November 17 - 21

 Learning Intentions:

Grade 3:

• I can conduct an investigation to demonstrate changes of state.

• I can describe solid, liquid, and gas states of matter in terms of the properties of shape and volume

Grade 4:

• I can collect reliable data during investigations

• I can collect valid data by accurately using tools or technology during investigations

• I can represent evidence from an investigation in a variety of ways

This week we experimented with how materials affect the rate at which ice melts. We learned about what the molecules are doing when water is liquid vs when it is solid ice. In their table groups students chose materials to add to their ice cubes to make them melt the fastest. We then represented this data on a graph, we learned that adding salt makes ice melt the fastest, while adding yarn made it melt the slowest. On Friday, we conducted a similar experiment where students designed insulation out of materials to melt the ice cube as slowly as possible. The students compared their results and designs to see what makes insulation successful.  

November 3 - 7

Learning Intentions:

Grade 3: 

- I can analyze bases and affixes for meaning.

Grade 4: 

- I can examine morphemes in words to determine meaning.

We started morphology lessons this week by exploring the prefixes: dis-, non-, in- and re-. Students learned how prefixes change the meaning of the base word and explore differnet examples and came up with our own sentences.

Learning Intentions:

Grade 3: 

- I can add numbers up to 1000 using mental math strategies.

Grade 4: 

- I can add numbers up to 10 000 using mental math strategies.

We began our addition unit by exploring some mental Math strategies to build fluency in Math. Students used whiteboards, hundreds charts, and number lines to practice breaking down numbers into friendlier, more manageable parts when adding multidigit numbers. These strategies included counting on, making tens, doubling, and breaking into place values.

Learning Intentions:

Grade 3: 

- I can identify local First Nations languages.

- I can explore stories about symbols of diverse communities in Alberta.

- I can investigate oral traditions that have been shared over time.

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

Grade 4: 

- I can discuss ways relationships were built between First Nations and Europeans.

- I can describe connections to time and people revealed through oral traditions.

- I examine how poetic structure contributes to creative expression of ideas.

This week, we spent some time discussing the historical significance of Remembrance Day. In particular, we explored the role of Cree Code Talkers in WWII and how their legacy has been largely unknown. Students examined the role of Code Talkers by investigating how the Cree language was used in clever ways to represent English words. For example sakimes (mosquito) and pahkitewaciy (explosion) together meant mosquito bomber. Additionally, we read a poem written by a descendant of Code Talkers that discussed his relatives' experiences giving up their status in order to enlist. The deeply touching poem served as inspiration for students to create their own acrostic poems about Cree Code Talkers.

Reminders:

• Fall Break next week - classes resume on Thursday, November 13th.

• Please return swimming forms by the end of next week. If your child does not wish to participate, contact me to arrange an alternative activity.

• Please remind your student to return their library books prior to Thursday every week. We have a few overdue books that Mrs. Bouchard would like back ASAP. 

Enjoy the Fall Break!

October 29 - 31

Hello families! This week we settled back into our routines and enjoyed being together in the classroom again.

Learning Intentions

Grade 3 

- I can use adjectives to describe nouns

- I can recognize and use figurative language in oral and written communication.

Grade 4

- I can use analogies to compare two things.

- I can communicate clearly and accurately, using precise alternatives for commonly used words.

To celebrate Halloween the students did a monster literacy activity. First they drew a picture of their own imaginary monster. Next they wrote descriptive paragraphs describing what their monster looks, feels, sounds and smells like. Then in pairs they read their paragraphs while their partner drew what they thought their monster looked like. The students got really close to the original image and did a great job including sensory details. imagery and adjectives! 

October 1 - 3

It has been a quick and crazy week this week! Please enjoy some photos from our learning this week.

Please fill out this fall survey for our school if you are able to: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=hxMW71old0evNoC4_OTuc39ZRakEWRxCu92HRGyii9FUOEg5VjU3NUlBSDM5NjQxWkwyNlUxTVJWTS4u&route=shorturl 

FYI: As you have been informed, the strike starts on Monday, October 6th, during that time I will not have access to my email or any CBE communication. Thank you and see you soon.

September 22 - 26

We had a busy week, welcoming the Fall Equinox, enjoying the brisk morning weather, Orange Shirt Day and learning more about our role as treaty people as we discussed Treaty 7 Day on September 22. 

