Can you believe it? Tomorrow is the last day of this school year, already! We had our year-end assembly this morning, so it must be true.
It's been such a joy to work with this class this year. They were all very interested in learning and making progress. Case in point, they crammed a mini-project about a Canadian region in this last week. Do take a look at these projects as they are pretty cute. It's a pamphlet with information & images. Some groups also wrote and performed an anthem for their region. Again, pretty cute and dedicated.
This past week was not just work, we had time for some fun too. On Friday we had a lovely nature walk through Uplands Park. Overheard were many comments such as: "Wow! This is the most beautiful walk I have ever been on!" We ate our snacks on some rocks in the park, and had an activity where each student had a piece of paper taped to his or her back, and had to write a compliment on other students' paper. I used to do this activity with middle schoolers because it really seems to build confidence, and was glad to see it worked quite well with Grade 3s too.
For this week, I thought about doing a few more tactile activities which didn't fall into a curricular area this year. On Monday we made bread (pioneers), and this afternoon we made silly putty (matter). Tomorrow afternoon, if I get brave enough, we may try to make ice cream (just because). I'll have to try to make it at home first to make sure it works!
Speaking of tomorrow afternoon, we would like to have a snack-potluck after lunch, and play board games or do some art. If possible, please send along a small sharing snack (carrot sticks, celery, cherries, chips, cupcakes, cookies, ...). Uneaten snacks will be returned home at the end of the day. We also invite parents to come to our class around 2pm. The students have put together a scrapbook of their artwork this year, and this would be a nice time for them to present their work to you, if you have the time.
Please have some contact with the French language over the summer, especially reading, to keep up hard-earned skills. In the "Links" section of this blog, there is a link to my colleague Josee Malo's website which has many sites with French texts, written or spoken.
If anyone is interested in the recipe for bread or silly putty please let me know and I will post them on this blog.
Thank you all for supporting your children's education. I will miss each and every one of these little people. Wishing everyone a happy summer!
Wednesday, 22 June 2016
Tuesday, 24 May 2016
Week 34 - Track Update
Bonjour!
I hope everyone had a relaxing long weekend and that we're all recharged and ready for the last bit of learning in this school year.
Our last swimming lessons will take place this Thursday. Thank you to all chaperones these past weeks as we couldn't do it without you! Chaperone names for this week are in the email.
For many students in our class, tomorrow is our Zone track meet. Students will be running against other runners from Campus View, Margaret Jenkins, Frank Hobbs, Sir James Douglas, and Hillcrest Elementary Schools. We will be boarding school busses from Willows to UVic around 9:30, and returning to Willows around 2:15. These times are very approximate. The meet will start with 800m races, then individual 100m races, and finish with the always exciting 4 x 100m races. Non-runners will spend the day in Mme McMillan's classroom next door.
If your child is running tomorrow, please dress him/her in layers as students will be outside all day and must be prepared for Victoria's wacky weather. The following will help your child to have a successful day:
- water bottle (labeled)
- sweater
- track/yoga pants
- runners & shorts
- lunch
- many snacks
- hat
- sunscreen
If you will be joining us at the UVic track tomorrow and taking your child with you, please sign your child out with his/her coach prior to leaving.
I hope everyone had a relaxing long weekend and that we're all recharged and ready for the last bit of learning in this school year.
Our last swimming lessons will take place this Thursday. Thank you to all chaperones these past weeks as we couldn't do it without you! Chaperone names for this week are in the email.
For many students in our class, tomorrow is our Zone track meet. Students will be running against other runners from Campus View, Margaret Jenkins, Frank Hobbs, Sir James Douglas, and Hillcrest Elementary Schools. We will be boarding school busses from Willows to UVic around 9:30, and returning to Willows around 2:15. These times are very approximate. The meet will start with 800m races, then individual 100m races, and finish with the always exciting 4 x 100m races. Non-runners will spend the day in Mme McMillan's classroom next door.
If your child is running tomorrow, please dress him/her in layers as students will be outside all day and must be prepared for Victoria's wacky weather. The following will help your child to have a successful day:
- water bottle (labeled)
- sweater
- track/yoga pants
- runners & shorts
- lunch
- many snacks
- hat
- sunscreen
If you will be joining us at the UVic track tomorrow and taking your child with you, please sign your child out with his/her coach prior to leaving.
