St. Jude's Grade 3 Class

2012-02-29T09:46:00.000-08:00

We began our day with a math lesson in measurement. Students learned that mass is the amount of matter in something. We discussed the differences between the mass and weight of an object. Ask your child if they remember the difference between weight and mass. Boys and girls learned that we use scales and balances to find mass and that we measure mass in grams (g) and kilograms (kg). The boys and girls matched masses to objects, estimated the masses of objects, chose appropriate mass units for objects, and measured the masses of items in our classroom.
In spelling, students reviewed lists 22 and 23 in preparation for Friday's big spelling test.
We spent much of class time working on typing up and making final edits of fables. Some students worked on their reflections of the structures they have built.
In drama, the boys and girls had fun practising their plays. Keep working on memorising lines.
Grade 3s attended french and gym class today.

Reminders:

Tomorrow is Casual Day
Bring in books for the Library Book Drive

Summative Tasks

2012-02-28T09:43:00.000-08:00

The grade 3s are well into their final tasks for our inquiry unit on How we express ourselves. They are showing their creativity through writing and building. Some students are finishing off the building of their structures. Other students are writing the procedure they used for building. A third group of students are typing up their fables. The grade 3s had an excellent work ethic today for our inquiry unit. Well done grade 3s!
In math, the boys and girls wrote their measurement test. Tests are coming home for parents to sign and review with their children. Please return tests tomorrow. Some students are writing a retest. This will happen tomorrow.
Grade 3s spent time reviewing list 20 and 21 words for Friday's spelling test.
The boys and girls attended music, french and gym class today.

Reminders:

There is gym tomorrow - wear gym clothes
Keep practising drama roles (there is drama tomorrow)
Math retest tomorrow for those writing
Keep bringing in books for the Library Book Drive

2012-02-27T09:37:00.000-08:00

In math, grade 3s continued to use concepts they learned in measurement to solve problems. They completed page 126 and are now ready to write a math test tomorrow which will cover pages 107 to 126 in their JUMP workbooks.
In spelling students reviewed list 19 words. This Friday's spelling test will cover list 19 to list 23.

In drama, students auditioned for their roles today. The roles have been assigned as follows:
The Fisherman and His Wife
Narrator 1 - Laila
Narrator 2 - Nathan
Fisherman - Jaymes
Fisherman's Wife - Mahalia
Fish - Julia

The Bremen Town Musicians
Narrator 1 - Jewel
Narrator 2 - Klara
Donkey - Jessica
Dog - Victoria
Cat - Shannon
Rooster - Temi
Robber 1 - Abel
Robber 2 - Ghazi
Robber 3 - Omar

Students are bringing their scripts home today. Please keep the scripts in the agendas to ensure they are always at school on drama days. Narrators need to practise their lines, but it is not necessary to memorise lines. All other lines need to be memorised.

Grade 3s attended french class with Mme. Stella today. After french, we enjoyed listening to the story of Little Red Riding Hood and fables from Aesop's Fables. Students then read independently.
We ended the day with students working on their own fables. Students are at various points in this exercise. Some are on their rough copy, others on second copies, while others have begun typing their good copies.
Students are bringing home pizza order forms for the month of March for those who would like to order.

Reminders:

Keep bringing in books for the Library Book Drive
Scholastic orders are due on Wednesday
Casual Day is on Thursday
Gym is on Tuesday and Wednesday

The winners are ....

2012-02-24T09:44:00.000-08:00

Well done to Klara for achieving first place, Shannon for second place and Omar for third place in yesterday's grade 3 Oral Competition. Students who took part were awarded medals in this morning's convocation. We also learned that Kappa is way in the lead, followed by Theta and then Zeta in St. Jude's annual house competition.
Grade 3s began their day by working through this week's spelling test. Tests are coming home today for parents to sign.
Next up was math. Grade 3s worked on estimating and measuring the perimeters of figures. They found the perimeters of growing chains and predicted the perimeters of subsequents figures. They also added squares to figures so that the perimeter increased by a certain amount or stayed the same. The boys and girls will be writing a math test covering Measurement pages 107 to 126 on Tuesday, February 28. Page 126 will be completed in class on Monday. Math workbooks are coming home today for those students who would like to review their math over the weekend.
Grade 3s then worked on building their structures. Some students are done, while others have a long way to go still. Students who have not completed their building will need to use recess time next week to get done.
Grade 3s attended french class with Mme. Stella. After french we learned about the use of the comma in separating a list of words or phrases and in a direct address. Students added commas to sentences in these situations. The boys and girls then completed 20 minutes of independent reading. We read two more fables and also heard the story of The Boy Who Cried Wolf.
We ended off our day with art. Students completed their Starry Night projects. We reviewed the primary colours. Students painted a picture using only primary colours. They then discussed how the colour use in their paintings made them feel.

Reminders:

Keep bringing in books for the Library Book Drive
Scholastic orders are due Wednesday, February 29. Cheques only please.
Math test on Tuesday, February 28 covering p. 107-126
Sign and return spelling tests

Oral Competition

2012-02-23T09:37:00.000-08:00

We began our day with the Oral Competition. This was an exercise in sitting still and listening poetry and speech recitals. Some of the grade 3s did well, while others found this hard to do. Well done to Klara, Shannon and Omar for being so brave and reciting so well before a large audience. We should hear the results tomorrow.
Grade 3s finally got to move around during music with Mr. Moreno.
Back in class, the boys and girls worked on today's spelling exercise in proofreading and writing using this week's list words. Review list 23 for tomorrow's spelling test.
In writing, students reviewed and practised capitalising months of the year, days of the week, holidays and special days. Still in writing, some students continued working on the second draft of their fable.
The time of day that everyone had been looking forward to finally arrived. Creativity filled the room, as students set to work on building their structures. Some ran into trouble soon, but that is part of the process.
Grade 3s attended french class with Mme. Stella today.

2012-02-22T09:47:00.000-08:00

Grade 3s are getting confident in finding the perimeter of a figure! Today they first showed the lengths of each side of a given figure and then found the perimeter by writing an addition statement. Students used grid paper to create their own figures, and found the perimeters of their figures.
In spelling, the boys and girls used list words to complete sentences or substituted a given word with a list word that has the same meaning. Keep reviewing list 23 for Friday's spelling test.
The boys and girls enjoyed drama today. We split into two groups and read two plays; The Bremen Town Musicians and The Fisherman's Wife. We went through each play twice, and each time the boys and girls played a different role. Now that they understand the stories behind the plays, they are choosing three roles that they would like to audition for. Auditions will take place next drama class.
We read 3 fables from Aesop's Fables and probably the final version of the Three Little Pigs in a book called, A Wolf at the Door. Grade 3s worked to either complete the rough copy of their own fable or begin a second draft. They are also deciding on titles for their fables.
Students who have completed the second draft of their fables and have completed their structure design as well as brought in their building supplies, began the beginning stages of their structure building. The grade 3s will be writing a procedural piece, telling all the steps they took as the build their structures.

Reminders:

Bring in building supplies
Bring in books for our Library Book Drive
Oral Competition is tomorrow morning at 9 am

Pancake Tuesday

2012-02-21T09:44:00.000-08:00

We entered the school this morning to the delicious smell of pancakes cooking, and remembered that it was Pancake Tuesday! That meant a house competition to see which house would be the first to eat a whole tray of fresh pancakes. To get warmed up, students had races and sang for the school. Then the steaming pancakes arrived. The competition was on! Not a crumb was allowed to be left behind. All of a sudden the pancakes seemed to be a bigger mountain than we anticipated. Teachers helped their houses. In the end, Kappa emerged the victors, and the pancakes didn't smell so good anymore. Well done Kappa.
Back in grade 3, nobody remembered about snack time today. I wonder why?
Grade 3s focused on their work, finding perimeters of figures, this time in standard units like cm or m. They attended music class with Mr. Moreno and then tackled their spelling work for the day. They added endings to base words, read a short story containing this week's spelling list and copied the words into their agendas. Review list 23 for Friday's spelling test.
Next up was french and gym class with Mme. Stella and Mr. Browning.
We ended the day with grade 3s writing a draft copy of their own, original fable. They used ideas they had come up with last Thursday. We listened to more fables from Aesop's Fables and a story called Big Bad Wolf is Good.

Reminders

Bring in building supplies by tomorrow
Return trip form and Money by Friday
The Oral Presentation Competition is Thursday, at 9 am. Parents are welcome to attend

Perimeter

2012-02-16T10:46:00.000-08:00

Grade 3s learned that perimeter is the distance around an object or shape. They used non-standard units to measure the perimeter around squares, rectangles and triangles.
The boys and girls wrote their list 22 spelling test today. Tests are coming home for parents to sign.
We continued reading fables from Aesop's Fables. The boys and girls are getting really good at identifying the moral that the fables teach. We heard another version of the story of the three little pigs, called The 3 Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig! The boys and girls enjoyed this very different take on the original story.
In writing, the boys and girls used a story web to brainstorm ideas for their own fable. They will begin writing their first draft next week.
In art, we viewed van Gogh's Starry Night and worked on completing our own version of this famous painting.
The children are bringing home 3 important letters today.
The first letter is about the final project for our structures unit. Students will be building a structure of their choosing at school. They need to bring in supplies from home for their building.
The second letter is about field trips on March 8 & 9th.
The third letter is about a book drive to collect books for our school library.

Have a wonderful long weekend everyone, and a special Family Day!

Story Paragraph

2012-02-15T17:46:00.000-08:00

Grade 3s continued selecting the correct unit to use in measuring lengths and distances in math today.
In spelling, they wrote list words to match clues and proofread sentences containing this week's list words. Remember to review list 22 words as the test will be tomorrow.
Our class got together with Ms. Nelson's class for our Poetry Recital Competition. It was quite a gathering of students. The boys and girls did really well in their recitals and it was extremely difficult to select just 3 students to go on to the final competition. After much deliberation with Ms. nelson and Ms. T, congratulations go to Klara, Shannon and Omar for being selected to proceed to the finals. The final competition will be held next Thursday, February 23, at 9 am. Parents are welcome to attend.
Mmme. Stella was away today, and we used french class time to begin our art lesson. We will be appreciating van Gogh's Starry Night tomorrow. Today we used lines, colour and movement to represent a starry night scene. Students will be finishing off their artwork tomorrow.
We continued listening to fables from Aesop's Fables and discussed the morals that are represented in each fable. We read another version of the story of the 3 little pigs today called, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. Students considered how different the story might be when heard from a different perspective - that of the wolf (who was framed :-).
Students learned about writing a story paragraph in writing. They decided on a topic, chose an opening sentence and then elaborated using developing sentences. Students wrote a first draft, participated in peer editing and wrote a good copy of their story paragraph.

Ordering Lengths

2012-02-14T10:50:00.000-08:00

It's good to be back at school on such an exciting day. Houses competed against each other to make as many words as possible out of the letters found in Valentine's Day for today's Spirit Day game. Zeta and Theta tied in first place in this fun game.
Grade 3s worked well in math to order items from shortest to longest and to say which unit of length is the most appropriate to use.
In spelling, the boys and girls sorted this week's list words according to their endings. We discussed the plural forms of some words that the students were unsure of, such as deer and fish.
Mme Stella was absent today, and used french time to have a mock poetry recital in preparation for tomorrow's competition. Most students still need to work on speaking much louder. A few are still not confident on their memorisation. Their homework is to recite their poems before an audience tonight (parents are the perfect audience) and to do this as many times as it takes to get the poem perfect.
Grade 3s had gym and music class today.
We ended the day with fables. The students have created a near-perfect checklist of what makes a story a fable. Then it was time to celebrate Temi's birthday and Valentine's Day. Thanks for the treats that were sent in today to help us celebrate.

Art on Domes or .... Bowls

2012-02-10T09:56:00.000-08:00

Grade 3s worked on their spelling and math tests this morning. Tests are coming home for parents to sign.
They then worked on completing their inquiry worksheets, telling where they have seen structures in their environment that are enforced with bulk, layering or triangles.
In writing, students completed the rough copy of their paragraphs and proofread and corrected their paragraphs.
In art, students used the papier mache domes they made last Friday to make a structure of their choice. Igloos and bowls were popular choices. Students painted their bowls in tempera.
We spent some class time listening to poems. Students are bringing home the rubric that will be used to assess their recitation.The in-class judging takes place on Wednesday, February 15, when 3 finalists will be selected to participate in the school contest.
Don't forget -

this month's gym days are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
keep rehearsing your poem for an audience
to be on time for the Gala Dinner tomorrow night (6 pm)

Last Friday, the grade 3s used papier mache to make dome structures as part of their inquiry and art class. It was a very messy but very enjoyable time.

Struts and Ties

2012-02-09T07:45:00.000-08:00

In math we continued estimating the lengths of objects in metres using given benchmarks. Parents, help your child practise this skill by asking them to estimate the length, width and height of objects in your home to the nearest metre. Ask questions such as, "If the hallway is 6 m long, and an adult is 2 m tall, how many adults could fit across the hallway lying head to toe?" Remember to study for tomorrow's measurement test.
In spelling, students used proofreading marks to correct sentences containing list 21 words. Review theses words for tomorrow's spelling test.
In inquiry, we finished off yesterday's lesson on adding bulk, layers and triangles to strengthen a structures stability. We started talking about struts and ties in building, and how these make triangle shapes to strengthen a structures strength.
Grade 3s spent time rehearsing for Saturday's Gala, and attended french and music class.

Keep working on poems!

