![]() Today was busy and we are tired. As the sun stays out longer and we play harder it makes the final push to the end of June a big one! Hang in there grade 4 :) Students began their morning using pattern blocks to build/represent fractions. They recognized that fractions needed to be made up of equal parts. Some students initially made really interesting shapes but recognized they were not going to be able to accurately reflect a fraction. ![]() Moving forward with fractions we looked at how a fraction can make up part of a set of objects. An example could include looking at nine cats all together, with three of them being white and 6 of them being brown, students would say that 1/3 of 9 are white. We also had a very fun music class today as we were able to join the Kindergarten class playing music and singing games. Thank you to Miss Lysak for inviting us and for Kindergarten to letting us share in the fun. As part of our exploration around the trail from Edson to Grand Prairie, students are creating post card artwork representing what life on the trail would be like. Students looked closely at several old photographs, observing what the wagons looked like, how many horses or ox pulled a wagon, what people were dressed like, etc. This artwork will go along with the writing we have done the past two days. On June 6th, students are encouraged to bike to school. Check out the poster below for more information: Reminders:
June 1 - Running Club Begins June 2 - Book Orders Due June 6 - Bike to School Day June 7 - Celebration of Learning
0 Comments
Today students continued to work on writing a postcard from the perspective of a young child traveling the Edson Trail. They shared what they had written as part of our morning meeting. It was great to hear the students using descriptive, specific language in their writing. We also had an opportunity to go back into our writing and look at our stories again. Replacing 'boring' words with attention grabbing verbs. Students have shared their work on Google Docs. Have your child log into their account at home and share a piece of their writing with you. In math we focused on looking at fractions as part of a set. See the questions we looked at below to help us with our thinking. We are trying to tie together all the different ways of looking at fractions: using shapes, number lines, in pictures, as sets, etc. ![]() Science presentations are almost ready for next week. Students have been focusing on creating talking points when they share with their peers and their families. As we approach June things can get a bit busy and a little hectic. We took time to read the book "Zen Shorts" by John J Muth. It helps us be mindful to take time to slow down and meditate. Keeping our mind from becoming overwhelmed. The morals of the story and the illustrations are lovely. Students that have enjoyed taking books out from the library bus can look at the following document for more information: Reminders:
June 1 - Running Club Begins June 2 - Book Orders Due June 7 - Celebration of Learning ![]() We started with an eye opener that had students looking at fractions and where to place them on a number line. Ask your child to show you how. In writing we worked to explain about how we have demonstrated citizenship and character in learning. These comments will be used on our report cards. Outside we played a game called "Chuck The Chicken". Students work in teams to pass the ball overhand or underhand (alternating). The last person kicks it and then yells "chuck the chicken" while the other team huddles. One person would have to run around the group. Each lap counted for a point. In math we focused on EQUIVALENT FRACTIONS using fraction strips. Kamryn said "1/2 is equal to 2/4" and Io said "1/2 is equal to 3/6". This activity was a good opportunity to have your child visualize how fractions work or "match up" to other fractions. You can print off a copy of fractions strips following this link and having your child practice at home. Lastly, in social studies we began writing a postcard from the perspective of a child pioneer that was traveling on the Edson Trail in the early 1900's. They explain what they have seen, what they have experienced and how it's made them feel. We continue to focus on being specific in our writing, so the reader gets a strong picture in their mind.
Reminders: June 1 - Running Club Begins June 2 - Book Orders Due Our Volunteer Tea was a big hit! Thank you to all the families that attended so that we could celebrate you and a very big thank you to all the choir students that put in a lot of practice to perform such an amazing show. Today we finished the novel "Al Capone Does My Shirts". Last time we read Moose was desperate to help his sister and would stop at nothing. He writes a letter to Al Capone requesting his help. Piper scoffs at him because she thinks he is asking the impossible. Just when the family gives up hope, Natalie is accepted into the Esther P. Marinoff school for older children. The novel concludes.... "The next morning I get up and pull a clean shirt off the hanger. As I shoot my arm through the sleeve, I hear something crackle. I dig my fingers in the pocket and pull out a torn scrap of brown paper. It's folded in half and in half again. Inside is one word scribbled hastily in pencil and underlined twice. Done, it says." The next book in the series is called "Al Capone Does My Shoes" if your child is interested :) In math we continued our work with fractions. Focusing on how the denominator was the total number of pieces and the numerator was the parts of the whole that were left. Students played a fun math game to help them learn more about fractions. We also got an impromptu music class this afternoon. A very big thank you to Miss Lysak. We are really going to rock our song at our celebration of learning.