Tuesday, 17 May 2016
Week 33 - Div. 11 update
Bonjour!
Week 33 is well under way but here's a quick update anyway. Please remember that September 20th is a Professional Day for teachers so school is not in session that day. Personally, I will continue to work through the interesting "Google for education" learning modules for teachers.
Track
If your child is in Track, our next practice will be tomorrow (Wednesday) after school at Oak Bay High School. This practice replaces Thursday practice. The last practice will then be on Tuesday after school. The actual track meet takes place next Wednesday the 25th at the UVic track. The meet generally runs between 10:30am and 1:30pm.
Here's what we're working on this week:
Français - We are practicing the verb "faire" in the present tense. Reading Chapter 4 & 5 of "Togo". Last week the students wrote short journal entries about how to be a good friend. On Monday they wrote a good copy of their work, which are now circulating around the class in a duotang. Students really enjoy reading each others' ideas.
Anglais - Spelling #14, as time permits in this shortened week.
Math - We are completing our unit on money. The last concept we are covering is how to count up, for example, how to count up from 27 to 100 (i.e. how to give change from $1 back from 27cents), otherwise known as "giving change". This can be difficult for some students. We will have a quiz Wednesday or Thursday, then move onto measurement.
Science - We are still trying to grow beans from seeds. The problem is that the classroom window ledge is so hot that the poor little seedlings just seem to fry over the course of the weekend. About a handful have made it through the classroom droughts & floods of 2016. These will make their way home tomorrow. As for the others, it's back to the drawing board. We will start sprouting more seedlings in better soil, and hope for the best.
We also just finished our Plant unit. The students' invented plant pictures are displayed on our classroom bulletin board. Feel free to drop in to check them out if you get the chance.
Social Studies - We have started to explore Canada's different regions and which provinces are in each region. (ex: Prairies = Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba)
Swimming
Only 2 sessions left, this Thursday and next. See email for chaperone names.
Bonne semaine!
Week 33 is well under way but here's a quick update anyway. Please remember that September 20th is a Professional Day for teachers so school is not in session that day. Personally, I will continue to work through the interesting "Google for education" learning modules for teachers.
Track
If your child is in Track, our next practice will be tomorrow (Wednesday) after school at Oak Bay High School. This practice replaces Thursday practice. The last practice will then be on Tuesday after school. The actual track meet takes place next Wednesday the 25th at the UVic track. The meet generally runs between 10:30am and 1:30pm.
Here's what we're working on this week:
Français - We are practicing the verb "faire" in the present tense. Reading Chapter 4 & 5 of "Togo". Last week the students wrote short journal entries about how to be a good friend. On Monday they wrote a good copy of their work, which are now circulating around the class in a duotang. Students really enjoy reading each others' ideas.
Anglais - Spelling #14, as time permits in this shortened week.
Math - We are completing our unit on money. The last concept we are covering is how to count up, for example, how to count up from 27 to 100 (i.e. how to give change from $1 back from 27cents), otherwise known as "giving change". This can be difficult for some students. We will have a quiz Wednesday or Thursday, then move onto measurement.
Science - We are still trying to grow beans from seeds. The problem is that the classroom window ledge is so hot that the poor little seedlings just seem to fry over the course of the weekend. About a handful have made it through the classroom droughts & floods of 2016. These will make their way home tomorrow. As for the others, it's back to the drawing board. We will start sprouting more seedlings in better soil, and hope for the best.
We also just finished our Plant unit. The students' invented plant pictures are displayed on our classroom bulletin board. Feel free to drop in to check them out if you get the chance.
Social Studies - We have started to explore Canada's different regions and which provinces are in each region. (ex: Prairies = Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba)
Swimming
Only 2 sessions left, this Thursday and next. See email for chaperone names.
Bonne semaine!
Sunday, 8 May 2016
Week 32 - Div. 11 Update
Wishing a Happy Mother's Day to all Moms out there!
Welcome to week 32 out of 38. It's so cliché to say this but it's especially true this year - I can't believe we only have 6 weeks of school left! There's still lots of learning left to do so we will be plugging away again this week.
