March 13

Good afternoon!

I hope everyone had a relaxing weekend. We talked a little about Daylight Savings Time, and I'm wondering if it affected you? I had a few sleepyheads in class today!

Today in gym we started hockey! The Grade 1s shared what they knew about hockey. Did you know that equipment is needed, such as a hockey stick? Others shared that sometimes there are players, coaches, rules, and nets. We individually practiced with soft "pucks", and I have to say there is some talented kids! Tomorrow we are hoping to work in pairs, and maybe pass to each other.

This morning our fabulous volunteers, Ms. Connie and Ms. Jen helped us finish our Lorax community art. As we were working, an interesting question was posed: What are you learning? One student said he was learning about the Lorax and another said she was learning how to colour. Sure, we read about the Lorax, and yes everyone is colouring, but that is not all! Students talked about patterns (Math) and some chose to represent this concept while others did not. The important thing is that they are aware what a pattern is and is not. Obviously colour is involved. Students were experimenting with colours (Science). They were asking to mix white or black to lighten or darken the paint, and were pleasantly surprised when they mixed secondary and primary colours or two secondary colours together. Pulling in Language Arts and Social Studies, students shared the important message of the book, discussed their thoughts, collaborated and problem solved. They worked as a community in their groups, as they represented the community in The Lorax. And finally, using different mediums/tools to create Art. At just a glance, you may think it is art, but there is a lot more learning happening. I will post photos of their finished project when they are dry. In the meantime, here you go:

It's kind of like scribbling but not! ~ Arop

We drew a line down the middle and both did half. ~ John

Three pieces colour faster! ~ Max

Erasing to problem solve. ~ Ethan

I'm going to help finish the rest. ~ Amy

This was cut off as it was a mistake.

I like these two colours. What do you think? ~ Ally

I'm really impressed! ~ J.C. comments on the above artwork.

This afternoon we read the poem "Hey Diddle Diddle". I read it first, then the students were my echo as I read each line. We paid attention to sight words we already knew, and figured out the words that rhymed. Every student had two or three words on a card and had to recreate the poem. There were also some picture cards. They did great!

This week's sight words: make, soon, run, fly, day. Students were asked to write each word three times and write a sentence using each word. Please review and use in conversation every day this week. 

Check backpacks for a letter about Leprechaun traps! This is a fun family project you can do at home. If you decide to build a trap, please return by Thursday! I plan to wear green every day this week, and especially on Friday!

Please return library books for Tuesday. Thank you.

Important Dates:

March 17: Early dismissal @ 11:00; Pillars of Care assembly @ 8:15; Jump Rope for Heart forms due.

March 21: Constable George Kovacs from Calgary Police Services will be a guest in our classroom @ 9:00.

March 22: Student Involved Conferences 3:30 - 7:30

March 23: Student Involved Conferences 8:00 - 12:00, no school for students

March 24: Professional Development day, no school for students

March 27 - March 31: Spring Break

Have a great evening!

Ms. Cokar