Sept. 19-23

We've had another busy week in room 9. In math this week students learned how to identify prime and composite numbers. Students also learned how to write numbers in expanded form from words or from standard form. ( ex. 2435 is 2000 + 400+ 30+ 5) Students worked in math partners to solve a multi-step word problem involving large numbers. Students also started to graph their times table progress, beginning with the 3 times tables. Finally, we reviewed how to add large numbers. Next week we will review how to subtract, multiply and divide large numbers.

In language students wrote the CASI reading test. We also began a read aloud of the novel George. Take a minute to ask your child to retell what has happened so far in the story. Students continued to work on their independent writing, which is due next week. Finally, students participated in reading lessons, like "How to talk about your reading," and "Why readers abandon books." These lessons are from the "First 20 Days" from Fountas and Pinnell, and are used to establish a strong base in reading in the first month of school.

In social studies the grade fives from Mr. Siefert's room joined the grade fives in room 9 to begin our unit on Canadian Government. The grade sixes joined Mr. Siefert to learn about Canada's Interactions within the Global Community.

We also began our first inquiry unit this week, which is on freedom, diversity and their relationship. Students worked hard in groups to define, compare, and find relationships between these concepts. We will continue to explore these ideas in language, drama, social studies and visual art.

In phys. ed. we continued our unit on cooperative games, focusing on working collaboratively and safely while participating actively.

Finally, we began some action research this week around mindfulness. The students in room 9 are participating in a 7 day program on mindfulness. We've completed 3 days so far. I would like to see if the students find any benefit to taking a few minutes each day to slow down and meditate. In our fast paced world I think that there could be enormous benefits to concentration, focus and stress reduction. We all agree that slowing down and focusing is difficult, but we're getting better each day! If you would like to see the program that we're using, go to calm.com.

Important Upcoming Dates
Thursday, Sept 29th: homework folder due
Wed. Oct. 26th: Halloween Hullaballoo

Homework:
1) Read for 20-30 minutes each day.
2) Complete the math work on addition.
Extension, which is optional:  Create your own math problem that involves addition to share with the class.
3) Read the article on Terry Fox and answer the questions. Be prepared to discuss this article on Thursday.
Extension, which is optional: If you would like to do further research about Terry Fox, you could find an interesting article, book, or video about Terry to read or watch. If you find something that you would like to share with the class, please bring it on Thursday. If you feel inspired to write a poem about Terry, please bring it in to share.
4) Continue to practise your 3 times tables.