class read aloud.
Math Morning happens each Monday. Come join us in the classroom for math games and puzzles from 8:40-9:10ish. Next one will be Monday, April 8th
Swim Team has their meet this Wednesday. Permission slips should already be handed in. Good luck to the teams this Wednesday afternoon!
Report cards are going home on Thursday. Please return the envelope on Friday to reuse next term. Thank you!
This is the last week before Spring Break. Spring Break leads into Easter break so schools won't be back in session until Wednesday, April 3rd. I will send home their indoor shoes over the break to check sizes and see if a new pair is needed - please send these back with students on April 3rd. I wish everyone a safe, fun, and restful break and can't wait to see everyone in April for our final term this year!
Classroom Connections
Math: We will continue with exploring division of larger numbers this week by learning short and long division. I wonder which strategy your child will like best?! Mathletics homework is up and due by Friday.
Social Studies: Students have wrapped up their research and are starting to type up their paragraphs for their poster presentation on Google Classroom. Students will need to have their poster or tri-fold to bring to class for Wednesday. Some students may want to do some work at home this week or over the break. After spring break we will present our projects to the class and will showcase our work at the school Literacy Fair on April 9th (2:00-4:30pm). More information on the school fair will be coming.
Writing: We are starting a robot story to showcase at the Literacy Fair next month. Students have imagined their own robot character after we inspected the robot characters in The Wild Robot and A Rover's Story. This week we will start to develop our characters and setting then set the scene for the problem.
PE: The big volleyball net is up in the school gym this week. We are learning how to return a volleyball by setting or bumping, and how to rally. Mr. Kovacs is hosting a lunch time club for students to play more. Quite a few of our students are interested in volleyball.
Upcoming Events/Reminders: March 4-8
Trail walk is on Wednesday. For the next few weeks we are needing at least one parent to join us. We usually leave between 8:55-9:00am and are back around 9:35am. Please sign up HERE so I know we have at least one parent joining us each week.
Thank you for reading The Wild Robot at home - it has been fun to hear the kids chat about the book in class. HERE is the website to follow the reading schedule and for some family discussion ideas. In class we will compare The Wild Robot with A Rover's Story, another robot story we are currently reading as a class read aloud.
Math Morning happens each Monday. Come join us in the classroom for math games and puzzles from 8:40-9:10ish.
Basketball players have their jamboree this Friday. Permission slips should already be handed in. Good luck to the teams this Friday afternoon!
Classroom Connections
Math: Over the last 2 weeks before Spring Break we will investigate long division as well as short division - some students really enjoy short division. You will have to ask your child to show you how it works. Mathletics homework is up and due by Friday.
Social Studies: We are continuing our research this week and will start to get ready for their poster presentation. Students will be asking for a poster or tri-fold to bring to class for Monday. Some students may want to do some research at home. After spring break we will present our projects to the class and will showcase our work at the school Literacy Fair on April 9th (2:00-4:30pm). More information on the school fair will be coming.
Writing: We are starting a robot story to showcase at the Literacy Fair next month. Students imagined their own robot character after we inspected the robot characters in The Wild Robot and A Rover's Story. Soon we will start our stories and map out some key events that will lead up to the problem or conflict in the story.
PE: We have started volleyball and were so excited to have Mrs. Rothwell's daughter Keely, and a Lochside alumni, join us to help us with bumping (forearm underhand passing). We will continue to work on our skills and practice a simple volley soon.
Upcoming Events/Reminders: February 26 - March 1
Trail walk is on Wednesday. For the next few weeks we are needing at least one parent to join us. We usually leave between 8:55-9:00am and are back around 9:35am. Please sign up HERE so I know we have at least one parent joining us each week.
Thank you for reading The Wild Robot at home - it has been fun to hear the kids chat about the book in class. HERE is the website to follow the reading schedule and for some family discussion ideas. In class we will compare The Wild Robot with A Rover's Story, another robot story we are currently reading as a class read aloud.
Math Morning happens each Monday. Come join us in the classroom for math games and puzzles from 8:40-9:10ish.
This week we have a couple of special dates to note:
The Russell Book Fair will be set-up in the Lochside Library Learning Commons on Wednesday and Thursday (Feb.28-29).