Learning Intentions:

Grade 3 (Math)

- I can examine geometric properties of polygons by translating, rotating, or reflecting, using hands-on materials or digital applications

Grade 3 (ELAL)

- I can group relevant ideas, events or information in a logical sequence when presenting

- I can develop communication skills through individual presentations

- I can participate in presentations as a respectful audience member

Grade 4 (Math)

- I can verify geometric properties of polygons by translating, rotating, or reflecting, using hands-on materials or digital applications

Grade 4 (ELAL)

- I can present information that engages, informs, persuades or entertains an audience

- I can participate in presentations as a respectful audience member

We are enjoying our novel study- Chasing Vermeer. Following Chapter 2 this week we began using pentominoes! They are a set of 12 geometric shapes comprised of 5 squares each and can be used as mathematical tools and puzzles pieces. They are a main part of the mystery in the novel.

We also had a beautiful sharing circle on Friday where students got the opportunity to share the story of their family's life changing letters. It was amazing to listen to all the important moments captured in a letter from everyone's family history, thank you for your wonderful conversations!

Learning Intentions:

Grade 3/4

- I can extend brush skills and further experimentation with the medium so as to achieve special effects such as textures.

- I can mix paints to show intensity of colour.

We kicked off our Art Cards project this week. Students are creating torn paper mountain landscapes, using acrylic paint to blend colours and ripping paper to create texture. To begin with our background we started with a lesson on mixing colours. We used a fun online tool (trycolors.com) to help us create our perfect sky color. We were able to "mix" paints on the website to find out the recipe for our perfect color. For example, adding 1 drop of yellow, 1 drop of red, 1 drop of magenta, and 1 drop of  white gave us the shade “Salmon”. Students recorded their colour recipes on paper and had the chance to mix their own perfect color, they were elated to see it was a perfect match! Later in the week we discussed techniques to blend colours, such as swirling our brush in 2 or more colours, dabbing each colour on a corner of our brush and mixing on the paper, and layering colour while the paint is still wet.

September 15 - 19

Learning Intentions:

Grade 3:

- I can reflect on how conducting an investigation contributes to building knowledge.

- I can develop new questions for further investigations.

Grade 4:

- I can draw conclusions, using reliable and valid evidence from investigations.

This week in Grade ¾ we took advantage of the beautiful weather and sunshine. We took our learning outside as much as we could, spending some time learning about scientific sketches. We observed a parts of nature in our school yard and took time to observe, label, and make wonder statements about it.

Learning Intentions:

Grade 3:

- I can discuss reasons treaties were negotiated and signed.

Grade 4:

- I can reflect on personal rights and responsibilities. 

As a part of a whole school commitment, we have developed a class agreement, or class treaty. We have learned about the importance of treaty and responsibilities of treaty signing. We learned the Blackfoot word for treaty, and each member of our class made a treaty medallion to signify our commitment to establishing and maintaining a positive, kind, and respectful learning environment. We reference our classroom agreement each morning during our class meeting. Next, we will be developing our mapping skills as we investigate treaties within Canada and begin our learning of important landmarks.

We also got a class pet this week! The library fish have been adopted by Room 9. We are still in the process of naming and learning lots more about them but the students couldn't be happier! They love watching "Fish TV".

September 8 - 12

Learning Intentions:

Grade 3

• I can identify the place value of each digit in natural number  

•  I can express natural  numbers using words and numerals

• I can express various compositions of a natural number using place value

Grade 4

• I can identify the place value  of each digit in a number 

• I can determine the value of each digit in a number

• I can express numbers using words and numerals

• I can express various compositions of a number using placevalue

In Math this week we started reviewing place value concepts. We played place value bingo to practice working with large numbers in fun and different ways. The bingo cards included numbers shown in number form, word form, expanded form, and base-ten blocks, which helped us recognize and connect between the different representations. Students worked on saying large numbers out loud and identifying values up to the hundred thousands place. The game was a great way to review place value while keeping everyone engaged and excited about math!

Learning Intentions:

Grade 3

• I can relate investigation to building knowledge

•  I can develop new questions for further investigation 

Grade 4

• I can investigate evidence and reflect on its role in science

• I can represent evidence from an investigation in a variety of ways

In Science, we learned about the five steps of the scientific method and recorded them in our visual journals. We practiced writing each step—asking a question, doing research, making a hypothesis, conducting an experiment, and drawing a conclusion—to help us understand how scientists explore the world. To make it more meaningful, students also drew a picture to represent each step in the process. This activity gave us a strong foundation and will prepare us for our very first experiment next week, when we make and test Oobleck!