Bulk, Layers and Triangles

2012-02-08T11:23:00.000-08:00

The grade 3s started their day by getting their blood pumping in a fun gym class with Mr. Browning.
In measurement, they learned that we use the metre (m) to measure longer lengths. Students practised making a step that is a metre long. They then used this step to estimate and then measure the length a long line. They used a tape measure for their measurement. Grade 3s discovered how much of their arm span measures a metre. The used this length to estimate the lengths of objects in the classroom, and then used a tape measure or metre stick to measure to the nearest metre. Remember to practise estimating and measuring in centimetres and metres for Friday's math test.
In spelling, grade 3s used list 21 words to answer clues. Keep reviewing list words for this week's test.
In inquiry, students examined the school building and structures in the building, as well as pictures of structures, to find examples where stability is increased by adding bulk, layers or triangles.
We spent time participating in a school-wide rehearsal for the Gala Dinner. Students are bringing home an important letter about the Gala today.
Keep practising the poems.

What? Paragraphs in Science?

2012-02-07T04:46:00.000-08:00

Grade 3s continued working in our measurement unit. Today they estimated lengths of objects using their finger or hand, then checked their estimate using a ruler. They are learning to be risk-takers with their estimates. Grade 3s will write a test on Friday, covering pages 107 to 115 in their JUMP Workbooks.
In spelling, students grouped this week's list words according to the endings added to the nouns to make them a plural form of the word. Review the words for this Friday's spelling test.
We continued learning about paragraphs. Some students continued completed the paragraph they started yesterday. Other students chose a topic of their choice to write about. They used an organizer to record their ideas and then wrote the first draft of their paragraph.
We spent some time rehearsing for the Gala Dinner. Grade 3s are learning to be respectful of other performers during rehearsals. They are also starting to understand what it means to have empathy.
In inquiry, grade 3s used what they have learned about paragraph writing and what they learned about layers in yesterday's inquiry lesson to write a paragraph when the topic sentence is, "How strong a structure is depends on how many layers there are".
Keep practising poems at home and remember to wear gym clothes tomorrow. Scholastic orders are coming home today. Orders and money are due on Friday for those who would like to order. Cheques only please.
Grade 3s attended music, french and gym class

Building a Propeller

I get by with a little help from my friends

Awesome propeller!!!

Will it spin at least 3 times?

Let's make pretty propellers...

Hard at work

Yes, we are done!

When in doubt, reread the instructions.

Layers

2012-02-05T19:26:00.000-08:00

Designing a devise to slow down movement

Design Plans

Testing the Device

Further Testing

Collaboration

Team Work

"I think I've got it!"

Getting ideas down on paper

Today in measurement, grade 3s used their rulers to construct lines, diagrams and shapes to a specified length.

In spelling, they learning to write the plural forms of nouns. Today they read this week's list words in context. They also copied the words into their agendas. Grade 3s are bringing their spelling test books home today. Please sign and return last week's spelling test.

In preparation for writing fables, we are spending time examining paragraphs. Today we learned that the topic sentence of a paragraph tells the main idea of the paragraph. The developing sentences expand on the topic sentence. Grade 3s practised identifying the topic and developing sentences in a paragraph. They also identified sentences that did not fit with the main idea of the paragraph. Grade 3s were given a topic sentence that all were comfortable with and were asked to write developing sentences. Students are in varying stages of their rough and second drafts.

We spent our drama time rehearsing for this Saturday's Gala Dinner. There is no costume required for the grade 3 performance. Grade 3s enjoyed watching other classes rehearse for the Gala in a school-wide rehearsal that was held today.

In our inquiry into what makes structures stable, students investigated the strength of tissue paper. They worked in a group to set up a bowl holding tissue which which had a single, double or triple layer. They discovered that the more layers there were, the more mass the tissues could hold.

Remember to keep rehearsing poems and to wear gym clothes tomorrow.

Strong Shapes

2012-02-04T17:33:00.000-08:00

Grade 3s wrote their spelling test on Friday morning. Tests will be coming home on Monday.
In math, grade 3s continued using a ruler to find the length of objects in centimetres. In writing, the grade 3s continued learning about paragraphs. We learned that the topic sentence tells the main idea of a paragraph. Students practised finding the topic sentences of different paragraphs.
In our inquiry unit, we put egg shells to the test to find out how strong they are, and discovered they could hold the mass of 14 dictionaries before they cracked. Students learned that a dome is a strong shape, and is often used in building. Grade 3s worked on making a dome shape in art using balloons and papier mache. It was a very messy activity but much enjoyed by the boys and girls. We ended the day watching a video showing the building of a house.
Grade 3s attended gym and french class today.
Remember to wear uniform on Monday, as gym class has been moved to Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the next 3 weeks as the middle school goes curling.
Have a wonderful weekend!

Strong Shapes

2012-02-02T09:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Groundhog Day! Although it already feels like spring, we hope that Wiarton Willie is correct and it will be an early spring and not 6 more weeks of winter.
Grade 3s continued working on measuring objects in centimetres using rulers. They know to align the object with the 0 cm on the ruler.
In spelling, students used proofreading marks to correct sentences containing this week's spelling words. Remember to review list 19 words for tomorrow's spelling test.
Students learned about simple and compound sentences. They understand that a compound sentence is two simple sentences joined by a joining word (conjunction) such as and, but or or. Students rewrote simple sentences as compound sentences, choosing the correct word to join them. We also learned about paragraphs today. The boys and girls understand that a paragraph is a group of sentences that tell about one topic.
We continued our inquiry into stable structures.We asked the question, "Which shape is stronger? A triangle or a square?" Students worked in groups to find the answer to this question. They had a lot of fun with one particular material we used today, ... marshmallows! Ask your child which shape is stronger and if they can back up their answer. We also continued listening to fables today. They boys and girls keep adding to the class chart they are generating to define what makes a story a fable.
We spent some time working on poems. The first grade 3 student to memorise their poem will receive 50 000 house points.
Don't forget to wear your gym clothes to school tomorrow!

Poems

2012-02-01T09:50:00.000-08:00

Math is a wonderful way to start the day. The grade 3s are doing well in our new measurement unit. Today we reviewed yesterday's lesson, but then used rulers to take measurements, not estimates. Students realised that a ruler is like a number line, and they need to count the "hops" along it. They also got to know their rulers better by finding out if 0 cm is in line with the edge of the ruler or a small distance away from the ruler's edge. Students practised finding the length indicated on a ruler in their workbooks.
Grade 3s spent their drama lesson preparing for the Gala Dinner performance.
In spelling, students wrote list words to match clues. In writing, they read sentences that either did or did not contain the word "not". Students added the word not to sentences a way that kept the sentence grammatically correct.
We spent some time organising our storage binders. The grade 3s also selected a piece of work from their number sense unit and pioneer unit to add to their portfolios.
Students received their poems today. We will spend time in class reciting and memorising the poem. Parents, your support in helping your child memorise their poem would be greatly appreciated. Students will participate in a class competition on Wednesday, February 15, when Ms. Nelson will visit our class to judge the grade 3s. Three students will be selected to go on to the school competition on Thursday, February 23. Outside judges will visit the school. Parents are welcome to attend the poetry recital on February 23.
The boys and girls also attended french and gym class today.

Balanced

2012-01-31T09:59:00.000-08:00

We started off our day by rehearsing for the Gala Dinner.
Next was the start of a new math unit - Measurement. In today's lesson, students learned about the centimetre as a unit of measurement for length, width, height, and thickness. They used a ruler to gain an understanding of how big 1 centimetre and 10 centimetres are. They found a part of their body that were similar in size to 1 and 10 centimetres (a finger width and a hand width). Students practised using their fingers and hands to estimate the length of objects in our classroom. They know that an estimate is an attempt at a guess that will be as close to the measured answer as possible. It is not a wild guess or a random guess.
List 19 spelling words were grouped according to the letters that made the ur sound. Keep practising for the spelling test on Friday.
Grade 3s showed there understanding of different kinds of sentences by reading a sentence and then telling if the sentence is declarative, interrogative or exclamatory.
We continued our inquiry into what makes structures stable. Today students explored how the position of the supports in the base of a structure need to be placed in order for the structure to be stable.
Students attended french and music class today.

Mice, Lions and Peacocks

2012-01-30T18:43:00.000-08:00

Grade 3s began their week with a test to end our very long unit on Number Sense in math. Tests are coming home today. Parents, please sign and return the tests. We will periodically review "Organized Lists" for the remainder of this school year, for students to become more proficient at this strategy and to help them retain this skill in preparation for grade 4 math.
In spelling, students learned that there are many spelling patterns that make the ur sound. Students read this week's list words in context and copied them into their agendas. Review this list for Friday's spelling test.
Students worked on writing this morning, focusing on end marks. They showed that they understood the meaning of a sentence by adding the correct end mark. At the same time, grade 3s are working on improving their penmanship in cursive.
We spent time rehearsing for the Gala Dinner in drama today. Grade 3s are enthusiastic and bubbling with talent! Remember to send payment for the appropriate number of Gala tickets to school and return any tickets that will not be used.
In our inquiry unit, we reviewed Friday's investigation. Students did well at remembering the total mass each paper tower was able to hold before collapsing. They recorded their observations and findings using diagrams and sentences. Also, in our inquiry unit, we listened to three more stories from Aesop's Fables; The Mice in Council, The Lion in Love, and The Peacock's Complaint. The boys and girls are doing well at figuring out the message in each fable as well as determining elements that are common to the fables we have read so far. We are making a chart of all the elements that they identify.
Pizza Days are coming back to St. Jude's. Students are bringing home a Pizza Day letter for families who are interested in ordering.
Grade 3s are asked to wear their gym clothes on Friday, as they will be having an extra gym lesson this week.
The class attended french and gym today.

Curves, Bends and Folds

2012-01-27T11:31:00.000-08:00

We began our day with Convocation, where student representatives from each house played a game of "Get the ball in the bucket". Ms Elliott was the only person in the school to score in this game. Well done Ms Elliott! We found out that Kappa is in the lead, Zeta is in second place and Theta is in third place. During convocation, students from each class were selected to receive this month's Balanced Award. Congratulations to Nathan Irish for being recognized as a balanced student in grade 3.
Students wrote their list 19 spelling test. Tests are coming home for parents to sign.
We finished off yesterday's math lesson on Organized Lists. Students feel that they now understand the concepts. More practise over the weekend will help to prepare them for Monday's math test covering pages 103 to 106.
We spent some time reviewing basic writing rules, such as "A sentence must make sense." and "Begin each sentence with a capital letter." It turns out the grade 3s needed the practise. I am glad we took the time to do it, even though the children assured me they didn't need it.
In our inquiry unit, we reviewed yesterday's design lesson, where students were challenged to make a tall structure more stable. We found that we could improve the stability of a tall tube by making it heavier at the bottom. Today we found out the strength of paper can be increased by making fold, bends or curves in it. We tested paper towers to see if they could support a 500 g mass. The children really enjoyed this activity. Ask your child which tower did the best.
The end of the day came round, and the children sat down to enjoy a couple of fables. They have been wondering what a fable is. We began reading from a book called Aesop's Fables, and enjoyed The Hare and the Tortoise and The Frog and the Ox. The children were able to identify what was common to both fables read today. Well done grade 3s! They begged for a third and we enjoyed The Wolf and the Crane. This reading confirmed what they already thought of a fable.
Students attended french class today.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Organized Lists

2012-01-26T09:51:00.000-08:00

In math, we worked on organized lists. The boys and girls showed all the possible ways to make a specified amount of money using only particular coins, example, show all the possible ways to make 65 cents using only dimes and pennies. To ensure they came up with all the possible ways, they used a list to organise their work. Two tips that help them to stay organised is to always place the larger denomination in the first column of their chart and the smaller denomination in the second column. The second tip is to always begin the list by starting with zero coins of the larger denomination and then increase by 1. Students had a tough time with this strategy and we used an extra hour of class time for students to practise. Students who did not get done in class will need to complete p. 105 at home (they are almost done). We will continue working on this tomorrow in class (p. 106). As we did not get through all our work, tomorrow's math test is postponed till Monday. The test will still cover pages 103 to 106.
In spelling, students used proofreading marks to correct sentences containing list 19 words. Students who did not get done in class will need to complete p. 80 at home. Review list 19 for tomorrow's spelling test.
In our inquiry unit on stability, we reviewed yesterday's experiment. Some students wondered if the tape on the taller tubes made them unstable and caused them to fall first. We repeated the experiment today using tall tubes with no tape, to determine if the taller tubes fell first because of the tape or because they were tall. Ash your child what the results were. In our inquiry unit, we asked how we could make a taller structure more stable. Students were supplied with materials and asked to design a tall tube structure that was more stable. Students recorded their predictions, the materials they used, carried out their investigations, and then recorded their results. They are becoming fine scientists! The groups shared their design with the class and told whether it helped make the structure more stable. Students received feedback on how they could have improved the stability of their tall structure.
Grade 3s attended music and french class today.

Build it Short and Wide!

2012-01-25T17:47:00.000-08:00

Grade 3s worked on making lists to find numbers which have two properties in math today. For example, they wrote all the numbers that are even and a multiple of 3. They worked with single-digit numbers only and first created two separate lists; even numbers and then the multiples of three (not forgetting 0). Students identified numbers common to both lists as having both properties.
In spelling, the boys and girls used list 19 words to answer riddles or to match clues. Keep reviewing the list words in preparation for Friday's spelling test.
We continued our inquiry into what structures are and what makes them stable. A discussion that arose in our class today, was whether a person is a structure. Grade 3s are inquirers, and tomorrow they will report what they find as well as the resources they used. Please note, that we have defined a structure as something that can hold a load. In class, students were presented with three cylinders of varying heights. They wondered which of the three is the most stable. Students made a prediction on the cylinders' stability, then tested the stability of all three structures. the repeated the investigation to make sure that they could trust their results. We learned that shorter structures are more stable than taller structures.
The boys and girls attended french and gym class today.
Please note that Casual Day is tomorrow.

