February 23 - 27

 The Grade ¾ students did fantastic leading the Pink Shirt Day Celebration of Learning. Students stepped into a number of roles as they ran the assembly, including tech assistants, emcees, musicians, poets, and more. As a school, we are so proud of them!

We also had the opportunity to try out snowshoeing this week and will hopefully get out there a few more times to enjoy the fresh snow.

Grade 3:

• I can sort polygons according to geometric properties and describe the sorting rule.

• I can classify polygons as regular or irregular, using geometric properties.

• I can investigate the relationships between the sides of a polygon, including perpendicular, parallel, and equal, using referents for 90° or by measuring.

Grade 4: 

• I can describe triangles according to side length. 

• I can classify triangles as right, acute, or obtuse, using geometric properties related to angles. 

• I can classify quadrilaterals in a hierarchy according to geometric properties.

• I can identify relationships between the sides of a polygon, including parallel, equal length, or perpendicular, by measuring.

The students have been working hard on their polygon art pieces. We made copies of their originals and each time we color shapes and angles based on a different rule. It has been a fun chance to share their understanding in a variety of different ways. They look forward to sharing it with you at Student-Led Conferences!

Important Dates:

• Tuesday March 3- Grade 4 Ski School Trip! 

WinSport Field Trip Tuesday – please review the parent handbook for our Ski Trip next week. Please remember to pack your child with an adequate lunch and snacks for the day – they will not be allowed to purchase food. Students need to be prepared for any type of weather and have appropriate winter gear. If your child is in need of any gear please let us know as soon as possible. Here is a link to WinSport's Dress for Success for further information.

February 16 - 20

Hello families!

We had a wonderful wintery week, students continued to experience the love and joy for the Olympics! From never watching before to now knowing the names of all the sports and holding our breaths cheering for Canada! What an exciting week it has been to watch and learn about sports from the best athletes around the world! Go Canada go!

Learning Intentions:

• Grade 3:

• I can describe the geometric properties of regular and irregular polygons.

• I can sort polygons according to geometric properties and describe the sorting rule.

• I can classify polygons as regular or irregular, using geometric properties.

• Grade 4:

• I can investigate geometric properties.

• I can identify relationships between the sides of a polygon, including parallel, equal length, or perpendicular, by measuring.

• I can identify relationships between angles at vertices of a polygon, including equal, supplementary, and complementary, by measuring.

This week, we continued our Polygon Art project by identifying the type of polygons in our art and creating a legend to colour code them. Students also implemented their understanding of polygons with morning math challenges, using groups of polygons to make a larger polygon. Next week, the Grade 4s will continue their geometry learning by exploring triangles and quadrilaterals. The Grade 3s will begin multiplication and division.

Learning Intentions

• Grade 3:

• I can investigate and discuss how plants and animals respond to stimuli in their environments in order to survive.

• Grade 4:

• I can discuss how plants respond to sensory stimuli.

• I can relate the external structures of plants to their functions.

• I can compare external structures of various plants and animals in relation to function.

This week, students enjoyed planting their sprouts in soil. We took some time to jot down notices and wonders about how our seed has transformed. We had great conversations about why some seeds sprouted faster than others, while others did not sprout at all. Students connected their seed's growth to what plants need to grow (sunlight, water, food). Also, students have been working on posters to share their learning about plants.

Learning Intentions:

• I can create written texts for a variety of audiences and purposes.

• I can create written texts using a variety of forms and structures.

• I can use organizational processes, methods, or tools to support the creation of written texts.

After learning about non-fiction text features, students have been working on researching various historical figures for Black History Month. Students are using print resources to take notes, focusing on pulling key and relevant information. They will be using their notes to create newspaper reports, organizing their ideas into relevant sentences and paragraphs.

Reminders:

• The Grade 3/4s will be leading our Pink Shirt Day assembly on Wednesday, February 25th at 9:45 AM. 

• Sexual Health forms were sent home today. These forms are opt-in. Please take some time to review them.

• Report Cards go live Tuesday, February 24th.

February 2 - 6

This week I surprised the students with our newest tank addition: frogs! We got two african dwarf frogs and they have been a joy to watch and learn about! We learned that they live fully underwater but have lungs not gills and every few minutes they will jump to the top of the tank for air and come back down again. We added a new piece of decoration to give them more hiding spots too. 

