Model Planning

We used two strategies, Make a List and Guess & Check to help us solve word problems in math today. Ask your child to describe how we used these strategies to you. In arithmetic, students practiced division with a larger dividend. They repeated the steps in division multiple times.

In language, students worked on list 5 spelling words as well as a review of list 1 words. The practiced writing informative sentences that creates imagery in our minds.

In our communities unit, students worked in pairs to build a 3-D model of an urban community, rural community, or both. They began by considering what an urban planner might do. They considered the physical features in their community, and how to use some of the boxes as structures. They sketched a plan of what their community would look like.

 

Students attended French and gym class today.

 Homework & Reminders:

• Review list 5 spelling words
• MMS - Review unit 2 for Wed/Fri test
• Arithmetic p. 27 &28
• Scholastic order forms coming home today

Free Family Yoga Class with Blossom Yoga Kids!

Blossom Yoga Kids and SJA invite your family to attend a hour of
relaxation, laughter and movement on Friday October 4th.

*Event: * Free Family Yoga Class with Blossom Yoga Kids!
Families attending will also have a chance to win an award winning Yoga
Story book/CD:)

*Day:* Friday, October 4th, 2013
*Time:* 4:00pm-5:00pm
*Where: * SJA Gym A2
*How do I participate: * Spaces are Limited!!!!
Please be sure to sign-up on the sheet available at Front desk or you can
email Mr. Monaghan the number of adults attending along with age and # of
kids:)
*What to bring: * Your smiles, blanket/shawl for relaxation time & water
If you have any questions please email Mr. Monaghan or check out the blog
at : http://blossomyogakids.blogspot.ca/

Prezi

Ms. Farmer's dance group treated the school a their dance routines. Everyone agreed that the dancers were very cute! Contact Ms. Farmer if you would like more information about the after-school dance program. Ms. Nelson hosted a hula hoop house game. It was a lot of fun seeing kids of different ages and teachers hula. Our school body could definitely spend more time on learning this skill. :-)

In class we reviewed how to subtract from a 4-digit number. The children are confident at this.

In our communities unit, we had a tutorial on how to use Prezi. For their summative task, students will have the option of using Prezi to show a community of their choosing. As a class, we then used our community walk notes and pictures to create a Prezi of our community.

We enjoyed a couple of chapters from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Today, students used what they know and chapter titles to make predictions about subsequent chapters. We made the most of a beautiful day and had free reading outside. It was a great way to start the weekend.

 

Students attended French, art and gym class today.

Homework & Reminders:

• Sign spelling tests coming home today
• MMS p. 32 & 33
• Math test on Wed/Fri next week
• Bring Bristol board for French

Terry Fox

Here are a couple of pictures from yesterday's community walk.

Our day began with a language lesson. We reviewed  the characteristics of a run-together sentence and the steps we can take to correct these sentences. Today we learned another way to correct these sentences using words like when, because, since, while, and after. Students practised correcting, writing, and identifying good  and run-together sentences.

The weather couldn't have been more perfect for our Terry Fox Run/Walk. We teamed up with our SK buddies and headed out to Meadow Green Park, where students walked or ran around the field.

 

 

Back in class, students spent the rest of the day working on math. They wrote their two last ONAPs of the year - yay! In math they subtracted 3-digit numbers using place value and in arithmetic they checked their division problems by multiplying the quotient by the dividend.

Students attended gym today.

Homework and Reminders:

• Review list 5 words for tomorrow's spelling test
• MMS p. 30 & 31
• Arithmetic p. 25 & 26
• Terry Fox forms due

Community Walk

We had perfect weather for our community walk this morning. Armed with a pencil and a recording sheet, we headed out, taking note of the features of our community. Students noted the businesses, types of transportation and residences, and things that people enjoy like fishing in the Credit River.

In math, students used mental math strategies with subtraction this time. We focused on using making friendly numbers and counting when subtracting 3-digit numbers. Students are growing in confidence when using these strategies.

In arithmetic, we learned how easy it is to multiply 2- and 3-digit numbers by 10 and 100 as well as multiples of 10 and 100.