Wednesday, February 28th is Pink Shirt Day. We invite staff and students to participate in creating a safe space for all by wearing pink.
Thursday, February 29th is our final early dismissal day this year. Students will be dismissed at 1:48pm. Division 18 will be hosting an open house from 2-5pm. Drop in any time and your child will lead you through showing some activities and projects we are working on at the moment. If you cannot make it during this time, let me know if you'd like to come in another time before school or after school and I can gather your child's work for that time.
Classroom Connections
Math: Last week we started to look at the connections between multiplication and division, and division and subtraction. We modeled together how to divide concretely (using base ten blocks), pictorially (drawing groups of or using a number line for repeated subtraction), and symbolically. We will start to explore how to divide larger numbers symbolically using the division symbol.
Social Studies: We have wrapped up our Two Worlds Meet lessons and will begin our research projects this week. I will be going over the project expectations in class and students will be choosing a topic to research. I will support the kids with their research in class and will help them share their learning in a poster presentation. This project will mostly be completed at school but there is an opportunity for students to add to their presentation and complete another piece to go along with their poster projects. This bonus activity needs to be completed at home. I will have the students indicate in their agendas this week the topic that they chose to research. Students are also welcome to do additional research at home if they so choose. We are going to be researching this week and next and will use the final week before spring break to put together their poster presentation. After spring break we will present our projects to the class and will showcase our work at the school Literacy Fair on April 9th (2:00-4:30pm). More information on the school fair will be coming.
Literacy: We continue to be doing a lot of reading and writing in our Social Studies Two Worlds Meet work and will continue to focus on visualizing the topics, making connections, and asking questions to further our learning.
PE: We have wrapped up a games week and have now started our next sport - volleyball! We are excited to practice learning how to set (overhead pass) and will also work on passing (forearm underhand passing) this week as well.
Upcoming Events/Reminders: February 19-23
Trail walk is on Wednesday. Parents are welcome to join us. We usually leave between 8:55-9:00am and are back around 9:35am.
Thank you for reading The Wild Robot at home - it has been fun to hear the kids chat about the book in class. HERE is the website to follow the reading schedule and for some family discussion ideas. In class we will compare The Wild Robot with A Rover's Story, another robot story we are currently reading as a class read aloud.
Math Morning happens each Monday. Come join us in the classroom for math games and puzzles from 8:40-9:10ish.
We have 2 field trips this week:
Thursday is a free field trip with BC Transit. Students noted in their agendas today if we are still needing their field trip form.
Friday is our field trip to UVic to enjoy the Victoria Symphony. Last week a musician visited our class to give a taste of the music we will hear. Students noted in their agendas today if they are still needing to pay the $3 fee online.
Next week we have a couple of special dates to note:
The Russell Book Fair will be set-up in the Lochside Library Learning Commons on Wednesday and Thursday (Feb.28-29).
Wednesday, February 28th is Pink Shirt Day. We invite staff and students to participate in creating a safe space for all by wearing pink.
Thursday, February 29th is our final early dismissal day this year. Students will be dismissed at 1:48pm. Division 18 will be hosting an open house from 2-5pm. Drop in any time and your child will lead you through showing some activities and projects we are working on at the moment. If you cannot make it during this time, let me know if you'd like to come in another time before school or after school and I can gather your child's work for that time.
Upcoming Events/Reminders: February 12-16
Trail walk is on Wednesday. Parents are welcome to join us. We usually leave between 8:55-9:00am and are back around 9:35am.
Thank you for reading The Wild Robot at home - it has been fun to hear the kids chat about the book in class. HERE is the website to follow the reading schedule and for some family discussion ideas. In class we will compare The Wild Robot with A Rover's Story, another robot story we are currently reading as a class read aloud.
Math Morning happens each Monday. Come join us in the classroom for math games and puzzles from 8:40-9:10ish. Mobi is one game that is a hit with our class and is a fantastic easy game to help students work on their basic facts for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, while at the same time leaving room to be challenged. If you know Bananagrams, Mobi is the number version of it. Might be a good one to add to your family games.
