Classroom
Notes – May 2018
Education
Week/Open House – Thank you
to all of our parents/family members who came to many of our planned
activities during Education Week: open house, school Mass, Book Fair
and/or any other activities. It was a busy week! It was another great
experience for all to celebrate Catholic education and our
distinctiveness together. It was equally amazing to witness our
students playing a few of our Math games with you. Although we have
many Math games to play, our students use these activities to
reinforce essential concepts in a fun and positive manner.
EQAO
– An important letter went home last week regarding this
assessment. Just a reminder that our grade 3 class will be completing
the assessment on the following days:
- Wednesday, May 23, 2018 (Math)
- Thursday, May 24, 2018 (Language)
- Friday, May 25, 2018 (Math)
- Wednesday, May 30, 2018 (Language)
- Thursday, May 31, 2018 (Language)
- Friday, June 1, 2018 (Language)
It
is essential that all students are present on these days and that all
students arrive to school on time since we will begin the assessment
promptly. As mentioned in the letter, students should eat a big
breakfast and have a good night's sleep. Our grade 3's are
well-prepared for this assessment. Our students have a growth mindset
approach to this test and we have practised and applied strategies to
build confidence and ensure success for all. I know that our students
are confident, resilient and they will do their best. Results from
EQAO testing will be sent home early into the next school year.
Finally
some sun and warmer weather! Just
a reminder that students go outside for recess – and sometimes gym
– on most days. It is recommended that students are prepared for
the weather by being dressed appropriately. Many parents apply
sunscreen to their child before school on hot days and students can
bring extra sunscreen to apply on their own later in the day if
needed. No aerosol cans/sprays please! Hats are always recommended.
All students still require one pair of indoor and outdoor shoes.
No
homework during EQAO –
Students will not be receiving regular homework during the next two
weeks because of this assessment. Our grade 3's will be working hard
over the next two weeks, so it is better if they are well-rested
during this period in the school year.
End
of year field trip! - A letter
will be sent home in the upcoming weeks that will outline our field
trip. Our field trip is scheduled for June 20th.
Always
Learning in Grade 3...
In
Math, we have covered, practised and reviewed many important
concepts in preparation for EQAO. We have learned how the equal sign
relates to the concept of equality (algebra), as well as strategies
to determine missing numbers in an equation using addition and
subtraction (e.g. 5 + 10 = 20 - ___ ). We learned about
transformations (translations/slides, reflections/flips and
rotations/turns). We have discussed Mass & Capacity and how to
convert kilograms/grams and litres/millilitres. Our students have
learned about different types of fractions, as well as strategies for
division. Over the next few weeks, we will have a few short math
assessments in anticipation of the final report card in June. After
EQAO, we will have several fun math tasks, including the use of our
school OZObots and an activity in which students create their own
math game.
In
Language, students have been reading a variety of poems and
learning about the characteristics of poetry (i.e. lines, stanzas,
speaker, etc.). In Media Literacy, students will design their
own box for their math board game and use advertising techniques to
promote their game to their determined audience.
In
Science, we will complete our last strand on “Plants.”
This week, our students will learn about the process of germination
by growing their own bean plant. We will discuss the basic needs of
plants, as well as the major parts of a plant.
In
Health, students have learned about the 4 Food Groups and the
importance of healthy living/eating habits. Our grade 3's will create
a detailed poster to demonstrate their learning of healthy eating
habits. In Music, we will learn to sing a few songs in unison,
as well as sing a round as a whole group.
I
hope that everyone had a memorable Victoria Day long weekend! It will
be a very busy finish to the end of the year, so please keep
up-to-date by reading school weekly memos and checking student
agendas for upcoming activities. Thanks again for your continued
support!
Mr.
Blais