Students completed this week's review of list 5 spelling words.

Students attended gym and art class today.

Homework & Reminders

• Review list 5 spelling words
• MMS p. 28 & 29
• Arithmetic p. 23 & 24
• Remember to wear gym clothes for tomorrow's Terry Fox run/walk
• Terry Fox forms due

Urbanisation Debate

We had another great math lesson this morning. Students practised estimating the difference between 2 3-digit numbers. They did this by rounding the numbers first and then subtracting to find the difference. They also practised adding 4-digit numbers using place-value and expanded form. Most students feel that expanded form takes too long, and place-value addition is their method of choice. Ask your child why we take the time to learn different ways to solve problems.

In arithmetic, students reviewed concepts we have been working on in class.

In our communities unit, we joined Ms. Nelson's class, in our imaginary Queens Park Legislative Assembly. Students were transformed into MPPs, a speaker, Paige, and a security guard. Students were presented with Bill 01-2014:

As of January 1, 2014, citizens and visitors of Canada may visit the city of Toronto and surrounding areas (GTA) for a period of up to 6 months for work or recreation purposes. No person may move into the GTA for the purpose of residence. Any newcomers to Canada must choose another urban or rural area as their home.
We discussed the meaning of the Bill and the speaker maintained order (with the help of security) while MPPs debated the pros and cons of urbanization and the fairness of the Bill. MPPs then voted for or against the Bill. The final tally was 1 For and 18 Against and Bill 01-2014 was struck down. This activity was enjoyed by all.

In language, students practised list 5 spelling words. They were introduced to run-together sentences. Ask your child to explain the characteristics of a run-together sentence and the two steps they can take to correct these sentences.

We ended the day enjoying Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Today students practised being a travel tracer.

Homework & Reminders:

• Look out for a hot lunch correction note coming home today
• Review list 5 spelling words
• MMS p. 24, 25, 26, 27
• Arithmetic p. 21 & 22
• Milk letter
• Terry Fox forms due this week
• Wear casual clothes tomorrow

Urban Planners

We were all pleased at how easy our math lesson was today. The children practised adding 3-digit numbers. They had the option of using Base Ten pictures to add, but all chose to use place value for their addition method. Ask your child to explain what place value addition is.

In our communities unit, we considered the role of urban planners. Students came up with a definition of what they think urban planners do. Their definition was correct but general. They read about urban planners and refined their definition to be more specific. Ask your child to tell you what urban planners do and why urban communities need urban planners. Students then considered what they like and don't like about their own communities and the changes they would make if they were urban planners.

We worked on list 5 spelling words and then reviewed the steps in long division in arithmetic.

Students attended French, art and gym class today.

We have had some uniform pieces go missing, and they have probably mistakenly been taken while changing after gym. Please check your child's uniform. Specifically we are looking for a girl's cardigan and a boys pants.

 Homework and Reminders

• Review list 5 spelling words
• MMS p. 22 &23
• Arithmetic p. 19 & 20
• Check uniform pieces
• Wednesday is Casual Day
• Terry Fox forms due this week
• Wear gym uniform to school on Thursday for the Terry Fox Run/Walk

Changing Communities

A List 3 spelling test started our day. Look out for these tests coming home today.

In math, we considered mental math strategies, specifically how to explain mental math strategies that we use. We focused on using "friendly numbers" and "adding on". These strategies made sense to students, but they found it tricky explaining their thinking.

In our communities unit, students watched a DVD titled How Communities Grow and Change. We then had a discussion about the changes that happen when a community grows and some of the pros and cons associated with these changes. Students then presented their community research to the class. This time was enjoyed by all.

 

 

 

In arithmetic, we learned that we can check our multiplication by changing the order of the factors.

We ended the day with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Everyone showed their thoughts about today's chapters by being illustrators.