Valentine's Day is on Wednesday! A class list went home on Friday in case your child would like to hand out Valentines on Wednesday in class.
We have a long weekend coming up. Teachers only in session this Friday, February 16th. No school on Monday for Family Day. We look forward to seeing everyone back on Tuesday - enjoy the extra family time together!
Upcoming Events/Reminders: February 5-9
Trail walk is on Wednesday. Parents are welcome to join us. We usually leave between 8:55-9:00am and are back around 9:35am.
Thank you for reading The Wild Robot at home - it has been fun to hear the kids chat about the book in class. HERE is the website to follow the reading schedule and for some family discussion ideas. In class we will compare The Wild Robot with A Rover's Story, another robot story we are currently reading as a class read aloud.
Math Morning happens each Monday. Come join us in the classroom for math games and puzzles from 8:40-9:10ish.
We have 2 field trips coming up in February (lucky us!). Please hand in the forms for skating (February 12th) ASAP and the symphony form (February 23rd) as well.
On Monday, February 12th, please send your child ready for their afternoon of skating at the rink (thin gloves, bike/hockey helmet, optional - skates, hockey stick). Thank you to those parents who have offered to join us at Panorama. Our rink time is from 1-2pm. I would love parents to help with lacing up skates and you are welcome to join us on the ice as well!
Valentine's Day is next week. Our class will be exchanging Valentines. If your child would like to participate, I will send home a class list later this week.
Classroom Connections
Math: In multiplication we have been looking for ways to multiply larger numbers. We have practiced the box method (array/area model) as well as the distributed model. Next we will multiply using the partial products method which will be helping us get ready for the traditional/standard method.
Social Studies: This week we are conducting mini research projects into explorers who had major expeditions in our country. We will also continue to look at Indigenous-Settler relationships as we learn about the fur trade.
Literacy: We continue to be doing a lot of reading and writing in our Social Studies Two Worlds Meet work and will continue to focus on visualizing the topics, making connections, and asking questions to further our learning.
PE: It is tournament week for basketball. Students will learn their teams and come up with a team name as we start the tournament on Tuesday.
Upcoming Events/Reminders: January 29-February 2
Trail walk is on Wednesday. Parents are welcome to join us. We usually leave between 8:55-9:00am and are back around 9:35am. This week we will have our little buddies join us from Ms. Miller's class. We will go to Outerbridge again this week and have a Wild Robot activity planned to do together while there.
Speaking of The Wild Robot - we will start to chat about what they are reading at home and compare that robot story with the current class read aloud, A Rover's Story. Thank you for reading at home - it has been fun to hear the kids chat about the book in class. HERE is the website to follow the reading schedule and for some family discussion ideas.
Math Morning happens each Monday. Come join us in the classroom for math games and puzzles from 8:40-9:10ish.
We have 2 field trips coming up in February (lucky us!). Please hand in the forms for skating (February 12th) ASAP and the symphony form (February 23rd) as well.
Classroom Connections
Math: We continue to work on our basic facts as we explore strategies to multiply larger numbers. Grade 4s will be working on 2 and 3 digit by 1 digit multiplication. Grade 5s will be working on double digit multiplication. Last week we were introduced to the box method (area/array model). Ask your child to show you an example of what this looks like. Our aim in class is for a complete understanding of what is happening when we multiply rather than memorizing a list of steps. Our next step is to look at the distributive model. For example, 3 x 42 = (3 x 40) + (3 x 2)
Social Studies: This week we continue to learn about Columbus and how he might have affected other explorers. We will begin to look at other explorers as we notice more and more explorers during the age of exploration. We will look at why people started to explore more and more.
Literacy: We will be doing a lot of reading and writing in our Social Studies Two Worlds Meet work and will focus on visualizing the topics, making connections, and asking questions to further our learning.
PE: We have started basketball. This week we will be working on passing, shooting, and gameplay.
French: Our school has the Maple Man coming back to Lochside on Friday. Be sure to ask your child about the maple man after Friday's afternoon session.
Upcoming Events/Reminders: January 22-26
Thanks so much for your patience and flexibility last week as we dealt with the challenges of the cold and snowy winter weather last week. I am looking forward to a normal week ahead!
