This Week in Room 21....

In reading we have been learning about the "Bossy R" or "Growling Dog" sounds-- otherwise known as r-controlled sounds. These are long vowel patterns that are written as /ar/, /er/ and /or/. We say they are r-controlled because you can't really hear the vowel sound. Students practiced making words with these sounds and sorting words into groups based on the sound they heard.

Students have finished writing their Small Moment stories about a time they played in the snow. They are putting the finishing touches on their drawings and using our Success Criteria to determine if they have done their best work.

This week during Author Study we read books by Dr. Seuss. His birthday was on Mar. 2 so I thought it was a nice fit. These are also wonderful books for early readers. They reinforce the concept of rhyme and contain many high frequency words that students need to know. The students listened for rhyming words and also listened for the /or/, /ar/, and /er/ sounds in some of his stories. 

In math, we have finished up learning about addition and subtraction math strategies. To review for our upcoming test on Tuesday, the students began working through a variety of math centres that allow them to practice the various strategies learned, such as: doubles, doubles +1, making 10, using a number line, counting on/back and more.

In social studies, students learned about when Calgary was established. They created a timeline showing various important events in Calgary's history. Then they created a page in the visual journal showing Calgary in the past and today.

In Health, we learned a bit more about bullying-- what it is and what it isn't. This was an extension of the learning we did on Pink Shirt Day. Students learned the difference between a mean moment, conflict and bullying. They also learned how to be a NED which stands for: Never give up, Encourage others to be an upstander, and Do your best. 

Important Reminders & Updates:

• Continue with Home Reading. If you are finding the books too easy or too hard please let me know so that we can adjust the level. 

• Please have your child return their Spelling Booklet each Monday. This week's spelling words were: all, but, run, ran, came, make

• Please ensure your child has proper clothing for the weather. While we may not be going out for recess and lunch on really cold days there is always the possibility of an unexpected fire alarm, late busses or other events in which warm clothing is necessary. 

• Our Google Classroom is up and running! This is a resource for students to use at home to support learning here at school. You can log into your child's classroom by following the steps below:

1. Go to Google. com.
2. Click the blue "Sign In" icon near the top right of screen.
3. Click on the "waffle" icon and select the chalkboard icon from the drop down menu.
4. Enter your child's email address. (this can be found in your MyCBE parent account or you can ask me and I can email it to you.)
5. Enter your child's password. (All students have the same password. It is: 12345678 )
6. Click on "Mrs. V's Classroom")
7. Go to "Classwork" tab for links to games and activities.

*Note: If you have any trouble logging in let me know.

Upcoming Events & Dates to Remember:

Mar. 15 - Spring Showcase Performance @ 6:00pm. Students arrive at 5:30.

Mar. 27 - Spring Break begins

Apr. 3 - School resumes

Apr. 3 - Gymnastics unit begins

Apr. 7 - Good Friday/No School

Apr. 10 - PD Day/No school

Apr. 17 - St. Patrick's Day

Apr. 26 - Last day with our Student Teacher

May 5 - No School