News for September 5

News for September 5

It was a busy first four days of school this week. The students were getting used to the rules and routines of Room 5, but there was a lot of time for fun too. "Lego Friday" was a big hit!

In writing, the students reviewed how to print their letters and how to write a proper sentence. We reviewed the writing process (plan, rough copy, edit/revise, publish) and the children began to write their first fiction story in grade three. Most students have finished planning their stories and are now working on writing the rough copy.

In reading, the students heard and discussed several books about books. They tried a reading activity called "Reader's Theatre". In this activity, the students read a script for a play chorally (altogether) and then read the play having students read the parts of different characters in the play. This time around the class read the script for the fairy tale, The Three Billy Goats Gruff.

In math, the class reviewed a classroom tool called the 100 chart. Each student created his/her own 100 chart, reviewing the numbers from 1-100. Using the chart as a game board, the children worked in pairs to play the addition game "Race to 100" and the subtraction game "Race to 1". We also used the 100 chart to review place value (ones, tens and hundreds) and chanted the reminder, "The VALUE of the digit, depends on the PLACE that you put it". 

In visual arts, the children learned the six elements of design: colour, value, line, texture, shape and form. These words, and the concepts behind them, are useful for when the students look at art and design as well as when they create their own art. 

The class learned  how to use a paintbrush properly as well as how to use dry tempera paint. Each student painted several pictures. Later in the week, the children gave their favourite painting a title and wrote three sentences on what the picture was about. These paintings and the written work are now on display in our classroom.

The children learned how to make big, chunky letters. The class worked together to make a display for the bulletin board outside our classroom, welcoming back the students in the whole school.

We also had a chance to learn some American Sign Language (ASL). The class learned the signs for yes, no, thank you, sorry and Canada. These are useful non-verbal ways to communicate. They are also beginning to learn the ASL signs as we sing "Oh, Canada" each morning.

Finally, the children started a chart to record the kinds of things they want to learn this year. They came up with some great ideas! From space to animals, robots to Canadian history, this group is interested in learning a great range of subjects.

Books read aloud this week:

The Incredible Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers

The Book That Eats People by John Perry

Do Not Open This Book! by Michaela Muntean

The Little Red Pen by Janet Stevens