Trail walk is on Wednesday. Parents are welcome to join us. We usually leave between 8:55-9:00am and are back around 9:35am.
Family Literacy Day is this Friday from 8:40-9:10ish. Join us for a whole school read time. Families can come into the classroom and read with us or you can bring your family together and read in the library or in the younger sibling's classroom. You could bring in your copy of The Wild Robot or a book of your child's choice. Bring a flashlight or headlamp and read in the dark! Students are invited to dress up as a favourite character if they'd like.
Math Morning happens each Monday. Come join us in the classroom for math games and puzzles from 8:40-9:10ish.
Our buddy skate field trip forms to Panorama on February 12th went home a couple of weeks ago. Please return ASAP.
Classroom Connections
Math: We will be continuing to work on our basic facts as well as begin to look at strategies to multiply larger numbers. Grade 4s will be working on 2 and 3 digit by 1 digit multiplication. Grade 5s will be working on double digit multiplication.
Social Studies: This week we are looking at the beginnings of exploration. We will look at Christopher Columbus and his explorations as well as look at who may explored the land we now call Canada prior to 1492.
Literacy: We will be doing a lot of reading and writing in our Social Studies Two Worlds Meet work and will focus on visualizing the topics, making connections, and asking questions to further our learning.
PE: We have started basketball. This week we will be working on dribbling.
Learning Opportunities While at Home
Here are some lesson ideas your child could do at home as we wait for news of when we can return to school. Please reach out if you have any questions:
Mathletics - I will assign 1-2 tasks each day. Once they have completed their tasks, some games and other activities will open up for some free choice math exploration. Looking for other math activities? Continue the 2024 challenge (scroll down to see yesterday's post and challenge). Play board games or card/dice games. Addition Challenge: Remove Kings and Jacks (ace = 1, queen = 0). Each player turns over two cards and says the sum of their numbers. The person with the greater sum wins and takes the cards. You could also do this with multiplication facts. Leave the face cards in for an extension: J = 11, Q = 12, K = 13, A = 1.
Reading - Check out Epic books online or tablet and be sure to read 25 minutes per day. Our class code is eiy8793 - I believe students have access from home for free during school hours. They can explore the app. There is a variety of books both fictional and non-fictional to explore.
The Wild Robot Whole School Read - Lochside is finishing up Week 2 and reading to the end of Chapter 19. Check out the website HERE for discussion questions and optional activities.
Writing - Write a story! Want to enter it in a contest? Check out THIS opportunity. Deadline for entries is March 31, 2024. If you haven't yet, try out the writing activities I posted about earlier (scroll down).
Check our Lochside's Core French Website from Mme. Cannady HERE.
P.E. - Have fun in the snow - or even better, help your parents shovel the sidewalk, driveway, and their car! Here are the indoor activities I shared on Monday:
Maker Hour - do something creative or make something.
Help Out Around the House - clean your room, unload the dishwasher, help make food, vacuum, take out the garbage, etc.
winter themed story starters.pdfTuesday, January 16th Optional Learning Activities
2024 Div18 challenge.pdfUpcoming Events/Reminders: January 15-19
Here are some lesson ideas your child could do on Monday and Tuesday to continue their learning from home:
Mathletics - I will assign 2 tasks today and another 2 tomorrow. Once they have completed their tasks, some games and other activities will open up for some free choice math exploration.
Reading - Check out Epic books online or tablet and be sure to read 25 minutes per day. Our class code is eiy8793 - I believe students have access from home for free during school hours. They can explore the app. There is a variety of books both fictional and non-fictional to explore.
Writing - We are at home because of a burst water pipe. Write a story about a water pipe bursting because of cold weather. Plan your story, write a rough draft, revise and edit to make your writing sound interesting and clear, and finally publish a good copy of your story. Your setting could be about Lochside or you might change the story for a setting of your choice. Are you the main character or will you develop your own characters? What happens before, during, and after the water pipe bursts? Write using pen and paper or on the computer. If you can sign in to your Google account at home you can open a Google Doc and share it with me or check out the assignment in our Google Classroom.
P.E. - Check out these fun fitness activities on YouTube to get some movement in at home.
