Inside a Pioneer Home

In our math unit on fractions and decimals we used Base Ten Blocks to represent fractions and mixed numbers. Instead of the flat representing a hundred, it represented 1 whole. It took 10 rods to make a whole, meaning that each rod was 1/10 of a whole. We also wrote tenths as decimals 1/10 = 0.1 and learned how to name fractions and decimals correctly ( 0.1 = one tenth, not zero point one). Students worked to represent fractions and mixed numbers as Base Ten Block pictures and decimals.

In language, students completed their review work on list 23 spelling words  and reviewed spelling words from lists 19 - 23.

In our speech time, we read about many strategies that can be used to write a conclusion such as restating your topic as a question, writing an anecdote, and using aggressive verbs instead of passive verbs. Students had time in class to work on the first draft of their conclusion. It was not easy to do. Revised conclusions are due on Monday.

In our Little House in the Big Woods novel study, we enjoyed discussing what unfolded in chapter 6, especially Ma slapping the bear on the shoulder and Pa thinking the stump was a bear. Students shared many connections they had with camping and hiking with what happened in chapter 6.

We continued with our inquiry unit on Pioneers. We took up the work that students worked on independently or in a group yesterday to discover what early pioneer homes were like. Students learned a lot about log cabins, sod houses, plank houses, and stone houses. They used their learning to add to their KWL charts. Students contributed pioneer-related words to add to our class chart of A-Z of pioneer words. Today's challenge was for students to discover by reading what pioneer homes were like on the inside. They could choose to work independently or in a group to complete this work. Many found today's activity a bit challenging, but they did not give up. It is wonderful to see every child engaged and excited about learning. When they were done, they were challenged to complete a third page of their own A-Z booklet.

Students attended French and gym class today.

 Homework & Reminders

·         Review list 23 spelling words for tomorrow's spelling test

·         MMS p. 128 & 129

·         Complete revised speech conclusion for Monday

·         Read chapter 7 of Little House in the Big Woods and complete reader response page for Monday

·         Mark Saturday, February 22, on your calendars as the SJA Annual Gala - Gala tickets are for sale now ($75/adult & $10/child)

·         Trip forms

·        Support the grade 2 fundraiser by purchasing their crafts on sale from $0.50 to $2 next week - proceeds will be donated to World Vision

I will not be at school tomorrow and there will not be a grade 4 class blog tomorrow. I have already discussed tomorrow's work schedule with the grade 4 class. The weekend homework assignment will be as follows:

• MMS p. 130 & 131
• Complete revised speech conclusion for Monday
• Read chapter 7 of Little House in the Big Woods and complete reader response page for Monday

Have a wonderful Friday and weekend!

 

 

Pioneer Homes

In our math unit on fractions and decimals we ordered and compared fractions, mixed numbers and improper fractions. Students used pattern blocks and pictures to show which showed more. They showed their work by writing fraction sentences with symbols.

In language, students worked on list 23 spelling words  and reviewed spelling words from lists 19 - 23. Extra time at the end of the day was used to catch up on speech introductions and conferences with students.

We continued with our inquiry unit on Pioneers. We took up the work that students worked on independently or in a group yesterday to discover how pioneers cleared the land. Students shared their thoughts. They used their learning to add to their KWL charts. Students contributed pioneer-related words to add to our class chart of A-Z of pioneer words. Today's challenge was for students to discover by reading what pioneer homes were like. They could choose to work independently or in a group to complete this work. When they were done, they were challenged to complete a second page of their own A-Z booklet.

 

We ended our Pioneer time learning about another game called cudgel. We had a few brave volunteers to play this game, but we all thoroughly enjoyed it. Ask your child to explain how this game works.

Students attended French, art, and gym class today.

 Homework & Reminders

·         Review list 23 spelling words

·         MMS p. 126 & 127

·         Complete revised speech introduction for tomorrow if you haven't already

·         Read chapter  6 of Little House in the Big Woods and complete reader response page for tomorrow

·         Mark Saturday, February 22, on your calendars as the SJA Annual Gala - Gala tickets are for sale now ($75/adult & $10/child)

·         Trip forms

·         Spelling test on Friday

·         Support the grade 2 fundraiser by purchasing their crafts on sale from $0.50 to $2 starting tomorrow - proceeds will be donated to World Vision

Pinch, No Smiling

In our math unit on fractions and decimals we learned that mixed numbers and improper fractions show  more than a whole. Students used pattern blocks (triangles, trapezoids, and rhombuses) to represent a whole (hexagons). They wrote improper fractions and mixed numbers to represent the number of blocks they had.