Stability

2012-01-24T09:46:00.000-08:00

The grade 3s began their day with a math test. These are coming home today for parents to sign.
The grade 3s sorted this week's list words according to the sounds they make. Review this week's list words in preparation Friday's test.
We completed inquiry unit on forces today. Students completed their final project, and are sharing their project with me. They are also completing reflection sheets, telling what their favourite part of the unit was, what they learned and how they were inquirers.
Students were introduced to our fourth unit on creativity in stories and structures. At the end of this unit students will be able to tell what a structure is and what makes it strong and stable. They will also know what makes a story a fable. Boys and girls shared knowledge that they already have about these concepts with the class. We learned the definition of structure and stable and applied these meanings to the term stability. Students listed structures they saw in print and in the classroom. The boys and girls were told about the final assignment for this unit. They are very excited about that!
Students attended french and music class today.

Mental Math

2012-01-23T10:06:00.000-08:00

In math, the grade 3s used a mental math strategy called counting up to determine the amount of change they should receive when purchasing items less than a dollar in value. They learned to first count up in ones until they get to a number that is a multiple of 10 (a round number) and then count in tens until they get to the value of the money being used. It took us a long time to get through today's lesson and grade 3s would benefit from extra practice at home. Remember to study for tomorrow's test which will cover pages 91 to 102 in the student workbooks. Grade 3s will write a second math test on Friday. This test will cover pages 103 to 106 in the JUMP Math workbooks - Lists.
In spelling, students are learning to spell words which contain an r-controlled vowel. Today they read a story containing this week's list words. They also recorded the words into their agendas. Review list 19 words for Friday's spelling test.
In forces, students worked on completing their final assignment to show what they have learned in the forces unit.
Grade 3s attended french and gym class today.
Tickets for the Gala Dinner went home on Friday.

Bowling!

2012-01-20T09:27:00.000-08:00

In math today, grade 3s .... went BOWLING! We had a wonderful time at Streetsville Bowl. We found out that the lanes are not waxed or treated in any way to reduce friction. They are made of a synthetic material that has been untreated for the past 22 years. The grade 3s think we should go bowling every Friday. We would become very good at using a force to manipulate the speed and direction of the bowling ball if we did. As we come to the end of our unit on forces, the students have chosen an activity , such as bowling, and are using pictures and labels to show the kinds of forces at work and what they do. They also explain how we can protect ourselves from these forces.
Grade 3s wrote their list 17 and 18 spelling test today. Tests are coming home for parents to sign.
Students are bringing home their math books to study for Tuesday's test. The test will cover pages 91 to 102. We will complete pages 101 and 102 on Monday.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Dimes and Pennies

2012-01-19T09:33:00.000-08:00

In math, grade 3s worked with only pennies and dimes today, making amounts of up to $1. They noted that the tens digit of the total amount is the same as the number of dimes, and that the ones digit of the total amount is the same as the number for pennies, example, 74 cents is 7 dimes and 4 pennies.
In spelling, students proofread and corrected sentences containing this week's list words and reviewed list 16 and 17 words. Review list 13 to 17 words at home for tomorrow's spelling test.
In our inquiry unit on forces, students demonstrated how their propellers work to the class. They shared the challenges they experienced in getting the propeller to work and how they improved the propeller. Tomorrow we celebrate completing the forces unit by visiting Streetsville Bowl. Students are to come to school in their uniforms and to bring their lunches as usual. Knowing their shoe size will help speed things up tomorrow. We are all looking forward to a fun day.
Students attended french and music class today.

Make it Better!

2012-01-18T10:02:00.000-08:00

The grade 3s had another long math lesson today. Many students are challenged when working with coins. We took extra time today and yesterday for students to get additional support with math. Many also spent recess time yesterday and today getting extra help with math. Some students who are not done will be bringing their JUMP workbooks home. They will need to complete pages 98 and 99. In today's lesson, students made money amounts using the least amount of coins when only using quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies. The tip is to begin with the largest denomination possible.
In spelling, students wrote list words that matched a clue.They also reviewed list 16 and 17 words. Students who did not get done in class will need to complete pages 71 & 75 in their workbooks. In spelling, we have begun using dictionaries to look up spelling words. The grade 3s have learned how to use a dictionary to tell if a word is a noun or a verb or if it can be used as both. They know how to tell how many definitions a word has too.
In our inquiry unit on forces, students continued to build and test their propellers. They are discovering that being an inventor or builder can be quite frustrating, and then sometimes all it takes is a sroke of luck. It is important never to give up! Some students are ready to show their propellers to the class, while others will be bringing their propellers home for some inspiration before sharing tomorrow.
Grade 3s also attended french, drama and gym class today.

Build It and Test It

2012-01-17T09:57:00.000-08:00

In math, grade 3s continued working with coins. They practised skip counting by different denominations at different starting points. They also found how many more coins they needed when given a partial amount and a total amount. Students who did not get done in class will need to complete pages 96 and 97 in their JUMP Math workbooks. Students will be writing a math test on Tuesday, January 24.
In spelling, students completed this week's list words by writing consonant clusters at the beginning or end of the word. They also reviewed list 14 and 15 words. Students who did not get their work done in class will need to complete pages 70 and 74 in their spelling workbook.
In our forces unit, students have begun building their propeller based on the design they made in class yesterday. Some have also begun testing the propeller to determine if it will turn at least twice.
Students also attended french and music class today.

Design a Propeller

2012-01-16T09:58:00.000-08:00

In math, grade 3s continued finding the total amount of money when given an assortment of pennies, nickels, dime and quarters. They were all confident that the animal on the quarter is a caribou!
In spelling, students read list 17 words in the context of a story and they copied the list words into their agendas. This week's list words contain consonant clusters - words where there are groups of 3 consonants and you can hear the sound each consonant letter makes. They also reviewed list 13 words.
This week's spelling test on Friday will contain words from lists 13 to 17.
In our inquiry unit on forces, students were challenged to design, build and test a propeller. The propeller needs to include an elastic band which will store energy. It needs to turn at least two times. In today's class students were shown the materials that are available to them for their design. They used the books in class to get ideas for their design. Students drew a labelled picture of what their design will look like. Some students have begun building their design. Some students may want to bring in additional supplies from home for their design building.
In drama, we have begun preparing for our contribution to the Gala Dinner. I cannot tell you about that....it's a secret. Remember to earmark Saturday, February 11 at 6 pm in your calendars for the Gala Dinner, Love Through the Ages.
Students attended french and gym class today.

Energy, Forces and Movement

2012-01-13T09:36:00.000-08:00

We had a cold, wintry start to our day. Many students did not have all the proper gear for a Canadian winter recess. Parents, please check to see if your child is coming to school with jacket, snow pants, gloves, hat and scarf. We have two 20 minute recesses daily. The students go outdoors for recess unless there is a weather alert or if it is raining.
Grade 3s wrote their spelling test this morning. Tests are coming home for parents to sign.
In math, we examined the quarter. Students were puzzled by the animal on the quarter. Is it a moose or a caribou? Are they one and the same? Students are asked to be inquirers this weekend and find the answers to these questions. Good communicators will share their knowledge with the class on Monday. The boys and girls practised counting in 25s. Many need to practise this skill further at home. They also showed different ways to make 25 cents using a specified combination of pennies, nickels and dimes.
In our inquiry unit on forces, the boys and girls examined various toys. They determined whether the toy stored energy in a string, spring or elastic. They also determined what the energy made the toy do.
Next, the students examined a diagram of a fire truck and read about the truck. From the diagram and text, students found as many sources of energy, forces and movement on the truck. They recorded their work in a Venn diagram.
We ended the day with our SK reading buddies.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone, and drive slowly!

Stored Energy

2012-01-12T09:53:00.000-08:00

In math, the grade 3s started working with money. We reviewed the names and values of the penny, nickel and dime. Students examined the images on both sides of the coins. We discussed the correct way to write and represent money amounts. Students practised counting by 1s, 5s and 10s using coins starting from a specified amount.
In spelling, students used proofreading marks to correct sentences containing this week's list words. Keep reviewing the words for tomorrow's test.
In our inquiry unit on forces, students wondered how they could make a third ball move, when three balls are lined up 30 cm apart and they were allowed to only touch the first ball. The students shared their ideas with their group and then carried out the investigation. They recorded their work. We pondered how how energy can be stored in different forms until it is needed. Students watched a slinky and mouse trap in action.

Energy!

2012-01-11T17:18:00.000-08:00

The grade 3s began their day with gym which got their blood pumping oxygen to their brains just in time for their math test. Tests are coming home today. Parents, please sign and return tests by tomorrow. Check your child's agenda to see if they will be writing a retest tomorrow.
In spelling, the grade 3s used this week's list words to answer riddles. Keep reviewing list words for Friday's test.
In our inquiry unit on forces, grade 3s answered question based on yesterday's lesson. They told what weather types cause an increase and a decrease in friction. In today's lesson, students learned that energy is what makes things happen and go, and that energy is needed in order for forces to happen. Students who have toys that work by springs or elastics are asked to bring them in for our science lesson.
Students also attended french class today.
Parents are reminded about the BIG Parent Guild meeting tonight. The Gala Dinner takes place 1 month from today. The grade 3s will be performing this evening.

Increasing and Decreasing Friction

2012-01-10T09:55:00.000-08:00

In math, the grade 3s worked on solving multiplication word problems in preparation for tomorrow's math test. Students who did not get done in class, need to complete pages 88 and 90 in their JUMP Math Workbooks. Students should review pages 83 to 90 for the test.
In spelling, students grouped this week's list words according to the sound heard in the consonant digraph. Students who did not get done in class need to complete p. 66 in their spelling workbooks for homework.
In our inquiry unit on forces, we continued to investigate the force of friction. We discussed when it would be useful to decrease or decrease friction and how we could do this. Students examined objects with rough and smooth surfaces and said whether the surface type would result in more or less friction. S
Ask your child what can be done about slippery roads and sidewalks in the winter.
A few students have not returned their forms and funds our trip to Streetsville Bowl. Please do so as soon as possible as forms and payment were due yesterday.

Useful Friction

2012-01-09T09:32:00.000-08:00

In math, grade 3s learned how to use the phrase "times as many" in math problems. They showed their work using diagrams and multiplication statements. Students who did not get done in class, need to complete pages 88 and 89 in their JUMP Workbooks. Keep reviewing pages 83 to 88 for Wednesday's math test.
In spelling, we read words in a story that contained the consonant digraphs kn, gn, ph, gh, wr, ck, and sch. Students copied list 16 words into their agendas. Study list 16 words for Friday's test.
In our inquiry unit on forces, the boys and girls learned that they force of friction can be useful. It helps us to catch balls, it helps us not slip while walking, and it helps cars and bikes stop moving. Students examined a variety of objects and classified them according to their "roughness" or "smoothness". Students made rubbings of smooth and rough objects. The also predicted what would happen when water is poured on a rough surface. We read Forces Make Things Move by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.

Movement

2012-01-06T09:39:00.000-08:00

Our day started with the list 15 spelling test. Grade 3s are bringing tests home for parents to sign.
In math, students explained what doubles are. Most know that doubles facts are when you add two identical numbers, such as 4 + 4 = 8. The discovered that multiplying by 2 also gives doubles facts. The boys and girls practised mentally doubling 2-digit numbers. One of the mental strategies we used was to break the numbers down into easier numbers, example: 16 + 16 = 10 + 6 + 10 + 6 = 20 + 12 = 32
The grade 3s are writing math test on Wednesday, January 11, covering JUMP Workbook pages 83 - 88. Students are asked to keep skip counting on one hand by 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, 6s, and 7s.
In our forces unit, we continued exploring ways to protect ourselves from forces by using safety equipment. We also learned that movement can be started in 4 different ways. Ask your child if they remember the 4 ways to start to stop movement. Students used magazines to find pictures that depict these 4 ways. The are using the pictures to create a collage of ways to stop and start movement.
Parents who are interested, are invited to attend attend the SJA Parent Guild meeting on January 11 at 7 pm. The meeting is geared towards preparations toward the fundraising gala in January.
Remember to send in trip forms and funds by Tuesday.
Enjoy your weekend!

Seatbelts and Airbags

2012-01-05T09:44:00.000-08:00

In math, the grade 3s learned how to multiply by adding on. This is a valuable mental math strategy once mastered. The boys and girls practised this technique by writing equations. Some students who did not get done in class, will be bringing their math home for completion.
In spelling, students used list words to answer riddles and used proofreading marks to correct a paragraph containing this week's list words. Remember to review list 15 for tomorrow's spelling test. Incomplete spelling work is coming home for completion.
In our inquiry unit on forces, students worked on completing and testing their design to slow down the movement of a falling object. We also looked at devices that protect us from forces that could harm us. Devices such as seat belts, airbags, helmets, harnesses, ropes, parachutes, protect people from forces. Students are bringing home a field trip letter today, as well as Scholastic order forms, and UGOTDANCE letters for those interested.
Remember to bring in a magazine for tomorrow's science/art lesson.

Drip, drip, drip ...