Homework & Reminders

• Sign and correct spelling tests coming home today
• MMS p. 20 & 21
• Arithmetic p. 17 & 18

Estimating

Today in Math Make Sense we learned about estimating. For estimating, suppose we take 199 + 236. First we round 199.We round to the nearest hudred.199 rounded to the nearest hundred will be 200. 236 rounded to the nearest hundred is 200.We add them and get 400. by Maria L.

Ask your child which way of rounding gives a more accurate answer: rounding to the nearest ten or rounding to the nearest hundred. Also, ask them what front-end estimation is. In arithmetic, we learned how to multiply a 2-digit factor by a 2-digit factor.

In our inquiry unit, students finished up their research on an urban and rural community. They are looking forward to sharing what they have learned with the rest of the class.

Students finished up their list 3 spelling work and completed a reading survey telling about their reading interests, weaknesses, strengths, and goals. We learned about imperative sentences today and enjoyed hearing some of the imperative sentences that the moms in our class use in the mornings to get everyone to school on time.

 

Students attended French, art and gym class today.

 Homework & Reminders

• Review list 3 words for tomorrow's spelling test
• MMS p. 18 & 19
• Arithmetic p. 15 & 16

Ordering Numbers

Our day began with a math lesson. Students were challenged to order 4- digit numbers from least to greatest or greatest to least. Students shared the strategies they use to order numbers. Most use place value to determine the order of numbers. They practised using the 'greater than' and 'less than' symbols to show which numbers are greater. Look out for the patterning unit test coming home today.

In language, students worked on list 3 spelling words, writing lists and identifying and writing declarative and interrogative sentences. Ask your child what an interrogative and declarative sentence is. We used the list writing activity as an opportunity for students to work on our Essential Agreement. Students worked in pairs to come up with a set of rules that are fair to everyone and help provide the conditions for everyone to get the best education.

In our communities unit, students continued working on their research skills as they read and wrote about their chosen community.

 

We ended the day with students writing an arithmetic test.

Students attended French and gym class today.

 Homework & Reminders

• Review list 3 spelling words
• MMS p. 16 & 17
• Sign math unit test coming home today

Research Skills

The grade 4s wrote their third ONAP on Measurement this morning. Three down, two to go. Mr. Murphy supervised the class, while Mrs. Haag went back to school - specifically, training on how to use SJA's new SMART Board!

In math, we learned that rounding is a way to estimate. We used number lines to tell if numbers were closer to the nearest ten, hundred or thousand. Students then practised rounding with and without number lines.

We ended the day working on our Communities inquiry unit. Students are working independently or in pairs to research a rural or urban community. They are using informational texts as their source and are discovering the usefulness of a table of contents, titles, glossary, and index.

Students attended French and gym class today.

 Homework & Reminders:

• MMS p. 14 & 15
• Review spelling list 3
• Toronto trip forms are due tomorrow
• Look out for lunch forms coming home today

Natural Resources and Physical Features

Here's a photo of all the SJAs in their house colours for last Friday's Spirit Day!

 

We began a new week with a new math unit - Whole Numbers. We discussed what we will learn in this unit, and began by writing the number 5 426 in as many ways as possible. Students did this by using standard form, expanded form, Base Ten Blocks, words, and a place-value chart. Ask your child to list 5 ways to show a number.

In spelling, we worked with 1- and 2- syllable words that contain long vowel sounds. We had to review the difference between long and short vowel sounds. In language, students used a conjunction to join two shorter sentences.

In our communities unit, we are digging into our second line of inquiry - factors that influence the location of communities. Students brainstormed with their partners and came up with good ideas such as temperature, good soil, animals, and land as factors that would cause  people to settle in a place. They then read about natural resources and physical features and added these ideas to their worksheet. Ask your child to define and give examples of natural resources and physical features.

In arithmetic, students reviewed finding the missing factor to give a product.

We ended the day enjoying Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Today we practised making connections to the text. Ask your child to tell you what a connection is.

Students attended French and gym class today too.

