This past week, we wrote paragraphs about collaboration. Collaboration is a key learning skill and it is the focus of February's habit. Habit 4 is "Think Win-Win". In this habit, we strive to work together so that everyone benefits. This habit teaches students the importance of interdependence. In science and social studies, we think about interdependence on a much bigger scale. As we finish our study of Canada in 1780-1850, we are talking about how First Nations peoples, settlers and the land were interdependent. Similarly, when we studied plants earlier this term, students learned how plants, the earth and other living things are interdependent. In this slideshow, you can see some examples of students collaborating in a construction workshop at Dynamic Earth. In the coming weeks, you will see other examples of Learning Skills featured here in blog posts, to help us to recognize our learning skills at work.
Yesterday, we reviewed the book report criteria in class. I've attached an electronic file of the assignment for your convenience. The book report needs to be at school no later than Jan 26, for sharing. Here are some examples we created together in class. This is an example of a main character description, which we wrote together as a class. When we discussed character traits, we decided that "nice" and "kind" we're not specific enough. Students often use our virtues as reference points for character traits. This is an example of how we would describe the setting of a book. More details could be added like the name of the town and the country where the book takes place. We also constructed a diorama together and discussed the details that would be important to add.
Welcome back! I hope you all had a peaceful and restful holiday. We are back to work with energy and enthusiasm, which is a good thing since January is going to be a very busy month in our classroom. On Tuesday, you will be getting field trip forms home for three field trips this month. We are going to get off to a running start in January by getting out into the community.
1. The Art Gallery of Sudbury (Jan 11, 9:30-11:30) 2. Dynamic Earth (Jan 20, 10:00 - 1:30) 3. Sudbury Theatre Centre (Jan 27, 9:30 - 11:30 ish) I will be looking for two volunteers to join us on each field trip, so check your calendar and let me know if you'd like to come along - there will be space on the field trip form to offer your help. Thanks in advance...it's wonderful to have extra hands and eyes when we go out. This month, we will also be working on a couple of projects (information will be coming home soon). Please hold on to a shoebox or other small box, if you have one at home, as students will be making a diorama book report. We will also be using found materials for a science project. In math, we have begun our unit on 2D Geometry. For related activities, check out Chapter 7 in Nelson Math online (on the math page). The Virtue of the Month for January is Peace. Remember that the school newsletter and calendar are both available on the school website. Newsletters are no longer being sent home in paper format. Click on this link to go directly to our school webpage: |
About the AuthorMme Sarmatiuk teaches Grade 3 French Immersion in Sudbury, Ontario. She is also the President of NOMA, the Northern Ontario Mathematics Association. Archives
July 2016
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