New Blog

This blog will no longer be in use. 

Our new Vista Heights Grade 3/4 blog can be accessed by clicking this link -vistaheights3-4.blogspot.ca. 

Thank you!

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Today's Learning Tasks:
- Math - Grade 3 (Division continued..), Grade 4 (Comparing & Ordering Fractions)
- Gym: Floor Hockey: passing skills & "Pirates"
- Science - Waste in Our School presentation rehearsals + group presentations. All group completed their Waste in Our School project, with some very interested presentations :)
- "Bouquet & a Beef" - students shared positive and negative experiences at school in an open, non-judgemental setting.

Ask your child:
- How did their Waste in Our School presentation go today? Were they satisfied with their efforts?
- to show you their IXL.COM account, which they can now use from home to practice Math skills.

Homework:
- nightly reading & spelling practice (quiz on Friday)
- Math activity sheet due Monday, for those who did not finish during class time.
- IXL.COM - ALL students brought home letters to parents, introducing IXL (which we will be using for a 30-day trial). Students can continue ADDITION modules for their grade level, to practice their mental math skills. 

Reminders:
- it is very beneficial for each child to have and use their own earbuds - the cheapest ones can be bought for $1.00 at a loonie store
- Field trip to Jack Singer concert Hall -  this Thursday April 10th morning.  Outstanding forms must be returned tomorrow morning!
- 'Hat Day' - April 16th
- School Logo Design entries *good copies due May 1st* ONLY PUBLISHED COPIES ACCEPTED
- Healthy Hunger - Subway Lunch  

     -last day to order April 17^th

     -lunch is on April 25^th

     www.healthyhunger.ca

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Today's Learning Tasks:
- Gym: (with Room 3) - Floor Hockey: passing skills
- Science - final preparations for Waste in Our School presentations
- Music - recorders (preparation for Jack Singer Orchestra trip)
- Math - fractions (Grade 4), division (Grade 3)
- Science outdoors - we picked up litter around the schoolyard and gathered to write personal reflections
- Math - Introduction to IXL.COM - we will be using this both in class and as a homework resource to supplement learning in the classroom.

Ask your child:
- how they plan on demonstrating optimism this week

Homework:
- nightly reading & spelling practice (quiz on Friday)
- Science - edit and practice scripts for Waste in Our School presentations.
- IXL.COM - ALL students brought home letters to parents, introducing IXL (which we will be using for a 30-day trial). Please read them with your child. Students are to complete the ADDITION modules (C.1, C.2, C.3) for their grade level, to practice their mental math skills. 

Reminders:
- it is very beneficial for each child to have and use their own earbuds - the cheapest ones can be bought for $1.00 at a loonie store
- Field trip to Jack Singer concert Hall -  this Thursday April 10th morning.  Please return field trip forms ASAP
- 'Hat Day' - April 16th
- School Logo Design entries *good copies due May 1st* ONLY PUBLISHED COPIES ACCEPTED
- Healthy Hunger - Subway Lunch  

     -last day to order April 17^th

     -lunch is on April 25^th

     www.healthyhunger.ca

Monday April 7, 2014

Today's Learning Tasks:
- Gym: (with Room 3) - Floor Hockey: drills and skrimmage
- Class meeting - outline of this week's activities
- Spelling: new word list
- S.S. - green screen editing, sharing of 'family tree stories'
- L.A. - Intro to 'good story beginnings' (examples from published books)
- Movement Break: 'Wake n Shake'
- L.A./S.S. - Creative Writing - composing exciting story beginnings "A Good First Impression"  front part of sheet due tomorrow

Ask your child:
- how they plan on demonstrating optimism this week
- if their armpits are sweaty or smelly after gym - it might be time for DEODORANT!?
Homework:
- nightly reading, math facts & spelling practice (quiz on Friday)

Reminders:
- 'Creating a Good First Impression' - due tomorrow
- it is very beneficial for each child to have and use their own earbuds - the cheapest ones can be bought for $1.00 at a loonie store
- Field trip to Jack Singer concert Hall -  this Thursday April 10th morning.  Please return field trip forms ASAP
- 'Hat Day' - April 16th
- School Logo Design entries *good copies due May 1st* ONLY PUBLISHED COPIES ACCEPTED
- Healthy Hunger - Subway Lunch  

     -last day to order April 17^th

     -lunch is on April 25^th

     www.healthyhunger.ca

Thursday April 3, 2014

Today's Learning Tasks:
- gym: floor hockey with Room 3 (skill review, drill and scrimmage)
- L.A./S.S. - small groups for Alberta Regions green screen edits + 'family tree' intro and demonstration
- Class meeting - up-coming special events: Quest Theatre presentation tomorrow + the Jack Singer for a music presentation next Thursday
(afternoon with a substitute)
-
- L.A.: guided reading groups


Ask your child:
- how (s)he was a good role model this afternoon and was helpful to the substitute
- how (s)he has demonstrated this month's virtue 'optimism' this week
- to have a discussion about your nationality, your grandparents, and family heritage (this is preparation for our own family trees, next week)

Homework:
- nightly reading, math facts and spelling practice (*quiz tomorrow*)
- 'Family Tree' - due Monday