2012-01-04T14:16:00.000-08:00

With school being closed today due to a burst water pipe, we at St. Jude's thank parents, students and family members for their understanding. We apologise the inconvenience caused to many families (and work environments) today.
We are happy to report that repairs have been made, and the water supply to the building has been restored. Yay! We are eager to get back on track with learning.
We look forward to seeing all students back at school tomorrow.

Grade 3s are asked to bring in a family friendly magazine to school by Friday. We will cutting pictures out of the magazines to create a collage as part of our art and science lesson.

Welcome Back!

2012-01-03T09:42:00.000-08:00

The grade 3s began the day by sharing exciting things they did over the holidays with the class.
As usual, we began our day with math. We took time to review concepts learned in the days before the holidays began, such as repeated addition, skip counting, arrays and multiplication. Students completed a review worksheet. For homework, students are asked to skip count by 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, 6s, 7s on one hand only.
In spelling, we are learning to spell words that contain the consonant digraphs ch and wh. Students read a story containing this week's list words, sorted the words according the the sound the digraph makes and copied the words into their agendas. Review list 15 words for Friday's spelling test.
Grade 3s made a journal entry telling about their holiday experiences.
The grade 3s attended music and french class today.
The rest of the day was spent reviewing concepts and safety rules we learned in our inquiry unit on forces. The students were introduced to their design lesson. In this lesson, students work in small groups, to design a device that will slow the movement of a falling object. They drew pictures of what their device will look like based on the materials they were provided with. They determined the time it takes for the object to fall without the device. Students are following new safety rules that are applicable to today's lesson and are working cooperatively with their partner/s.

Christmas Concert

2011-12-15T14:52:00.000-08:00

The day has finally arrived for our Christmas Concert. The boys and girls rehearsed again today with the whole school and are excited about performing for their families. Remember that the concert starts at 7 pm. Students need to be in the grade 3 class at 6:30. Don't forget your costumes and props if you took them home with you.
The grade 3s wrote their spelling test today. Tests are coming home to get signed. Many students did not return the pioneer work that went home yesterday. Please bring this work in tomorrow.
We ended the day with students sharing their summaries and receiving feedback from their classmates.
See you tonight!

Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse

2011-12-14T12:56:00.000-08:00

The grade 3s continued participating in a school-wide Christmas Concert rehearsal this morning. We are having a full dress rehearsal tomorrow. Students need to come to school in their costumes. Choir students come in your choir clothes and then change into you Waka Waka clothes.
In math, the boys and girls used skip counting to solve multiplication problems. Students who write the retests today are bringing their tests home for parents to sign.
In spelling, they used proofreading marks to correct sentences containing this week's spelling words. Remember, we are writing our spelling test tomorrow.
The boys and girls participated in an Author's Chair activity today. They read their summary of George's Marvelous Medicine to the class. Their classmates gave them feedback. The feedback included what they did well and what they could improve on in their summary.
Children are bringing home their pioneer work today, to share with their parents. Please sign and return all items. Students will be selecting their portfolio pieces tomorrow.

Reminders

Dress rehearsal tomorrow
Spelling test tomorrow
Christmas Concert tomorrow evening

Skip Count to Multiply

2011-12-13T13:04:00.000-08:00

The grade 3s worked with the rest of the school to prepare for our Christmas Concert this morning.
In spelling, they wrote list words that matched clues.
In math, the wrote a test. Tests are coming home today for parents to review with their children and sign. Please check your child's test and agenda to see if they are writing a retest tomorrow. We continued working on in math. Students used skip counting on a number line as a strategy to multiply. They know that the number of hops is represented by the first factor, and the second factor represents the number we are counting by. We also used our fingers to skip count today.
The boys and girls completed their summary of George's Marvelous medicine. Some groups completed their investigation into how forces change the speed and direction of an object.
We got to work on art today. The children painted their clay creations.

Reminders:

Tomorrow is Casual Day
Friday's early dismissal time is 11:30 am not 12 noon

Rehearse, rehearse

2011-12-12T17:04:00.000-08:00

We spent the first part of the morning practising our Christmas concert. The grade 3s did not waste a single moment, as they worked on their math and spelling pages as they waited in the wings. Well done grade 3s!
In math, the grade 3s learned that repeated addition statements can be represented as an equal number of groups or as a multiplication statement. Note, the first factor represents the number of groups and the second factor represents the number in each group. Keep reviewing math pages for tomorrow's test.
In spelling, grade 3s practised writing consonant digraphs "th" and "sh". They ordered their list words according to where the digraph is in the word. Please note, this week's spelling test will be written on Thursday.
We finished reading George's Marvelous Medicine. The boys and girls have thoroughly enjoyed this book by Roald Dahl. They are showing their comprehension by writing a summary of the book.
Grade 3s attended french and gym class tomorrow.

Reminders:

Math test tomorrow
Casual Day on Wednesday
Spelling test on Thursday
Christmas Concert on Thursday - arrive at 6:30 for 7:00
Spirit Day on Friday, wear red and green
Class party on Friday, bring a snack to share
School ends at 12 noon on Friday

Form

2011-12-10T05:28:00.000-08:00

Due to our Christmas Concert rehearsal we did not have a math or inquiry lesson today. We did get to write our list 13 spelling test, which is coming home. Please sign and return the test.
Students will be writing a math test on Tuesday, December 13. The test will cover pages 79 to 82 in the JUMP Math Workbooks.
We will be having another school-wide Christmas Concert dress rehearsal on Monday. Please refer to the drama blog for more detailed information. http://www.stjudesacademydrama.blogspot.com/
For the concert, the grade 3 girls need to wear green and yellow summer clothes that are comfortable to dance in. No dresses or skirts. The boys need to wear blue and red soccer outfits. Both girls and boys need to wear shoes that are comfortable for dancing in.
Students who are in the choir (Julia, Temi, Jewel, Shannon, Mahalia, Ghazi) need to wear a red top and black pants or a red dress.
The boys and girls attended french class today. After french they were in for a non-edible treat in art. We are exploring form as one of the elements of design. We discussed the difference between 2-D and 3-D art. We also discussed how forces can be used to change the shape of an object in art. Students were provided with clay, and used muscular forces to change the shape of the clay into any object they wanted. Our class was buzzing with creative excitement as students worked on their art projects. It was a messy sight, but a lot of fun. Students commented how this art lesson incorporated math, art, science and language. Great connections grade 3s!
We ended our day with George's Marvelous Medicine. We are sad that we are almost done reading this hilarious book.

Reminders:

Monday, Dec. 12 - Dress Rehearsal
Tuesday, Dec 13 - Math Test, Casual Day
Thursday, Dec 15 - Christmas Concert @ 7pm, arrive at 6:30
Friday, Dec 16 - Last and half day of school, Spirit Day - wear green and read, class party

Speed and Direction

2011-12-08T19:57:00.000-08:00

Today in math, the grade 3s wrote, solved and drew pictures to show addition sentences where their are many addends.
In spelling, the boys and girls proofread sentences containing this week's list words. Remember to review the spelling words for tomorrow's test.
In our inquiry unit, some groups began investigating how a force can change the speed and direction of a toy car. Other groups worked on finishing their weaving projects.
Due to our concert rehearsal, students did not attend music or french today.

Arrays

2011-12-07T13:49:00.000-08:00

In math, the grade 3s were introduced to arrays, where objects are represented in rows where each row contains the same number of objects. We reviewed what a row and a column are, how to count the number of rows in an array, as well as the number of objects in a row. Students represented the array in a word sentence and in a multiplication sentence.

* * * *
* * * *
Two rows of four is eight.
2 x 4 = 8

Students know that in a multiplication sentence, the first number represents the number of rows, the second number represents the number in a row, and the product represents the total number of objects in the array. The boys and girls used arrays to solve word problems. Students who did not get done in class, need to complete pages 79 and 80 for homework.
In spelling, students used this week's list words to answer riddles, to show their understanding of the list words. Students who did not get their work done in class, need to complete p. 55 at home.
In our inquiry unit on forces, we reviewed what we have already learned. We continued to explore our second line of inquiry, " What can forces do?" and read about how a force can change the speed and direction of an object. The boys and girls brainstormed speed and direction words.
The grade 3s also attended drama, french and music classes today.

It was wonderful meeting with parents today to discuss your child's progress.

Balanced and Unbalanced Forces

2011-12-06T09:35:00.000-08:00

The grade 3s wrote their Number Sense test this morning as well as a quiz on concepts we have learned in our inquiry unit on forces. Both these tests are coming home today. Please sign and return the tests.
In spelling, students reviewed list 13 words where y is used as a vowel. The tip is that, in one-syllable words, the y makes the long "i" sound, and in two-syllable words, the y makes the long "e" sound. The boys and girls sorted the words according to the sound the letter y makes in each word.
In our inquiry unit on forces, the boys and girls learned that when the forces acting on an object are balanced, the object will not move, but if the forces are unbalanced, the object will move. They conducted an investigation into balanced and unbalanced forces using pan scales and marbles. Students first predicted what they thought would happen, conducted the investigation and recorded their results.
Students worked on completing their weaving art projects today. They also attended music and french class.
Parents, please check Mrs. Deras' Drama blog for information on the Christmas concert.
http://www.stjudesacademydrama.blogspot.com/
Children are bringing home the St. Jude's Parent Guild Fundraiser letter today.
The cold weather is here. Please send your child to school with the appropriate clothing for outdoor recesses.

Changing Shape

2011-12-05T10:49:00.000-08:00

The grade 3s worked on preparing for tomorrow's test in math today. The test will cover concepts learned on pages 64 to 78.
In spelling, students practised writing words where y is used as a vowel. In these words, y makes the long "i" or Long "e" sound. Grade 3s read a short story that contained this week's list words. Students will write a spelling test on Friday on list 13 words.
In our inquiry unit on forces, students reviewed what we learned last week about what a forces is. Today students used different types of pushes and pulls to change the shape of a lump of clay. The learned one of the things that a force can do is to change the shape of an object. Students conducted this investigation in a responsible and safe way while working cooperatively within a group. They recorded their findings into a word web.
Reminder:

Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place on Wednesday, December 7

Thousands

2011-12-02T09:29:00.000-08:00

In math, students reviewed concepts that have been learned in this unit on number sense and applied them to larger numbers. They named the place value and value of a digit in a 4-digit number. Students expanded four digit numbers using numerals only. They wrote 4-digit numbers using words or numerals only. Finally, they added and subtracted with and without regrouping 4-digit numbers. Students workbooks are coming home as students will be writing a unit test on Tuesday, December 6 on pages 64 - 78.
Grade 3s wrote the list 12 spelling test today, which was a review of lists 7 to 11. Tests are coming home today.
The boys and girls started working on their student portfolios today. They selected one patterning and one inquiry/language item that they think displays their best work. The portfolios will stay at St. Jude's until a student leaves the school. The students will bring the portfolios home periodically to share with their families.
Students ended the day with a writing assessment. They wrote a friendly letter to a fictional new student. They also participated in a writing survey.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Pushing and Pulling Kinds of Forces

2011-12-01T19:10:00.000-08:00

In math, the boys and girls continued working on solving word problems. They are showing the work using number and word sentences.
In spelling, they reviewed lists 7 to 11.
In our inquiry unit, students learned about two more kinds of forces that can both push and pull. Ask your child to name all 6 kinds of forces that we learned about and to say if they are pulling or pushing forces or both. We had fun with static electric forces and saw how this force can attract hair to a balloon, or repel one balloon from another. The boys and girls also conducted their first science investigation today. They were challenged to use a magnet to remove paper clips from a mixture with and without letting the magnet touch the paper clips. They also drew a labeled diagram to show how they conducted this investigation.
Students attended Music class today and we had our first school-wide Christmas Concert rehearsal.
Remember:

Spelling test tomorrow on lists 7 to 11
Scholastic orders due

Pushes and Pullls

2011-11-30T17:12:00.000-08:00

In math, the grade 3s solved words problems. They used grid pictures to show what was given in the word problem and then found the solution.
In spelling, students reviewed lists 10 and 11.
In our inquiry unit on forces, students discovered 4 kinds of forces. Ask your child to name these 4 forces and to say if the force is a pushing or pulling force.
We ended the day with George's Marvelous Medicine.
The grade 3s also attended Drama, French and Gym classes today.

Tuesday, November 29

2011-11-29T09:46:00.000-08:00

We had a very long math lesson today. The boys and girls used charts to solve problems where some information was missing and other information was given. They used the information given to complete the chart. They reviewed words that mean we should add or subtract to solve a math problem, such as, in all, in total, the sum, how many more or less, the difference. Some students who did not get their work done in class will be bringing their math home for completion (p. 74).

In spelling, students reviewed lists 8 and 9 for Friday's spelling test.

In our inquiry unit on forces, students discovered if the guesses they made about what a force is was right or wrong. We learned that a force is a push or a pull. Students examined a picture and identified at least 20 different forces acting on objects.

We began reading George's Marvelous Medicine in class last week. We have been talking about strategies that good readers use to understand a text. Two strategies that readers use are visualisations and predictions. Students visualised their favourite part of the book so far and drew a picture of what they visualised. They also made three predictions of what might happen in the rest of the book.

Students attended Music and French class today.

For those who have not already done so, please return signed report cards with comments. I will make a copy for our records and return them to you.

Scholastic orders went home yesterday. Orders are due this Friday, for those who would like to order. Cheques only please.

Tomorrow is a Casual Day.