We have another a cold and wet week so please help your child come prepared for the weather: rain coats, rain boots, extra socks/pants, etc. Thank you!
Trail walk is on Wednesday. Parents are welcome to join us. We usually leave between 8:55-9:00am and are back around 9:35am.
The Grade 4s will be going to Hockey Day in Canada on Wednesday afternoon (Grade 5s will be staying at school with Ms. Walker). Grade 4s will eat their lunch early then board the busses at 11:15am and head to Ship Point. Our session is from 12-1pm where they have chosen 2 activities: skate, scrimmage, or skills. We will be back to school by 1:45pm. The weather forecast looks cold and rainy for Wednesday. Please ensure your child is ready for the outdoor activities with a good rain coat, hat/toque, gloves, and proper footwear for the day. Students who are skating MUST bring their own helmet. They can also bring their own sticks and skates. Skates will be available for their use. We are still needing a few to hand in their permission forms. Please make sure they come to school on Wednesday. You could also take a picture of the signed form and email it to me. If you are needing a form, please drop by the office or the classroom Wednesday morning, or print, sign, and email me THIS blank form.
Math Morning happens each Monday. Come join us in the classroom for math games and puzzles from 8:40-9:10ish.
Classroom Connections
Math: We continue to work on multiplication/division facts to 100. Grade 4s are expected to know their multiplication and division facts to 100 using strategies such as number patterns, skip counting, using known facts; develop fluency with 2x, 5x and 10x questions. Grade 5s are expected to know multiplication and division facts to 100 using strategies such as number patterns, skip counting/multiples, decomposing, and using known facts.
Social Studies: This week we will look at early exploration and who might have explored the land we now call Canada before other explorers came later from Europe. Each lesson we will work on making connections, sketch visuals of the lesson, and pose questions/wonderings to further our learning.
Literacy: We continue to strengthen our connecting skills in reading and writing which will support our Social Studies learning as well.
PE: Once back in gym, we will start basketball. There will also be a sign-up soon for Lochside's basketball team. They meet once a week in the gym during lunch recess to practice and will have a basketball jamboree coming up in late February or early March similar to the soccer jamboree.
Upcoming Events/Reminders: January 8-12
Welcome back and Happy New Year! It was wonderful to see everyone today and reconnect. We had a creative afternoon as we worked on dragon eyes to wrap up our latest read aloud in December "Dragons in a Bag." We'll send our art pieces home once they dry and we've enjoyed them at school.
Please send back indoor shoes this week.
It is a cold and wet week so please help your child come prepared for the weather: rain coats, extra socks/pants, warmer gear for the temperature drop later this week and possibility of snow, etc. Thank you!
Trail walk is on Wednesday. Parents are welcome to join us. We usually leave between 8:55-9:00am and are back around 9:35am.
Math Morning happens each Monday. Come join us in the classroom for math games and puzzles from 8:40-9:10ish.
Classroom Connections
Math: We will be starting up the new year with multiplication/division facts to 100. Grade 4s are expected to know their multiplication and division facts to 100 using strategies such as number patterns, skip counting, using known facts; develop fluency with 2x, 5x and 10x questions. Grade 5s are expected to know multiplication and division facts to 100 using strategies such as number patterns, skip counting/multiples, decomposing, and using known facts.
Social Studies: This term we are focusing on Social Studies and will be working through a unit with the other Grade 4/5 classes called "Two Worlds Meet". We will be looking at exploration of Canada and the interactions between settlers and Indigenous Peoples as these two worlds meet. We will be having some activities with the other classes and will be having some lessons in our class. Our lessons will be leading up to an inquiry/research project starting in mid-February that we will be working on mostly at school - some students may need some support from home or may elect to do some work at home.
Literacy: We will be strengthening our connecting skills in reading and writing which will support our Social Studies learning as well.
PE: We will be wrapping up our hockey tournament this week and moving on to basketball this week. We are loving gym right now!
