Classroom Notes - May 2016

EQAO Practice Booklets - Our grade 3 class is currently working on their second booklet and they are due back to school on Friday, May 13th.  In the upcoming weeks, booklets will be due on Thursdays once again. I have only asked students to submit booklets this Friday due to the missing pages that were sent home a day later. It is recommended that students attempt all Math and Language questions independently and only ask for assistance when needed. You can read questions (if need be), and provide extra assistance when your child experiences difficulty with certain questions. Parents should read over student answers and ensure that work is fully completed to the best of their ability. Students should print neatly, checking for errors. Students are very familiar with the strategies we have been using in the classroom and they should continue to use these methods at home as well.  Each week, students will earn a sticker for completing the booklet. Students who earn all four stickers will receive a prize. Mrs. Jung has made a collage of student names to proudly display their stickers. Keep showing grit and perseverance gr. 3's!

Junglesport and Geometry Tests - Junglesport permission forms have been sent home and they need to be filled out and returned as soon as possible. I have received most signed Math tests already, but please aim to return them by Friday May 13th, if you haven't done so already.

EQAO Assessment dates - Our grade 3's begin the assessment on May 25th. A newsletter will be going home this Friday to provide additional information.

Homework Routine - With the upcoming EQAO assessment, the emphasis is being placed on the practice booklets. Regular Spelling and Math homework will continue after the assessment. Students can continue to use the educational apps (e.g. Raz-Kids, Mathletics, Dreambox, etc.) if they wish to supplement their homework. Daily reading is encouraged to ensure that students reach grade 3 reading levels and required vocabulary.

Spring is here! With the increase in warmer weather and sunshine, students should be dressed and prepared for the day. Hats, sunblock and extra drinks are encouraged.

Education Week - Thank you for those parents who visited our class during Education Week and participated in our Math games.

Thank you volunteers! - I wish to thank all parent volunteers who assisted us during our swimming lessons. Your help is always greatly appreciated!

Always Learning in Grade 3...

In Math, we have been very busy reviewing material, problem solving and learning new concepts. We have been learning about Mass and Capacity using standard units (i.e. kilogram, litre). We have started Probability and we will investigate the concept of equality in Algebra shortly.

In Writing, students have been busy writing persuasive letters and paragraphs. Gr. 3's are currently working on a procedural writing task ("How to Get Ready in the Morning Before School). Students worked very hard on their Mother's Day letters and I am sure that you enjoyed reading them last weekend. In Reading, our focus has been on reading comprehension strategies and answering reading response questions using the APE strategy in preparation for EQAO. In Oral Communication, students are using accountable talk to improve their listening and speaking skills.

In Religion, we discussed a variety of ways in which one can demonstrate an act of mercy. Our class was very engaged in this topic during Education Week through scripture and by listening to Father John's message during our Education Week mass.

In Drama, students have been put into three different readers' theatre groups. We had a productive day yesterday rehearsing in our courtyard. Check out the pictures on our Twitter page!

We are continuing are unit on "Strong and Stable Structures" in Science. We have learned about the purpose of different types of bridges and we are investigating man-made vs. natural structures.

Thank you for your continued support!

Mr. Blais

Classroom Notes - April 2016

Swimming Lessons - Please don't forget that we have two more swimming lessons left on April 14th and April 21st. Students will need to bring their swimsuits, towel, bag and goggles (if necessary). Our students really enjoyed their first swimming lesson and I know they can't wait to return to the pool. We will leave St. Gregory's at the same time as scheduled. Thank you to all parent volunteers that assisted our students last week. Our first lesson would not have been so successful without your help.

Agendas - Important information is sent home daily in your child's agenda. Please remember to sign/initial the agenda daily.

Dressing for the Unpredictable Weather - We have seen a variety of weather in the last two weeks. Please remember that students should be dressed appropriately for cold, wet days. With all the rain and snow, our school yard is still quite muddy, Remember that you can always pack extra socks/mittens/hats in your child's backpack just in case.

Weekly Homework - It is strongly recommended that you check in and work with your child regularly at home to ensure understanding and reinforce learning at school. All students should be reading regularly for 15-20 minutes each night. Books read at home should be at their appropriate reading level. 

Student Portal - Our gr. 3 class has been learning how to navigate through Google apps (e.g. Google Docs, Read & Write, etc.) as well as the apps listed on the student portal at our Board's webpage. Students know how to login using their email and password which is glued to the inside of their agenda. There are many useful Math and Language apps that children are encouraged to use in order to supplement their homework. If you have any questions, please write me a note in the agenda.

