Classroom update

Math - We have been working on a review of addition strategies, as well as place value.  This review has been very useful for students to look at different ways of completing adding equations, as well as to review some of the French vocabulary used.  We have also started Math Centres, where students have the opportunity to practice various math skills, most in the form of group work and math games.  These centres have been a great addition to our regular schedule, allowing kids to master certain math concepts, as well as work on their cooperative group skills.

ELA - We have been continuing to blog and repond to other student blogs.  Our newest posts have revolved around our current read aloud novel, Out Of My Mind, by Sharon Draper.  We are participating in a global read aloud project where over 130,000 students around the world are reading this same book, in the same time frame as us.  This allows us to connect with other classes and discuss various things about the book.  So far, 3/4I students have written a couple of their own blog posts and commented on student blogs from Conneticut and California.  Check out what our students have to say about this amazing book  Kidblog And be sure to ask them all about Melody's fascinating brain!

FLA - 3/4I students have been using their French comprehension skills to listen to stories.  We have then been taking the sentence structures found in the books to write down their own ideas.  This allows students to build on their learning, first through comprehension, then vocabulary, then writing.
In the next couple of weeks our literature blocks will be starting.  This will give the students further opportunities to work on their reading skills.  We will be switching every month or so between French and English, giving students specific and relevant reading instruction in both languages.

Social Studies - It's all about Canada!  Be sure to ask your child about our provinces and capital cities.  We will be continuing to work on Canadian geography, concentrating next on the geographic regions and their specific attributes.  Involving kids in conversations about different places around the country is always a great way of explaining the very abstract idea of maps and location.