Upcoming School Events

 

Our Terry Fox Run will take place on Wednesday September 29, 2021.  Remember to dress appropriately!

On Thursday we will be honouring Truth and Reconciliation Day by wearing orange.  Please remember to wear an orange shirt, if you have one!

This Week in School: September 20 - 24

 I am so glad to have finally been able to join the class this week!  It has been a great week getting to know everyone and engaging in some fun learning activities.

We used much of our literacy time this week to complete the ABC's of Mental Health modules planned by the York Region District School Board.  You can learn more about this initiative at https://www2.yrdsb.ca/student-support/mental-health/abcs-mental-health.  

In addition, we started taking a few quick moments at the beginning of each literacy period to quickly read and correct a morning message.  This is a quick daily activity to work on our spelling, punctuation, and word choice skills.

In Math, we continued our unit in Place Value.  The Grade Fives continued to work with whole numbers.  They compared whole numbers, and found different ways to compose and represent whole numbers.  For example, the number 21 can be made with 2 tens and a one, but it can also be made with 1 ten and 12 ones, or 21 ones.  

Meanwhile the Grade Sixes began learning about integers.  This week they learned how to place integers on a number line, and how to compare integers.  Later in the year, they will learn how to add and subtract integers.

We also took some time this week to review how to round numbers, as this skill will be used in various tasks throughout the year.  Next week, we will spend a little more time practicing how to round numbers.

In Social Studies, we took advantage of the Federal Election to learn a little bit about the different political parties, their leaders, and the election process.  Students used their learning to participate in the Student Vote program. You can see the results of our vote here: https://studentvote.ca/results/school_results/38/33261653.

Students also learned about the responsibilities of the different levels of government and discussed who can address various national and international issues.

We continued training for both Cross Country and the Terry Fox Run in Gym.

For Art, we started planning for our very own Rock Art display.  We took inspiration from other similar displays in the area.

Scholastic Book Orders

 

This week students will receive their first Scholastic Book Club catalogue.  If you would like to place any orders, you may do so online at www.scholastic.ca/readingclub using class code: RC206082.  There is NO pressure to make any purchases using this catalogue.

Rainy Days Ahead

 

With lots of rain forecasted in the days ahead, it is likely that students will have several indoor recesses this week.  With the current restrictions, students are expected to remain at their seats for indoor recess.  With this in mind, students are encouraged to bring in a small game or activity that they can engage in independently or with ONE other classmate during indoor recesses.  Students are reminded that they are responsible for their items and should not bring in anything of great value.

If students are unable to bring in an item, or do not want to, there are also classroom books to read, or they can doodle on their whiteboards.

Problem of the Week

 

Today students received their first problem of the week. They also received the following note about problem of the week. Please take a moment to read through it, so that you know how to best support your child with this activity.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Problem of the Week

What is Problem of the Week?

Problem of the Week is a Math and/or logic problem that you will have one week to solve, using the Problem Solving Organizer provided.

 

When do we do Problem of the Week?

You will receive your Problem of the Week every Monday, and your solution will be due on Friday.  On weeks when we do not have school on Monday, you will not have a Problem of the Week.  In addition, if a test or quiz in Math falls on a Monday, we will not do Problem of the Week that week either.

 

Why do we do Problem of the Week?

This is an opportunity for you to practice your problem solving skills, as well as your math skills in a safe and challenging way!!  You do not get a level or a mark for getting the “right” answer on your Problem of the Week.  Instead you get a mark simply for trying, and completing the problem…whether you get the answer “right” or “wrong.” 

 

There are many ways to solve a problem, so go ahead and give it a try!  Even if the method you choose doesn’t work out, you will learn from your mistakes, and your mark in Math won’t be impacted negatively.

 

What if I don’t know what to do or don’t understand?

A lot of times using the Problem Solving Organizer will help you understand the problem, and develop a plan for solving it.  That is why you are expected to use the Problem Solving Organizer, but sometimes even with the help of the organizer, you might find yourself stuck on a problem.  If this happens, you might try taking a break from the problem (remember, you have a whole week to work on it!), and remind yourself that you do not get a mark for getting the “right” answer, so just try something!  You will learn a lot more if you try and make a mistake, than if you get the answer from a teacher, friend, or parent.  This is a safe place for you to make mistakes, so make them!!!! 

 

If you absolutely must ask for help, remember that your teacher will help you to understand the problem, but will not give you the answers or tell you how to solve it.

WELCOME BACK!

 

I hope everyone had a fun, restful, revitalizing summer break!  I'm looking forward to getting to know the students and working with you to help ensure they have an engaging and successful school year.

Please stay tuned to this blog, as it will be used to provide you with regular updates about what is happening in our classroom.  Parents are also encouraged to regularly review the Google Classroom with their children.  We will be using the Google Classroom for the majority of our learning activities, so reviewing it with your child will give you an opportunity to see how they are doing.

As we continue navigating the ever evolving learning conditions and safety protocols of our current global situation, there are bound to be some bumps along the road, but with patience, compassion, and understanding, I am certain that we can work together to overcome them!

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at school.