In language, students worked on list 23 spelling words  and reviewed spelling words from lists 19 - 23.

In our speech work we learned that an introduction needs a lead and a topic sentence. Students learned that the aim of their lead is to get the audience's attention. We learned that leads can ask a question, state a unusual or amazing fact, include a quote, be anecdotal, state a statistic related to their topic, or be a descriptive segment. Students chose the kind of lead they wanted for their introduction. They followed the lead with a topic sentence that tells the audience what the main ideas of their paragraphs are. Students worked on their introductions in class. Revised introductions are due tomorrow.

We continued with our inquiry unit on Pioneers. We took up the work that students worked on independently or in a group yesterday to discover who the first pioneers were and why and how they came to America. Students shared their thoughts. They used their learning to add to their KWL charts. Students contributed pioneer-related words to add to our class chart of A-Z of pioneer words. Today's challenge was for students to discover by reading how pioneers cleared the land. They could choose to work independently or in a group to complete this work. When they were done, they were challenged to complete on page of their own A-Z booklet. We ended our pioneer time learning about parlour games. Students who volunteered to got to play a game called "Pinch, No Smiling". Ask your child to explain how this game works to you.

 

Students attended French and gym class today.

Homework & Reminders

·         Review list 23 spelling words

·         MMS p. 124 & 125

·         Complete revised speech introduction for tomorrow

·         Read chapter  6 of Little House in the Big Woods and complete reader response page for Thursday

·         Mark Saturday, February 22, on your calendars as the SJA Annual Gala - Gala tickets are for sale now ($75/adult & $10/child)

·         Trip forms

·         Tomorrow is Casual Day

·         Spelling test on Friday

·         Support the grade 2 fundraiser by purchasing their crafts on sale from $0.50 to $2 starting tomorrow - proceeds will be donated to World Vision

Early Pioneers

In our math unit on fractions and decimals we learned that equivalent fractions show the same part of  a whole. Students examined pictures and fractions rods to notice that 1/2 is the same as 2/4 and that 1/5 is the same as 2/10. They learned that they can come up with many equivalent fractions by folding a fraction strips into smaller and smaller parts. Another method of writing equivalent fractions is to multiple or divide the numerator and denominator in a fraction by the same number.

 

 

In language, students worked on list 23 spelling words - Spell words in which ou and ow spell the vowel sounds /ou/, /ô/, /ō/ and /u/: hours, sparrows, towns, powerful, amount, without, allows, shower, brought, sought, hollow, swallowed, southern, thousand, thought, trouble, bouquet, although, mountain, chowder. They also worked on reviewing spelling words from lists 19 - 23.

In our speech work, students showed me the revised copy of their idea # 3 paragraph. We did not do more work on speeches today. Today is a day for students who are behind on their speech work to catch up.

In our novel study time, students shared how pioneer children spent their Sunday, compared to how they spend their Sundays. Students discussed what is considered good and bad behaviour then and now. We also compared punishment for misbehaviour. Students have been assigned chapter 6 to read for Thursday. Students had time in class to read chapter 6.

We were all excited to begin our inquiry unit on Pioneers. Students have a new Duo-tang for their work. They worked on a KWL chart to show what they already know about pioneers and what they would like to know. Students made many connections to Little House in the Big Woods. and to Story of the World which we read last year. Students were inquirers as the worked independently or in a group to discover who the first pioneers were and why and how they came to America. Students have received a A- Z book template which they will be working on throughout this unit. We also discussed the final project for this unit. Students are happy to have lots of time to decide on a pioneer of First Nations person to focus on for this project.

Students attended French and gym class today.

Homework & Reminders

·         Review list 23 spelling words

·         Complete speech  idea # 3 paragraph for tomorrow

·         Read chapter  6 of Little House in the Big Woods and complete reader response page for Thursday

·         Mark Saturday, February 22, on your calendars as the SJA Annual Gala - Gala tickets are for sale now ($75/adult & $10/child)

·         Trip forms

·         Wednesday is Casual Day

·         Spelling test on Friday

 

 

Project Presentations

In our math unit on fractions and decimals we practiced a strategy called "make a model" Students used manipulative and pictures to solve a word problem involving fractions of a whole or a set. There is no MMS homework assigned today.