 Homework and Reminders:

• Review list 3 spelling words
• MMS p. 12 & 13
• Arithmetic p. 13 & 14
• Toronto trip forms due Wednesday

Spirit Day

Today the school started the day with a basketball house game. Congratulations to Zeta for winning with 2 000 more points! After everyone was in their classes, the students of Grade 4 went to Portable 5 to watch "City, Suburb, and Rural Communities" and "How Communities are Alike and Different" with Ms. Nelson's class. The students learned the difference between urban, suburban, and rural communities.

In French the students learned the irregular expressions in French.

by Rachel P.

Grade 4s then enjoyed art class with Ms. Pattenick.

Back in class, students wrote their unit test on Number Patterns before heading on to gym class with Mr. Browning.

 We ended the day working on finishing another ONAP and writing sentences with the word "NOT".

Homework & Reminders:

• Sign spelling tests coming home today
• Arithmetic p. 11 & 12
• Toronto trip forms due Wednesday

Trading Partners

Our trip to No Frills was a  hit this morning. The children explored the produce aisles, excited to discover which communities the fruit and vegetables were grown in. They were surprised to see how many came from Canada. Others came from places like New Zealand, Guatemala, Costa Rica, South Africa, etc. We even got to visit the fish and meat departments.

 

Back in class, Mme. Blanco was waiting to present an exciting French lesson to the grade 4s. We then began working on review work for tomorrow's test. The review package is coming home today and can be used to further prepare for tomorrow's test on Number Patterns.

Students attended gym with Mr. Browning.

In arithmetic, we reviewed the process of multiplication and the terms factors and products.

We ended the day with the delicious novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Today the children worked on summarising the chapters we have read so far. Many found this a difficult task, and we will spend more time on writing summaries as we work through the book.

 Homework and Reminders:

• Review list 2 spelling words for tomorrow's test
• MMS - review unit 1 for tomorrow's test
• Arithmetic  p 9 & 10
• Look out for a trip form coming home today about the our trip to Toronto
• Scholastic orders are due tomorrow

Goods and Services

We were treated to Upper School students making speeches to convince students to elect them for the SJA Student Council. Lower School students enjoyed the speeches. Grade 4s came in to class discussing whether the council candidates could deliver on their promises.

Guess and Check was the strategy we worked on in math today. We used this strategy to find the values for symbols in an equation. Sometimes we got lucky and guessed correctly on the first guess. Other times it took 5 guesses to get the correct answer.

Students attended French, gym, and art class today.

In our Communities unit, we reviewed terms we have learned so far (urban, rural, want, need). Students feel they have a good grasp on our first line of inquiry: the features of urban and rural communities. We the tackled 4 new terms today: goods, services, trades, and consumer. Students worked in groups to come up with definitions and examples for these terms. After sharing their work, students researched the terms and checked their original thinking. They completed a worksheet to show their thinking and learning. Students have begun using these new terms in their daily conversations. I overheard Braeden saying that he was going to trade his minerals for house points.

We ended the day working on list 2 spelling words and arithmetic. In arithmetic we reviewed the process of subtraction and the terms minuend, subtrahend, and difference.

Homework & Reminders:

• Spelling
• MMS- Do corrections and review unit 1 for Friday's test
• Arithmetic p. 7 & 8
• Trip tomorrow

Wants and Needs

Students were confident in their equation work this morning. They defined what an equation is and worked easily to show subtraction facts for given numerals.

Students did much independent work with list 2 spelling words, writing different kinds of sentences, and distinguishing between sentences and fragments in language.

We continued working on our communities unit. Students recalled what they had learned about urban and rural communities yesterday. Today we wondered about the definitions of needs and wants. Students discussed what these terms meant and came up with definitions. Ask your child to explain what a need and want is. They sorted items  as needs and wants and defended their reasoning. A few questions have surfaced in this unit:

• Are mining and lumbering communities urban or rural communities?
• What communities do First Nations people live in?
• Why don't we see many First Nations people in our community?

The children attended gym class with Mr. Browning today. We made sure everybody's water bottle was filled up on such a hot day.

We ended the day working on arithmetic. We reviewed the values of coins and bills and the different ways to represent values using dollar signs and cents signs.