Reminders:
- it is very beneficial for each child to have and use their own earbuds - the cheapest ones can be bought for $1.00 at a loonie store
- 'Hat Day' - April 16th
- School Logo Design entries *good copies due May 1st* ONLY PUBLISHED COPIES ACCEPTED
- Bottle Drive - this Sat 9-5pm
- Healthy Hunger - Subway Lunch

-first day to order April 3^rd   

-last day to order April 17^th

-lunch is on April 25^th

www.healthyhunger.ca

Friday April 4, 2014

Today's Learning Tasks:
- Special Guest presentation: QUEST Theatre "500 Words"
- Spelling quiz
- S.S.: discovery of Alberta attraction: 'Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump'
- Student of the Week Sharing
- French: les vetements crossword and word search
- music
- iPod reward time
- weekly DOJO review & new student of the week

Ask your child:
- how the enjoyed the Quest Theatre performance this morning
- how they think they did on their spelling quiz today
- how to spell "tarantula" and 'knight' (words from this morning's performance)
- to continue discussion about your nationality, your grandparents, and family heritage *family tree and family story planning due Monday*

Homework:
- nightly reading, math facts
- French clothing word search *due Monday
- 'Family Tree' - due Monday

Reminders:
- it is very beneficial for each child to have and use their own earbuds - the cheapest ones can be bought for $1.00 at a loonie store
- 'Hat Day' - April 16th
- School Logo Design entries *good copies due May 1st* ONLY PUBLISHED COPIES ACCEPTED
- Bottle Drive - this Sat 9-5pm
- Healthy Hunger - Subway Lunch

-first day to order April 3^rd   

-last day to order April 17^th

-lunch is on April 25^th

www.healthyhunger.ca

Wednesday April 2, 2014

Today's Learning Tasks:
- gym: floor hockey with Room 3
- Math - (Gr. 3: sets/division), Gr. 4 (fractions)
- Science: "Waste in our School" script writing
- S.S. - introduction and discussion of 'family trees', video "Dion Family"
- RAZ Reading - individual and green screen Alberta Regions editing

Ask your child:
- about this month's virtue - 'optimism'
- to explain what a 'family tree' is - have a discussion about your nationality, your grandparents, and family heritage (this is preparation for our own family trees, next week)

Homework:
- nightly reading, math facts and spelling practice (*quiz on Friday this week*)


Reminders:
- it is very beneficial for each child to have and use their own earbuds - the cheapest ones can be bought for $1.00 at a loonie store
- 'Hat Day' - April 17th
- School Logo Design entries *good copies due May 1st* ONLY PUBLISHED COPIES ACCEPTED
- Bottle Drive - this Sat 9-5pm
- Healthy Hunger - Subway Lunch

-first day to order April 3^rd   

-last day to order April 17^th

-lunch is on April 25^th

www.healthyhunger.ca

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Today's learning tasks:
- Gym (floor hockey)
- Science (group planning for "waste in our school" oral presentation)
- Music
- Math (Grade 3: Introduction to Division, Grade 4: Introduction to Fractions)
- Science (TVO Kids waste video, fact-taking, and sharing)

Ask your child:
- *What is OPTIMISM? Is the glass half empty, or half full?
- Grade 4's: What is a Numerator? What is a Denominator?

Homework:
- nightly reading, math facts and spelling practice *quiz on Friday this week
- Math homework (activity sheets) - to be submitted tomorrow morning!
- finish Creative Writing Reflection "My Winter Break' (at least 2 pages in length)
- finish word search and drawings of French les vetements

Reminders:

Bottle Drive Fundraiser

On Saturday April 5^th, Vista Heights School Council will be holding a bottle drive.

Location: Vista Heights School – Parking Lot

Time: 9:00 am-12:00 pm

-Please volunteer your time to help us raise money for school events and activities.

-If you are unable to volunteer please bring your bottles to the school during this time.

-If you would like to donate your bottles, but are unable to transport them, call Joanna and we will arrange pick-up.

*This is a School Council Activity. Parents must attend with their children; the school staff is not responsible for this activity. An adult must be present to pick-up bottles from homes and/or present to give permission for their child to ride in another parent’s vehicle. Parents with trucks are especially needed!

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Phone: Joanna Quinn 403-291-1955

Email Allison Miller allisonmiller77@hotmail.com

 

Subway Lunch – Healthy Hunger

 

-first day to order April 3^rd   

-last day to order April 17^th

-lunch is on April 25^th

www.healthyhunger.ca

Monday March 31, 2014

Today's learning tasks:
- Creative Writing Reflection "My Spring Break" + sharing in pairs
- Spelling (new lists) *quiz on Friday*
- gym - hand ball
- S.S./L.A: Green Screen editing (learnign how to add transisitons and sound clips)
- S.S. - adding sound and transitions with partner
- S.S.: video viewing of 'First Nations' Communication', stories, myths and 'Writing on Stone Provincial Park'
- French: les vetements (clotbing) for l'hiver (winter) and l'ete (summer)

Ask your child:
- *tell your child about your family background - where were you born, where were your parents born?  what cultural traditions do you follow?  do you have any hostorical stories to share with your child?
- how to say these clothing words in French:  toque, mittens, jacket, boots, shorts, t-shirt

Homework:
- nightly reading, math facts and spelling practice *quiz on Friday this week
- finish Creative Writing Reflection "My Winter Break' (at least 2 pages in length)
- finish word search and drawings of French les vetements

Reminders:

Bottle Drive Fundraiser

On Saturday April 5^th, Vista Heights School Council will be holding a bottle drive.