PD Day April 15th - No School

Always Learning in Grade 3

In Math, we have been working on our unit in Geometry. Students are learning and investigating right angles, as well as angles greater and smaller that right angles. Our class was very engaged when creating a variety of prisms using paper nets and investigating lines of symmetry. We are beginning to sort and compare 2-D shapes and 3-D figures by their geometric properties. We will likely have a Geometry quiz sometime next week, so please check the agenda for a scheduled date.

In Language, we have just about finished our good copies of our adventure stories. Over the last few weeks, our focus in Reading has been with making inferences (reading between the lines) using clues from the text. We have began to review persuasive writing. Students are currently completing a Reading assessment and then, we will move on to poetry.

In Science, gr. 3's have started a new unit called Strong and Stable Structures. We have been very lucky to have Mr. Ball in our classroom for two Science blocks to assist us in our bridge making experiment. I will post completed bridges on our class Twitter page.

Our class did an amazing job assisting in our school Easter Mass. All students had one responsibility during the Mass and they were great spiritual leaders. In Family Life, we have been speaking about the gift of brothers and sisters and the relationships that we have in our own families. We are almost done our stained glass crosses which we will put in our classroom window.

Thank you for your continued support!

Mr. Blais

March 2016 - Classroom Notes

• Skating cancelled for rest of year - Due to warmer weather and deteriorating ice conditions, skating will be cancelled for the rest of the year. Unfortunately, we did not have much luck with the weather this winter, but we still had fun while it lasted. Thank you to all parent volunteers who assisted us on skating days. Very much appreciated!
• Field Trip to Stanley's Olde Maple Lane Farm - Just a reminder that our class will be joining the other primary classes at St. Gregory's for an exciting field trip. Please ensure that your child is dressed for the weather. Although we are having a pancake lunch, students will need to bring enough snacks for the entire day. We are not allowed to bring outside food onto the premises; however, we will try to eat snacks on the bus. With the wet weather, it is advisable for students to bring an extra pair of socks/mittens in their backpack. Looking forward to all the exciting activities!
• Math homework this week - I have sent a note home regarding this week's homework before the March Break. We will have a Math test on Wednesday, March 9th, so please read through the parent note that was sent home on Monday, March 07. Regular Spelling homework will continue after the March Break.
• Homework reminders - Just a reminder that I do encourage students to balance their weekly reading between Raz-Kids and chapter books/print material. As well, I consider reading on Raz-Kids to be part of weekly homework. Students should be reading for 15 minutes daily at home in order to improve reading fluency and attain grade 3 reading expectations. Also, students can login to Math apps/programs for extra practice, such as Mathletics and Dreambox. Student login information can be found at the front of their agenda. Please let me know if you experience difficulty logging into any of these apps.
• March Break - No school from March 14 - 18. 

Always Learning in Grade 3

In Math, grade 3's have been learning about perimeter and area through a variety of tasks and hands-on activities. Students have been very engaged in creating a robot using area and perimeter. We have just started multiplication and we will begin investigating 2-D shapes and 3-D figures in Geometry.

In Writing, students are writing and revising their adventure stories. During shared writing, our class wrote an amazing adventure story that inspired others to create their own original story. In Reading, we are focusing on inferring (reading between the lines) to improve our understanding of texts.

In Science, we are finishing up our unit on forces. Students have investigated magnetism, gravity, muscular force and buoyancy through a variety of experiments. This week we will look at electrostatic force and friction.

Thank you to all who have contributed to our Lenten project by donating money to various school-wide activities. As Easter approaches, we will continue to focus on scriptural readings and the spiritual meaning of Lent. 

Wishing you a safe and memorable March Break!

Mr. Blais

Some useful information and videos to support your child with Mathematics at home.

http://www.ontariodirectors.ca/parent_engagement-math/en/index.htm

Our grade 3 class had a special guest presenter who talked to us about pedestrian safety. Please ask your child what they know and what they learned about being safe.

