Wow! What a fantastic three days! I am so blessed to have such an amazing group of students to spend my days with!
On Monday, we got to know each other a bit, went over classroom rules and routines, made temporary name plates for our tables (our new desks are expected to arrive at the end of the month), read one of my favourite books (The Empty Pot by Demi) and enjoyed a presentation by Mary Lambert that focused on keeping a healthy body.
On Tuesday, we read My New Teacher by Al Yankovic, had fun trying to figure out each others' fib in Two Truths and a Fib, organized some of our supplies, discussed how to choose a "good fit book", chose 5 "good fit books" to put in our book bins, enjoyed 15 minutes of read to self, worked through two spelling tests (that I will mark this weekend to determine spelling groups) and worked on some basic addition facts.
On Wednesday, we read Chowder by Peter Brown, enjoyed 15 minutes of read to self, worked on a beautiful watercolour painting, wrote an I Am poem, wrote the I Am poem on top of our watercolour painting and explored a new math activity called How Many Ways (see below). It was such a fun day!
How Many Ways?
This is one of my favourite math activities to do! Students are asked to write equations that equal the target number. Today we worked on the number ten.
The rules are:
1) you can only have one = in each equation
2) you can use addition, subtraction, multiplication or division
3) you need to be sure that you are right
4) you can use counters if needed
As time goes on, we will add a few more rules about how long you can follow a particular pattern before you need to switch things up.
The equations that are in this picture were generated together. Students were then given 15 minutes to come up with some more equations. I was blown away by the equations that they came up with! Some students had multiplication, addition and subtraction in one equation! Over time, everyone's confidence will grow with this activity and they will be excited to share their equations with the class.
Supplies
The students and I had a discussion surrounding how to handle supplies this year. With families being responsible for supplying their own supplies, I felt that things needed to be done a bit differently this year. The students decided that they want their own "art supplies" in their desk, instead of having communal bins. This includes their pencil crayons (24), their thick markers (10) and fine markers (12). To keep distractions at a minimum, I will keep scissors and glue in tubs to be used when needed. Unfortunately, we didn't have pencil boxes on our list of supplies. If you can purchase one or two pencil boxes this weekend and send them to school on Tuesday, that would be fantastic. I was at Staples the other day and they had nice pencil boxes for $2 right at the front of the store. The students and I fiddled around with a few of the pencil boxes that came in with students and all agreed that everything wouldn't fit in just one box. The idea that they came up with was to have one for pencil crayons and one for felts.
Important Notes
The students came home with a bundle of office papers for you (stapled together) and one individual paper. Please go through these forms ASAP and return them to school on Tuesday. It is important for the office to update the students personal records. Once the FOIP forms have cleared the office, I can start posting pictures of students on our blog.
Fundraising
Students came home with SUTP books and order envelopes from our Parent Fundraising Committee. The cost is $20 per coupon book or app. Orders are due after the Thanksgiving weekend. If you are not interested, please return the book in the envelope to avoid being charged the $20.
Water Bottles
Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle to school each day. Trips to the water fountain are very disruptive. I will be encouraging students to bring home bottles each day to be washed and refilled for the following day.
Parent Homework
The students loved the fact that you received the first homework assignment of the year! Please complete the In A Million Words or Less sheet and return it to school by September 11th.
I think that is all for now...I hope I haven't overloaded you with information!
My door is always open to our 3C families. If you have any questions or concerns at any time, please bring them to my attention at your earliest convenience.
Have a great long weekend!
Here are some pictures from our Art Gallery!
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