Location: Vista Heights School – Parking Lot

Time: 9:00 am-12:00 pm

-Please volunteer your time to help us raise money for school events and activities.

-If you are unable to volunteer please bring your bottles to the school during this time.

-If you would like to donate your bottles, but are unable to transport them, call Joanna and we will arrange pick-up.

*This is a School Council Activity. Parents must attend with their children; the school staff is not responsible for this activity. An adult must be present to pick-up bottles from homes and/or present to give permission for their child to ride in another parent’s vehicle. Parents with trucks are especially needed!

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Phone: Joanna Quinn 403-291-1955

Email Allison Miller allisonmiller77@hotmail.com

 

 

Thursday March 20, 2014

Today's learning tasks:
- gym: gymnastics stations with the other Gr. 3/4 class
- S.S./L.A. - completion of green screen videoing
- Music: assembly video performance + self assessment
- Drama: seasonal skit rehearsals
- Spelling quiz
- Drama: prop preparation & seasonal spring skit performances
- Class meeting: announcement

Ask your child:
- how they think they did on their spelling quiz today
- what book they will enjoy over the break
- how they earned DOJO points this week
- how they enjoyed performing in our seasonal skits this afternoon

Homework:
- nightly reading and math facts practice

Reminders:
- we have a few students and their families that still need to book a conference time to discuss their child's progress.  The online booking system is closed, so please call the office to book a convenient appointment timefor tonight or Friday morning.
- no school tomorrow for conferences, then Spring break.  Classes resume Monday MArch 31st
- ENJOY the break with your family!

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Today's Learning Tasks:

Art - We finished our spring season wall-art. Room 4 students were incredibly creative with their designs!

Gym - Movements in gymnastics were reinforced when groups were challenged with various obstacle courses and apparatus.

Science - We completed the final edits on our waste presentations. Our next steps will involve group presentations to demonstrate what they have learned, and we will be created recycling awareness posters to go up around the school.

Alberta Ballet ("Giselle") - Our Grade 4's attended a professional ballet performance at the Jubliee this afternoon. It was an amazing experience. Learn more about the performance by clicking this link.

Ask your child:
- Grade 4's: What was the story of Giselle? What did they enjoy most about the performance?
- What did the add to their "wish list" at the Book Fair today?

Homework:
- nightly reading, math facts and spelling practice (quiz on Thursday this week)

Reminders:
- bring in props for the spring skit performance
- please book online parent/teacher conferences for Thurs eve or Friday morning if you have not already :)

On Saturday April 5^th, Vista Heights School Council will be holding a bottle drive.

Location: Vista Heights School – Parking Lot

Time: 9:00 am-12:00 pm

-Please volunteer your time to help raise money for school events and activities. 

-If you are unable to volunteer please bring your bottles to the school during this time. 

-If you would like to donate your bottles, but are unable to transport them, we will give you a number to call

*This is a School Council Activity. Parents must attend with their children; the school staff is not responsible for this activity.

An adult must be present to pick-up bottles from homes and/or present to give permission for their child to ride in another parent’s vehicle. Parents with trucks are especially needed!

Please save your bottles and cans for April 5th!

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Today's Learning Tasks:

Science - We continued working within google drive on our waste presentations. Tomorrow will be the final day for groups to complete this task. Our next steps will involve group presentations to demonstrate what they have learned, and we will be created recycling awareness posters to go up around the school.

Music - preparations/rehearsal for the spring assembly.

Spring Assembly - Our grade 3's and 4's hosted an amazingly spring assembly today! We shared musical performances, exercise routines, dramatic skits about plant life cycles, spring raps with green screen effects, and findings from our school-wide waste sort. Great job from all who were involved! Thanks to parents and family members who came out to watch.

Art - We finished our day working on our spring wall art, which we hope to display in the school very soon.

Ask your child:
- How did the spring assembly go today? Were they proud to share with the entire school?
- about a family home plan to reduce, reuse and recycle waste
- What "bouquet" did they share with the class?

Homework:
- nightly reading, math facts and spelling practice (quiz on Thursday this week)

Reminders:
- Book fair tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. Please bring money if you wish to purchase a book.
- Trip to the Alberta Ballet tomorrow (Grade 4's will be leaving the school at 12:45pm and returning at 2:45pm)
- book online parent/teacher conferences for Thurs eve or Friday morning

On Saturday April 5^th, Vista Heights School Council will be holding a bottle drive.

Location: Vista Heights School – Parking Lot

Time: 9:00 am-12:00 pm

-Please volunteer your time to help raise money for school events and activities. 

-If you are unable to volunteer please bring your bottles to the school during this time. 

-If you would like to donate your bottles, but are unable to transport them, we will give you a number to call

*This is a School Council Activity. Parents must attend with their children; the school staff is not responsible for this activity.

An adult must be present to pick-up bottles from homes and/or present to give permission for their child to ride in another parent’s vehicle. Parents with trucks are especially needed!

Please save your bottles and cans for April 5th!

Monday, March 17, 2014

Happy St. Paddy's day!