Lastly, Mrs. Hammond (in the Learning Commons) has reminded us that the last day to return books to the Library Bus is May 29. Students need to bring back their books to the Library bus to not get charged any late fees. If their books are late and they take them back to a Actual Library, they WILL be charged Late fees. Reminders: May 29 - Library Bus (last day) June 1 - Running Club Begins Wow! What a busy day! There is so much to do as we get ready to wrap up the school year. The choir did a wonderful job during their dress rehearsal for the volunteer tea (which will be held tomorrow at 9am). We also continue to prepare for our own celebration of learning on June 7th and the kids are really doing fantastic :) We began our morning by exploring water colours. Students thought of images that brought to mind what a legacy meant and created a beautiful piece of art to go along with the poetry they wrote the other day. Students focused on blending colours, taking their time to think of where light and shadow would be in their picture, how to use gentle/fine lines to help define spaces, and how horizon lines and depth add to a picture. We can't reveal these until later! Students also watched a video about the lives of the pioneers who helped forge the way from Edson to Grand Prairie over 100 years ago. They created jot notes or a "See, Think, Wonder" page in their visual journal. Many students were amazed at the hardship these people overcame. In math students have been challenging Mrs. Otterson to see if they can complete them faster. The students have improved a lot and I'm really having to step up my game! Tomorrow we will continue our exploration of Proper Fractions.
Lastly, in the month of June, students in Grades 1-4 will have the opportunity to participate in a Running Club. The club will occur on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s at lunch and is open to any student that wants to participate. Because this is an outdoor club, it will be weather dependent on: June 1, June 6, June 8, June 13, June 15, June 20 The club will start at 11:45am and students will run around the New Brighton Pond before returning to eat their lunch. If your child is choosing to participate, please ensure that they have running shoes to wear! Reminders: May 26 - Volunteer Tea May 29 - Library Bus (last day) June 1 - Running Club Begins Today we began with several math questions that reviewed concepts we had covered earlier in the year. Students looked at numbers in written form, least to greatest, rounding numbers, and the value of money. See below. Students also were introduced to fractions. After briefly looking at how to count money we discussed how this was connected to fractions and decimals. Students focused on the vocabulary: whole, denominator, and numerator. They had to create a 'quilt' and a 'quilt' for a friend answering the question: What fraction of this quilt is colour #1, colour #2, colour #3, etc. The students organizing the first New Brighton clothing swap were very successful. Students brought in gently used clothing items and received a ticket in return. They could then use the tickets to trade in for a piece of clothing. The kids had a great time shopping and were very excited to share the items they no longer needed or wanted! Check out some of the photos below. Lastly, just a reminder that every Wednesday students are encouraged to bring a wasteless lunch and are encouraged to walk, bike, or roll to school!
Reminders: May 26 - Volunteer Tea May 29 - Library Bus (last day) This morning we began with our making words activity. The big words were 'long division'. The students have really been focusing on spelling words correctly and this is fun way to practice.