Upcoming Events/Reminders: December 18-22
Tuesday (tomorrow!) is our field trip by BC Transit to Veteran's Memorial Lodge where we'll be singing carols with the residents and performing our 3 songs from last week's concert. Most students have left their aprons and mitts at school so they can bring them on the trip tomorrow. They are also invited to wear their festive hats. We will be taking the bus at 9am so students need to arrive promptly at school by 8:40am. They will have a chance to use the washroom then we are off! Please make sure students have a filling and nutritious breakfast since we won't be eating again until we arrive back at school around 11am.
Trail walk is on Wednesday. Parents are welcome to join us. We usually leave between 8:55-9:00am and are back around 9:35am.
Report cards will be going home on Wednesday, December 20th. Please return the envelope so we can reuse it but you can keep the reports at home.
Thursday, December 21st is our swimming field trip with the Grade 4/5s. Please send them to school with their swim suits, towels, etc.
Last day before the holidays is December 22nd! I will send their indoors home after the break. Please check to see they still fit the kids well then send them back in January. We will be back in session on Monday, January 8th. Enjoy the winter break with your families. Happy Holidays!
Classroom Connections
Math: We have a busy week ahead but hope to squeeze in some time to continue working on multiplication/division facts to 100. Grade 4s are expected to know their multiplication and division facts to 100 using strategies such as number patterns, skip counting, using known facts; develop fluency with 2x, 5x and 10x questions. Grade 5s are expected to know multiplication and division facts to 100 using strategies such as number patterns, skip counting/multiples, decomposing, and using known facts.
Science: This week we are wrapping up our exploration on the phases of the moon. Some students forgot to bring in their moon calendars today and are planning to bring them in on Tuesday.
Writing: This is the week we are finishing up our Cereal Box reports. They are coming along!
PE: We started our hockey tournament today. Ask your child about the positions they played today, who is on their team, and what their team name is.
Reading: This is the week we are wrapping up the Fall Reading Challenge to read 10 books. Congrats, readers! It was so exciting to see kids read a variety of genres and find series/authors that they enjoy.
Upcoming Events/Reminders: December 11-15
Trail walk is on Wednesday. Parents are welcome to join us. We usually leave between 8:55-9:00am and are back around 9:35am.
Friday, December 15th @ 2:00pm is the Grade 4/5 winter concert in the school gym. Doors open at 1:30pm.
Students need to bring in an apron and a mitt as well as wear white or red (tops, sweaters, or dress) for Friday's performance.
Tuesday, December 19th is our field trip by BC Transit to Veteran's Memorial Lodge. Students are invited to wear dress festively!
Report cards will be going home on Wednesday, December 20th.
Thursday, December 21st is our swimming field trip with the Grade 4/5s. Please return the permission form as soon as possible.
Last day before the holidays is December 22nd!
Classroom Connections
Music: Mrs. Alexander sent home lyrics sheets for the winter concert. She has asked the students to work on memorizing the words for homework. Our concert is this Friday already! Lots of our week will be rehearsing for our performance. We can't wait!
Art: Students will be participating in their second clay workshop happening tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon. We can't wait for the next step in our clay projects.
Math: This week and next we will be working on multiplication/division facts to 100. Grade 4s are expected to know their multiplication and division facts to 100 using strategies such as number patterns, skip counting, using known facts; develop fluency with 2x, 5x and 10x questions. Grade 5s are expected to know multiplication and division facts to 100 using strategies such as number patterns, skip counting/multiples, decomposing, and using known facts.
Science: This week and next we will be continuing to explore the phases of the moon with a special activity.
Writing: This week we are working on our Cereal Box reports in writing.
PE: We have grabbed up our floor hockey skills and will be starting our hockey tournament soon.
Reading: I am so pleased with the students' progress this term with their Fall Reading Challenge to read 10 books. Ask your child how they are doing with meeting that goal. They also have the opportunity to collect points by reading from a variety of genres. Many have visited the sticker store, enjoyed a delicious popsicle treat, and experienced being the Very Incredible Reader for the day (VIR). Congrats, readers!
Upcoming Events/Reminders: December 4-8
Trail walk is on Wednesday. Parents are welcome to join us. We usually leave between 8:55-9:00am and are back around 9:35am.
Looking for cardboard! Ms. Miller and I are planning a winter-themed buddy activity and need a 2 foot squared piece of cardboard (or close to that size). Please send one in this week with your child. We'll be cutting them to the shape we will be needing then working with our buddies next week to start the special project.