Today's Learning Tasks:
- Spelling - new word lists
- Assembly practice: Science (plant life), creative movement
- gym: gymnastics routines at various stations
- Art: flower creations (assembly preparation)
- S.S. - green screen iMovie recordings
- L.A. - picture prompt story writing
- Science: waste in our world video & discussion

Ask your child:
- about a family home plan to reduce, reuse and recycle waste
- about their green screen character

Homework:
- nightly reading, math facts and spelling practice (quiz on Thursday this week)

Reminders:
- assembly tomorrow afternoon - dress snappy, parents welcome, 1pm start
- Wednesday field trip to Ballet *please make sure forms and $2 are in*
- book online parent/teacher conferences for Thurs eve or Friday morning
- bring Spring skit props and costumes (performance Thursday afternoon (parents welcome, 1pm)

On Saturday April 5^th, Vista Heights School Council will be holding a bottle drive.

Location: Vista Heights School – Parking Lot

Time: 9:00 am-12:00 pm

-Please volunteer your time to help raise money for school events and activities. 

-If you are unable to volunteer please bring your bottles to the school during this time. 

-If you would like to donate your bottles, but are unable to transport them, we will give you a number to call

*This is a School Council Activity. Parents must attend with their children; the school staff is not responsible for this activity.

An adult must be present to pick-up bottles from homes and/or present to give permission for their child to ride in another parent’s vehicle. Parents with trucks are especially needed!

Please save your bottles and cans for April 5th!

Friday March 14, 2014

Today's Learning Tasks:
- Spelling quiz
- Drama - Seasonal Spring skit - rehearsal
- Science/Creative Movement - plant life cycle creative movement piece (for performance at next week's assembly)
- L.A./Drama - recording Spring RAPS
- S.S./Drama/L.A. - Alberta Regions green screen recording
- Gym - Alien In-line rollerblading *last day*  BOO
- Music - preparation for assembly perofrmance
- DOJO Review and next Student of the Week selection

Homework:
- nightly reading, math facts practice
- practice lines for spring skits

Ask your child:
- how many correct spellings they esarned on their spelling quiz today
- if they have brought all their props and costumes for screen recording
- about their DOJO earnings this week

Reminders:
- please book a Partent/Teacher Conference for this Thurs evening or Friday morning - book online  at: http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b239/
- Assembly next Tuesday 1:00pm (our class is hosting and performing)
- Seasonal Spring Skit- performance next Wed afternoon - parents invited!
- bring all props and costumes for Alberta Regions Green Screening
- bring all props and costumes for our Spring Skits (performance next Wed afternoon)

Thursday March 13, 2014

Today's Learning Tasks:
- Drama - Seasonal Spring skit - introduction, higlighting lines and run-thru
- L.A. - practitcing Spring RAPS
- Music - preparation for assembly perofrmance
- S.S./L.A./Drama - practicing Alberta Regions green screen scripts
- Creative Movement - introduction to plant life cycle creative movement piece (for performance at next week's assembly)
- Gym - Alien In-line rollerblading

Homework:
- nightly reading, math facts and spelling practice (quiz tomorrow)
- practice lines for green screening and spring skits

Ask your child:
- how they are enjoying the Alien In-line Rollerblading
- how they plan to ACE their spelling quiz tomorrow
- what kinds of props and costumes they need to bring for their skit and green screen recording
- how they have improved their DOJO earnings this week

Reminders:
- Assembly next Tuesday 1:00pm (our class is hosting and performing)
- bring all props and costumes for Alberta Regions Green Screening (recording tomorrow)
- bring all props and costumes for our Spring Skits (performance next Wed afternoon)

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Today's learning tasks:

Flag Ceremony to honour the Canadian soldiers who served in Afghanistan. Today marked the end of our Canadian military presence in this region of the world.

Science - continued group work on Vista Heights Waste presentations.

Math - 
Question of the Day (have you child show you how to solve this at home!)

Grade 3: 
Write all the pairs of numbers you can think of that multiply to give 12.
(For an extra challenge, find all pairs of numbers that multiply to give 20).

Grade 4: 
Find two different ways to share 14 apples in equal groups so there are 2 apples left over.

Art - We began our "Spring is in the air" art project today, where students are expected to create their own wall-art using paper towel rolls. Students are encouraged to demonstrate their creativity while designing plant or floral based design.

Gym - Alien Inline Skating!

Ask your child:
- Is Mr. Dan a good skating instructor?
- What will their paper towel roll wall-art look like when it is finished?

Homework:
- math and language facts practice (check out the "learning links" in your google drive)
- spelling practice

Reminders:

- bring props and costumes for 'Signs of Spring Rap'

- bring props and costumes for Alberta Regions green screen iMovie

- Grade 4's: please sign and return the parent/guardian consent form (and $2 trip fee) for the Alberta Ballet's Discover Dance Program. Student will be attending this event at the Jubilee Auditorium next Wednesday, March 19th in the afternoon. DUE DATE: Friday, Mar. 14

- Scholastic Book Fair March 18^th - 21^st

The Learning Commons will be transformed into a book store for 4 days.

It will be open every morning from 9:30 am -12:00 pm, and on Thursday, March 21^st during conferences from 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm.

 - Two volunteers needed for 20 minutes each day.  One volunteer to assist with set-up at 9:15 am, and another volunteer to put away the books at 12:00 pm.  If you can help, please email me atktreimer@cbe.ab.ca or phone Vista Heights School (403)777-6000.

- up-coming Gr, 3/4 Spring Assembly *Tues March 18, 1pm*

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Today's learning tasks:

Science - continued group work on Vista Heights Waste presentations.

