Welcome back! It’s January, and we are learning all kinds of new things.

What’s new?

Fairy Tales

This week, we have begun exploring classic fairy tales in French. We will build our fairy tale vocabulary, read some traditional fairy tales, and explore the genre. Fairy tales are full of gender stereotypes that we will later explore as we read modern versions of fairy tales with female heroes who are brave and don’t wear princess dresses and glass slippers, and male protagonists who are sensitive and caring in ways other than slaying a dragon or kissing a princess. Later in the unit, students will use their creativity to write their own unique fairy tales.

Drama

Students imagined that they worked for Creativity Inc. and had to creatively solve problems tasked to them! We also played a drama game where students imagined what an object could be. Students will develop their drama skills this term, and use them to perform plays in class relating to fairy tales. We will also explore perspective. 

Math

Students have been very excited and motivated to work with big numbers which both challenges students and builds their self-confidence. In reflection journals, this was the goal of many students. We have added to 1000 today and have subtracted from 99. Our focus has been on using mental math rather than borrowing and carrying, but the latter methods will be part of students’ repertoire as well.

Technology

Please send headphones in with your child if you haven’t yet. We are using them to use tablets to reinforce our work with words in language arts, and in the computer lab when coding. We will also be working with Spheros soon.

Skating

• No hockey- sorry! there will be too many students on the ice.
• Helmets and mitts/ gloves are mandatory.
• All parents who have offered to volunteer are welcome to meet us at the Memorial Arena or walk down with us.
• Parents who wish to skate are asked to model safety by wearing helmets and mitts as well.
• Skates should be in a bag .

Science

We have started learning about Matter. We reviewed the 3 states of matter, solid, liquid and gas. We will be exploring physical and chemical changes of matter, as well as thermal energy. Students will participate in a  science lab at the Big Little Science Centre in February, and conduct a science experiment with a focus on CHANGE for February and March Show & Tell.

Upcoming dates:

• Skating at the Memorial Arena Jan. 18th & Feb. 15th.
  • We will be on the ice 10:30-11:30. We will be leaving the school at 10ish to walk down to the arena.
• Big Little Science Centre Feb. 21 (morning)
• Heap the Honda– donate your gently used book in the library until Jan. 25th
• Unplug and Play– families will be encouraged to lower screen time and spend time together in other ways the week of Jan. 28th to Feb. 1st. There will be a games night in the gym on Feb. 1st.