We ended the day beginning a novel study. We will be focusing on literature circle roles as we work through our novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.

 Homework and Reminders:

• Spelling
• MMS p. 10 & 11
• Arithmetic p. 5 & 6
• Terry Fox letter
• Keep brining in small boxes
• Trip on Thursday

Urban and Rural Communities

Our day began with math. Students learned what an equation is. Ask your child to explain what an equation is to you. We  practiced writing all the possible addition facts for a number.

Students attended gym, French, and art classes today.

Today in our inquiry unit we wondered what a community, a rural community, and an urban community is. Students shared their ideas with the class, and then researched to find definitions for these terms. Ask your child to define these terms to you. They used a Venn diagram to sort what features would be in these communities.

We ended the day working on list 2 spelling words, kinds of sentences, and finding sums in arithmetic.

Homework & Reminders

·       Spelling

·       MMS p. 8 & 9

·       Arithmetic p. 3 & 4

·       MMS test on Friday

·       Spirit Day on Friday - wear house colours

·       Scholastic orders due Friday

Battleships

Friday began with a House Game hosted by Zeta. Houses were challenged to arrange themselves in height order. This took cooperation and patience. Well done to Kappa for winning this event.

Back in class, students wrote their first spelling test of the year. Look out for spelling test books coming home today.

Grade 4s met Mme. Blanco today and enjoyed a fun French lesson with her.

In math, we used calculators to explore number patterns. Students described the patterns in the ones and tens digits. Then they had fun playing games in gym with Mr. Browning.

We continued working on writing good sentences in language and began working in our arithmetic workbook. We reviewed place value for large numbers up to 100 million.

At the end of the day we began working on our inquiry unit on urban and rural communities. Students rated their current knowledge of this topic on our Consensogram, and they are looking forward to moving their names up the number line. Students shared what they already know about this topic as well as questions they have. We will be doing some map work during this unit, and we practised using coordinates in a fun game of Battleships. What a great way to begin the weekend.

 

Homework & Reminders:

• Sign spelling tests coming home today. Correct any misspelled words.
• MMS p. 6 & 7
• Arithmetic p. 1 & 2
• MMS test on Friday, September 13

Number Patterns

Students began their second day of grade 4 by writing their Ontario Numeracy Assessment. This assessment is used to gauge student understanding on grade 3 math concepts and informs teaching practices for the grade 4 math year.

We also spent the morning reviewing and correcting yesterday's math homework and completing yesterday's writing review on sentences.

The children were happy to Ms. Pattenick, their art teacher for this year, as they enjoyed their first art class.

We enjoyed another round of House Games, playing Under, Over. This time, the game was hosted by Theta. Well done to Zeta for coming in first place.

Back in class, students completed today's spelling work and agendas.

We ended the day working on number patterns in math. Students practised identifying types of patterns, extending patterns, creating  patterns, and writing pattern rules.

 

Homework & Reminders

• Review list 1 spelling words for tomorrow's test
• MMS p. 4 & 5
• Return trip form by Monday, September 9
• Look out for an After-School Programs letter coming home today

First Day of School

We had fun getting to know each other in grade 4 this morning. Students spent time organising some of the school supplies they needed for today's lesson. Students became familiar with the arrangement of classes, grades, and teachers in the main building and in the portables as we toured the school.

We began our academic year with our list 1 spelling words, paying careful attention to the spelling of words containing single and double consonants.

At St. Jude's we want our students to develop strong math, reading, and writing skills. The students understand that we need to begin academic work on the first day of school to achieve these goals. Our first math unit is on Number Patterns. Today we examined patterns in the rows, columns, and diagonals of a calendar. Students then worked on describing patterns in a hundred chart using either a position or number pattern rule.

We reviewed writing sentences that makes sense and that begin with capital letters and end with end marks. Students wrote sentences to practice these skills.

KIP hosted our first house game this afternoon.

 

Homework & Reminders:

• Review list 1 spelling words for Friday's spelling test
• MMS p. 2 & 3
• Look out for a trip letter coming home today
• Look out for a building supplies letter coming home today