Math - 
Challenge of the Day:
Grade 3's & Grade 4's created their own math story problems for multiplication and division. They were able to share these problems with other students, who were responsible for solving with learned strategies.

Music

Mission Afghanistan - student awareness lesson. As we prepare for the upcoming flag ceremony to honour the efforts of the brave Canadian men and women who have served our country in Afghanistan over the past 12 years, we are sharing information about this conflict and it's meaning. Here is a link to the documentary we will be watching as a group - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMyiTRMDp_c

We were able to share and discuss cultural backgrounds as a group. We explored the diversity that exists in Canadian society and our need to value and protect personal freedoms in other areas of the world.

Student of the Week - reading selection from our student of the week.

Gym - Alien Inline Skating!

 Ask your child:
- Why is Canada a democracy?
- What is the big "Question" for their waste presentation project?

Homework:
- math and language facts practice (check out the "learning links" in your google drive)
- NEW spelling words posted.

Reminders:
- Grade 4's: please sign and return the parent/guardian consent form (and $2 trip fee) for the Alberta Ballet's Discover Dance Program. Student will be attending this event at the Jubilee Auditorium next Wednesday, March 19th in the afternoon. DUE DATE: Friday, Mar. 15

- Scholastic Book Fair March 18^th - 21^st

The Learning Commons will be transformed into a book store for 4 days.

It will be open every morning from 9:30 am -12:00 pm, and on Thursday, March 21^st during conferences from 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm.

 - Two volunteers needed for 20 minutes each day.  One volunteer to assist with set-up at 9:15 am, and another volunteer to put away the books at 12:00 pm.  If you can help, please email me atktreimer@cbe.ab.ca or phone Vista Heights School (403)777-6000.

- up-coming Gr, 3/4 Spring Assembly *Tues March 18, 1pm*

Monday, March 10, 2014

Today's learning tasks:

Spelling - quiz review

Social Studies/Drama - group work with other Gr. 3/4 class, continuation of writing and practicing green screen scripts for recording next week

Math - 
Question of the Day:

Grade 3: Valeria multiplied 5 by a number less than 4. The ones digit of her answer was 0. What number did she multiply 5 by? And, what was her answer?

Grade 4: Find the mystery numbers:
a) I am a multiple of 4. I am greater than 25 and less than 31.
b) I am divisible by 3. I am between 20 and 26. I am an even number.

We also continued work with the Grade 4's on division with remainders, and topics in multiplication with the Grade 3's.

Science - continued group work on Vista Heights Waste presentations.

Mission Afghanistan - student awareness lesson. As we prepare for the upcoming flag ceremony to honour the efforts of the brave Canadian men and women who have served our country in Afghanistan over the past 12 years, we are sharing information about this conflict and it's meaning. Here is a link to the documentary we will be watching as a group - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMyiTRMDp_c

Gym - Alien Inline Skating!

Ask your child:
- What was their favourite part about inline skating today?
- How are the Canadian soldiers serving in Afghanistan portrayed in the documentary we began to watch?

Homework:
- NEW spelling words posted. Practice for quiz on Friday.
- gather props and costume pieces to bring to school for green screen recording next week.



Reminders:
- Grade 4's: please sign and return the parent/guardian consent form (and $2 trip fee) for the Alberta Ballet's Discover Dance Program. Student will be attending this event at the Jubilee Auditorium next Wednesday, March 19th in the afternoon. DUE DATE: Friday, Mar. 15
- up-coming Gr, 3/4 Spring Assembly *Tues March 18, 1pm*
- bring props and costumes for 'Signs of Spring Rap'
- bring props and costumes for Alberta Regions green screen iMovie

Thursday March 6, 2014

Today's learning tasks:

Student of the Week sharing:
- reading picture book to class

Gym - Movement Exploration: body shape, directions, levels

Music - preparing for our March 18th assembly

French - handing back & quiz corrections in 'colour'

Social Studies/Drama:
- group work with other Gr. 3/4 class, continuation of writing and practicing green screen scripts for recording next week

Ask your child:
- How they plan to ace their spelling quiz tomorrow
- about our Signs of Spring Rap "Look, touch, listen....."
- how they improved their group work habits today
- how they are modeling the virtue of honesty this month

Homework:
- gather props and costume pieces to bring to school for green screen recording next week
- nightly reading, math facts and spelling practice (quiz TOMORROW)
- Spring RAP  (in yellow Creative Journal) - compose 2 line rhyme on their assigned spring insect/animal/plant, etc *due TOMORROW

Reminders:
- Alien In-line roller-blading notice and payment due TOMORROW! we start Monday!
- up-coming Gr, 3/4 Spring Assembly *Tues March 18, 1pm*

- bring props and costumes for 'Signs of Spring Rap'
- bring props and costumes for Alberta Regions green screen iMovie

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Today's learning tasks:

Gym - We shared our gymnastic practice routines & worked on audience manners.

Math - Grade 3's worked on multiplication by skip counting and doubling. Grade 4's worked on division connections to multiplication and introduction to remainders.
- Exit Tickets (multiplication & division assessment)

Body Break - Just Dance Mario style :)

Science - Students continued work on their school waste presentation using Google Presentation. They shared their presentation document with all group members and are becoming more experienced with Google Drive.
- We had a group reading period where students read "Where does garbage go?". Each group analyzed a section of the book and uncovered the main idea and found supporting facts.

