Soapstone Carving

The students had the opportunity to learn to carve the softest rock, soapstone, with a professional sculptor.  Come and see their carvings in the trophy case by the main office.  They're beautiful, and the students are very proud.

Time to Start Practising Times and Division Facts

Time to Start Practising Times and Division Facts

Time to Learn Our Times Facts and Division Facts Too

Every Thursday starting soon the students will have a multiplication and division facts quiz.  We are starting soon with 2X up to 2X10 and ÷ 2 up to 20 ÷ 2.  Your child will write what she/he needs to study in the planner on Mondays.

Help your child by having him/her
1.  skip count forward and backwards ie. 0, 2, 4 ... 20 and 20, 18, 16 ... 0
2.  draw a clock (your child can explain) and say the facts in order then out of order.  Time him to show the improvement.
3.  use flash cards
4.  use multiplication and division apps (math drills lite has been recommended by a parent)
5.  complete the handouts I provide
6.  continue to review the tables (a few minutes a day is most effective)

Thank you for your support!

Novel (Chapter Book) Assignment

The students have just learned about this assignment.  Please read over the paper copy with your child, help him/her set up a schedule for reading the novel and completing the assignment, and sign the assignment so I know you've seen it.

We will discuss the expectations often throughout the month.  An example of a finished report is at the front of the room to look at, and please feel free to ask any questions you have.

Thanks for your support with this.

Novel Report Assignment

The novel you choose must be at least 100 pages long or approved by Ms. Reichert.  The report must include the following:

Part 1: due Mon. Jan. 12th / 5
Choose a novel and complete a timeline on the calendar showing chapters you will read, assignment parts you will complete, and tentative due dates
Note:  The novel should be read by approximately the end of the third week.  Some parts of the assignment can be completed before you finish reading the book.

Parts 2 to 7: due Fri. Jan. 30th

Part 2:                              / 3
title page              
- on unlined paper
- Include title of novel, author, an appropriate hand drawn picture, and your name. 

Part 3:                                / 2               
a) name of publishing company, b) date of publishing, c) category of book (see balanced reading wheel)

Part 4:                                / 10
a)  Main Characters:  Choose 5 words or phrases to describe each of the main characters.
b)  Setting:  Choose 5 words or phrases to describe the setting.
c)  Plot:  Complete the Plot handout.

Part 5:                              / 3
a brief (5 sentences) comment about the book
How did it make you feel?
Was it interesting?  Why or why not?
Was it an appropriate reading level?  Why or why not?
Would you recommend it to others?  Why or why not?

Part 6:                               /1
an example of a good description (fancy writing) from the story.  Copy the exact words.

Part 7:                              /1
List 5 new (or interesting) words and their meanings.  Use a dictionary, but write the definitions in your own words.

Spelling, Punctuation, Word Order, and Neatness:     / 5

Total:                                 / 30
Note:  You will be given some time to read in class and work on the report.  However, most of the work is to be completed at home.

Welcome Back!

Welcome back and Happy New Year!    I hope you all had a pleasant holiday.  It's great to be back with the students this week.  The students seem refreshed and eager to get busy at school.

Thank you for all your generous and thoughtful gifts.  Please ask your child to share the welcome back / thank you card in his / her planner pocket with you.

A Busy Last Week of School in 2014

The students wrote stories about Bob the Cat.  Bob is a real cat who was found injured by a homeless busker, James Bowen, in London, England.  He decided to care for the cat, and the cat became his constant companion. The pair have become famous.  James plays guitar and Bob does tricks.  People stop to take pictures.  Bob has been given hand knit scarves, and at least 3 books have been written about the pair.  It is a great lesson about compassion. The students wrote stories about Bob's life before he met James.  They were wonderful to read!  Thank you for your assistance with editing.  In January they will share them with their Grade 1 buddies.

Class Party

Inuit People Projects

The students have completed projects about the Inuit.  As a class we chose sub-topics.  After we  completed a poster about the environment and climate of the Arctic as a class, each group of 4 was given a different sub-topic to research.  They chose how to divide the work into pairs.  I was impressed by how well they cooperated with each other and how much they learned about choosing relevant information and presenting it on a poster.  (The class chose the criteria for the posters.)

 In January, they will take turns teaching the rest of the class about their sub-topic.

A Yummy and Fun Art Project - Melted Snowmen

Have a safe, very happy holiday!

Jingle Walk

Thank you Valla (Laleh's mom), Christy (Tyler's mom), and Peggy (Naomi's mom) for helping us deliver flyers and collect food and to all who were able to make a food donation.  Needy families will have more to eat this season.

Christmas Concert

I hope you were all able to attend the Christmas concert.  Weren't your kids great?  A huge thanks to Mrs. Dunkley, Mr. Clarke, and Mrs. Martin especially, and of course all of you for your support.

Note: Niagara falls outside our classroom door that night.

Christmas Concert and the Jingle Mingle

As I'm sure you know, our class performs in the Christmas concert on Wednesday at 12:40 and at 7:00.

Here's what the children should wear.
- girls should wear bright shirts
- (Poodle skirts will be provided)
- boys should wear white shirts and black pants
- 'leather' or sporty jackets (a la 50s)
- slicked back hair

The children have worked hard.  It should be fun to watch.

The jingle mingle was another huge success from my perspective at the make your own wrapping paper station.  The children were so excited about the presents they knew their special family members would love.  Our class basket looked amazing.  

Thank you for your generosity and all your hard work!

A Herd of Reindeer (We made these with our Grade 1 buddies.)

Class Party

The students have earned a party!  They have decided to be cozy, watch a movie, and eat treats.

The date:  Tues. Dec. 16th  

What to Bring:
reusable plate and cup, plastic bag for dirty dishes
pyjamas, blanket or sleeping bag, pillow, stuffy (optional)

Some students have volunteered to bring snacks, desserts, fruit or vegetable trays, and drinks.  Hopefully they have told you by now.  THANK YOU!  Of course, if you are unable to help out in this way, please have your child let me know.

If you are sending food, please send enough for a small amount for each student. (Approximately 4 students volunteered for each food/drink category.)

Please pre cut desserts and provide serving utensils if applicable.  Please supply large bowls for snack food.

Thanks again

Jingle Bell Flyer Delivery and Food Collection

Our annual jingle bell food drive will begin next week.  I would appreciate having 1 or 2 parents walk with us next Friday (the 12th) at 1:00 to approximately 2:00 as we deliver flyers in the neighbourhood.

On Monday the 15th at 1:00,  we need 1 parent to drive along with us as we collect food and hopefully 1 or 2 parents to walk with us.

Thanks for your support with this.

Election Scavenger Hunt

It was great to hear that so many students were able to go with you to the polling stations.

Totem Poles Telling Stories

Rainy Lunchtime Creativity

Lest We Forget

Dancing Skeletons