Classroom Updates

Friday Dec. 15\6th

Have a happy and restful holiday everyone!  See you in 2012!

Tuesday Nov. 15th

It was wonderful to see so many of you last week at parent-teacher conferences. I always feel I gain some valuable insight about my students when I get the chance to speak with you, so thank you all for coming!

Thank you for everyone who sent in some soil for our science activities. As there are many students who have not yet done so, could you please help your child to collect a bit of soil to bring in if they have not already done so? On Thursday afternoon each student will be analyzing their soil.

As well, you may have noticed that students brought home yesterday a sheet pertaining to physical activity. As part of our health curriculum we are discussing the importance of physical activity, in particular play outdoors. Students are asked this week to record all their moments of physical activity in the chart provided. They simply record the day (beginning yesterday with Day 1), the activities they do, and the amount of time. Next Tuesday we will discuss together and calculate how many minutes we were active for the week.

As I mentioned to many people during interviews, we are currently working on 3 digit addition and subtraction with re-grouping in math. It would be a benefit to many students to take a bit of time to practice this at home. It would be wonderful to apply this to a real-world situation where applicable.

We are continuing to work very hard! We are only a month away from the Holiday break and nearly finished term 1.

Wednesday Nov. 9th

It was great to see so many of you at parent-teacher conferences.  Thank you for the opportunity to discuss your child's progress!  Thanks also for all you do at home to continue to support their learning!

Tomorrow morning we will be having our annual Remembrance Day assembly and all families are welcome to join us in this special celebration.  There are many student in our class who participate in choir who will be singing us some beautiful songs to add some music to our celebration.  Our assembly will begin at 10:45am.  Hope to see you there!

Thursday Nov. 3rd

A reminder of the math test tomorrow, Nov. 4th.  This math test is covering the addition and subtraction strategies and word problems we have been working on in class (ie. doubles, near-doubles, 10 partners, Make 10, etc.).  Also, please be sure to send in your parent-teacher appointment time slips.   Parent-teacher meetings will take place next week.  I'm looking forward to meeting you all and having the opportunity to discuss your child!

Tuesday Oct. 18th

A reminder of our class trip tomorrow to participate in the launch of the HRM Urban Biokit.  It should be a great day!  Students must dress appropriately for the weather.

Today a notice went home regarding Halloween activities.  We will be watching the movie The Witches and students can share a snack brought in by students from the beginning half of the alphabet (A-Mc).  Students may wear their costumes for the afternoon only and please be sure that costumes are appropriate for school.

Wednesday Sept. 28th

Well it is hard to believe that September is almost over!  We are well into the swing of things in Grade 3.  It was wonderful to see so many of you at curriculum night last week. I encourage you to contact me with any further questions or concerns as they arise.

A couple of reminders:

1-Tomorrow is our Terry Fox day celebration and run.  We will be having an assembly after recess (beginning 10:45/11ish) followed by our run outside on the back field.  Parents and guardians are welcome to join us to help celebrate the legacy of Terry Fox.  If
students would like to bring in a donation of a loonie or a twoonie, all funds collected will be send to the Canadian Cancer Society.

2-Friday after recess we are having our first literacy event of the school year "Play for Literacy Day".  Students are able to bring in any literacy-based games they have at home and we will play these together in the class in small groups. Parents are also welcome to
join us for this fun event.  Some suggestions of games could include Scatergories, Scrabble, Boggle, Bananagrams, etc.  I will be bringing in some as well so not to worry if you do not have anything appropriate at home.  These literacy days are one way we are
working to achieve our school goal of improving our students' reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension, and of course making literacy fun!

3-It has been great to see the students so motivated to do their home reading.  Thank you for taking the time to sign their calendar log sheet and record the minutes.  We have already reached 40 hours as a class!  Wow!

4-To those of you who ordered the Diary of a Wimpy Kid from the September book order, the book will be arriving the week of November 15th, as this is the release date.  I know students were quite sad to not receive their books right away but hopefully it will be
worth the wait!

Tuesday Sept. 13th

Well we are beginning to get in the swing of things!  This week students are beginning our school-wide at-home reading program.  This is the only formal homework in place.  Students are to read 15 minutes daily and record this on their calendar.  Please see the notice sent home for more details instructions of how the reading program works.  This topic will also be covered during curriculum night.

Tuesday Sept. 6th

Welcome everyone!  I can't wait to get to know you all.  We're going to have a great year!  Please take time to read the welcome letter and the letter explaining our in-class behaviour system.  I also ask that you please indicate your email address for my distribution list and have your child return this slip to school.  Using email is the preferred method of communication for general notices and newsletters as this cuts down on our paper use.  Please don't hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns.  I look forward to meeting you all at curriculum night!