It’s been a wintery week at school with many new things happening this new year.
Home Reading
Children are encouraged to read in French daily in order to support their developing language skills. Children receive prizes when they have travelled to special spots in Canada, and we have added new home reading books into circulation. As students’ skills progress, many students are able to read longer stories and simple chapter books. There are lots of pictures in these books to support learning, and more advanced vocabulary so that students can add new words to their repertoire.
A huge thank-you to the parents who helped cover these books so they can last longer in the hands of young readers!
Home reading books.
Math
We are working with numbers to 100. Please be aware that we have not been “borrowing” or “carrying” as many adults do when adding and subtracting two-digit numbers. Our focus is on applying strategies that students already have to larger numbers, and on understanding the concepts of addition and subtraction. In order to solve mathematical questions we:
- use base ten blocks (tens and ones)
- use a number line
- use a 100 chart
- add or subtract to the nearest ten; then go on from there as students have mastered ways to make ten
If your child is reviewing or correcting work, please encourage your child to use one of the above strategies that makes sense to them. If you wish to show your child how to borrow or carry, be aware that this may be a brand new idea as we have not yet discussed this in class.
Look for math sheets coming home in your child’s agenda today.
Winter Clothing
Today students went outside for two 15 minute recesses. Most children have warm clothes, but please check in with your child tonight. Some children had no tuques or mittens. Tuques covering the ears and mittens rather than gloves tend to be warm choices this week. Also, a scarf, neck tube or balaclava may also help your child stay warm outside. Check in with your child to see if he or she was warm enough today and pack any extra items needed in your child’s back pack tonight.
50 Points!
Tomorrow children may wear pyjamas, and bring a small reasonably-sized stuffy and/or blanket to class. Board games and card games are also welcome. If any parent would like to bring in a snack to share, feel free to add to our festivities. Children have worked hard speaking French, using perseverance, being kind, being honest and following routines in order to earn these points.