Monday, November 28

2011-11-28T11:28:00.000-08:00

The grade 3s began their day with math, where they shaded squares on grids to represent a number of objects. They used the grids to find the total number of objects as well as the difference between the number of objects. Students are bringing home the math test that was written on Friday. Some will be writing a retest tomorrow. Check your child's test to see if they will be writing a retest.
We are reviewing spelling lists 7 to 11 this week. Friday's spelling test will include words from each list. Students reviewed list 7 words in class today.
We began our new inquiry unit on forces today. Students attempted to define what a force is, what forces can do and worked with a partner to record questions that they would like to discover the answers to in this unit.
Students attended Drama, French and Gym class today.
Wedensday is Casual Day.

Pioneer Fun Day

2011-11-25T09:59:00.000-08:00

What a colourful looking and exciting class we had today!
The boys and girls wrote their math and spelling tests at the beginning of the day. They are bringing these home to review with parents. They are also bringing their reports home today.
Once we got our regular work out of the way, they grade 3s were ready to begin some pioneer-style work. Hard work requires energy which the students got from warm corn-grit porridge served with milk, honey and brown sugar.
The children spent time with Mr. Ahmad, where they practised sawing wood and hammering nails into the wood. They made the walls of what will be a pet house. Ms. Masood taught the boys and girls how to sew doll-size shirts. They practised a running stitch along the edges of the fabric. It was quite tricky to attach the arms to the shirt first. The boys and girls had to be careful not to sew closed parts that were meant to stay open. Their shirts will be coming home today. The boys and girls spent time with Mrs. Tavares, and were able to tell her most of the ingredients that are used to make bread. Mrs. Tavares explained the function of a microorganism called yeast. They mixed up and kneaded the ingredients to make bread dough.
We left the dough to rise while we had our pioneer lunches. Well done for bringing authentic pioneer meals. We saw sandwiches wrapped in wax paper and cloth, or put into a pail. Water and milk was brought in glass bottles or jugs. Someone even brought beef jerky. Yum!
The dough continued to rise while the children went to recess and french class.
After recess, we had a spelling and arithmetic lesson on chalkboards. We then checked on the dough and put it into the oven to bake. While we waited, we made popcorn the old fashioned way, and enjoyed this treat taught to the pioneers by First Nations.
We then began the games portion of our day. We played dominoes, cudgel, buzz and other games. When the bread came out of the oven, we ate it piping hot, served with butter. Delicious!
We had a wonderful time today, and the children wish that everyday was like this.
Thank you to Mr. Ahmad, Ms Masood, and Mrs. Tavares who came and spent time teaching the children some different skills and for the supplies they donated. Thank you too, to parents for talking to their children about this day, helping to come up with ideas about what to wear or eat and for donating or us loaning supplies to he.lp us enjoy the day.

Thursday, November 24

2011-11-24T09:41:00.000-08:00

We did not do a math lesson today. Instead I spent time going over mistakes made in yesterday's math individually with students. Don't forget, the test is tomorrow.
In spelling, students used proofreading marks to correct sentences containing this week's list words and wrote a descriptive paragraph.Remember to prepare for tomorrow's spelling test.
We spent the rest of the day listening to pioneer presentations from Mahalia, Klara, Temi and Ghazi and working on charts comparing life in pioneer times to modern day life.
The grade 3s attended Music and French class today.
Tomorrow is the day students may come to school dressed as a pioneer and bring a pioneer-style lunch.

Crawford Lake

Wednesday, November 23

2011-11-23T17:11:00.000-08:00

Grade 3s used their brain power to practise mental math strategies. The strategy we focused on today was making ten, because it is so easy to add numbers to multiples of ten. Students practised decomposing numbers in an addition sentence so that they could make ten. Example, 48 + 9 = 48 +2 + 7 + 57. Some found this challenging, but with practise it will be a valuable and their brains will be as nifty as a calculator! Keep reviewing math for this Friday's test.
In spelling, students divided their words into their syllables and matched words to riddles. Review list 11 for this week's spelling word.
In our inquiry unit on pioneers, students worked on showing what they know about how Aboriginal Helped the Pioneers. We also heard presentations from Jaymes, Julia, Jessica and Laila.
We began reading Georges Marvelous Medicine by Roald Dahl in class. The students are thoroughly engaged in this book and look forward to each new chapter.
The grade 3s attended French and Gym class today.
Remember to think about a pioneer dress up and lunch for Friday. Don't spend any money. The pioneers used lots of hand-me-downs.

Tuesday, November 22

2011-11-22T09:29:00.000-08:00

The grade 3s extended their knowledge of regrouping from the 10s digit to the 1s digit when subtracting to regrouping from the 100s to the 10s to the 1s place. We even had a tricky question where there were zeros in the tens and ones place and students had to regroup 3 times. All grade 3s completed their math in class. They are bringing their JUMP math workbooks home to keep reviewing for Friday's math test.
In spelling, students grouped there list words into two groups, those in which y makes the e sound, and those in which ay makes the a sound. Keep reviewing list 11 for Friday's spelling test.
In our inquiry unit, students are using a chart to show what the First Nations peoples taught the early settlers. This is one of their final projects on pioneers where they show all that they have learned throughout this unit. We enjoyed listening to pioneer presentations by Nathan, Abel and Omar. It's wonderful to see how grade 3s have used inquiry skills to become so knowledgeable about pioneers and First Nations people.
The boys and girls attended Music and French class today.

Monday, November 21

2011-11-21T10:37:00.000-08:00

We began our week with math. Students were introduced subtracting 2-digit numbers where regrouping (borrowing) is required. The boys and girls first showed the regrouping and subtraction with base ten materials and with the standard algorithm. Many students struggled with these concepts and they are bringing their work home for extra support and for completion. Pages 67 and 68 must be completed for tomorrow. The grade 3s will be writing a math test this Friday, November 25 on addition and subtraction with and without regrouping. They should review pages 56 - 71 in their JUMP Math workbooks in order to prepare for this test.
In spelling, students read this week's spelling list words in context and recorded their words into their agendas. Students will write this week's spelling test on Friday.
For our inquiry unit on pioneers, some students have begun recording what they have learned about how the aboriginal peoples helped the pioneers. Students began their pioneer presentations today, and we are very excited to hear from each student. On Friday, students have been challenged to bring a pioneer lunch. That would imply no store-bought snacks, no plastic containers, and no lunch bags. Students may bring their lunch wrapped up in a linen cloth. I will be providing the boys and girls with two pioneer-style snacks. The boys and girls may also dress up like a pioneer on Friday. This is optional for students who would like to do this.
Mme. Stella has assigned the students french homework today.

Crawford Lake

2011-11-19T08:24:00.000-08:00

The grade 3s had a wonderful time at Crawford Lake and saw the first snow of the season still on the ground. Our trip began with a short history of the area, the people who lived in the area and Canadian animals. Our guide, Chelsea, asked the grade 3s to identify and describe the characteristics of a wolf, beaver, Great Blue Heron, sandpiper, hawk, turtle, and bear. The children chose the animal that they shared characteristics with and drew the animal symbol on a pendant made from a tree at Crawford Lake.
Chelsea showed us the Wendat village palisade fence and the maze which were used to protect the village. We learned that the Wendat people lived in this area but now live in Quebec. The Wendat tribe are not Iroquois, but are described as Iroquoian as they share a similar language and culture as the Iroquois.
Chelsea showed us how the Wendat tribe hung their meat to dry above a smoky fire outside the longhouse. We visited the village garden where the tribe would plant the three sisters which are corn, squash and beans. The boys, girls and teachers got to try some First Nations games such as Lacrosse, Canada's national sport.
We visited the longhouse of the Turtle Clan, where the boys and girls were allowed to touch everything. We examined many animal furs, a baby carrier, a birch-bark canoe, snowshoes, corn and squash. Chelsea showed us how First Nations people would start a fire using flint, milkweed and birch bark. We were surprised at how quickly the milkweed caught alight form the flint sparks. The boys and girls heard how young the Wendat children were (5 years old) when they started doing important chores in the longhouse. Girls would marry as young as 13 and their husbands would come live in the girl's family longhouse.
By this time we were very hungry and headed indoors for lunch. After lunch we walked around the lake on a very slippery boardwalk. During the walk the children compared birch, elm and cedar trees; they noted the moss growing on rocks and discussed how the Wendat tribe used the moss; we stopped at the marsh and discussed the plants growing and animals living in the marsh and how the Wendat tribe would have used these resources; we saw the limestone that makes up the Niagara Escarpment; we heard the sad story of the Crawford family's horses; we explored the spot where the Crawford family house previously stood. Finally, we visited the gift shop before we headed back to school.
Back at school, the boys and girls made a journal entry about the trip. The boys and girls were reminded about their pioneer presentations this coming week. They all know when they are presenting their projects. Some have chosen to take their pioneer duo tangs home as an additional resource to help prepare for their presentation.

Pioneer Presentations for the week of November 21 - 24

Monday: Jewel, Shannon, Victoria

Tuesday: Nathan, Abel, Omar
Wednesday: Jaymes, Julia, Jessica, Laila
Thursday: Temi, Ghazi, Klara, Mahalia

Have a wonderful weekend!

Reading Buddies

2011-11-17T16:07:00.000-08:00

We began our day with our list 10 spelling test. Grade 3s are bringing their tests home for parents to review, sign and return tomorrow.
Next up was math, where students subtracted 2- and 3-digit numbers using base ten pictures, expanded form with numerals and words and the standard aglorithm with numerals only. All the grade 3s got their work done in class.
In our inquiry unit on pioneers, students worked on completing the title and back page of their pioneer ABCs booklet. They understand what it means to write about themselves in the third person. Still on pioeers, we took up some pioneer actvity pages that we haven't marked yet. Students have added many pioneer-related words to our class ABC chart. Pop into our class to see the chart sometime. We are excited for our firld trip to Crawford Lake tomorrow. We are look forward to seeing how the Iroquoi pople lived and how different their way of life was compared to our lives now. Students will also be asking our instructor what the Aboriginal Peoples taught pioneers about hunting, farming, shelters and clothing. Students need to wear their gym clothes tomorrow as well as warm coats, hats, mitts and boots as we will be outside for a large portion of the day. Students need to bring a packed lunch. Some students have asked about the gift shop at Crawford Lake. We will visit the gift shop, but parents are to decide if children will bring money to spend. Children will be repsonsible for looking after their money until we get to the gift shop.
The grade 3s were excited to be paired with students from Ms Genco's SK class for a reading/writing buddies program. They met their buddies today, and sat and read to and with them. The boys and girls enjoyed their time reading. After the session the class shared strategies to make the experience a fun one for the SKs.
A few students have yet to return their poems and signed forms for the Polar Expressions Writing Contets. Please do this ASAP.
All photo proofs and orders are due back tomorrow.

Wednesday, November 16

2011-11-16T10:03:00.000-08:00

Grade 3s discovered that the rules of adding and regrouping that they learned yesterday, apply to 3-digit numbers. They practised adding 3-digit numbers, showing their thinking in base ten pictures, in expanded form using numerals and words and in numerals only. Students who did not get their math completed in class are bringing their workbooks home for completion, pages 63, 64.
In spelling, students used proofreading marks to correct sentences containing this week's list words. Due to our long math lesson, many students did not complete today's spelling work and need to complete page 44 for homework. Remember, this week's spelling test will be held tomorrow.
In our inquiry unit on pioneers, we wondered about the interactions between pioneers and First Nations Peoples. We discovered that the First Nations taught the pioneers many valuable life skills, enabling the pioneers to survive in their new land.
Students who did not return their poems and competition entry forms yesterday, are reminded to do so by tomorrow.
The boys and girls attended Drama, French and Gym class today.

Trade and Weave

2011-11-15T13:20:00.000-08:00

As usual;, our day began in math. Grade 3s discovered that all the rules for regrouping and adding with tens and ones hold true for money. They regrouped pennies to dimes and added in standard algorithm format, beginning with pennies and then dimes. They also heard that if they forget the cent or dollar sign when calculating money amounts on a test, they will lose marks.
In spelling, the boys and girls used this week's list words to answer riddles.
In our unit of inquiry on pioneers, we wondered what chores pioneer children did. Students worked independently on this activity and we will take up the work tomorrow. All students got their work done during class time. Students also added words to their pioneer ABC booklet. Our art lesson today was geared toward pioneers. We learned that pioneers weaved their rugs and cloth, and the boys and girls are working on a weaving art project in class. It can be frustrating as the needle comes off the yarn, the yarn gets tangled, you make a mistake and don't realise it and have to start all over again. However, there was a really good vibe in the class despite the frustrations.
Students are bringing home their list and acrostic poems today as well as the Polar Expressions entry form. Parents, please give students input on which poem you think they should enter into the writing competition. Complete the left side of the form for students. I will complete the right side. Students know that they are to complete the bottom portion of the form (about the author) on their own. Return the forms tomorrow.

Black Creek Pioneer Village

The blacksmith working a glowing piece of metal

Inside the blacksmith's workshop

Horses were important to pioneers. They were used to pull wagons, sleighs, stagecoaches, and carriages

Outside the gristmill. What kind of house is this?

Inside the gristmill

The one-room school

Monday, November 14

2011-11-13T18:15:00.000-08:00

We began our week with a Drama class. Next, we worked on math, where the boys and girls added 2-digit numbers using base ten material diagrams and numerals with regrouping. Students began using the standard algorithm for addition with regrouping (carrying). They are reminded to keep each digit in its column and to add beginning in the ones column.

In spelling, students read a short story containing this week's spelling words and wrote each word in lists according to the consonants blends they contained. Students copied the words into their agendas. Due our filed trip to Crawford Lake this week, we will be writing our spelling test on Thursday.

