September 15th, 2023

Hello families,

This week in math we continued our exploration of patterns. Through S. T. E. M. time and targeted math practice in their books, students demonstrated their understanding of pattern rules and attributes such as color, size,and position. We then took our learning outside for our walking field trip with Ms. Green's class. Here students applied their mathematical understanding to create patterns in nature as well as nature mandalas.

We are currently working on our final pattern assessment task which will be shared with you at our upcoming open house. Ask your child what "MART" stands for!

In literacy we reviewed the letters S, T and P. Grade 1/2 classes are using the UFLI literacy program as well as the Animated Literacy actions to promote connections between physical movement and encoding memory. See what actions your child knows so far! Here is a video of the whole alphabet if you are curious.

Students are able to utilize picture dictionaries and environmental print to support their writing for each letter of the day. Those who were ready for a "spicier" challenge either chose to try to and spell their words out (Grade 1) or write full sentences (Grade 2).

We also began our Daily L.A. routine. This includes different stations that currently include:

read to self

read with partner

literacy games

literacy materials

read with teacher

I am so impressed with how well students have moved into this routine and I am looking forward to supporting them in their literacy skills. Right now my read to teacher station consists of completing Grade 2 government assessments and reading/exploring letters with students in their small groups. We will be starting a "listening to reading" station next week. If you are able, please send your child with a pair of labelled AUX headphones to use with the iPads.

In Physical Education we are excited to be paired with Ms. Gierl's class until November. We have been working on our running stamina, as well as transverse plane exercises to strengthen our core. Students have also enjoyed playing cooperative games to develop their sportsmanship and rule following skills.

In Social Studies and Science we continued to explore the Medicine Wheel and it's connections to our world. We have begun our learning with a focus on the red section to the south, representing our heart and summer time. This season will be centered around how we show love, grace and gratitude by caring for ourself, others and our place. We will focus on each section of the Medicine Wheel by following the seasons throughout the year.

As circles seem to be a theme for our class this month, here are some ideas students shared in our discussions. These connections play a key role in our Cosmic Education within the Montessori curriculum:

" a circle shows the 4 directions in the Medicine Wheel"

" the Earth goes around kinda like the circle of life"

"like the circle of seasons"

"circles remind me of sharing circles and Montessori Birthday Walks around the Sun"

"Mandelas are circles that keep us calm"

Grade 1 Science Outcomes:

I can understand that changes in environments include seasonal changes
I can use my senses to observe and understand my environment

Grade 2 Science Outcomes:

I can investigate Earth, it's relationship to the sun, and how it supports life
I can describe the components of Earth and the roles and responsibilities of humans to be caretakers of the land

Grade 1 Social Studies Outcomes:

I can describe the connections we have to Indigenous and diverse cultures found in our communities
I can explore ways in which Indigenous peoples and diverse cultural groups contributed to the origins and evolutions of our community over time

Grade 2 Social Studies Outcomes:

I can describe how the presence of Indigenous origins is reflected in the community today
I can explore the cultural characteristics of Indigenous communities

Friday was Dot Day! We explored the idea of identity and diversity and started a sketchbook page all about the things students like about themselves.

Other books we read this week:

We also met our big buddies in Grade 5/6 next door from room 7! Buddies spent some time getting to know each other by playing get to know you games and reading together.

Check out the responsible work choices student made this week!

Upcoming Field trips

The Grade 1/2 classes are planning to go on a couple field trips before winter arrives as well as in the new year. If you are interested in joining us please ensure you have volunteer clearance. See below for information on getting a CBE volunteer police check.

Volunteers

I truly value our volunteers offering their time to support our students inside and outside of the classroom. If you are interested in volunteering please ensure you have a valid police clearance through the CBE as well as have signed the annual volunteer form for 2023/2024. Please note that police clearance can take quite a few weeks to come through so getting it done earlier in the year ensures you will have it for upcoming volunteer opportunities. Please contact the office for more information about getting a CBE police check and signing the annual form. (The annual form was included in the blue paper package sent home.)

Blue Forms

*A reminder to please return your blue forms, they are due Monday September 18th"

Open House

Thursday, September 21 from 4:30-5:30 is our open house. This is the perfect time for families to meet their child’s teacher, tour the classroom and see how classes are set up. Teachers have been contacting each family individually over September and receiving the parent viewpoint forms sent out. If you have specific information about your child, please connect with your child’s teacher in a more private setting than our open house.

Welcome Back BBQ

Please ensure you get your tickets for the Welcome BBQ, hosted by School Council, starting at 5:30. Ticket sales end Monday, September 18th at 11:00pm. *You can click the photo to enlarge it * https://www.showpass.com/welcome-back-bbq-2/