Permission forms went home today for our visit to the Veterans Memorial Lodge in Broadmead. Students are invited to wear their festive clothes (Santa hats, Christmas sweaters) as we join the residents in singing some Christmas songs and perform some songs from our winter concert.
The Lochside Bookshop is back. Our class will be visiting it on Thursday morning. Children will visit the holiday bookshop and select books for immediate family members for a suggested donation of $2. Half of the proceeds will be given to the Mustard Seed and half will go to LEPAC.
Save the Date:
Friday, December 15th @ 2:00pm is the Grade 4/5 winter concert in the school gym.
Classroom Connections
Music: Mrs. Alexander sent home lyrics sheets for the winter concert. She has asked the students to work on memorizing the words for homework. Our concert is coming up next week already!
Art: Students will be participating in a clay workshop happening tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon and next Tuesday as well. Thank you Mrs. Sinclair-Wise for inviting our class to participate in this special activity.
Math: This week we are working on strategies to add/subtract numbers to 10 000 for the Grade 4s and numbers to 1 000 000 for the Grade 5s. Last week we reviewed strategies we already know such as adding/subtracting by place value, stacking the numbers and using the standard algorithm, and drawing models such as base ten blocks to add/subtract. This week we will continue to practice these strategies.
Science: We have started to explore local changes caused by Earth’s axis, rotation, and orbit as well as the effects of the relative positions of the sun, moon, and Earth. So far we have learned about the movement of the Earth. It both revolves and rotates. Ask your child the difference between these 2 movements and what causes day/night and the seasons. This week we will also be exploring the phases of the moon.
Writing: We are working on strengthening our writing this week with packing our sentences with lots of details and descriptions using the 5 Ws. We will also start working on our Cereal Box reports in writing.
PE: This week are focusing on passing in floor hockey. We will also work on goaltending as well as shooting.
Reading: I am so pleased with the students' progress this term with their Fall Reading Challenge to read 10 books. Ask your child how they are doing with meeting that goal. They also have the opportunity to collect points by reading from a variety of genres. Many have visited the sticker store, enjoyed a delicious popsicle treat, and experienced being the Very Incredible Reader for the day (VIR). Congrats, readers!
Hello Div.18 families! This is the space I update each Monday with important information, upcoming dates, and other details about the class.
I sent home a package on Thursday with information about the class and about me along with a permission form for our weekly trail walk. We are waiting for a few more forms to come in so this week there will be no trail walk. Please send them in as soon as possible.
The school start-up permission form package from the office went home today. Please check/update the information and send the forms back at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for sending in the school supplies so quickly! There are some students who are still needing the extra supplies:
Water Colours Paints Set
Oil Pastels
Clipboard
Headphones for personal use in our school computers, chromebooks, and/or iPads (send in a labeled ziplock bag)
Box of Kleenex
Hilroy Exercise Books (lined; 2 packs - 8 altogether)
Indoor gym shoes to be kept at school
Calculator (optional)
One school supply I invited the class to bring is either an extra duotang or a small blank notebook to use as a 'doodling book.' I read aloud to the students each day and some may choose to doodle if it helps them listen.
Lochside's Terry Fox run will be happening this Friday, September 15th. Students are invited to bring in a 'toonie for Terry' to raise money for the Terry Fox Foundation. Students should come dressed ready to run on the field together on Friday afternoon with runners and active clothes to run in.
Agendas are arriving later this fall. In the meantime I will be starting to use photocopied booklets of the agendas to start this important routine. Agendas are one organizational tool students can practice using in elementary school. Please have a look at your child's agenda each night with them and help them remember it by placing it in the same spot at home at night to come to school each day. Perhaps putting it back into their backpacks together each night, keeping it by the door to grab on the way out, or at the kitchen table where they eat breakfast in the morning is helpful.
Sometimes I may hand out a small treat such as a jolly rancher or a starburst to students in class. If this is something you would not like for your child, please let me know. Feel free to send in an alternative if you'd prefer.
A scholastic brochure went home last week. Orders are due by this Friday, September 15th. Thank you :)