In our inquiry unit on pioneers, we wondered how the the pioneers traveled over large and small distances and how we do things differently today. Students did not complete their "Traveling in Pioneer Days" activity sheet in class. These will be coming home for students to complete at home. Please remind them to answer in complete sentences and to use the words in the questions.

We pulled names out of a container to determine the order of Pioneer presentations next week. We will be following the the schedule below:

Monday: Jewel, Shannon, Victoria

Tuesday: Nathan, Abel, Omar

Wednesday: Jaymes, Julia, Jessica, Laila

Thursday: Temi, Ghazi, Klara, Mahalia

The boys and girls are bringing home a letter today that is for parents eyes only.

Black Creek Pioneer Village

The "chair" in the doctor's examining room.

The examining bed in the doctor's house

The Post Office

Inking the printing press with a roller

Pressing down on the printing press

Voila! A printed page hot off the printing press.

Hunting, Fishing and Trapping

2011-11-10T20:16:00.000-08:00

We began our day with our list 9 spelling test. Tests are coming home today for parents to sign.
Next up was math, where students practiced 2-digit addition showing their work in charts with base ten drawings and numerals.
In our inquiry unit on pioneers, we wondered where pioneers got their meat and fish from. Grade 3s shared that their families got their meat from stores. Most bought their fish from stores too, but some fished in rivers and lakes. We learned that pioneers had to hunt, trap and fish for their meat, and that most of their skills were learned from Native peoples.Apparently, squirrels are a delicious dinner! Students continued to work on their Pioneer ABC booklets. We ended the day with art. Most students have completed their warm and cold colours art project. I have something exciting planned for our next art project.
Students attended French and Music class today.
For homework, students are to continue counting in 3s and 4s, and work on their pioneer projects. There is one week left to complete this project.

Black Creek Pioneer Village

Weaving demonstration

A loom with woven rugs in the background.

Old clothes were traded to the weaver for something like eggs or chickens.

The old clothes were cut into strips, rolled into balls and then used to make rugs on the loom.

Wednesday, November 9

2011-11-09T15:18:00.000-08:00

There was a lot of noisy trading going on in our math lesson today. Single straws were placed into groups of 10. Ten pennies were traded for a dime. Ten dimes were traded for a dollar. All this to practice regrouping. Students used place value charts to further practice regrouping. For math homework, students are asked to continue skip counting in 3s and 4s.
In spelling, the boys and girls used proofreading marks to correct sentences containing today's list words. Remember that this week's spelling till will be tomorrow instead of Friday.
In our inquiry unit on pioneers, we wondered were pioneers got their sugar and spices from. Students learned that sugar comes from sugar cane and that sugar cane cannot grow in a cold place like Canada. Students learned about tapping maple syrup and how the Aboriginal people of Canada taught the pioneers how to do this. We did not get the Sugar and Spice worksheet done in class (although we did read and discuss it at length), and all students will be bringing it home for completion.
The boys and girls are bringing home an art project and a friendly letter to share with parents. Please review these with your child, sign and return tomorrow.
The boys and girls also attended Drama, French and Gym class today.

Black Creek Pioneer Village

The Town Hall

Inside the Town Hall

Visiting the weaver

A simple loom with the warp and weft visible

Tuesday, November 8

2011-11-08T09:44:00.000-08:00

In math, students practised naming the tens and ones digits when shown a number of snap cubes. We discussed how grouping the ones into ten sticks made a pile of ones easier to count and how our number system is made up of multiples of tens. This explains why we don't group in 2s or 5s. Students practised regrouping by placing lose groups of ten ones into ten sticks. They showed this in pictures, number charts, and expanded form using numerals and words. They also used arrays to count by 10s and ones to find the total number of dots. Keep practising counting in 3s and 4s at home.
In spelling, students used this week's spelling words to complete sentences. The also unscrambled list words to solve a riddle. Remember, this week's spelling test is on Thursday.
In our inquiry unit, we reviewed what we learned at Black Creek Pioneer Village about how pioneers made butter. We also learned how pioneers made cheese and that very little milk was used for drinking. Students who do not complete Pioneer Butter and Cheese in class will be bringing it home for completion. Students continued adding new words to their ABC booklets. Interesting words we learned yesterday and today were mordant and rennet.
The boys and girls also attended French and Music class today.
If you are ordering photos, remember to do so by November 18. Photo retake day is on November 15.

Monday, Novemeber 7

2011-11-06T18:42:00.000-08:00

The grade 3s began their week with a math test. Students are bringing these tests home for parents to view and sign. Remember to keep counting in 3s and 4s.
We worked on this week's list words next. We learned that a consonant blend is when there are two consonants next to each other in a word and both consonant letter sounds can be heard in the word. Students read a story containing this week's list words, they sorted the list words according to their consonant blends and copied the words into their agendas. Please note that there is no school on Friday for Remebrance Day. Students are encouraged to attend a memorial service close to home on Friday. We will be writing this week's spelling test on Thursday instead of Friday.
We continued working on our inquiry unit on pioneers. Students added more pages to their Pioneer ABCs booklet. We wondered how and where pioneers got their clothes from and discovered that they made the clothes themselves as well as the materials that the clothes were made from themselves. This is very different to how we get clothes today. Students who did not complete "Pioneer Clothing" in class are bringing their duo tangs home for completion. Below are some YouTube clips showing how yarn was made then and now. Enjoy watching them with your child.

Shearing Sheep - modern
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Uciknmt7rI

Sheep shearing with shears
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niPh_nM1Gto&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3NDBpKicbs&feature=related

Pioneer Carding
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDUNY-JlPBA&feature=related
Spinning and Carding
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEBj3zeFiPg&feature=related

Modern Carding
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f778UK0Ruuc&feature=related

Modern spinning
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4IxwhirVCs&feature=related

Practice saying the poem In Flanders Field.

Black Creek Pioneer Village

Outside the Strong family's home.

Making candles

Enjoying a serving of pumpkin pie

Visiting the tinsmith

A rich family's bathtub

A barn lamp made of tin

A tin dinner horn used to call family members to dinner when they are out in the fields (I need one of those)

Remember, Remember

2011-11-04T11:43:00.000-07:00

We began our day with an exciting convocation focused on Guy Fawkes Day. Students from SK to grade 8 and teachers who had memorised the Remember poem went onto stage and recited the poem before the school. Well done to house leaders from ZBP who earned their house an extra 100 000 points each. Students worked in teams to complete a crossword puzzle testing their knowledge of the historical events of Guy Fawkes.
Grade 3s worked hard yesterday and did two days worth of math in one. As a reward, we spent time in the computer lab exploring a fun pioneer game. Also in our inquiry unit on pioneers, students worked on the good copy of their acrostic poem. Students typed up their poems and were challenged to change the font and size of their type and to bold the first letter of each line in their poem. Students continued working on their pioneer ABC booklet. We read about Early Pioneer Village Life. Students who did not get done in class will be bringing their work home for completion.
Students attended French class today.
Reminders:

Sign and return today's spelling test
Review math for Monday's test (p. 33-55)
Count by 3s till 30 and 4s till 40
Crawford Lake trip form and money due on Monday
Photos are coming home today

Have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, November 3

2011-11-03T13:43:00.000-07:00

In today's math lesson, the boys and girls practised counting backwards and forwards by 2s, 3s, 5s, 10s and 100. They counted in 4s and noted the patterns in the ones place when we count by 4s. These patterns make counting in 4s easier. For math homework tonight, students are asked to keep practising counting in 3s till 30 and to count in 4s till 40. Students are bringing their JUMP math workbooks home today as they are writing a math test on pages 33 - 55 on Monday.
In spelling, students worked on proofreading sentences containing list words. Remember to review the list words for tomorrow's spelling test.
In our inquiry unit, students continued working on their pioneer ABCs booklet and acrostic poems. WE also wondered what it would be like to be in a one-room school. We had a lot of fun with today's lesson. The grade 3 boys would have liked to take on the teacher as pioneer boys. Everyone is happy that the strap is no longer used :-). Students who did not get done in class, are bringing their pioneer duo tangs home and are to complete Early Pioneer Schools. Remember to keep working on your projects.
Reminders:

Scholastic orders are due tomorrow for those ordering
Crawford Lake trip form and money is due by Monday
Students who would like to earn extra house points for their house may memorize the Guy Fawkes poem up to "God save the king" by tomorrow

Wednesday, November 2

2011-11-02T10:03:00.000-07:00

As usual we began the day with math. The boys and girls practised counting backwards and forwards by 2s, 5s and 10s with different starting points. For extra practise at home, ask your child to count forwards and/or backwards by 2s, 5s, or 10s, starting at 861 or 328 or 547 or any 3-digit number you think of. Also in math, students were given part of a number pattern and asked to identify which number the pattern is skip counting by. They also identified missing numbers in a pattern and extended counting patterns of 2s, 5s and 10s. We reviewed counting by 3s today. Keep practising counting by 3s till 30. Students who wrote the math retest are bringing these home for parents to sign and return.
In spelling, students used this week's list words to complete sentences and answer riddles.
In our inquiry unit on pioneers, the boys and girls continued working on their ABC booklets. We continued learning about pioneer farming and asked where the farm animals that pioneers had came from, what animals were kept by pioneers and how the pioneers used these animals. Any incomplete pioneer work will be coming home for completion.
Hopefully, students have identified a pioneer job or trade that they would like to research, and have begun using the Internet to find information. Remember to record websites used for your bibliography. Always read, retell and then write what you remember to avoid plagiarism. Start making plans to visit the public library for pioneer books. Parents tell your child how to find non-fiction books in the library and let them try on their own. Ask the librarian for help. (Hint: There are very few pioneer books available at the Meadowvale library in Mississauga, as I have many of them in my classroom). Students may use the books in the classroom as well as their pioneer duo tangs as sources of information.
Students who completed their inquiry work continued working on their cold and warm colours art project.

Scholastic order forms are coming home today for those who would like to order, cheque only please.

Students attended French and gym classes today.

Black Creek Pioneer Village Fun

Separating the butter from the buttermilk

In the workroom

Listening to instructions on how to operate a loom

Working hard at shaping wood

Making a spurtle (a stirring tool)

Operating a loom

Working the loom is a bit like playing the piano, you have to use pedals

Weaving under then over then under then over .....

Tuesday, November 1

2011-11-01T09:52:00.000-07:00

Students have been asked not to bring Halloween candy to school to eat or to share. We have been trying hard to encourage healthy eating habits and balanced lifestyles. The sugar in candy or MSG in chips do not help students with the hard work they have to do at school. If you have candy that you would like to get rid of, you are welcome to place it in the donation box outside the gym.
In math, students practised skip counting backwards and forwards by 2s and 5s. We skip counted by 3s, noting the patterns in the ones digits. Students used the guess and check strategy to find a missing number on a number line when the skip counting number is unknown. Today's retest has been postponed till tomorrow. Students writing the retest will be bringing their blue math books home today. Math homework for today is to count by 3s till 30 until you know it perfectly.
In spelling the boys and girls worked on organizing their spelling words according to their spelling patterns. Review this week's list words for Friday's spelling test.
In our inquiry unit, the students worked on their acrostic poems and their ABC booklets. We also learned about pioneer harvesting and milling and how different is today. Students who did not get done in class will be bringing their pioneer duo tangs to complete at home. We watched a "Little House on the Prairie" show and got to see what it was like to be in a one-room school house during pioneer times.
Students attended Music and French class today.

More pictures from Black Creek Pioneer Village

Separating wool fibres

Using a carder to make the wool fibres lie in the same direction

Demonstrating how to make a punch rug

Working on a punch rug

Using the spinning wheel to make a ball of yarn from the rolag

Braiding rags for a rag rug

Spirit Day

2011-10-30T20:53:00.000-07:00

We began Spirit Day with a house game. Students played balloon volleyball in the gym. Even the teachers got to have a turn. Congratulations to KIP for winning the game. Despite students being in costume, they still managed to focus on getting their work done today. Well done grade 3s.
Students wrote a math test today. This test will be coming home for parent to sign and return. Retests will be written tomorrow.
The following link is an excellent clip on place value. Watch this video clip on place value with your child. http://www.khanacademy.org/video/place-value-1?playlist=Developmental+Math
In spelling, students read this weeks spelling words in context and recorded the words into their agendas.
Next, we worked on our inquiry unit on early settlers. The boys and girls continued their work on the Pioneer ABCs booklet they are writing. The were introduced to the elements of an acrostic poem. Students have selected a pioneer related word to write their poem on.
The boys and girls have been invited to enter the Polar Expressions Writing Competition. They will have the option of choosing their list poem or their acrostic poem for this competition. More details will follow later in the month.
Students have been introduced to their final project for our inquiry unit on early settlers. The letter and rubric about the project have been stapled into student agendas. Please spend time reading the letter with your child. I would like parents to support their children on this project as the inquiry project they will do on communities in another unit will be done completely in class. Always refer back to the rubric while working.
The boys and girls are bringing home a trip letter too. Be sure to look for it in their agendas.
Students attended French and Gym class today.
We ended the day with a Spirit Day party. Thank you to all who sent in treats for students to share.

Have fun tonight and remember the safety rules we spoke about!
More pictures from our trip:

Making yummy pumpkin pie.

Washing dishes

Sweeping the wooden floor in the Strong plank house

The cast-iron stove

Working the dasher to make butter.

