March 2020

March 6th, 2020

March arrived with another full week of learning together.

In Language, we finished My Life as a Diamond as students continued to respond to the text. Towards the end of the book, we made predictions of what would happen in the next part and on Thursday, students started to write the first chapter of the sequel. They were asked to consider what might be next for Caz as he gets ready to start the school year. This week we didn't get the chance to work on our magazines but we will definitely get back into them starting on Monday.

In Math, we worked on two patterning problems this week. Students were tasked with extending a growing pattern while trying to determine whether or not they could use the information to predict future stages of the pattern. The first activity led into the second part of the activity where students had to consider both the perimeter and area as the pattern grew. Students are really learning to try to find the math behind what is happening as patterns grow. On Friday, students were asked to complete an independent activity related to the design of a space station. Here is an activity for home that you might find helpful to support your child as we continue this work.

In Social Studies, the Grade 4s continued with their work from last week and we also started a new unit for both grades. The new unit is based on Grade 5 curriculum and looks at the early interactions between First Nations Peoples and Europeans in New France and early Canada. This connects to the learning that the Grade 4s have been doing by investigating early societies and learning about Indigenous early societies. We started the unit thinking about the current situation happening in British Columbia with the pipelines and the Wetʼsuwetʼen Peoples as we look to possibly explain some of the ways in which interactions between and among First Nations and Europeans in New France are connected to issues in present-day Canada. Students are using links in Google Classroom to support their learning of significant events as they work to create a timeline.

In Physical Education, we were challenged in the area of balance this week. Two students guided us through a series of activities to test our balance and strength. They will continue next week as well.

In Art we continued this week with our tessellations and some students started a new task of creating circle art. Given a circle broken up into 6 equal parts, students started by creating a design in one of the sections and then used a Mira to complete the other sections. There are some really creative designs coming to life.

This week, Tom visited from the Victoria Village branch of the Toronto Public Library to let us know a little bit more about some of their services and about some of the events happening over March Break. Earlier this week, students wanting a library card were asked to complete and return a form by today. Should you still want to get a library card before the break, students are asked to return this form by Monday.

There is one more week before the March break! Have a great weekend!

March 13th, 2020

Another full week of learning together and it was fantastic!

In Language, we continued working on our magazines and we also started reading a new Forest of Reading book, Inkling. Students were asked this week to infer what the book might be about based on the quick blurb at the back and the images on the cover and the first few pages of the book. After making a prediction, we started reading and students were asked to write what they predicted would come next. After the break, we will be continuing to work on reading responses based on this book. During our time off, students are encouraged to continue reading for at least 20 minutes a day and they can also continue to practice by completing some of the comprehension questions found on the Extra Work At Home page.

In Math, we jumped back into algebra and students were tasked with trying to identify the equation that based matched a given scenario. Once they were able to determine the correct equation, students were asked to solve for the variable. Today we had a brief quiz to be able to see where we are at.

Over the break, students are encouraged to continue using online sources such as IXL to practice. For algebra, this is link for similar activities for the Grade 4s and this is the link for the Grade 5s. After the break, we will be continuing this work and also moving on to fractions and decimals. Students interested in getting a little practice before we start can explore IXL. The Grade 4s can practice activities: R.1 to R.10; S.1 to S.6; T.1 to T.11; U.1 to U.19; and V.1 to V.10. The Grade 5s can practice: F.1 to F. 17; G.1 to G. 6; J.1 to J.11; K.1 to K.11; and L.1 to L.12.

Students were provided passwords earlier this year and should have that information in their agendas. Students also have access to mPower - usernames and passwords were given out in October and students were asked to keep this information in their agendas. The following activities are related to patterning and algebra or fractions and decimals and can be accessed by clicking on Quick Play on the homepage of the game once students have logged in.

Grade 4s - Bug Basher and Cleanse Coordinator
Grade 5s - Shutter Specialist, Suds Supervisor, and Malware Masher

Math Playground is another website that also has a number of activities related to fractions and decimals.

In Social Studies, the Grade 4s continued their work on a day in the life of a person in an early society. The assignment was due today but there were a number of students who asked for an extension. As such, this work will be due after our return. As a larger group, the entire class continued to use the links provided to create a timeline, highlighting the interactions between Indigenous Peoples and Europeans in New France and early Canada as we examine how the past impacts current day. We will be continuing this work when we get back from the break.

In Physical Education this week, we played number soccer. We also started Dance. Students were asked, "What is dance?" and why people in various communities dance. They were also tasked with creating their own unique dance, in small groups, to teach the rest of the class. We just got started on this and groups will be continuing after the break.

In Visual Arts, we finished up working on our tessellations and continued to work on our circle art, using Miras to help create symmetrical Art pieces. There are a few students who still have some work to complete and we will be continuing after the break.

As you have already heard, Ontario public schools will be closed until April 5th. Many parents have been emailing about additional work during this time. The board and the Ministry of Education are working through a plan for the period after the break to ensure continued learning for students. That information will be provided directly to parents from the TDSB. That being said, there are a variety of alternative homework activities listed on the Extra Work At Home page. They may be of great enjoyment for students during this time and can serve as a means to help students problem solve and further develop critical thinking skills.

I wish everyone a happy and safe break. Please take care of yourselves. See you soon.