Reading; Our major focus has been a novel study of the book called "Shiloh". It's a classic story of a boy and his rescued dog. Ask your child about it! The children completed many reading comprehension/language activities related to the story. Please continue to read at home with your child for at least 15 minutes, 4 to 5 times per week. Research proves that reading at home improves fluency (smoothness, speed and accuracy) and comprehension (understanding).
Writing: Writing activities have been integrated in to our novel study. We have also written for other purposes, such as journal entries, letters, etc.
Math: The kids have explored the multiplication algorithm. You probably remember it as multi-digit multiplication with 2 or 3 numbers on top and 1 or 2 numbers on the bottom (depending on grade level). Lots of the children can demonstrate an understanding of the concept but struggle with basic facts. When this happens, kids lose the drift of the process and can end up in quite a mess. PLEASE study times tables at home. Memorize them using card games or flashcards. We have also continued to work on place value. Recently we began a unit on fractions.
Science: We learned about the constellations and the earth's rotation around the sun. Our science was "hands on" as the kids built some paper models. The highlight of the unit was a live podcast of Canadian astronaut, Chris Hadfield. We have just begun studying body systems. Part of our study will be on the reproductive system, which includes a focus on puberty. The kids are excited and nervous at the same time to dive into this topic.
Social Studies: Canada was a major focus for this term. We completed a large mapping unit identifying provinces, territories and capital cities. Some other geographic features were noted on our maps. Another focus was our fundraiser for Nicaragua. 3 north shore schools raised over $1700.00 for food hampers. These hampers were provided to families trying to make a living at a dump site in El Limonal. Our funds may also extend to building a house for 1 family at the site.
French: This course is taught by Ms. Brkovich.
HACE: In health and career education, we have talked about learning differences such as individual learning styles, autism and ADHD. This unit is not complete as we have some more projects planned for Autism Week.
Fine Arts: We have completed a couple of visual arts projects and continue to take part in the intermediate choir.
PE: Ask your child about "Barricade Ball". It's our latest and favourite game. Each period, every child must change into gym strip for the simple reason that they are hitting puberty. They run a minimum of 5 laps. We also focused on basketball skills. I continue to stress proper sportsmanship.
If you have any questions or comments about your child's report card, please feel free to email me at firstname.lastname@example.org. You are also welcome to call the school and arrange a meeting. Our next early closure day (for P/T meetings) is Apr.7th.
Spring break is Mar. 20 - Apr. 5. Have a great one!
Cheers. Sheila Stokes