Friday, October 28

2011-10-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

We began our day with a convocation which included a house game. The boys and girls had lots of fun cheering on their representatives in a running race in the gym. The races pushed TSPs into first place, followed by KIP and then ZBP.
In class, students wrote their spelling tests. Tests are coming home today to get signed. We continued working on skip counting in math. Today we counted by 5s and 25s. The boys and girls paid attention to the patterns in the ones, tens and hundreds digits when we count by 5s and 25s. Math workbooks are coming home for students to complete page 50.
In art, we discussed warm and cold colours and students worked on an art project using these colours.
For our inquiry unit on early settlers, we added new words to our chart, The children worked on their Pioneer ABC booklets. The children will be bringing their Pioneer Duo-tangs home for the weekend. They need to complete the "Planting Crops" activity for Monday. We ended the day enjoying a Little House on the Prairie show.

Don't forget to bring a ball of yarn on Monday.

Mrs. Deras has asked that parents regularly check the drama blog at:
http://www.stjudesacademydrama.blogspot.com/

Black Creek Pioneer Village Pictures:

Grade 3s watching a butter churn in action.

Students using a slate board or quil pen at Black Creek Pioneer Village.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Thursday, October 27

2011-10-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

We have been spending a little bit of time each day this week talking about the IB learner profile attributes that we are developing in ourselves. Ask your child about the attributes they remember and the examples that have come up in class.
In math, grade 3s practiced skip counting by 2s starting at 0 or 1. They noticed the patterns that occur in the ones digit when we do this. Students continued patterns by skip counting by 2s when given number to begin from.
In spelling, students proofread and corrected sentences that contained this week's list words. Review list 6 for tomorrow's spelling test.
For our unit on early settlers, students learned about what it is like inside a pioneer home. Many are not done their work and will be bringing it home for completion.
Students should also read for 20 minutes today.
Don't forget to bring in a ball of yarn for Monday.

Wednesday, October 26

2011-10-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

I was so happy that every student in grade 3 came to school in full uniform for Picture Day today. Well done grade 3s! Tomorrow is Casual Day and we can enjoy not wearing a uniform to school.
In math, students continued comparing numbers. They ordered sets of numbers and found the greatest and smallest sets when given a particular set of digits. Most students did not complete today's JUMP math workbook, page 48, and this page is coming home for homework. Many students need to look back at page 47 and do corrections on yesterday's work. Students who wrote the math retest today are bringing their tests home to get signed.
In spelling, students used this week's list words to complete sentences and answer riddles. Keep reviewing the list words at home. Students spent some time using their rulers to draw grids in preparation for this week's art project.
There was no time to read in class today, and students need to complete 20 minutes of reading at home.
Remember to bring in a ball of yarn by Monday.
In our inquiry unit, we viewed an episode of Little House on the Prairie to compliment the book we are reading. Students saw how the community helps each other and how hard they worked. Students also saw a sawmill and a Feed and Seed Store. Students added new words to our pioneer word chart.

Tuesday, October 25

2011-10-25T15:02:00.000-07:00

Wear full uniform for Picture Day tomorrow!

The poor grade 3s were subjected to a surprise math test today :). These tests are coming home today. Please check the test to see if your child needs to do a retest tomorrow. Also, please sign and return the tests. In today's math lesson, which was very long as there was no music class (and therefore I will make this a long sentence), the grade 3s compared 3-digit numbers and said how much more or less one number was than another number. Many students did not complete their math at school, and this work is coming home for homework. Students need to correct and complete pages 46 and 47 in their JUMP math work books.
In spelling, we sorted list words according to patterns. Keep reviewing list 6 words for this Friday's test.
In our inquiry unit on pioneers, we learned about log cabins, plank houses, stone houses and sod houses. We added more pioneer-related words to our ABC chart.
Lunch Moms order forms are coming home today for families that are interested in ordering.
Remember to buy a ball of yarn for next weeks art project.

October 24, 2011

2011-10-24T15:40:00.000-07:00

Although the boys and girls all wish we were still at Black Creek Pioneer Village, they did a great job on staying focused and working hard today. We began our day working on math, where students compared 3-digit numbers. Spelling was next, and the class read a short story where they saw all this week's spelling words in context. They also recorded this week's words in their agendas. Review these words for Friday's spelling test. Last week's spelling test is coming home for parents to sign.
In our inquiry unit on early settlers, students learned about how pioneers cleared the land for dwellings and farming. Students who did not get done or who have corrections are bringing their duo-tangs home to complete their work. We also began a class chart of all the pioneer words we are learning about. Some students have begun a journal entry about Friday's field trip. We ended the day reading about pioneers and playing a fun spelling game.
Students attended French and Drama class today.
In addition to spelling, students should read for 20 minutes. Some students have not signed out new books since being allocated their readers last month. It is way past time to return those books and sign out new ones. There are lots of fun reads on my bookshelf.
Students are asked to bring in one ball of yarn by Monday, October 31 for an art project on texture. Thicker yarn is preferable. The colour doesn't matter as the students will be trading yarn with each other. Dollar-type stores are great as the yarn will cost between $1 to $2. WalMart yarn is $4 - $8 (too pricey!)

Black Creek Pioneer Village

2011-10-23T17:30:00.000-07:00

It's unanimous. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a cool place to visit. Comments such as, "This is the best field trip ever!" to "Why can't we stay? Why do we have to go back to school?" we were heard through the day from our grade 3s. We began our day with a workshop titled Many Hands. We visited in the Strong cabin where the boys and girls got to help out with sweeping, making butter, washing dishes, writing on slate and with a quill, making candles, making pumpkin pie, making a rolag using a carder, spinning wool, and making a punch rug . We next visited a work shed where the boys and girls got to try their hands at whittling wood, drilling holes with a brace and bit, sewing leather and operating a loom. We ended our workhsop enjoying the most delicious pumpkin pie and freshly made butter, Mmmmmm.
We enjoyed lunch indoors before heading out to explore the rest of the pioneer village on our own. Some of the highlights of the afternoon were visits to the tinsmith, the weaver and the post office where we got to see a printing press in action.

Thursday, October 20

2011-10-20T18:24:00.000-07:00

Students continued working on number sense in math. They represented 2-digit numbers using snap cubes and Base Ten Blocks, they compared the numbers to determine which was greater or less. They continued representing 2- and 3-digit numbers using models, expanded form in numbers only and numbers and words. Students also compared 3-digit numbers without manipulatives to determine which was greater.
In spelling, the class wrote a test on lists 1 to 5. These will be coming home on Monday.
Provincial Partitions has invited the classes at St. Jude's to participate in a pumpkin decorating contest. The boys and girls had fun decorating 3 pumpkins today. These are on display outside the gym. Judging will take place tomorrow. The boys and girls attended French and Music class today.
For our inquiry unit , we began reading Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingals Wilder. We are looking forward to learning about pioneers at Black Creek Pioneer Village tomorrow. We will leave St. Jude's at 9 am tomorrow. Students need to bring a packed lunch, wear their gym clothes and bring any additional clothes according to the weather.

Below Deck

2011-10-18T13:32:00.000-07:00

Grade 3s represented 3-digit numbers in Base Ten Form, expanded numerals and expanded numerals and words in math today. In spelling they reviewed list 2 and 3 words. Remember to review lists 1 to 5 for Thursday's spelling test.
Many students are still working on completing the good copy of their friendly letters for our last IB inquiry unit. The boys and girls are bringing home their green "Who we are" books to show parents their work. Parents, please sign and return the 4 rubrics your children show you.
In our second IB inquiry unit, Where we are in time and place, we explored where pioneers came from and why they left their homes to come to Canada. Students heard about the hard conditions poor people experienced while traveling by ship across the Atlantic. Many students did not complete answering the questions for the "Who Were the Pioneers? worksheet. These are coming home and need to be completed and returned tomorrow.
Students attended Music and French class today.

Where We Are in Time and Place

2011-10-17T17:18:00.000-07:00

Today in math, the boys and girls practiced showing 3-digit numbers in a Base Ten Block representation. They used grid paper as well as lined paper to show their diagrams. Students also examined Base Ten Block representations and wrote the 2- or 3- digit numbers presented.
In spelling, students reviewd list 1 words. They are bringing their spelling tests home today. My apologies to parents for not getting the tests home on Friday. This week's spelling test will be written on Thursday and will cover lists 1 to 5.
St. Jude's teachers will be visiting an IB school in Guelph this week. Today was Mme. Stella's turn to visit and there was no French class today. The time was well used by students to work on their final assignment for our first IB unit, Who We Are. I will be visiting the IB school on Wednesday. There will be a supply teacher coming in to cover for me on that day and class will continue as usual on that day.
We ended the day by introducing our second IB unit, Where We Are in Time and Place. Our central idea for this unit is Explorers help shape our world. The following lines of inquiry will be used to guide this unit:

· What was it like living in an early settler community?

· What were the interactions between new settlers and first people like?

· What impact did factors such as heritage, natural resources, climate have on early settler communities’ development?

· How did life in and early settler community compare to present day communities?

Students should read for 20 minutes for homework today.

Friday, October 14

2011-10-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

We began our day with a spelling test. These are coming home today. Please sign and return the tests on Monday. In Math, grade 3s practiced writing number words for two- and three-digit numbers. They learned to use a hyphen between the tens and ones digit in number words (twenty-six or four hundred ninety-nine). Many hands were tired from working so hard in math. Students then worked on their friendly letters, including all the parts of a friendly letter and the correct punctuation.
The boys and girls attended French class after first recess. We spent the rest of the day working on art. We read and examined works of art by the Group of Seven and discussed the unique style used by these Canadian artists. Students expressed how the works of art made them feel. We reviewed the elements of design that we have learned about so far this year as well as the primary and secondary colours. Students practiced mixing primary paint colours to produce secondary colours. Students donned art smocks and worked on creating their own landscape. What a wonderful way to end the day!

Don't forget to read and have a lovely weekend everyone.

Thursday, October 13

2011-10-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

In math, the boys and girls practiced reading and writing number words for numbers 11 to 19. They also practiced writing the number words for muliples of ten up to 90. For extra practice students could students could try out the following website http://www.funbrain.com/numwords/index.html .
Most of today's class time was used towards working on our IB Who We Are Unit's final task. Students brainstormed ideas for their friendly letter, reviewed the criteria the letter requires or wrote a rough copy of the letter. To help students with ideas for their letter, we read How to Lose All Your Friends By Nancy Carlson and Kindness Counts by Jan and Mike Berenstain. Yesterday we read Hands Are Not for Hitting by Martine Agassi and Don't Call Me Pruneface by Janet Reed Ahearn.
Students attended Music and French class today.
For homework, students should review their spelling words for tomorrow's test and read for 20 minutes.

Wednesday, October 12

2011-10-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

We began a new math unit on Number Sense today. Students identified the place value of digits in 1 -, 2-, and 3-digit numbers. They understood the value of a digit in a 2- and 3-digit number. Students are bringing yesterday's math test home today. Please review the test with your child, sign it and return to school tomorrow. In spelling, the boys and girls used list words to match clues, wrote their words in alphabetical order, and proofread and corrected sentences containing list words. Keep reviewing these words for Friday's spelling test.
In our IB Who We Are Unit, students finished brainstorming ideas for their friendly letter using a web diagram. They reviewed the criteria which will be used to grade their work. Some students have started writing the rough copy of their letter.
Complete pages 14 and 15 of the Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services Book today.

Tryptophan Tuesday

2011-10-11T13:20:00.000-07:00

Grade 3s began the day with a big end of unit test on Patterning. Tests will be coming home tomorrow. Students then worked on this week's spelling list. The list includes words with the long i sound that have different spelling patterns. Students read a story containing the list words and grouped list words according to their spelling patterns. For homework children should review the list words for this week's spelling test and complete pages 12 and 13 of the Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services Activity Book.
For our IB Who we are unit, students were presented with their final task. They are required to show what they have learned about being kind through words and actions, manners and safety. Students will respond in a friendly letter format. We reviewed the parts of friendly letters today. Students used a web diagram to record the ideas they will use in their letter.
The boys and girls are bringing home a letter from The Missoula Children's Theatre. Look for it in their agendas. Trip forms and fees for Black Creek Pioneer Village were due today. Please return these as soon as possible if you haven't already done so. Students should be wearing their winter uniforms from now till Easter.
Grade 3s attended Music and French class today.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-10-06T13:28:00.000-07:00

Grade 3s spent a most of their day completing our third line of inquiry on manners in this unit. Today we focused on lady and gentleman manners as well as table manners. Students watched a DVD that teaches manners. They role played making phone calls. Students practised setting a table. They ate their lunches on real crockery and with real cutlery today while practising the table manners we learned about. Students used a rubric to assess each other on their table manners. Students drew a correctly titled and labeled diagram showing how to correctly lay a table.
Students attended Music and French class today.
We ended the day with students putting on their last puppet show performances for assessment purposes.
On Tuesday, October 11, students will be writing an end-of unit patterning test. They are bringing home their JUMP workbooks as well as their notebooks. The test will cover all work done in class this far, pages 1 to 32.
Students are bringing home their reading bags so that they can keep reading for 20 minutes a day. They should complete pages 10 and 11 in their Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services Book. Spelling tests are coming home today for parents to sign. Some students have still not returned their manners survey. Please do so by Monday so your data can be included in our class graph.

Have a happy Thanksgiving and the wonderful weather we have been promised.

How do you do?

2011-10-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

In patterning, grade 3s continued working on solving word problems using T-tables. The boys and girls are getting lots of practice at drawing charts. Some have begun review work to prepare for this unit's test. the test will be on Tuesday, October 11. Students will bring their math books home tomorrow for review.