On Monday morning we will be having our monthly assembly. It's a time to meet together in the gym as a large group and focus on a common goal for the month. In the afternoon, we will have a visit from Hugh Greenwood, a retired geologist from UBC who volunteers to give presentations to students through the Science Centre program. His presentation will focus on waves (sounds, ocean, earthquakes). He will also be showing us a few experiments in class.
Thursday will mark week 6 of our 8 week swimming program at Oak Bay Recreation. In the afternoon we will continue our 3rd rotation of the Club d'Amitié (Friendship Group) with the students in Mmes Henry and McMillan.
Don't forget Pizza/Sushi day on Friday.
In Math we completed our multiplication classwork last week. Please continue to send the red multiplication flashcards to school as I will quiz the students ad hoc throughout the week. Continue to practice them at home too. Our new topic is money, the various denominations, adding it up, using the least amount of coins, and we will end with "giving change" or counting up from one number to another.
In French we started to read a new-to-me novel and I am finding that a bit of the vocabulary and expressions in "Togo" require explaining. As such, we will be reading it together slowly. It's an interesting story though. You can read about it here: Togo husky .
We will be continuing to study verbs in the present tense this week. Students have also been working hard on their cursive writing. We are now up to the letter "o".
In Science we will be wrapping up our unit on Plants. Bean update: a few of our plants have taken off, while a few a still struggling to "take root". Is it too hot in our classroom to grow beans?
Please keep reading in French at home, the end is near! Year-end reading assessment will start the week after Victoria Day.
Bonne semaine à tous!
Welcome to week 32 out of 38. It's so cliché to say this but it's especially true this year - I can't believe we only have 6 weeks of school left! There's still lots of learning left to do so we will be plugging away again this week.
On Monday morning we will be having our monthly assembly. It's a time to meet together in the gym as a large group and focus on a common goal for the month. In the afternoon, we will have a visit from Hugh Greenwood, a retired geologist from UBC who volunteers to give presentations to students through the Science Centre program. His presentation will focus on waves (sounds, ocean, earthquakes). He will also be showing us a few experiments in class.
Thursday will mark week 6 of our 8 week swimming program at Oak Bay Recreation. In the afternoon we will continue our 3rd rotation of the Club d'Amitié (Friendship Group) with the students in Mmes Henry and McMillan.
Don't forget Pizza/Sushi day on Friday.
In Math we completed our multiplication classwork last week. Please continue to send the red multiplication flashcards to school as I will quiz the students ad hoc throughout the week. Continue to practice them at home too. Our new topic is money, the various denominations, adding it up, using the least amount of coins, and we will end with "giving change" or counting up from one number to another.
In French we started to read a new-to-me novel and I am finding that a bit of the vocabulary and expressions in "Togo" require explaining. As such, we will be reading it together slowly. It's an interesting story though. You can read about it here: Togo husky .
We will be continuing to study verbs in the present tense this week. Students have also been working hard on their cursive writing. We are now up to the letter "o".
In Science we will be wrapping up our unit on Plants. Bean update: a few of our plants have taken off, while a few a still struggling to "take root". Is it too hot in our classroom to grow beans?
Please keep reading in French at home, the end is near! Year-end reading assessment will start the week after Victoria Day.
Bonne semaine à tous!
Wednesday, 20 April 2016
Swim tomorrow
A reminder that we will be swimming tomorrow. See email for chaperones.
Please make sure your child has pjs at school ASAP for the musical.
Lastly, if you have not yet returned the permission slip for the May 5th field trip, kindly do so now as I am in the process of planning this event.
Please make sure your child has pjs at school ASAP for the musical.
Lastly, if you have not yet returned the permission slip for the May 5th field trip, kindly do so now as I am in the process of planning this event.
Wednesday, 13 April 2016
Plants & more
Bonjour!
Swimming
Please remember that we are swimming tomorrow morning. See email for chaperone names.
Homework
Our last Science topic this year will be Plants. Being new-ish to Grade 3, this is my first time teaching this unit to young ones so my goal is to pass along my own love of plants, as I fumble my way through the curriculum.
This past Monday we were studying the names of plant parts and I thought it would be more interesting to work with real plants. So I purchased living pansies from the grocery store. My thought was to "dissect" the roots, stem, leaves, & petals, and tape these parts to a piece of paper. I decided to reconsider after being faced with: "But Madame, we will be killing the plants!" True indeed. So instead we cut a flower/stem/leaf from the plant, taped it to a piece of paper, and drew the roots. Yes, we still killed part of the plant, but at least this way those who wanted got to bring the plant home. Instructions were to give the roots more space prior to putting the plants in the ground.