Ask your child:
- What does it mean to have good "audience manners"?
- How can they work more effectively in group situations?

Homework:
- new "learning links" are available in your GOOGLE DRIVE!
- nightly reading, math facts and spelling practice (quiz on Friday this week)

Reminders:
- Alien In-line roller-blading notice and payment due ASAP!

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Today's learning tasks:
Music
Student recognition - mould hero / villain projects
Gym - Gymnastics unit. Exploring movements for routines.
Science - Room 3 & 4 students began work on their school waste presentation using Google presentation. This project will be ongoing over the next two weeks.
Math - Grade 3's continued working on multiplication making connections with addition and skip counting. Grade 4's continued work with division.
School newsletter sharing.
Bouquet & a Beef.

Ask your child:
- What improvements could they have made to their mould hero or villain?
- What movement/skill did they learn in gym?
- What is a "bouquet" and a "beef"?

Homework:
- new "learning links" are available in your GOOGLE DRIVE!
- nightly reading, math facts and spelling practice (quiz on Friday this week)

Reminders:
- dress warmly, this is going to be another chilly week!
- Alien In-line roller-blading notice and payment due
- Check out our March Newsletter - http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b239/publications/newsletters/2013-2014/Mar.pdf

Monday March 3, 2014

Today's learning tasks:
French - Oh Canada quiz corrections, spelling (new list), gym (movement), S.S./L.A. - writing scripts for Alberta Regions green screen iMovie, L.A. - rhyming words game (prep for Signs of Spring Rap), Signs of Spring powerpoint presentation and group discussion, 'Wake n Shake' body break, Fort Calgary Field Trip reflections, Art - continuation of textures and gesture drawings

Ask your child:
- about their new spelling words for this week
- to see their Oh Canada corrections
- to play the rhyming game with you
- how (s)he did on last week's spelling quiz

Homework:
- nightly reading, math facts and spelling practice (quiz on Friday this week)

Reminders:
- dress warmly, this is going to be another chilly week!
- Alien In-line roller-blading notice and payment due
- oldest child received a blue March Newsletter

Thurs Feb 27, 2014

Today's learning tasks:
- 'Student of the Week' sharing
- movement exploration in gym - what ways can we travel?
- music
- S.S. - sharing postcard writing and artwork
- Art - H20 postcards completion - adding layers, textures and matching tones to the original

Ask your child about:
- what ways can we travel?
- what mark they expect to receive on their spelling quiz tomorrow
- what they are most proud of on their Alberta Region postcard: artwork or sensory sentences?

Homework: 
- nightly reading, math facts and spelling practice (quiz tomorrow!)

Reminders:
- field trip to Fort Calgary tomorrow.  bring lunch in backpack + dress for cold weather

Friday February 28, 2014

Today's Learning Tasks:
Whole day field trip to FORT CALGARY
morning program: "Citizenship" and artifact discovery
afternoon program: "Sketching techniques"
DOJO Review and new 'Student of the Week' selection

Ask your child:
- what they expect to receive on their spelling quiz today
- what the 3 artist questions are
- what are the factors of 'quality of life'
- about the different kinds of pencils
- steps to sketch landscapes
- texturizing techniques

Homework: 
nightly reading and math facts

Reminders:
stay warm in this frigid weather

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Today's Learning Tasks:

Science - final work on our mould hero/villain projects. We will be having a gallery walk tomorrow to share our creations. We also used Google forms to input all our data from the recent school-wide waste sort and began to set goals for our group presentations.
Math - patterns and personal strategies when multiplying with 9's.
Grade 3's - multiplication with arrays. Grade 4's - division connections to multiplication & addition.
Gym - gymnastics - movement skills with an animal twist.

Ask your child:

- How were they able to manage their data from our school-wide waste sort?
- What trick will they use when multiplying by 9's?
- What can they do to improve their focus in the classroom?

Homework:

- Math practice - check out the math links in student's D2L
- nightly reading, math facts and spelling practice (quiz on Friday)

Reminders:

- sign and return field trip forms asap - Fort Calgary field trip all day THIS FRIDAY! We need one more volunteer, please!

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Today's Learning Tasks:
- Music (recorders + bonus session), Math (multiplication & division centres), Gym (gymnastics - non locomotor movements/balancing), Science (compost bin final observations + explanations, mould hero/villain project work)

Ask your child:
- How well could they balance their body during gym today? Could Mr. V. do the "tripod" stance?
- Have they created a mould hero or villain in science? Why?

Homework:
- Math practice - check out the math links in student's D2L
- nightly reading, math facts and spelling practice (quiz on Friday)

Reminders:
- last Green Screen Club on Wednesday lunch hour *any students invited to learn (bring lunch)*
- sign and return field trip forms asap - Fort Calgary field trip all day THIS FRIDAY! We need one more volunteer, please!

Monday February 24, 2014

Today's Learning Tasks:
- spelling, Bounce poster finish up, gym - gymnastics intro, L.A./S.S. - Green Screening introduction and group discussion, Art - H20 colour postcard completion (adding texture &  depth), L.A. - composing detailed sentences (application of  'once', 'since', 'when' and 'if')

Ask your child:
- about our new gymnastics unit in phys-ed
- which spelling strategy they plan on using to learn their weekly spelling words

Homework:
- nightly reading, math facts and spelling practice (quiz on Friday)

Reminders:
- last Green Screen Club on Wednesday lunch hour *any students invited to learn (bring lunch)*
- sign and return field trip forms asap - Fort Calgary field trip all day THIS FRIDAY! We need one more volunteer, please!

