Classifying Animals

I can classify a variety of animals, based on observable characteristics ( limbs, teeth, body covering, overall shape, backbone).

Measurement

 Last week we started work within our Shape and Space Unit. We are currently reviewing vocabulary, as well as different units of measure. At the beginning of each math block, we review addition and subtraction strategies to ensure that we continue to practice and gain confidence with these skills.

Be Active- Be Strong- Be Ready

We had a special presentation today where we talked about movements and breathing that helps regulate the brain and body. Taking time during our day to move through this movement sequence can help students remain calm and alert and be ready for learning.

1. Be Strong Activities
-  Stand-up behind desks and run or jump on the spot

2. Be Strong
- Activities that build strength like squats

3. Be Ready
- Breathing activities to prepare for instruction

The Learning Commons

Every Wednesday our class spends an hour in the Learning Commons exploring, designing and creating. 

Lego Station

Newspaper Tower Challenge

Building with Cups

Make a holiday card

Make a doll
using pipe cleaners, straws and beads

Tiny House Art

Today we started our first collaborative art piece for the art auction. Students were asked to design tiny houses that were 6 cm tall. I'm looking forward to seeing what the finished product will look like!

Drop-In Centre Donations

The grade 5/6 student council came to our class last week to explain their plan to support the Calgary Drop-In Centre by collecting wish list items. These items can be anything that could help support people experiencing poverty or homelessness. Thank you for those who have already donated! Their goal is to collect 1000 items before the winter break. Families will be invited to prepare envelopes during our Winter Celebration. 

Items to donate:

• Travel size band-aids, Tylenol or Advil
• Cough drops
• New mitts, gloves or socks
• Toothbrushes  
• Dental floss
• Toothpaste
• Razors
• Deodorant
• Small tissue packs  
• Small shaving cream
• $2.00-5.00 gift cards for McDonalds or Tim Hortons

Taj Mahal Art

As we explore the county of India, we took a moment to observe the beautiful Taj Mahal. A discussion around symmetry soon followed, which helped students follow step by step instructions to draw this beautiful structure. In the coming week, we will add watercolour and details to our sketch.

KABOOM!

Kaboom is a fun game to practice Math facts. Each popsicle stick has a math equation that students must solve. I have a variety of levels available for all operations. This game can be played with 2-4 players.

Instructions:

1. Place all sticks in a cup with the coloured side facing up.

2. The first player draws a stick. If they solve the equation, then they get to keep the stick. 

3. If they draw a KABOOM stick, they have to put all of their sticks back into the cup. 

4. When time is up, the player with the most sticks is the winner!

Mind Up

We are learning about how our brain can serve as a map for showing us how we learn and why we behave the way we do. Today we looked at the 3 different parts of the brain that help us think and react to the world around us: the prefrontal cortex, the amygdala, and the hippocampus. Ask your child to explain what they learned about their brain today! 

Remembrance Day

Please join us for our Remembrance Day Assembly this Friday, November 8th at 10:30.

Community Soup

Today, Constable Mark visited our classroom to talk about how we can make our classroom and school community a great place. Using the story, Stone Soup by John J. Muth, Constable Mark discussed the essential ingredients needed to make a great community.  Students were asked to think about how the characters in the book brought change to their community and what that might look like in their own community.

Here are some of their ideas of essential ingredients in a great community:

" Kindness, caring and sharing." - Paige
" Trust." - Vianna
" Friendships." - Sebastian

After the story, students were asked to create their own bowl of stone soup. The rim of the pot included "I will" statements, such as

" I will be kind and helpful." - Patience
" I will be kind and care for others."- Lawrence
" I will be supportive." - Kate
" I will be kind to others." - Louis

Inside the pot, students were asked to draw their version of an ideal classroom. Below are a few examples.

Thank you to Constable Mark for coming in this morning and working with us! We look forward to working together again soon!