Today we looked at the role of bees as pollinators, as well as learning the names of flower parts in French. We will learn about the life cycle of plants, look at seeds, and grow some of our own. Just for kicks, on Tuesday I germinated seeds from a 2 year-old 8-bean soup mix. I placed a handful of beans/seeds into a baggie, added a bit of water and let them soak overnight. The next day I drained the water, and now moisten the beans twice a day. To my surprise, this morning some of the seeds had grown shoots. This would be a good experiment to try at home too.
Friendship Thursdays
Mmes Henry, MacMillan and myself have decided to spend some time on Thursday afternoons to split our students into 3 mixed groups, with a goal to have students get to know new students and practice making new friends. We will be starting this tomorrow afternoon by splitting into our groups and practicing how to ask questions.
Visiting Performances
We were delighted with 2 performances this past week. On Friday, French Immersion students watched "Mathieu Mathématiques" performed by BC's only French theatre troupe: "Théâtre de la Seizième". And today grade 3-5 students watched a one-man mime and drama performance. Both productions were very well received and touched on elements of imagination, making friends and bullying.
Willows Performances
Speaking of performances, you should have received a green newsletter to order tickets to our upcoming musical later this month. Please return ASAP.
Track
We will be starting our track season at Willows next week. Mrs. Ireton and myself will be working with Grade 3s on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3 to 4pm. This is grade 3s' first experience with track so we try to keep it simple and fun: running games, learning how to start & run through the finish line, as well as passing the baton. If your child is interested, please ask him/her to pick-up a registration form at the office. We could use parent help for simple tasks during practices, so please don't be shy about approaching us during practices.
Merci!
Swimming
Please remember that we are swimming tomorrow morning. See email for chaperone names.
Homework
- Your child should be reading in French for 10 minutes every night.
- Practice times tables. There will be a small quiz this Friday to see how everyone is coming along.
Our last Science topic this year will be Plants. Being new-ish to Grade 3, this is my first time teaching this unit to young ones so my goal is to pass along my own love of plants, as I fumble my way through the curriculum.
This past Monday we were studying the names of plant parts and I thought it would be more interesting to work with real plants. So I purchased living pansies from the grocery store. My thought was to "dissect" the roots, stem, leaves, & petals, and tape these parts to a piece of paper. I decided to reconsider after being faced with: "But Madame, we will be killing the plants!" True indeed. So instead we cut a flower/stem/leaf from the plant, taped it to a piece of paper, and drew the roots. Yes, we still killed part of the plant, but at least this way those who wanted got to bring the plant home. Instructions were to give the roots more space prior to putting the plants in the ground.
Today we looked at the role of bees as pollinators, as well as learning the names of flower parts in French. We will learn about the life cycle of plants, look at seeds, and grow some of our own. Just for kicks, on Tuesday I germinated seeds from a 2 year-old 8-bean soup mix. I placed a handful of beans/seeds into a baggie, added a bit of water and let them soak overnight. The next day I drained the water, and now moisten the beans twice a day. To my surprise, this morning some of the seeds had grown shoots. This would be a good experiment to try at home too.
Friendship Thursdays
Mmes Henry, MacMillan and myself have decided to spend some time on Thursday afternoons to split our students into 3 mixed groups, with a goal to have students get to know new students and practice making new friends. We will be starting this tomorrow afternoon by splitting into our groups and practicing how to ask questions.
Visiting Performances
We were delighted with 2 performances this past week. On Friday, French Immersion students watched "Mathieu Mathématiques" performed by BC's only French theatre troupe: "Théâtre de la Seizième". And today grade 3-5 students watched a one-man mime and drama performance. Both productions were very well received and touched on elements of imagination, making friends and bullying.
Willows Performances
Speaking of performances, you should have received a green newsletter to order tickets to our upcoming musical later this month. Please return ASAP.
Track
We will be starting our track season at Willows next week. Mrs. Ireton and myself will be working with Grade 3s on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3 to 4pm. This is grade 3s' first experience with track so we try to keep it simple and fun: running games, learning how to start & run through the finish line, as well as passing the baton. If your child is interested, please ask him/her to pick-up a registration form at the office. We could use parent help for simple tasks during practices, so please don't be shy about approaching us during practices.