Friday February 21, 2014

Today's learning tasks:
- Art/S.S. - adding addresses to our postcards, Health - etiquette lesson for 'Fancy Friday', gym - Olympic relay races,  S.S. (current events) - watching men's Olympic hockey game, L.A. - with Room 3, Body break - 'Wake and Shake', S.S./Art: adding H20 to our water colour postcards, DOJO review and next 'Student of the Week' selection

Ask your child:
- about 'Fancy Friday'
- what their score was on the spelling quiz today


Homework:
- nightly reading and math facts practice


Reminders: 
- CANADA PLAYS HOCKEY ON SUNDAY MORNING - GO CANADA GO!!!!
- HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Wednesday February 19, 2014

Today's learning tasks:
- science and math with Mr. Vanderlinden, S.S. - Alberta region postcards

Ask your child:
- how they are modeling initiative this week



Homework:
- nightly reading, spelling and math facts practice (spelling quiz on Friday)

Reminders: 
*Fancy Friday THIS Friday - pls DO NOT purchase 'fancy clothing'; any simple prop or appropriate accessory will work (hat, glove, tie, scarf)

Thursday February 20, 2014

Today's learning tasks:
Gym - Olympic fun with Room 3, Current Events - watching Olympic hockey, music, more cheering for the Canadian Olympic hockey team, S.S./Art - water colour renditions of Alberta Regions, good copy of sensory sentences

Ask your child:
- who won gold in Olympic women's hockey
- how crazy the frog is
- how much it costs to send a postcard within Canada
- what they will wear and how they will act for 'Fancy Friday' tomorrow



Homework:
- nightly reading, spelling and math facts practice (spelling quiz TOMORROW, same words as last week)

Reminders: 
*Fancy Friday TOMORROW - pls DO NOT purchase 'fancy clothing'; any simple prop or appropriate accessory will work (hat, glove, tie, scarf)

Tuesday February 18, 2014

Today's learning tasks:
- Math: student learning assessment - grade 3's (subtraction), grade 4's (multiplication)
- Gym: "ant tag" + "wall ball"
- Music
- Science: compost bin observations, mould exploration, and started our "mould hero / villain" project

Ask your child:
- mould is a decomposer. what does mould need to attack food items?
- how did Mr. V hold up in wall ball today?



Homework:
- check D2L to become familiar with the "Mould Hero / Villain" Rubric
- nightly reading, spelling and math facts practice (spelling quiz on Friday, same words as last week)

Reminders: 
*Fancy Friday THIS Friday - pls DO NOT purchase 'fancy clothing'; any simple prop or appropriate accessory will work (hat, glove, tie, scarf)
- Green Screen Club tomorrow - lunch

Wed February 12, 2014

Happy Valentine's Day, on Friday!

Today's learning tasks:
- Math - number word problems
- skipping skills with long ropes & obstacle course
- sharing reading and buddy bucket filling
- Gr. 1 buddies "Filling Buckets", Valentine's Day picture books and video
- Dojo points review

Ask your child:
- how (s)he filled their Gr. 1 buddy's bucket
- how they demonstrated initiative this week
- how they earned DOJO points this week

Homework:
- nightly reading and math facts practice

Reminders:
- no school tomorrow, Friday (Teachers' Convention) or Monday (Family Day)
- See you Tuesday!  Enjoy the extra long weekend!

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Today's learning tasks:
- math - (Grade 3's: subtraction & mental math, Grade 4's: multiplication with larger numbers)
- gym - skipping with long ropes
- music
- science - school wide garbage/recycling sort

Ask  your child:
- what were their initial observations about our school's waste after the "trash" sorting activity? (how can we do better?)
- how can they take more initiative during group projects and activities?

Homework:
- D2L assignment - "12 Steps to Being a Good Caretaker of Earth" - due on WEDNESDAY (submit via Dropbox)!
- spelling practice - NEW words now posted
- nightly reading, math facts practice (SEE NEW LINKS TO EDUCATIONAL WEBSITES THROUGH YOUR D2L PAGE!)

Reminders/Up-coming Events:
- Teacher's Convention next Thursday and Friday (no school for students)
- Family Day holiday the following Monday - no school
- Friday February 28 - Field Trip *we need one more volunteer, or we won't be able to go!

Monday, February 10, 2014

Today's learning tasks:
- class field trip - Kobie Boykins: Exlploring Mars
- science - compost bins observation period
- body break - Mario style :)
- language arts - Why do we write? Who do we write for? (creating an invitation for the reader)

Ask  your child:
- how they earned DOJO points this week
- what happened with their compost bins?

Homework:
- D2L assignment - "12 Steps to Being a Good Caretaker of Earth" - due on WEDNESDAY (submit via Dropbox)!
- spelling practice - NEW words now posted
- nightly reading, math facts practice (SEE NEW LINKS TO EDUCATIONAL WEBSITES THROUGH YOUR D2L PAGE!)

Reminders/Up-coming Events:
- Teacher's Convention next Thursday and Friday (no school for students)
- Family Day holiday the following Monday - no school
- Friday February 28 - Field Trip *we need one more volunteer, or we won't be able to go!

