Classroom
Notes – September 2017
At
this time, I wish to thank all parents who have contributed to our
classroom by donating items, such as kleenex, zip-lock bags, glue
etc. These items will be used by our class throughout the school year
and I truly appreciate your generosity. Our first week of school was
a success! We have established a safe and collaborative learning
environment and all students have made the transition from summer to
“back-to-school” in a positive manner. Please don't forget to
check out our class on Twitter (MrBlais1) since I try to post a few
photos from our learning day when I get a chance. Here are some
detailed reminders to note:
Clothing
– It is recommended that you label all clothing, shoes, backpacks,
etc. Many students come to school with similar items and labelling
each item will help limit any confusion. Often, students forget
clothing/bags in the school yard and items can be returned quickly if
your child's name is written on them. Each year, our lost and found
box is overflowing with items, so please remind your child to ask
his/her teacher to look through the bin. On another note, please
ensure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. All
students go out for recess each day, except during inclement weather.
Homework
– Spelling homework will go home on Monday's and it is always due
at school on Friday. I have spoken to the class regarding the
expectations for homework. Please take some time to establish a
homework routine with your child. As well, check in with your child
occasionally to ensure that he/she is reading and understanding the
material. I do not send home a reading program; however, all students
should be reading at home each night. Students who read regularly at
home will increase their reading fluency and learn grade appropriate
vocabulary. As previously mentioned, I will send a note home when I
have account information for Raz-Kids, Dreambox, etc.
School
BBQ/Open House – Our opening
school BBQ is Wednesday, September 13th
from 4:30 – 6:00. Our student-led “open-house” will start at
6:00 and end at 7:00. I look forward to meeting you!
Swim to
Survive Program – Just a
heads-up that our grade 3 class will participate in three swimming
lessons at Minto Recreation Centre in mid-October. Please anticipate
a detailed newsletter, as well as required permission forms in the
near future. The newsletter will explain the program, including a
list of times and required items. Our swimming days are scheduled for October 13th, 20th and 27th at 10:15 - 11:15. We will leave St. Gregory's during first block to arrive on time.
Always
learning in grade 3....
In
Math, students are
learning to skip count by 2's, 5's, 10's and 100's from various
starting points to 1000. We will continue working on this important
Math concept over the next few weeks which will increase student
confidence and understanding of larger numbers, as well as growing
and shrinking patterns.
In
Writing, we have
started discussing adjectives and students are learning to add
descriptive words to “bump-up” their writing. In Reading,
we will learn about the characteristic of narratives through shared
reading activities.
In
Science, our first
unit will be “Forces Causing Movement.”
In
Religion, we have
been learning about being a positive digital citizen through our
“Samaritans On the Digital Road” program. We have discussed our
Board spiritual theme “Sent to be the Good News” and we will
begin learning about our Catholic community.
In
Health, our grade 3's
are learning about personal safety, especially pedestrian and fire
safety.
In
Visual Arts, we will
integrate math and art by completing an autumn patterning task using
line, colour and shape.
Thank
you for your continued support!
Mr.
Blais
