Week of Sept. 28

From our Classroom

Literacy: Bossy R and Weekly Spelling Words

This week in literacy, students continued working with Bossy R, with a particular focus on the “ir” spelling pattern. We practised recognizing the pattern in words and applying our understanding when reading and writing. Students worked on reading “ir” words accurately, spelling them independently and using them in sentences.

Our new sight words can be found at the link below. These words will be the focus of our spelling test on Monday.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11ViB-9jaXvsEs-FBp_uaH5QcfjV8Lj_-/view?usp=sharing

Math: Estimation and Growing Patterns

This week in math, students strengthened their number sense by working through Esti-Mysteries. They examined visual clues, made reasonable estimates, adjusted their thinking as new information was revealed and explained the strategies they used.

We also continued our work with patterns as studies were introduced to growing pattens. A growing pattern changes by the same amount each time. For example:

2, 4, 6, 8…
The rule is: Start at 2 and add 2 each time.

Families can practise growing patterns for just a few minutes using everyday objects:

• Build towers: Make towers using 2, 4, 6 and then 8 blocks. Ask, “How many blocks are added each time?”
• Use snacks: Arrange 1 cracker, then 3 crackers, then 5 crackers. Ask your child to make the next group.
• Make movement patterns: Clap once, then three times, then five times. Ask, “How many claps should come next?”
• Collect household objects: Create groups of 3, 6, 9 and 12 buttons, coins, pasta pieces or small toys.
• Draw a pattern: Draw 1 leaf, then 2 leaves, then 3 leaves. Have your child draw the next two terms.

In class, students identified how patterns changed from one term to the next, extended the pattern and named the pattern rule using language such as “add 2 each time” or “increase by 3.” Students are learning that a growing pattern follows a predictable rule and that explaining the rule is an important part of demonstrating their mathematical thinking.

Be Good People: Honesty

This week, our school-wide Be Good People learning focused on honesty. We discussed what it means to tell the truth, take responsibility for our choices and communicate honestly while still being kind. Students considered how honesty helps others trust us and what we can do when we make a mistake.

Students also played our Daisy and Lily Friendship Game to review and practise skills we have learned so far, including kindness, friendship, good manners, making requests and asking for help. As always, please let me know if you would like a copy of this game for at home use. 

Science: Materials Around Us

In science, students began as nature detectives, using their Wonder Journals to observe, sketch, label, and describe natural materials found outdoors. They looked closely at properties such as colour, texture, shape, and size.

Students then became materials detectives by exploring the classroom and school to identify objects made from materials such as wood, metal, fabric, stone, plastic, glass, and rubber. We discussed how some materials come from nature, while others are made or changed by people.

                                           

Reminder: Materials Investigation & Upcoming Building Projects
Over the next several weeks, we will be exploring different types of materials and their properties as part of our Grade 2 Science learning. Students will investigate how materials can be compared, combined, fastened and selected for different purposes. Our learning will eventually lead to a special classroom building challenge near the end of October!

We would love your help collecting clean recycled materials for our investigations and building projects. Useful items include small cardboard boxes, cereal/cracker boxes, cardboard tubes, egg cartons, small clean plastic containers, lids, paper bags, scraps of cardboard, fabric or felt, yarn/string, craft sticks and other lightweight recyclable building materials.

Please do not send glass, sharp metal, food containers that have not been thoroughly cleaned, or very large boxes.

Materials can begin coming to school anytime. Thank you for helping us turn everyday materials into opportunities for scientific thinking, creativity and problem solving!

Social Studies: Why I Love Canada

In social studies, we explored the question, “What makes a place special?” Students discussed familiar Canadian landscapes, communities, people, activities, wildlife, and seasonal experiences. We learned that people may value the same place for different reasons and that our experiences help shape how we feel about where we live.

Students shared places that are special to them, considered where they would take Daisy and Lily to explore, and reflected in their Wonder Journals by completing a writing prompt. 

Information Items

Fun Lunch

The next Fun Lunch day will be on October 28.

Fun Lunch is only for grades 1-4 and our EES students. 

• Go to healthyhunger.ca
• Log into you existing account or create a new one.
• Add your child’s information in the “add child” box – name, province, city, school, grade and class.
• All Fun Lunches will then populate – select the order now button!

Please make sure to send a morning snack with your child on Fun Lunch Days.

Upcoming Dates

October 7                       Picture Day

October 12                     NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving

October 13 - 16              Yoga Residency for all grades

October 19                     NO SCHOOL - Non-Instructional Day

October 28                     Fun Lunch - Domino's

October 29                     MTS Celebrates Halloween