We also had our first buddies of the year! We got together with our ALP classroom to read some books and play centers. Our class demonstrated such patience, understanding and caring towards their buddies and are very much looking forward to visiting again soon! 

Learning Intentions:

• Grade 3:

• I can describe the geometric properties of regular and irregular polygons.

• I can sort polygons according to geometric properties and describe the sorting rule.

• I can classify polygons as regular or irregular, using geometric properties.

• Grade 4:

• I can investigate geometric properties.

• I can identify relationships between the sides of a polygon, including parallel, equal length, or perpendicular, by measuring.

• I can identify relationships between angles at vertices of a polygon, including equal, supplementary, and complementary, by measuring.

We have learned about geometric properties, angles, shapes, and have encountered a lot of new math vocabulary. We have learned about the different types of angles, lines, and the ways they can come together to form polygons. Grade 4s dusted off the protractors and measured angles, learning about complementary and supplementary angles. Next week we will begin to demonstrate our learning through an art piece.

Learning Intentions:

• Grade 3: 

• I can explain and discuss how plants use their senses to respond to sensory stimuli, including water, food, temperature, and light.

• Grade 4: 

• I can identify the external structures of plants (roots, stems, leaves, flowers) and relate them to their functions.

• I can discuss how plants detect sensory stimuli such as light, gravity, temperature, and touch which will help them grow and survive.

This week we started learning about plants! We reviewed the parts of a plant and the plant life cycle. Then we learned what the different parts of a plant's functions are in order for it to survive. We then started growing our very own plants with mystery seeds! The students made predictions of what they think their seeds might grow based on the shape, size, color, hardness and similarities to others seeds they are familiar with. We are germinating them in ziplocs on our windows and are very patiently waiting for the first growth to appear. The students have been taking great care of them so far, making sure their bags are damp and receiving enough sunlight!

January 26 - 30

We made a lot of progress in our learning and working together this week. We started learning about volleyball in PE and have practiced our bumps and sets so far. We played a game and used lots of teamwork, patience and communication. We look forward to continuing this next week. 

Learning Intentions:

• Grade 3:

• I can describe the geometric properties of regular and irregular polygons.

• I can sort polygons according to geometric properties and describe the sorting rule.

• I can classify polygons as regular or irregular, using geometric properties.

• Grade 4:

• I can investigate geometric properties.

• I can identify relationships between the sides of a polygon, including parallel, equal length, or perpendicular, by measuring.

• I can identify relationships between angles at vertices of a polygon, including equal, supplementary, and complementary, by measuring.

We explored the shapes in the world around us as we made our way through geometry. Students are engaging in math groups and using hands on manipulatives to explore geometric properties. We will continue this work next week. 

Learning Intentions:

Grade 3 and 4:

• I can interpret feelings and moods visually.

• I can use drawing tools to make a variety of lines.

We explored the different elements of art and took part in an activity related to the element of line. We created art pieces as we let different styles of music guide us, and then took time to reflect on how different lines can convey emotion in our art. This was a highlight of the week and we had SO much fun getting into different styles of music and expressing the feelings we had when listening to them.

Learning Intentions:

• Grade 3:

• I can examine situations that require proactive planning by goal setting.

• I can identify respectful and positive interactions with others.

• Grade 4:

• I can examine the connection between perseverance and personal growth and learning by goal setting and reflection.

• I can describe strategies to support conflict resolution such as, communicating respectfully, reflecting on actions taken, implementing appropriate solutions, and making repeated efforts to solve a problem.

This week, we took time to reflect on our health and wellness learning and how it supports us at school. We reviewed the Student Code of Conduct, and brainstormed ways we can support ourselves and our classmates at school to feel safe and ready for learning.

Grade 4 families- please complete and return Ski School forms by Friday, Feb 6.

January 19 - 23

We had a full schedule this week as we geared up to wrap up some of our projects. We’ve continued to work on our goal setting art projects, had a wonderful visit from Elder Sandra Manyfeathers, and enjoyed TRS Family Friday.

