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?

Comments

March 3rd to March 7th

This week, we were excited to take part in the school's basketball residency. We were so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Coach Dave on a variety of new skills. We learned how to dribble, jab, pivot, guard and shoot. The students were highly engaged as they put the skills into practice. A huge thank you to all the parents who volunteered their time to make this experience possible! Learning Outcomes: I can engage in a variety of physical activities that are enjoyable or rewarding. I can practise offensive and defensive strategies and tactics. I can implement strategies and tactics to improve performace. Questions to ask your child: What was our basketball cheer? What is something new you learned our a skill you worked to improve over the week? Was their a skill that you found challenging?

April 14th to April 17th

In Science, we moved into our next unit of study Earth Systems. We kicked off our unit from an in class learning opportunity. Our guest presenter introduced us to a huge amount of new information as we learned about the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere. We learned all about the Earth’s systems and investigated how their interconnections sustain life on our planet! We discovered how water, sun and air support plants and animals on Earth and the responsibility we share in caring for our resources. We then learned how changes in one system affect or impact the other systems on Earth. The students were excited to create their own three dimensional models showing all four spheres. They cannot wait to bring them home to share with you. A huge thank you to Parent Council for making this presentation possible and to the volunteers who were so generous with their time and energy. We then worked to solidify our learning but taking part in one of the student's favourite activit...

February 3rd to February 7th

In English Language Arts, the students have been engaged in experimenting with words and figurative language as they write a variety of poems. First, we looked at similes and the students wrote poems about themselves. The students showed wonderful creativity in representing themselves with ideas such as: I am as artistic as Vincent Van Gogh, l etting my brush glide across the page. My legs are as long as the tallest tree trunk, still growing to this day. I am as emotional as stormy clouds, crying when someone is mad at me. My imagination is like a tornado, always spinning ideas. Do you recognize your child in any of the similes? Next, we learned about metaphors and wrote poems about our families, capturing the qualities of the people and animals we love. The students had a great time thinking about how they could best represent everyone with a variety of unique ideas such as: My family is a strong tree, w ith roots binding us together. My mom is a wooden spoon, m ixing all kinds o...

Mrs. Pols' Fantastic Fours

Search This Blog