And then there were five...

Hi everyone,
Thanks for checking in.
Well Friday is winding down and next week I'm sure will be a blur. First things first, we have had a busy week. Grade Two students are learning about holiday celebrations around the world - don't be surprised if you hear them humming "Driedel, driedel, driedel" tonight when they come home. We played a game that is commonly played at Hanukkah time.  Yesterday we learned about SinterKlaas and Zwarte Piet from the Netherlands. Next week we will explore traditions from Italy, England, Mexico and Australia. Grade Three students were comparing the life of a city mouse and a country mouse.

In Math, we started exploring measurement. Ask your child the difference between non-standard and standard measurements. We used a plastic stick to measure classroom items and then we used a paper metre stick (thank you IKEA) to measure the same things using centimetres. 

In literacy, we have been reading all about Scaredy Squirrel and how he prepares for Christmas. Being a scared squirrel who is afraid of germs and strangers really presents a problem at this holiday time!  The kids planned out a gingerbread house (just like Scaredy Squirrel, but his was "better than code") and designed all sides.  They then had to work with a partner to develop a procedure for building the gingerbread house. Some students were videoing and making movies of  their procedure and others were typing it.

Our Christmas Character day was very successful. Lots of elves, some Santas and a few toy helpers. Thank you for helping your child come up with a costume. I 'may' have been an elf myself!

Our play is on Tuesday, Dec.16 at 6:30pm and 11 am. Please send your child's costume with them on Monday if possible. If not, then please make sure it is here for our morning performance on Tuesday!  The kids have really worked hard (thanks for encouraging them at home) and it definitely shows. I am excited for them to 'break a leg' on Tuesday. We will do one final practise on Monday before taking the stage on Tuesday! 

Enjoy your weekend,
Cheers,
Ms. Rogers

Happy Monday!

Hi everyone,
Just a quick update- thanks to those of you who let me know you received my email last week. If you didn't get an email, please send me one at arogers@scdsb.on.ca and I'll add you to the list!


I can't believe we have 9 days till Christmas break. Wow! Unbelievable how time flies.  These next two weeks are quite busy.  We have been practicing our lines for our play. The Holiday Moosical is on Tuesday, Dec. 16. There is a performance at 11 am, and an evening one at 6:30.  I know that there have been notes in the agenda about this performance for a couple weeks now, but a permission form came home today that needs to be returned in order for the kids to participate at the night show. Also on that note was some suggestions for costumes. Costumes just need to be simple. The class and I will try and create some of the extras that might be needed. I don't want you to have to go out and buy things for make your child's costume. Any questions or suggestions please email me.


Colour House Days- This Friday is "Christmas Character Day" Students may dress up as characters from books or movies, or really anything Christmas themed. For example they could be the Grinch, Cindy-Loo Who, etc. The next Friday is Red & Green Day.


Cheers,
Ms. Rogers

Art Updates...

I know many of you had the chance to see our Remembrance Day art- but I wanted to make sure that I posted it for those who didn't get a chance to see it. This class continues to amaze me with their artistic abilities and willingness to try new things.


Literacy- This week we are learning the basics of letter writing- just in time for Santa letters!  We are reading a story about a little boy who writes letters to his new teacher. We are focusing on learning the five parts: date, greeting, body, closing and signature. Our guided reading focus is word attack strategies and digging deeper into the text. In a world of texting, emailing and other quick ways of communicating, letter writing can be a lost art.  If you can include your child in writing a letter in the next few weeks that would be fanastic!


In math we are completing our patterning unit. We will be looking at number sense next.  We will be starting with number patterns and basic addition and subtraction. Please quiz your child on their basic addition and subtraction skills ( What's 6 + 7?)  and mental math by asking them questions.


Just to let you know as well, our holiday musical will be on Tuesday, Dec. 16th @ 6:30. There will be a day time performance as well.  We have been practicing our lines and song. Please encourage your child to practice at home as well. 


Happy Monday,
Ms. Rogers

A little art addiction...

Many of you had a chance to see our Remembrance Day Proud as Peacock bulletin board, but in the event that you didn't please take a look below. The class did an amazing job. What an artistic bunch of kids I have!

Catching snowflakes- Last Friday the class and I created these gems!  The students were asked to include a pattern on the sweater or scarf of their character. We looked at some examples and this is what they came up with. So impressed!