In writing we created poems that represented what a legacy means to us. The class reviewed many of the different types of poetry they have learned this year, including acrostic, haiku, rhyming, free verse. Tomorrow we will begin an art project that connects to our writing. During math students were given time to catch up on some of the work we covered last week. This included the "Division Garden Activity" and division with remainders. Students that did not have an opportunity to complete their work at school were asked to take it home so that a family member can support them. Click here to find a fairly good link that follows the process for long division. In physical education we played some skills games with frisbees that focused on technique and speed. Students had to pass in a square to earn points. The more times around, the more points they earned. Also just a reminder that tomorrow is our Grade 4 Clothing Swap! If you have not sent clothes to school with your child and wish for them to participate, please send them in the morning. Reminders: May 26 - Volunteer Tea May 29 - Library Bus (last day) Today we began by solving a secret message. Students had to use the alphabet to decode a message that asked them what their favourite part of the DMC visit was yesterday and then make up their own message to have a friend solve. Science allowed students opportunities to conference with the teacher about the progress of their projects. They have been discussing next steps and looking at where gaps are in their presentation boards. Many of our students continue to need practice using long division. We worked on a division garden activity for most of the week and students that were not able to complete the task in the time provided this week were asked to take it home so that their families could help support them. Take a look at some examples below. We are very close to finishing our read aloud. In the chapter we read today, Moose is very driven to help his sister Natalie any way he can. He approaches the Warden and asks if he can pull some strings. If he can't do it, maybe Al Capone could? Moose is crushed when the Warden tells him no but, he does not give up. He is determined to help. Guided reading went very well. Students are typing up stories they have been working on and will be editing them next week. We also continue to work on comprehension questions while working in small groups. Talking about the deeper meaning to the text or what the author has implied. Lastly, we began an art project connected to our legacy work. We will be connecting some writing and some other artwork to put on our bulletin board.
Red communication folders were sent home with student work for parents to review. Please continue to bring in clothing if your child would like to participate in the clothing swap. Reminders: May 19 - PD Day (No School) May 22 - Victoria Day (No School) Today we began our morning with some practicing multiplication and division. Students looked at the following questions:
Science projects are coming along and constantly evolving. Continue to have your child show you their progress in Google Drive. In math we are wrapping up our Division Garden Activity. Students have solved a series of word problems and designed a "garden" using grid paper. After lunch we did a short read aloud. Moose and his mother have a very honest conversation about his sister. His family is devastated when Natalie is not accepted into the Esther P. Marinoff School because she is not "ready". In reality, it is because she is too old to be admitted into the program and now we are not sure what the family will do. Today was our big visit to Doctor Martha Cohen! It was loud, busy and very exciting. The grade 5 students did some small team building activities with the students and then showed the grade 4's around the school. There is another open house the evening of June 1st to welcome any and all new families for the 2017-18 school year. The staff will be available from 6:00 to 7:30pm to tour you around the school, provide information about their programs and answer questions. Lastly, below are a few photos from the year end celebration for the Destination Conservation Workshop. It was a great opportunity for a few of our students to go and present "The Paper Towel Problem" and what our Eco-Savers are doing about it. Reminders: May 18 - Fun Lunch (Little Caesars) May 19 - PD Day (No School) May 22 - Victoria Day (No School) Today we began our morning with an eye opener that had students looking at different units to measure. We discussed how to choose appropriate tools for measuring items like a pencil or how to measure the distance travelled in a car. Some students did presentations today, as part of their legacy project, asking classrooms to track how much water they use when flushing the toilet and then challenging them to use less water when washing their hands. A second group is beginning a grade 4 clothing swap and information can be found below: When: May 24, 2017 Where: Room 145 What: Bring in clothing items you no longer want or need to exchange with other grade 4 students. Bring in clean, undamaged items between May 16 - 23. * Any clothing items that are not swapped will be donated. * In math students began a division activity where they have to complete long division questions and show their work as an array in a Division Garden. They will be working on this activity for the next few days. Practicing long division questions at home with your child will allow them to be better prepared for this activity. During read aloud, our main character confronts his mother about why she hides his sister's age. The family begins to recognize they can no longer continue to pretend that Natalie is 10. She is growing up and the family is hopeful she will be better able to function if she is accepted into a special program. We are learning about differences, compassion and the importance of family.
New literacy stations were introduced. Students are playing language arts bingo, typing their first draft of a story, researching about Mason Bees (after watching a grade 2 presentation), etc. Lastly, we had a guest in our classroom this afternoon. We had a presentation about agriculture and how it has evolved over the past 100 years. We learned about wheat, farming practices from past to present and the importance of feeding the world. Ask your child what they learned. Reminders: May 18 - Fun Lunch (Little Caesars) May 19 - PD Day (No School) May 22 - Victoria Day (No School) |
Mrs. OttersonTeacher at New Brighton School and lover of the great outdoors! Archives
June 2017
Categories |