Our Learning This Week...

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Here's a sneak peek at our week : ) 

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This week we learned about the two different sounds for the /th/ digraph. Students learned that there is a quiet or unvoiced sound (e.g. thin, thank, three) and a noisy or voiced sound (e.g. then, them, than). Students found it tricky to stick their tongue out to properly pronounce this sound. It would be good to have your child practice this at home while looking in the mirror so they can see if they are sticking their tongue out or not. Below are some pictures showing the proper mouth position to help. If the tongue is not sticking out it could sound more like a t, d, or f sound. 








Here is a video that also explains the two different sounds for these letters. 





https://youtu.be/V-cvlZLNEBM


In writing, we began working on Stretchy Sentences. We learned how to add details to our sentences using the 4Ws and 1H..... who, what, when, where, and how. Students looked at some examples and worked as a group to create their sentences. 








Students also worked on writing about the Lunar New Year. They first learned about the different traditions that are part of this holiday and how the holiday began. Then they brainstormed what they wanted to write and came up with some sentence starters to help them begin their sentences in different ways. When finished, they added illustrations to enhance their ideas.







In math, students have been working on exploring the concepts of addition and subtraction. We began by discussing what addition and subtraction are. Then we watched a video showing a variety of addition and subtraction situations. We used the pictures to solve some basic math problems. Although we have discussed the algorithms for both (__+__=___) students are not yet expected to use them but only to be able to explain that ____ and ____ makes ____. 




In science we welcomed the Teacher's Pet program on Thursday. The students had a fantastic time learning about coding and how to create a sequence of instructions or steps to achieve a desired outcome. They had to learn the "language" of coding (i.e. using arrows to show right/left and backwards/forwards) and then plan a series of steps to move a mouse through a maze and around obstacles. They loved it and learned a lot!


   


Level 1: Learning to give instructions: Students had to draw a picture and then describe it to their partner to see if they could draw it without looking at it.


        

 

Level 2: Using arrow cards students created a sequence for their group to follow.


     


Level 3: Using sequence cards (arrows) the students worked in a group to move their animal around the obstacles to reach the gemstone.


    





Next Level!: Students continued to create sequences and then learned to program a small robot (mouse) with their instructions. After testing their sequence they would check it for any "bugs" and modify it to refine and improve their steps.







Final Challenge: The Race -- Each group built a path for their mouse to follow to the centre of a maze. Then they programmed their mouse to move along the path. Each mouse raced to see which group would make it to the cheese first!






Important Updates & Reminders:

Google Classroom is available for students to access. Below are instructions for logging. I have recently added a number of activities that cover many of the skills and concepts we have learned this past term. Have a look!




Please note that the use of activities in our Google Classroom is optional. These are not assigned, but are offered as extra activities that can support some of the learning we are doing in class. We will also be using the websites during class throughout the year at different times. If you have trouble logging in or questions about the classroom, let me know. If you need your child's email or password information let me know. I can resend it.

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Login Instructions: Logging in the first time...

1. Go to classroom.google.com

2. Click Go to Classroom

3. Enter the email address for your Classroom account. (I will email this to you).

4. Click Next.

5. Enter your password. (Everyone's password is: 12345678)

6. Click Next.

7. If there is a welcome message, review it.

8. Click Accept.

9. If you're using a Google Workspace, click I'm a Student.

10. Click Get Started.


Here is a video that also explains the process:

https://youtu.be/agF_V9sxsWw

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Fun Lunch - Below are the links to the Healthy Hunger website and instructions on how to set up your account. 

Upcoming Fun Lunch Dates:
  • Feb 20 - Swiss Chalet
  • Mar 13 - Little Ceasars
  • Apr. 24 - Subway
  • May 22 - A & W
  • June 19 - Mucho Burrito

Upcoming Events and Dates to Remember:

Jan 31 - Non-Instructional Day

Feb. 2 - Groundhog Day (Will he see his shadow?)

Feb. 3 - Library Day

Feb. 14 - Valentine's Day

Feb. 13 & 14 - Teacher's Convention/No School

Feb. 17 - Family Day/ No School

Feb. 28 - PD Day/ No School

Mar. 20 - Last day of classes

Mar. 21-30 - Spring Break

Mar. 31 - Classes Resume



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