Oct. 22-26

In math this week, students continued to focus on number sense. Students reviewed multiplication and practiced how to divide large numbers. They also worked on problem solving strategies. In addition, students worked on a University of Waterloo practice math contest. They will be writing the real on in the next couple of weeks. This contest will focus on problem solving related to computing. Lastly, we began a new unit on patterning and algebra.


This week in language students finished their personal narrative. Students also worked on a reading letter to me about a book that they are currently reading. Students also explored the Virtual Library's app called "Capstone." Students chose a book to read, then did a summary in Google Classroom. Please ask your child to show you our Google Classroom!



In social studies the grade 4's are learning about Canada's regions, and the grade 5's are learning about Canada's political system. The grade 5's worked on a mini project involving interviewing a voter. Grade 4's are working on a project about Canada's political regions.



Finally, in art we finished a mixed media still life project on pumpkins. Students used pencil, then glue and chalk pastel to create their art work. Jack also showed the class a drawing app on Google Classroom. Thanks, Jack!


Important Upcoming Dates:
Wed., Oct. 31: Halloween party
Friday, Nov. 2: homework due (note a day later, due to Halloween!)


Homework:
1) Read for 20-30 minutes daily.
2) Complete the homework folder work on reading and spelling.
3) Go on "Dancemat typing" and practise for 10 minutes a day.

Oct. 15-19

In math this week, students continued to focus on number sense. Students learned how to use lattice multiplication to multiply large numbers. This is new for most adults, so have your child show you how it works. Many visual learners prefer this method over traditional multiplication. Students also learned how to divide large numbers using a variety of strategies, including estimating, using arrays and using traditional long division. Students also solved a complex problem with their math partner, focusing on level 4 communication.

This week in language students finished their rough draft of a personal narrative. Students are using Google Classroom as a tool for this class work. I gave students specific feedback about how to improve their story, as well as general feedback for the whole class. That feedback included using more interesting vocabulary by using a thesaurus, and adding sensory details into their story. Students also learned how to punctuate dialogue. They practised with pencil and paper, as well as on a Google doc.

In social studies the grade 4's are learning about Canada's regions, and the grade 5's are learning about Canada's political system. The grade 5's wrote a quiz on the levels of government, which went home to be signed and returned.

Finally, in art we finished a mixed media still life project on pumpkins. Students used pencil, then glue and chalk pastel to create their art work.

Important Upcoming Dates:
Wed., Oct. 24: math quiz, Halloween Hullaballoo
Thurs., Oct. 25: homework due

Homework:
1) Read for 20-30 minutes daily.
2) Complete the homework folder work on math, reading and spelling.
3) Go on "Dancemat typing" and practise for 10 minutes a day.
4) Grade 5's: Interview a voter! Record your results on the Google doc or hard copy.
5) Review for the math quiz on Wednesday

Oct. 9-12

In math this week, students continued to focus on number sense. We took up the quiz on place value, rounding, adding and subtracting. Students learned how to multiply 2 digit numbers by a 1 digit number (gr. 4) and 2 digit by 2 digit (gr. 5). The homework this week focuses on that skill. Please have your child show you how he/she can do this. We started by using the traditional method that most parents would have learned in school.

This week in language students worked on writing a rough draft of a personal narrative. Students are using Google Classroom as a tool for much of their class work.

In social studies the grade 4's are learning about Canada's regions, and the grade 5's are learning about Canada's political system. The grade 5's learned about the different levels of government in Canada, and the leaders of each.

We also had a wonderful field trip to High Park for a Toronto Urban Studies Program. Students worked on their skills of inquiry, collaboration and environmental stewardship throughout the very active day!

Finally, in art we began a mixed media still life project on pumpkins. Students will use pencil, then glue and chalk pastel to create their art work.

Important Upcoming Dates:


 Monday, Oct. 15: South Conference finals for cross country
Thursday, Oct. 18: homework due

Homework:
1) Read for 20-30 minutes daily.
2) Complete the homework folder work on math. Read the text about Sheila Watt-Cloutier and answer the questions.
3) Go on "dancemat typing" and practise for 10 minutes a day.

Oct. 1-4

In math this week, students continued to focus on number sense. Students wrote a quiz on place value, rounding, adding and subtracting. That quiz was handed back, to be signed, corrected and returned by next Tuesday, please! We will move on to multiplication next week. Grade 4's have already started, by looking at using arrays, and skip counting to find the product when multiplying 2 numbers.

This week we combined language with drama. Students learned how to express themselves using only their face and body language. They then worked on groups to create a series of frozen poses, called tableaux, to retell the story of our read aloud novel, Fatty Legs. This helped the students with their skills of summarizing, as they had to choose 5 important scenes to portray. Students used the creative process to revise and refine their work, before presenting it to the class. In language we also looked at the writing process. Students began to brainstorm ideas for a personal narrative that they will write next week.

In social studies the grade 4's are learning about Canada's regions, and the grade 5's are learning about Canada's political system. The grade 5's learned about the different levels of government in Canada, and the leaders of each.

Finally, we continued the meditation program "21 days of calm.." Here is link to that site if you'd like check it out: https://www.calm.com/.

Important Upcoming Dates:

Thursday, Oct. 11: TUSC trip to High Park
Monday, Oct. 15: South Conference finals for cross country

Homework:
There will be no homework folder this week, so that families can enjoy Thanksgiving together! Students are still encouraged to read for 20-30 minutes daily.