In language, students wrote their spelling test. Tests are coming home today.  

In our speech work, students showed me the revised copy of their idea # 2 paragraph. Some students received the go-ahead to begin work on idea # 3 paragraph. Others had to go back to researching more facts to add to idea #2.   A revised copy of idea paragraph number 3 is due Monday.

We worked on our novel study today. Students shared how a pioneer Christmas was the same and different to the way some people celebrate Christmas today. Students had time in class to read chapter 5. Some even completed the response page. Others chose to use this class time to work on their speech. Some were writing paragraph 3, while others had to do additional research on the Think Pads.

Today was the day when students shared their forces project with the class. Each student had time to explain how their machine worked. Students were also allocated a question and answer time. Because presentations took long, students missed their gym time with Mr. Browning.

 

Students attended French and art class today.

 Homework & Reminders

·         Sign all tests coming home today

·         Complete idea # 3 paragraph for tomorrow (1st & 2nd draft)

·         Read chapter  5 of Little House in the Big Woods and complete reader response page for Monday

·         Mark Saturday, February 22, on your calendars as the SJA Annual Gala - Gala tickets are for sale now ($75/adult & $10/child)

·         Tomorrow is a PD Day for teachers - no school for students  

·         Trip forms

Fractions of a Set

In our math unit on fractions and decimals we learned how to find fractions of a set this morning. To solve a problem such as 3/4 of 16, we used counters to help us. Students counted out 16 counters. The denominator tells how many equal groups to make (4)  and the numerator tells how many of these groups to count (3) to find the solution (12). Students worked with a partner to practice this strategy before begin text book work.

In language, students wrote their verb unit test. We finished off review work on list 22 spelling words..

In our speech work, students showed me the revised copy of their idea # 1 paragraph. Some students received the go-ahead to begin work on idea # 2 paragraph. Others had to go back to researching more facts to add to idea #1.   A revised copy of idea paragraph number 2 is due tomorrow. Students had time in class to work on this paragraph.

Today was the last day for students to work on their  forces projects. Students focused on completing the written components of their packages. They will share their projects with the class tomorrow.

Students attended French and gym class today.

Homework & Reminders

·         Review list 22 spelling words for tomorrow's test

·         MMS p. 120 & 121

·         Complete idea # 2 paragraph for tomorrow (1st & 2nd draft)

·         Read chapter  4 of Little House in the Big Woods and complete reader response page for tomorrow

·         Mark Saturday, February 22, on your calendars as the SJA Annual Gala - Gala tickets are for sale now ($75/adult & $10/child)

·         Friday is a PD Day for teachers - no school for students  

·         Trip forms

·         Lunch forms are due tomorrow

Fraction Benchmarks

We continued with our new math unit on fractions and decimals. This morning we folded a paper strip to create a benchmark representing 0, 1/2, and 1. Students then folded additional strips to represent other fractions such as 2/3, 7/8, 5/6, etc. They compared these fractions to the benchmark strip and decided if the fractions were closer to 0, 1/2, or 1. Students are bringing these strips home to help them complete their homework.

In language, we completed our review work on verbs, punctuation, and capitalization in preparation for tomorrow's language. Language books are coming home today for students who would like to do additional review before tomorrow's test. We continued working on list 22 spelling words.

In our speech work, students showed me their completed Expository Pillar. Students used this organiser to help them write their idea # 1 paragraphs.  The know to begin their paragraph with a topic sentence about their main idea. The topic sentence s followed by supporting sentences from the details in their pillar. Students  had class time to write their paragraph. They need to complete a revised copy by tomorrow.

Students  worked on their forces projects too.

Students attended French, art, and gym class today.