Merci!
Friday, 1 April 2016
Update
Bonjour!
Welcome back from Spring Break and Easter. I hope you are all well-rested and had a break filled with fun adventures.
Next week:
We will have a funny week due to interviews & a pro-d day.
Monday: No school as teachers are going back to school to study the new curriculum.
Wednesday: Early dismissal at 11:50, parent interviews in the afternoon
Thursday: Early dismissal at 11:50, parent interviews in the afternoon
More details about interviews in the email.
Swimming:
Our swimming lessons will be starting this Thursday. Thank you to those of you who are able to accompany us. Please see the email for the chaperone schedule. Remember that we will be walking to & from the pool so your child should be dressed appropriately.
Climbing:
On Thursday May 12th, we have been invited to attend a climbing activity in Central Saanich. More information to come. We will be requiring parent drivers for this outing.
Homework:
Spring is typically a time where children become more involved with after-school sports and activities, all of which contribute to make them the special little people they are. I recognize it can be difficult to juggle school demands when the weather brightens up. Before Spring Break I noticed that marks on Spelling and Dictées were starting to slide, so I have decided to stop our weekly quizzes for this year.
That being said, there are still 3 full months of school left and we have lots left to learn! I know your time is valuable at home so would like students to focus on the most important stuff at home. If my mind this is what it is:
As for words, we will continue our word studies in class. In French we will study thematic words to do with the plant world, and continue with the Spelling units in English.
Math:
We will be diving into multiplication next week. Students will be making multiplication flashcards for numbers to 10 x 10. We will be using them in class and I encourage students to also practice them at home, in the car, ... Knowing multiplication facts is a skill they can keep forever. I know from past experience that I will not be able to proofread all flashcards, so please take a quick look at them at home to make sure they are correct.
Welcome back from Spring Break and Easter. I hope you are all well-rested and had a break filled with fun adventures.
Next week:
We will have a funny week due to interviews & a pro-d day.
Monday: No school as teachers are going back to school to study the new curriculum.
Wednesday: Early dismissal at 11:50, parent interviews in the afternoon
Thursday: Early dismissal at 11:50, parent interviews in the afternoon
More details about interviews in the email.
Swimming:
Our swimming lessons will be starting this Thursday. Thank you to those of you who are able to accompany us. Please see the email for the chaperone schedule. Remember that we will be walking to & from the pool so your child should be dressed appropriately.
Climbing:
On Thursday May 12th, we have been invited to attend a climbing activity in Central Saanich. More information to come. We will be requiring parent drivers for this outing.
Homework:
Spring is typically a time where children become more involved with after-school sports and activities, all of which contribute to make them the special little people they are. I recognize it can be difficult to juggle school demands when the weather brightens up. Before Spring Break I noticed that marks on Spelling and Dictées were starting to slide, so I have decided to stop our weekly quizzes for this year.
That being said, there are still 3 full months of school left and we have lots left to learn! I know your time is valuable at home so would like students to focus on the most important stuff at home. If my mind this is what it is:
- Reading: Please continue to give your child the gift of reading by reading at least 10 minutes a day in French. Continue with English reading at home also. If you would like me to connect your child with either French or English books, from the classroom or library, please write me a note in your child's agenda. Just so you know, at this age students are usually better readers in English than in French. Ask your child to read a bit out loud and make it sound expressive. Model what it should sound like, it's fun!
- Math: Jump Math practice. Also - the good old addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts. Students who know how to add/subtract numbers to 20 (without a ruler or counting on their fingers) are able to apply these skills to all numbers above 20. They are more confident and attentive in Math lessons. Playing games involving counting (dice, cards) are a good way to practice these skills.
As for words, we will continue our word studies in class. In French we will study thematic words to do with the plant world, and continue with the Spelling units in English.
Math:
We will be diving into multiplication next week. Students will be making multiplication flashcards for numbers to 10 x 10. We will be using them in class and I encourage students to also practice them at home, in the car, ... Knowing multiplication facts is a skill they can keep forever. I know from past experience that I will not be able to proofread all flashcards, so please take a quick look at them at home to make sure they are correct.
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