February 2016 - Classroom Notes

• Skating - Our designated skating time is every Wednesday from 2:45 - 3:30. We will wait until all the classes have entered the school after last recess before proceeding outside to the rink shack. Parent volunteers should meet us at the office by 2:45 so we can walk out together. Please be advised that parents should not be waiting at the rink shack during recess since no adults other than staff should be in the yard during this time. Thank you for understanding and keeping our students safe.
• Family Life Homework - Just to clarify an issue, I did previously mention that the Family Life homework on family customs and traditions was due on February 17th. This was a mistake on my part as I meant to type February 10th. If your child did not return their work, they can still hand it in on February 17th; however, we will begin discussing the family flags of those students who have already completed the task. Thanks for understanding!
• Extra Clothing - I am very happy that most students are bringing extra socks, mittens, hats, etc. in their school bags in case of wet clothing. With the wet weather, I know that many students have been using their extra dry items. If your child sends home wet clothing items, please ensure that these items get replaced and not forgotten at home.
• Report Cards - First term report cards will be sent home Friday, February 12. Please take some time with your child to discuss their learning goals for the second term. Also, there is no specific day scheduled for parent interviews at this time; however, I will only contact those parents who I need to speak with. 
• Valentine's Day cards - I have sent home a class list for all students in case they wish to bring in cards to their peers. Since Valentines Day is on the weekend, students can bring their cards on either Friday, February 12, or Tuesday, February 16th.
• Family Day - Monday, February 15th. No school as it is a long weekend.
• A special thanks... - On behalf of all staff, I wish to thank all parents who contributed to our Valentine Raffle Basket. I know that this event is very exciting for all and that Parent Council puts a lot of work to make this night successful. Thank you as well for those parents who have volunteered to assist our class with tying skates. We appreciate your assistance!

Always Learning in Grade 3

In Math, we are learning to estimate, measure and record length, height and distance using centimetres, metres and kilometres. We will continue to practice telling time to 5 minute intervals, as well as reading a thermometer. Next, we will investigate the perimeter of various shapes. In Number Sense, we have been working on 3-digit addition with regrouping, as well as subtraction of 3-digit numbers. It is recommended that students continue to use the Mathletics programs on a regular basis.

In Language, our gr. 3's are learning about the characteristics of an adventure story. During shared writing, we will write our own story and students are beginning to plan their own adventure story using a variety of organizers and writing tools. Students are very engaged in this task! Please don't forget that students should read for 15 minutes each night to ensure that they reach grade 3 reading expectations by the end of the year. I check Raz-Kids regularly to see who is using the program and I do consider it to be part of weekly homework.

In Science, we are continuing our unit on forces. We will explore magnetism and friction through some experiments in the near future.

Last week, we had a guest presenter speak to our class about pedestrian safety. Our students were very engaged and asked many important questions.

Now that we have begun the Lenten season, there are many weekly fundraising activities to raise money for our school wide Lenten project. Please watch for weekly updates to know what is going on in the school. Thank you for your support!

Mr. Blais

Classroom Notes - January 2016

• Now that the weather has been much colder and since we have an abundance of snow in the school yard, students should be dressed appropriately for the winter season. It is always a good idea to send extra socks and gloves in your child's backpack just in case.
• Reminder - Scholastic orders are due Friday, January 15. Please note that you can make your child's book orders online if you choose. I would prefer if you send a cheque as opposed to sending cash.
• Mme. Kealey is sending a reminder that students are working hard on their unit on pioneers in Social Studies and that gr. 3's will be having their quiz on Monday, January 18.
• Skating - I noticed that workers are beginning to make the outdoor rink. We will be skating at least once a week depending on the weather. When our school skating schedule has been created, I will send a note home. I will be seeking parent volunteers to help tie skates once our scheduled time has been determined. Your assistance is always greatly appreciated!
• PD Day - January 22

Always Learning in Gr. 3

In Math, we have been continuing to add and subtract money amounts to $10. By using a variety of activities and manipulatives, students are applying learned strategies to assist in their understanding of this concept. In Measurement, students are learning to read analogue clocks to 5 minute intervals as well as using digital clocks. In the near future, we will learn to read and record temperature using a thermometer. We will record the temperature daily using our classroom thermometer and compare our results with online websites. Also, we will investigate linear measurement using standard units, such as centimetre, metre and kilometre.

In Language, students are completing a narrative writing task in which they pretended to live in a snow globe. We focused writing 2-3 main events using descriptive words. Currently, students are writing a fictional letter to a new student to describe the rules and routines of our classroom. In terms of comprehension, students are learning about prefixes as well as adverbs.

In Science, I have decided to focus on forces, instead of soils at this time. I have moved our soils unit to the end of the school year in order to have more opportunities to bring a variety of soils in the classroom for hands-on experiments. So far in our forces unit, we have discussed forces as a push or a pull and movement. We have started to discuss different types of forces, such as gravitational, muscular, buoyancy and friction.

In Health, students are completing their unit on personal safety. We have discussed pedestrian, outdoor and fire safety extensively since September. Students will begin creating posters to highlight their understanding of specific personal safety issues.

In Family Life, students of been reflecting and discussing their talents and the ways in which they can develop and share their talents to enhance the gifts that God has given them. Next, we will focus on our families and friends.

Just a reminder that first term reports will be sent home in February. The learning skills that our school will comment on this term are initiative and organization.  I have spoken extensively about the importance of good work habits and the expectations of these two specific learning skills. Your child should speak to you about their goals for the term, as well as their achievements.

Thank you for your continued support!

Mr. Blais