Today students brought home their Northern Alphabet writing pieces as well as a rubric. Take some time to read their story with them and find where they are on our rubric!

Learning Intentions

• Grade 3:

• I can use the standard algorithm to subtract two-digit numbers.

• I can model regrouping by place value for subtraction.

• I can add and subtract natural numbers, using standard algorithms. 

• Grade 4: 

• I can add and subtract numbers, including decimal numbers, using standard algorithms.

We have reviewed the standard algorithm for addition and subtraction, and discussed how regrouping can have different meanings depending on the operation: “carrying over” in addition and “borrowing” in subtraction. Students had opportunities to practice subtracting various multi-digit numbers, with and without borrowing. They explored strategies, recalling basic number facts and place value, to support their learning. Additionally, we learned some fun new subtraction games to reinforce learning. A particular favourite was Farkle, where students rolled sets of dice and earned points depending on the numbers they rolled. They would then subtract their points earned from their starting total of 1000, with the goal of being the first to reach 0. Next week, we will be completing a subtraction check-in.

Learning Intentions:

• Grade 3:

• I can examine poetic structures that contribute to creative expression of ideas.

• I can investigate words or phrases applied creatively in poetry.

• Grade 4:

• I can experiment with creating verse and free verse.

We continued learning about figurative language and poetry this week as we dove into the ways poetry can be used to express ourselves and connect with other people, places, ideas, or emotions. We are continuing to identify figurative language within poems and are impressively transferring these skills across all of our writing pieces. We practiced writing free verse poems about either our favourite animal or season. These are fun because we get to let go of what we thought were the poetry rules of rhyming. We also started playing with rhyming words so next week we can write limericks!

Reminders:

• No school Friday, January 30th

• Ski Trip forms for Grade 4s went home today. Please sign and return ASAP.

January 12 - 16

Thank you for your support during Alien Inline! It was awesome to see everyone get out there and try their best. There were many instances of teamwork and encouragement as well.

This week we reviewed and completed a “show what you know” on subtraction mental math strategies. They came home today as well as two subtraction mad minutes. Next week, students will be bringing home their Northern Alphabet creative writing pieces. 

Learning Intentions

• Grade 3:

• I can use the standard algorithm to subtract two-digit numbers.

• I can model regrouping by place value for subtraction.

• I can add and subtract natural numbers, using standard algorithms. 

• Grade 4: 

• I can add and subtract numbers, including decimal numbers, using standard algorithms.

After finishing up our learning on the four subtraction mental math strategies, students made individual posters about their favourite strategy. They included hooks, reasons why it's the best one and step by step instructions to teach others how to use it. Next, we moved on to the standard algorithm for subtraction. This week we practiced equations with no regrouping and next week we will move on to regrouping and “borrowing” from our neighbour when subtracting. Grade 4s continue to practice the standard algorithm with numbers including decimals up to hundredths.

Learning Intentions:

• Grade 3:

• I can describe and share about landmarks with historical significance in Alberta.

• I can share important information from a text in a logical order, using my own words.

• I can access information from a variety of sources to answer questions or expand knowledge.

• I can use research to create written text that is appropriate for an audience.

• Grade 4:

• I can plan ideas and details in a logical manner, including introductions and conclusions. 

• I can vary word choice to appeal to an audience. 

• I can incorporate images, charts, graphs, or other text features when publishing selected pieces to support a purpose or connect with an audience. 

• I can access information from a variety of sources to critically answer questions or expand knowledge. 

• I can demonstrate how information can be ethically shared, using a variety of methods or tools. 

• I can use information ethically to create text for an intended audience. 

• I can choose and cite appropriate sources of information to inform research. 

Grade 3’s have been working on their Alberta landmark tourist brochures. They have chosen a landmark of interest and are tasked with working for the Department of Tourism as they try to share information to attract visitors. The research process and use of technology is a vital part of this learning and they are improving their critical research skills each day. 

Grade 4s have been working hard on their European explorer research projects. They have been independently researching who their explorer is, what voyages they went on, what their relationship was like with the indigenous people they encountered and how their explorer impacted Canada. When their research is complete they are moving on to creating a slide show to demonstrate and share their understanding. They are learning lots about participating in ethical research and citing our information sources.