 Homework & Reminders

·         Review list 22 spelling words

·         MMS p. 118 & 119

·         Complete idea # 1 paragraph for tomorrow (1st & 2nd draft)

·         Read chapter  4 of Little House in the Big Woods and complete reader response page for Thursday

·         Mark Saturday, February 22, on your calendars as the SJA Annual Gala - Gala tickets are for sale now ($75/adult & $10/child)

·         Language test tomorrow

·         Spelling test on Thursday

·         Friday is a PD Day for teachers - no school for students  

·         Trip forms

·         Lunch forms are due on Thursday, Jan. 23

Mind Your Parents

We began our week with a new math unit on fractions and decimals. We spent a few minutes reviewing what we remember about this unit from grade 3. We then began our first lesson where we  focused on writing proper fractions to represent figures. Students used coloured paper squares to construct a 3-colour quilt. They then represented each colour in their quilt with a fraction. They learned that proper fractions represent less than a whole. They are already familiar with the terms numerator and denominator.

 

In language, we began review work on verbs in preparation for Wednesday's language test on verbs, punctuation, and capitalization. Language books will go home tomorrow. We began working on list 22 spelling words - Spell words containing the vowel pairs ai and ay and the diphthongs oi and oy: voices, sprain, noises, disloyal, employ, waist, destroyed, fray, broiling, swaying, displays, praised, disappoint, railroad, royalty, appointed, crayon, boiling, soybean, spoiled.

Almost everybody had completed their Prewriting Planner for their speech. We discussed the Expository Pillar in class today. This organiser helps students to record the main ideas for their paragraphs and then come up with 4 details (in 1 or 2 words) to support their main ideas. We will not be working on the introductory or concluding paragraphs this week. Expository pillars must be completed for tomorrow.

Students then worked on their forces projects.

We ended the day with our novel study. This is becoming a time that everybody looks forward to. We discussed chapter 4, where children showed their understanding of the story's plot, characters, while learning about pioneer lives. We discussed how Pa made bullets and cleaned his gun. The children shared how pioneer children had to mind their parents.

Students attended French and gym class today.

Homework & Reminders

·         Review list 22 spelling words

·         MMS p. 116 & 117

·         Complete your expository pillar for tomorrow

·         Read chapter  4 of Little House in the Big Woods and complete reader response page for Thursday

·         Mark Saturday, February 22, on your calendars as the SJA Annual Gala - Gala tickets are for sale now ($75/adult & $10/child)

·         Language test on Wednesday

·         Spelling test on Friday

·         Friday is a PD Day for teachers - no school for students  

Verb Catch Up

Students wrote a math test to show their knowledge and understanding on concepts in transformational geometry today.

We had a lot of catching up to do with our language books where we have been working with verbs. Students are now all caught up, but many did not get time in class to work on their forces projects. I will allow one more building day on Monday for students who still need time. Students wrote their list 21 spelling test. Tests are coming home today.

I had a brief meeting with each student to check on their speech jot notes. Students were introduced to a graphic organiser they will use to help them organise their jot notes into paragraphs. It is called the Outline/Prewriting Planner in their Speech Duo tangs. This planner is due on Monday.

We ended the day reading with our Kindergarten reading buddies. This was a nice way to begin the weekend after all the hard work students have done.

Students attended French and art class today.

Look out for a trip letter coming home today.

 Homework & Reminders

·         Sign and return list 21 spelling tests

·         Research and make jot notes on your speech topic. Complete the Outline/Prewriting Planner for Monday

·         Read chapter 3 of Little House in the Big Woods and complete reader response page for Monday

·         Mark Saturday, February 22, on your calendars as the SJA Annual Gala - Gala tickets are for sale now ($65/adult & $10/child)  - prices go up to $75 for adults tomorrow

 

Look out for trip letters coming home today.

Have a wonderful weekend

Getting Ready for the Big Math Test

We used our math time to do a review package on geometric transformations. Many students did not get done in the time allocated. We used our language time to work on math. There were many students who were still not done and we stayed in to work through first recess and then had a working lunch to ensure everyone got lots of help with problems they were stuck on.

In our forces unit,  our day looked the same as yesterday: students continued to work on their forces projects. Most who have chosen a building project have started their building. Some have run into challenges while building while others have run into problems while testing. This is all part of the inventing process. Students are expected to show initiative and problem-solving skills. Some may be looking for additional materials tonight.

 

We ended the day working on our novel study. Students shared what they discovered about the work done by different members of the Ingalls family. Students had time in class to read chapter 3. Chapter 3 and its response page is due on Monday.

