The homework for this week is to write a fiction story in the homework writing journal that has something to do with a birthday cake. It could be about a birthday party, a mystery at a bakery or creating the best birthday cake ever! Also there is a math worksheet reviewing math concepts covered so far this term. This homework is due when the students return back from the extended break.
PARENT NOTES:
It's a new term but the experts are saying that "social distancing" is as important as hand washing to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. It will be a challenge to keep your child engaged, but here are some tips to help.
Ten tips for keeping children busy over the break:
1. Keep a schedule - Try to keep to a schedule so that you can organize the day and the children know what to expect. We have a daily schedule posted in our classroom and the children are always aware of when/what is going to happen next. This gives children a sense of security and responsibility. Set times for three meals and morning/afternoon snacks. Set a household "quiet time" for an hour after lunch so that you can have a break too.
2. Computer/screen time - Computer time is great but too much of anything is not always a good thing. Set limits for computer time. Try using a timer to help enforce the amount of time. I use a timer at school several times a day and the children respect the use of the timer and appreciate reminders like, "5 minutes left" and "1 minute left" to help them smoothly transition to the next activity.
3. Suggested websites - Your child of course has her/his favourites, but some time practising math and language skills can be fun too. Here are some ideas:
https://www.youtube.com/user/StarfallEducation
https://thecanadianhomeschooler.com/10-math-review-websites/
https://storybird.com/
4. Dance - Children love to move and dance. Recently, in gym class Ms. Harnick had the children dancing and they loved it! Put on music and move freely with your child. Google new dance routines and learn along with your child.
Here is a fun dance video to remind you how to wash your hands:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3HjhevnwA0
5. Quiet games - Children love to play games! Bring out the playing cards and board games and play games together. If you are a little rusty on the rules, just google the traditional rules. The students in our class know a few pencil and paper games too, like "Snowman" and "Dots" and group participation games like "I Spy" and "20 Questions".
6. Learn a new skill - Learn to juggle, solve that Rubik's cube puzzle or perform a magic trick. Teach your child a skill you know like knitting, crocheting or sewing. There are lots of "how to" videos online. This is a great time to practise something new, for a short time each day, to develop a skill.
7. Tell a story aloud - Share a story with your child about when you were young or a time that you learned an important lesson.
8. Cook together - Children love to cook! Teach your child safe kitchen skills and make a traditional recipe or find a new recipe to try together. Children are very proud to eat and share what they make.
9. Write together - Write a story/book with your child. Write a letter to a family member or family friend. One activity our class likes is to write a cooperative story. Using a die to determine the number of words to write, take turns adding to a story. You could also have your child tell a story orally and you could write or type the story and have your child create pictures and make front and back covers to make a homemade book. These make great mementos for your family.
10. Creative time - Bring out the scrap paper, old boxes (like tissue boxes or food boxes like cracker boxes), tape, scissors, crayons and markers. In class, the children LOVE to draw and make stuff out of discarded items. Try making a bed for a stuffed animal or a building like a house or store.
***If you would like to share a photo of your child's work or activity over the break, please feel free to email me! I promise to email you back.
Important Dates:
March 16-20 - March Break
March 23 - April 5 - TDSB School Closure (COVID-19)
April 10 - Good Friday
April 13 - Easter Monday
May 18 - Victoria Day
June 5 - P. A. Day
June 25 - Last day of the 2019-2020 school year
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