Friday February 7, 2014

Today's learning tasks:
spelling quiz, gym - skipping, S.S. - Green Screen introduction, sharing criteria lists for Alberta Region green screen projects, DOJO review + Student of the Week selection, music, Alberta Region postcard art + Crazy Frog

Ask  your child:
- how they earned DOJO points this week
- who Crazy Frog is
- how they did on their spelling quiz today

Homework:
- D2L assignment - "12 Steps to Being a Good Caretaker of Earth" - due on WEDNESDAY (submit via Dropbox)!
- nightly reading, math facts practice

Reminders/Up-coming Events:
- Field trip on this MONDAY February 10th, morning to the Epcor Centre to watch 'Exploring Mars'
 *we are desperate for one more volunteer!
- Teacher's Convention next Thursday and Friday (no school for students)
- Family Day holiday the following Monday - no school
- Friday February 28 - Field Trip *we need one more volunteer, or we won't be able to go!

Thursday February 6, 2014

Today's learning tasks:
EXTRA music - musical games, gym - skipping partner routines, music - xylophone fun, S.S. - transferring sensory sentences to final copy of postcards, Art -  Alberta landscapes on postcards, Guided Reading

Ask your child:
- how they have taken initiative this week
- to predict their spelling quiz mark for tomorrow
- which Alberta landscape they are assigned

Homework:
- S.S. (green duotang) - finish copying sensory sentences onto the postcard' DUE TOMORROW
- D2L assignment - "12 Steps to Being a Good Caretaker of Earth" - due on WEDNESDAY (submit via Dropbox)!
- nightly reading, math facts and spelling practice (quiz tomorrow)

Reminders:
- please return signed report card envelopes
- please return signed field trip forms
- upcoming field trip (Feb 10th morning) *We need ONE MORE parent volunteer or we CANNOT GO ( this parent MUST have CBE security clearance!
- additional field trip on February 28th morning *we are in need of ONE MORE parent volunteer or we CANNOT GO (this parent MUST have CBE security clearance!
Pls let us know if you are able to attend, ASAP.
- Teachers' Convention next week - no school for students on Thursday and Friday

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Today's learning tasks:
- math (Grade 3's - subtraction with 3-digit #'s, Grade 4's - multiplication with regrouping)
- gym (skipping routines with 4 skills)
- computers (D2L exploration & science assignment + introduction to Google drive)
- science (compost bin observations + intro to water conservation)
- waste & our environment reading & partner book exchange
- silent soccer

Ask your child:
- what important facts did they discover our water?
- approximately how many cups are filled with water in 30 minutes when a faucet is dripping?
- about this month's virtue "initiative"  What does it mean to show initiative?

Homework:
- math homework (if not completed in class) - due on TUESDAY!
- D2L assignment - "12 Steps to Being a Good Caretaker of Earth" - due on WEDNESDAY (submit via Dropbox)!
- nightly reading, math facts and spelling practice (quiz this FRIDAY)

Reminders:
- please return signed field trip consent forms (for the Feb. 10th trip) by Friday, February 7th!
- please return the signed report card envelope
- we still require parent volunteers for our class field trip on February 28th! If you're able to help us out that day, please contact us (or the school by phone - 403-777-6000 )

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Today's learning tasks:
- math (Grade 3's - subtraction, Grade 4's - multiplication)
- gym (expanded skipping routines)
- music
- science (composting / decomposition - Operation Compost experiment)
- Arnie's School Tools reading

Ask your child:
- what types of materials did they add to their compost bin for Operation Compost?
- about this month's virtue "initiative"  What does it mean to show initiative?
- what percent of waste in our Calgary landfills could be recycled/composted instead?

Homework:
- math homework (if not completed in class)
- nightly reading, math facts and spelling practice (quiz this FRIDAY)
- bring a list of your "Five Tools for Learning"for tomorrow - according to Arnie's school tools! (this is optional for students)

Reminders:
- please return the signed report card envelope
- we still require parent volunteers for our class field trip on February 28th! If you're able to help us out that day, please contact us (or the school by phone - 403-777-6000 )
- Digital Champions Club students are to bring their props / costumes for tomorrow (Wednesday)

Monday February 3, 2014

Today's learning tasks:
- spelling (new lists)
- gym (skipping routines and assessments)
- laptops: searching for Alberta region pictures
- Student Voice - voting for new school logo
- L.A. - postcard planning and drafts
- silent soccer

Ask your child:
- how they did on Friday's spelling quiz
- about this month's virtue "initiative"  What does it mean to show initiative?

Homework:
- nightly reading, math facts and spelling practice (quiz this FRIDAY)

Reminders:
- please return the signed report card envelope

Thursday January 30, 2014

Today's learning tasks:
Special guest presentation: Constable Dan (Calgary Police) S4 lesson on 'Superheroes', body break, music, iPad fun, RAZ Reading, spelling quiz, French quiz, DOJO review & Student of the week, L.A. - postcard drafts, report cards handed out

Ask your child:
- to share their report card with you
- about the superhero they created
- how they did on the spelling quiz
- how they earned DOJO points this week
- how they did on their French 'Oh Canada' Quiz

Homework:
- nightly reading and math facts practice

Reminders:
- no school tomorrow (PD Day for teachers)
- please sign and return report card envelopes