Students attended French and gym class today.

Homework & Reminders

·         Review list 21 spelling words

·         MMS Study in preparation for the unit test tomorrow - A review package is coming home today

·         Research and make jot notes on your speech topic

·         Read chapter 3 of Little House in the Big Woods and complete reader response page for Monday

·         Mark Saturday, February 22, on your calendars as the SJA Annual Gala - Gala tickets are for sale now ($65/adult & $10/child)  - prices go up to $75 for adults tomorrow

·         Scholastic orders due tomorrow for those who would like to order

·         Bring in supplies you need for your forces project

·         Sign and return all tests coming home today

Hiccups and Inventing

We learned about a strategy called "working backwards" in our math lesson today. We examined figures that had moved to a new position using 2 or 3 different transformations. Students were challenged to find and record the "in-between" figures. They used tracing paper to copy the figure and find its transformations.

We did not do an arithmetic lesson today, to allow time for students to begin working on their speeches in class. Students took jot notes of what they already know about their topic. Some had the opportunity to get onto the ThinkPads to do further research. Students will be focussing on research and jot notes for the next couple of days. Each day, they will show me new jot notes they have recorded.

In our forces unit, students continued to work on their forces projects. Most who have chosen a building project have started their building. Some have run into challenges while building while others have run into problems while testing. This is all part of the inventing process. Students are expected to show initiative and problem-solving skills. Some may be looking for additional materials tonight.

In language, students worked on list 21 spelling words. We continued learning about verbs. Today we learned that verb phrases are action or state of being verbs in a sentence with helping verbs. Ask your child how they can tell if a verb phrase is an action verb phrase or a state-of-being verb phrase.

Students attended French, art,  and gym class today.

Homework & Reminders

·         Review list 21 spelling words

·         MMS Study in preparation for the unit test on Friday

·         Research and make jot notes on your speech topic

·         Read chapter 2 of Little House in the Big Woods and complete reader response page for Tomorrow

·         Mark Saturday, February 22, on your calendars as the SJA Annual Gala - Gala tickets are for sale now ($65/adult & $10/child)  - prices go up to $75 for adults tomorrow

·         Scholastic orders are coming home today. Order forms are due on Friday, Jan. 17

·         Bring in supplies you need for your forces project

Transformations

We began our day with a  math lesson on patterns in transformations. Students learned that figures can make a pattern in a line or over an area. They used a dodecagon to make these patterns. Ask your child to explain what a dodecagon is to you. They also named the figures in their patterns and described which transformations were used to get from one figure to another.

In arithmetic, students reviewed how to simply a fraction by dividing both numerator and denominator by the g.c.f.

In our forces unit, students wrote a unit test to show their understanding of forces and their effects. The remainder of our forces time was used to work on the forces projects that students chose yesterday. Students worked on restating the challenge in their own words, making initial and final sketches of the design they want to build, and generating a list of materials they need. Students are encouraged to use items they already have at home. Students will begin building tomorrow in class tomorrow.

In language, students worked on list 21 spelling words. We continued learning about verbs. Today we learned that some verbs do not sound right on their own in a sentence. They need helping verbs to make the sentence grammatically correct. Students identified these helping verbs in sentences and wrote helping verbs to make a sentence sound right.

Students received their speech packages today. Parents are asked to read the first few pages of the package with their child. Students need to show me a topic they would like to write their speech on that has been approved by a parent by tomorrow. Parents, pay special attention to the speech schedule at the beginning of the package.

.

Students attended French and gym class today.

 

Homework & Reminders

·         Review list 21 spelling words

·         MMS p. 114 & 115 - Unit test on Friday

·         Arithmetic p. 115 & 116

·         Review and sign speech package

·         Choose a speech topic

·         Read chapter 2 of Little House in the Big Woods and complete reader response page for Thursday

·         Mark Saturday, February 22, on your calendars as the SJA Annual Gala - Gala tickets are for sale now ($65/adult & $10/child)  - prices go up to $75 for adults tomorrow

·         Scholastic orders are coming home today. Order forms are due on Friday, Jan. 17

·         Bring in supplies you need for your forces project

A few students from our class have joined our crochet & knitting club. We meet first recess on Mondays to Thursdays.

 

Please take time to read SJA's Food Allergy Policy below: