October Newsletter
I hope that everyone has been enjoying the Fall season so far. Now that September is over, we have moved past the initial set-up requirements at the school. In our classroom, we are settling into new and old routines. The following is a list of some of the highlights up to this point.
Language Arts
· We have independent reading and writing on a regular basis. Ask your child about their reading response journals. We are learning to read and use the strategies good readers use (e.g., predicting, making connections, questioning, inferring, giving opinions, summarizing, visualizing, etc.) The students are encouraged to read a variety of genres and concentrate on learning and using new and harder vocabulary. We have a library time set up once a week and the students can go to exchange their books on their own time as well.
Mathematics
· We are coming to the end of our Data Management unit. The students have been learning about different types of graphs and measures of central tendency (mean, median and mode). We have a test scheduled for Monday October 20th. We have had substantial review and the grade sixes have included EQAO sample questions in their study as well. The students will have an opportunity for extra help whenever they need it and I allow students to do a rewrite if they are interested in improving their marks. The students will be working on a Data Management project as well. Information will be provided for this survey-style assignment.
· Our next strand is Numeracy. We will be starting off with place value and basic operations. It is very important for the students to know their multiplication tables. Please encourage your child to review the multiplication facts for homework if they need to.
Science
· The grade 5 science unit is FORCES. The grade 6 unit is FLIGHT. We are progressing though both units and hopefully we will be finished in the next few weeks. The students will then switch over to Social Studies. Each term both science and social studies will be taught.
French
· The students have just been given their new French plays, “Boucles Violettes et Les Trois Ours”. This take-off of the famous story, Goldilocks and the Three Bears will help the students develop vocabulary in a fun and realistic manner. The students will be doing two plays over the course of the year and this aligns with what the other French teacher is doing and with what they are used to from past years. I am very pleased to see their progress already with respect to accent, vocabulary and pronunciation.
Dance
· In groups, the students have been choreographing a dance that they will be teaching each other in class. They are researching moves and using their learning skills to collaboratively create this fun project.
Music
· Although I don’t teach the students music, I can see that they have already begun learning their instruments. The grade 5 students will be learning the recorder and the grade 6 students will be using the wind instruments. We look forward to seeing how they progress.
It was a pleasure meeting all of the parents at the Open House a few weeks ago. I hope you continue to enjoy the Autumn season and I look forward to meeting with parents in the upcoming weeks as we approach the Progress Reports.
Take care,
Mrs. Pickthall