In spelling, grade 3s proofread sentences containing this week's list words. They used proofreading marks to show that each sentence should begin with a capital letter and circled and corrected each spelling mistake. Please be reminded that students are writing their spelling test tomorrow.

In our IB Who we are unit, we continued to ask :What is considered good manners in our community?' We viewed a DVD which teaches telephone manners and introductions. Ask your child to show you what they learned and let them practice these skills at home.

Students attended Drama, Gym and French classes today.

For homework, students need to

complete their Mississauga Fire and Safety Books pages 8 & 9
review their spelling for tomorrow's test
pose their survey questions to 5 grownups
read for 20 minutes

Remember

Scholastic orders are due tomorrow

Respect Your Elders

2011-10-04T08:01:00.000-07:00

Today in Patterning, grade 3s solved real-life word problems with T-tables, by creating and extending T-tables for a growing pattern. They discovered how useful T-tables are when you need to double or triple a recipe when cooking for a larger crowd of people like at Thanksgiving.
In spelling, students used this week's spelling words to complete sentences so that the sentences made sense.
In our IB Who we are unit, some students have returned their completed surveys. The students appreciate the information that is being shared with the class. They are noticing that many grownups are saying the same thing on what kids today to well on and could improve on in manners. Students who did not complete their surveys yesterday are bringing them home again today for completion. Students watched a DVD that models door way and telephone manners for kids. They took notes of what they learned and had fun acting out these manners. Ask your child what they learned about manners today and get them to practice these skills at home.
Students attended French and Music class today.
They ended the day by either working on their good copy of their safety brochure or by reading silently for 20 minutes. Students who did not read in class will need to read for 20 minutes at home today.

Monday, October 3

2011-10-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

Grade 3s were introduced to T-tables in patterning today. They extended and created T-tables for growing block patterns. They used the information in the T-tables to write pattern rules for growing block patterns. Students who did not get done in class will be bringing their JUMP workbooks home to complete pages 28 and 29.
In spelling, students are learning list words where the vowel 'a' says its name or its long sound. Students read a story containing this week's list words. They also organised the list words under two headings; a_e or ai. Please note, that this week's spelling test is on Thursday, October 6.
For our IB inquiry unit,Who we are, students were introduced to our last line of inquiry, "What are considered good manners in our school community?" Students discussed what they thought manners and etiquette were and gave examples of manners and etiquette. Students are bringing home a survey that they need to complete. They need to pose the survey questions to five different grownups. Please help your child to do this, by giving them the phone numbers of relatives or friends who are willing to participate.
Grade 3s are bringing home a trip letter today.
Students are to complete pages 4 and 5 in their Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services Activity Book. Colouring is optional.
Friday is a Professional Development Day for teachers. There is no school for students on this day.
Scholastic orders are due on Thursday, October 6 in cheque form only, for those who are ordering.

Last Day of September

2011-09-30T14:04:00.000-07:00

Grade 3s began their day with a spelling test which is coming home to get signed. Students listened to and discussed another safety book called The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers by Stan and Jan Berenstain. Students are wrapping about their safety lists and working on the good copy of their safety brochure. Two further books were made available to students to read, Safety at Home by Marylee Knowlton and On the Road by Claire Llewellyn. Students are encouraged to check out the safety sites posted earlier in the week if they haven't already done so. Students are bringing home a Fire and Emergency Services Colouring and Activity book available through the city of Mississauga. Students are asked to work through pages 1 to 3 and to return the books to school on Monday. Colouring the pages is optional. Groups rehearsed their puppet shows through the day. Two groups performed their puppet shows for Mrs. Padovan's, Ms Chang's and Ms. H's classes.
We ended the day with a very short convocation, discovering that KIP and TPsS are well in the lead.
Scholastic Orders are coming home today. If you would like to order from Scholastic's, please submit your order by Thursday, October 6 in cheque form only.
Have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, September 29

2011-09-29T18:17:00.000-07:00

The boys and girls at St, Jude's heard the new student council members thanking them for their votes during this morning's assembly. In math, students continued their patterning work from yesterday. Students who did not get their work done in class are bringing their JUMP Math workbooks home to correct and complete pages 25, 26 and 27.
In spelling, students used proofreading marks to correct sentences containing this week's spelling words.
In our IB inquiry unit, Who we are, students listened to and discussed two informative books on safety - Staying Healthy: Personal Safety by Alice B. McGinty and I Can Be Safe. A First Look At Safety by Pat Thomas. Students continued adding new safety information to their lists. Students are bringing their inquiry (green) books home today. Parents have a homework assignment today. Parents, it is your responsibility to grade your child's work in completing their personal information questionnaire and to help them in memorising this information over the next few days. How you grade their work is at your discretion. Parents, please supervise your child over the next few days, as they visit some of the safety sites posted on yesterday's blog. We ended the day with 20 minutes of silent reading.
Students attended French and Music class today.
For parents who are ordering from Lunch Moms in October, do not order a meal for Oct 21, as our class will be away on a field trip that day. There will be information about this coming home soon.
Parents are reminded that next Friday, October 7 is a PD Day and Monday, October 10 is Thanksgiving Day. There is no school for students on these days. Students will need to return to school in their winter uniform.

Election Day

2011-09-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

Grade 3s continued working with increasing and decreasing patterns in math today. Students practised extending patterns, figuring out the gaps between terms in patterns, and writing patterns rules for patterns. Students also worked on word problems based on patterns.
During drama, some groups performed their puppet shows for Mrs. Deras, and received valuable feedback on how they can improve their show. Mrs. Deras has asked that parents check the drama blog for expectations concerning behaviour during drama class, rehearsals and performances.

Students used this week's spelling words to complete sentences with missing words, so that the sentences made sense.

In our IB inquiry unit, Who we are, students listened to and discussed a book called Looking After Me: Safety by Liz Gogerly and Mike Gordon. They added information that was new to them to their lists on how to keep safe in a variety of situations. Students understood why it is important to have memorized personal information and were tested on their knowledge of their own personal information. Students who do not know their own personal information will be working on memorization this week. Students were presented with the following form:

Complete as much information as you can.
Your first name

Your last name

Your home address (Include house or apartment number, street, city, postal code)

Your home phone number

Your mom’s full names

Your dad’s full names

Dad’s work or cell number

Mom’s work or cell number

Who is allowed to pick you up from school?

Supervise your child while they visit some of the following sites about safety.

http://safe-a-rooni.org/

http://www.mcgruff.org/#/Main

http://www.cpsc.gov/kids/kidsafety/correct.html

http://www.nysgtsc.state.ny.us/Kids/kid-bike.htm

http://www.cpsc.gov/kids/kidsafety/index.html

http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/

http://www.netsmartzkids.org/

http://www.smokeybear.com/kids/default.asp?js=1
Grade 3s attended French and Gym class today. They also voted for the school's new leadership council.
For homework today, grade 3s should review this week's spelling words, read for 20 minutes, research how to check if pond ice is safe for skating, give the new lunch order forms to parents, and refer parents to the drama blog, spend some time on some of the safety sites listed above, memorise personal information they were unsure of today.

A number of students were very tired and lethargic in class this morning. Parents, please help by ensuring that your child gets enough sleep each night, has a healthy breakfast and brings healthy snacks and lunch to school.

Tuesday, September 27

2011-09-27T16:18:00.000-07:00

At the start of the day, the school heard the grade 6, 7 and 8 leadership students present their speeches. Grade 3 to 8 students will be voting tomorrow to elect the student leadership council for this year.

Grade 3 students practiced extending increasing and decreasing patterns in math today. They described the pattern with a pattern rule. We used the following sentence to model our pattern rules: "Start at _____. Add/ Subtract ____ each time". Students identified these sentences as imperative sentences. They were also introduced to the use of the word "term" in patterning. Students named different terms in patterns.
In spelling, students reviewed the long and short vowel sounds and the symbols used in dictionaries to denote these sounds. They learned that the number of syllables in a word corresponds to the number of vowels in a word (with some exceptions :)). Students sorted their spelling words into one- and two-syllable words.
In our UOI, Who we are, we read a book called Be Careful and Stay Safe by Cheri J. Meiners. We reviewed the difference between fictional and non-fictional books. Students used the new information they heard to add to the lists they began yesterday on how to keep safe in different environments. Parents, please talk to your child about what we have been discussing in class. We ended the day with silent reading.
Grade 3s attended Music and French class today.

Monday, September 26

2011-09-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

We began the day with students sharing interesting things they did over the weekend. In math, students made patterns with squares. They used snap cubes and pictures on grid paper to show their work. Grade 3s are challenged to remember the directionality of vertical and horizontal and how these terms relate to columns and rows.
In spelling, students read this week's list work in the context of a story and recorded the words in their agendas.
In our UOI, Who we are, students asked the question " How can we keep ourselves safe?" Students viewed a video on bicycle safety.We will explore this question in a variety of contexts for the remainder of this week. Students will be producing a brochure of what they learn about safety. Parents, please use this week to talk to your child about safety practices in your home.
For homework, students need to review this week's spelling list, read for 20 minutes, and complete or correct today's math ( pages 22, 23, 24).

Friday, September 23

2011-09-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

We began our day with a spelling test and a math test. Both these are coming home today for parents to sign and review with students. Students spent the rest of class time making puppets, completing their scripts, collaborating to design a rubric to assess their puppet show, practicing their show and providing other groups with feedback on how to improve their shows.
Students attended French class today.
W
e ended the day with an indoor Terry Fox Run. Students did well, running around the gym, some did in excess of 30 laps.

Enjoy your weekend !

Thursday, September 22

2011-09-22T13:43:00.000-07:00

In math, grade 3s continued working to identify the core of a repeating pattern and then extend the pattern. Grade 3s will be writing a test on attributes and repeating patterns tomorrow. JUMP Math workbooks are coming home today. Students should review pages 14 to 21.

Students proofread and corrected sentences containing this week's list words. Today is the last day to review the words before tomorrow's spelling test.

Students continued working on the UOI script. Some have completed the script and have begun making their puppets. Students attended Music and French classes today.

Remember to wear gym clothes to school tomorrow for the Terry Fox Walk/Run. We will be walking to a local park where students will either run or walk around the baseball diamond.

Wednesday, September 21

2011-09-21T10:35:00.000-07:00

Today in math, we went a whee bit off track while discussing attributes and named 3- to 10-sided figures. It was an educational loop. Ask your child if they can remember the names we discussed. Back on on track, students identified the core in a repeating pattern. They extended the pattern and named the length of the pattern core. Some students used beads or snap cubes to create their own repeating pattern.
Students completed today's spelling exercises where they used this week's list words to answer riddles. Students who did not get done in class will be bringing their spelling home to complete page 11.
Students enjoyed attending Drama, French and Gym class today. KIP and ZBP participated in inter mural floor hockey today.
We ended the day with students working cooperatively in their groups on their puppet show scripts.
Students are asked to review this week's spelling words and to read from their assigned reader for 20 minutes today.

Tuesday, September 20

2011-09-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

In math, we identified more attributes which we can use to describe and create patterns. Ask your child how many attributes they can name. Students completed their spelling exercise and worked on creating a checklist of requirements for their script. At this time students were exposed to declarative, interrogative, exclamatory and imperative sentences. We played Musical Island to help us hone in on working cooperatively in a group. Some groups have have begun working on their script. Students attended Music and French class today. They ended the day with 20 minutes of silent reading. For homework, students are asked to review this week's spelling list for Friday's test.

Monday. September 19

2011-09-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

We began class with a math test this morning. Students are bringing these home today. Please review the test with your child, then sign and return the test. We began a new math lesson by talking about attributes. Ask your child if they know the definition for the word "attribute". Students identified the changing attributes in geometric patterns. Students bringing math home today need to correct pages 14 and 15.
Our spelling workbooks have arrived. Students practiced saying, writing and reading words where g or c make the soft or hard sound. We discussed the words to ensure students knew the meaning of each word. Students recorded list 2 words in their agendas. The list words are also displayed on this blog.
Students attended Drama, French and Gym class today.
Grade 3s ended the day by asking the question " How can we work cooperatively?" They played a game that requires cooperation for students to be successful. Students will need to work cooperatively to complete their next UOI task. For this task students will write, perform and make puppets for a puppet show. The theme is focused on how our words, actions and attitudes affect our well being. Students were placed into small groups. The groups were required to work together to identify their story script's beginning, middle and end.

Friday, September 16

2011-09-16T13:53:00.000-07:00

We began a colourful Spirit Day with a house colour's contest. Congratulations to all students for their wonderful participation. ZBP won the contest, with KIP and TSPs coming in second and third respectively. Grade 3s wrote a math test. Be sure to sign and return this test. They also worked on extending increasing and decreasing sequences. Any incomplete math needs to be completed at home (Pages 12 and 13). Grade 3s will be writing a math test on Monday. Students should review pages 1 to 13 to prepare for this test. Parents, please ensure all math coming home today is returned on Monday. We use all books everyday in class.

Almost all students have typed up and illustrated their poem. These will be compiled into a class poetry book, so we can enjoy each others writing. In art, we identified a third element of design. We reviewed line, and we explored how line can evoke many different feelings in us depending on how it is used. Ask you child to draw you the faces we looked at.

Students attended French class today and some participated in inter mural soccer.

We ended the day by reading and playing a game to develop our listening skills.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Reminders:

Bring in a wooden spoon and plasticine by Monday
Look in your child's agenda for Karate, Terry Fox and Guitar lesson letters coming home today.