November 4th to November 7th

Over the past weeks, the students have been working within partnerships and small adult-led groups to read and discuss a variety of non-fiction texts. The texts have been connected to our work in Social Studies as they have been focused on the natural regions of Alberta. As we read we worked to learn and understand a variety of subject specific vocabulary related to the grasslands region. We then worked on the skill of scanning text for specific information, highlighting information that fit into different categories such as landforms, places of interest and wildlife. The students then each created a visual representations the different elements of the region. We utilized the index and a variety of maps to help us to determine where in the Grasslands each image should go.

We also connected our learning in Social Studies to Remembrance Day and Indigenous Veterans Day. First, we discussed symbols that we associate with Remembrance Day and the significance of the poppy. Then, we discussed Indigenous Veterans Day and learned about Charles Tomkins, a Métis, Second World War Veteran and Translator. We then learned about Métis beadwork, looking at a variety of examples and patterns. We used this learning as inspiration when creating poppies, using paint and making dot prints to represent the beads in the traditional Métis art.

Learning Outcomes:

I can determine how the structure of texts can support the organization and communication of ideas and information.

I can examine and include a variety of text features to organize, clarify or enhance information.

I can investigate ways that non-fiction texts can be organized to support sharing of information.

I can apply comprehension processes and strategies when interacting with texts.

Questions to ask and discuss with your child?

What are some of the unique landforms in the Grasslands region?

What animals are found in the region?

What are some of the main industries in the region?

What were some of the common patterns in Métis beadwork?

How did you find creating your own Métis dot art?

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June 16th to June 20th

It is heard to believe that this was our final week week of the school year. The time has definitely flown past. Despite how close we are to the end of the year, the students have been working incredibly hard his week. We finished up our work in angles in math and the students completed their social studies research on The North West Mounted Police and early settlement in Alberta. Then, they worked to represent their learning in a Google Slideshow. This was a perfect connection to our Western Heritage Day where we enjoyed a pancake breakfast and afternoon of Western themes games with our buddies. We were also incredibly to learn about hoop dancing through a fantastic performance by Jay Genaille.

May 26th to May 30th

The start of our week was full with our final preparations for our Celebration of Learning. The students put the final touches on their food trucks and worked to fold and tape their two dimensional net into their three dimensional truck. The students were so excited to see their trucks come to life. For many, this final step was challenging as they worked to carefully cut and fold their trucks. We then did some work with three dimensional shapes including cubes, cylinders and cones as the students added toppers to their trucks. Students then had the opportunity to create a digital version of their food truck using Canva. They learned that by thinking carefully through their logo elements and describing them with a good amount of detail, they were able to create a digital logo that very closely resembled their hand drawn work. We may have some future graphic designers on our hands! Our Makerspace challenge this week was also connected to our trucks. Students were asked collaborate with ...

May 12th to May 15th

This week, the students continued with their work on their food trucks. The students have been so excited and engaged with this project, many sharing that it is their favourite part of the day. The students worked to apply their understanding of area by designing the interior floor plan of their truck. First, we looked at what items would be necessary to drive, prepare their menu items, store supplies and run their business. Some students needed deep fryers, others grills and some needed ice cream machines. Next, we the students planned out the interiors and designed their floor plans. Students were challenged to design their plans to scale with 1 square cm on the grid paper equivalent to 1 dm in real life. This challenge brought about wonderful critical thinking as the students measured and planned, imagining the amount of space needed to travel within their workspace or how much space was needed in the front of their truck so they would have enough space to sit and reach the gas pedd...

Mrs. Pols' Fantastic Fours

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