Tuesday, January 28

This morning we talked about things that are positive and make us happy.  Each students practiced their French oral language skills and gave at least one thing that made them happy.  Next in their journals, students made a list of things that make them feel good and/or happy.  It was also our second day of using our writing checklist.  Answers varied from Pokemon cards make me feel good, my  cat, watching a moving with my Dad, listening to my playlist, reading Dogman and my personal favourite-sleeping. Check out some journal entries below.
In math, I showed students a scale with two numbers on either side and they needed to balance the scare.  One side had 15 and the other side had 7 + ?.  This more open ended question proved a bit tricky for some to get their mind around.  We'll continue this work again tomorrow. 
In the afternoon, we read and looked a pictures about Meteghan and it's history.  We talked about the Acadians and the conflict between the English and the French.  We also talked about some one the natural resources of the area, including fishing and forestry.  Students also enjoy the Canadian Climber with M. Trevor. Don't forget tomorrow is PJ day if students would like to participate.  They can also bring ONE stuffie.

Monday, January 27

This morning students used our new writing rubric with their weekend writing.  They self-evaluated their work and then I conferenced with each student about their writing.  Students were looking for the following in their work: 1. date, 2. capitals, 3. periods, 4. sight words spelled correctly, 5. can others read my work?, 6. # of sentences. Students were very good at "checking" all of these 6 criteria, however when I went over the checklist and discussed their work with them they realized that they'd "checked" everything off without actually looking at their work.  Each student went away from the interview with me with at least one thing to focus on in their next writing assignment.  Ask your child what their's was. 
In math, students who wished to try to improve their math addition mark from last week did so.  I will correct them tonight and have them back to you tomorrow.  Students participated in gymnastics and today was the first day with Canadian Climber-always a favourite with students.  They'll continue all week. 
In the afternoon, we read and looked at pictures of Iqaluit.  It's history was explored and how people currently live in Iqaluit was discussed.  We specially talked about permafrost and having to build houses on stilts/poles. We finished off the day with Math Monday.  It's connect 4-addition and is in your child's green folder.  If you happen to have your child's winter break writing at home, please send it in as I have not assessed their work yet.

Don't forget PJ day for room 8 will be on Wednesday.

Friday, January 24

We had 10 more students and their parents join us this morning to read their winter break writing.  After this students worked through 4 literacy centres.  Students are building their winter vocabulary.

Thursday, January 23

Today students used the 5 words of the week in sentences in their journals; students visited the library and played a math shopping game where they got to choose winter clothes.  Each of the winter clothing pieces was a certain amount of money and students needed to tell me how much their shopping spree cost.  In social studies, we looked at the kinds of clothes the Acadians wore in the past.  Students worked on their gymnastics routines with M. Trevor. 
Don't forget to send in your child's home reading books and red folder tomorrow.

Wednesday, January 22

Thanks so much to those parents who were able to take time out of their day to hear us read.  I have to say, I thought students did a fantastic job and I'm so proud of their hard work.  After students shared their writing this morning they visited Mme. Zdrill for their music lesson. In social studies, we learned a bit more about Meteghan and in math we played another round of Math Monday.  In the afternoon, we wrote about a funny snowman.  Students did a profile about things their snowman liked, didn't like, favourite foods, clothing, name, best friend.  Students enjoyed making up silly things about their snowman. We also had parents in from 2:00-2:20 to hear more of our work.

Tomorrow, we will visit the library.  Please send books in so we can get new ones. Thanks!

Tuesday, January 21

A busy morning getting ready to share our winter break writing with you.  I've had an overwhelming response.  I was hoping 5 or 6 parents might be able to stop in but more than 3/4 of the parents in Room 8 are able to join us.  Our Wednesday morning time is now full.  There are 2 spots left in the Friday morning time, and many spots still available on Wednesday at 2:00. Just let me know when you'd like to come and I'll write you down and have your child present then.  No need to sign in at the office; just come on down to Room 8.
Students worked with several different partners and read their writing.  Students wrote their math test and I am sending it home in the green folders.  Each student then had the opportunity to improve their mark on Monday, January 27.  I will take the higher of the two mark to use for their addition assessment.  Also coming home today, is the science magnetism test.  Just a note that the word search on the back was just something for students to do while the rest of the students finished.
In the afternoon we learned more about the climate in Iqaluit and some of the traditional clothing that is worn by the people of the North.  We also had gym with M. Trevor.  Students are working on a routine and M. Trevor was going over the success criteria with students.

Monday, January 20

Students (and Mme.) have been enjoying this warmer shift in temperature and students enjoyed going out for recesses today.  We also held our gym class outside, as it wasn't our day with M. Trevor.  This morning students rotated through their last Guided Reading session before I give them new groups next week.  Students also had music with Mme. Zdrill and in math we did one final lesson on addition before our test tomorrow.  I'm hoping to send these math tests home tomorrow or Wednesday and all students will have the opportunity to improve their marks again on Monday, Jan. 27 should they wish.

This afternoon, we had another look at our science tests.  I went to mark them over the weekend and many students did not answer the written parts of the test.  Everyone had the opportunity to write their answers and I'll correct the test tonight and have it back to you tomorrow. As mentioned above, we went outside for gym and came back in to write you an invitation to hear us read our winter break stories.  You may e-mail me to RSVP a spot.  Here are the times:
Wednesday, January 22 @ 8:00am (only 2 spots left here)
Wednesday, January 22 @ 2:00pm
Friday, January 24 @ 8:00am


Here is a message from the office about a great opportunity to find out more how kids learn to read.

Hello families, Our ultimate goal as teachers and parents is to raise lifelong readers. On Thursday, February 6th at 6:30 pm, parents are invited to Varsity’s first Literacy Night. Parents and guardians are invited to Join teacher Mme Jennifer McCann for a session covering how children learn to read, what the current research tells us is most effective and important, and how to best support your child.  A question and answer period will follow. Although this presentation is best suited for parents with students in K-3, anyone is welcome to attend. Please register online: https://forms.gle/585rrbPeSx5Krtf2A if you are able to attend.  We ask families to please arrange childcare and that only adults attend.  Thanks!