Dear families,
The students came in today very excited to share the amount of chapter books they have read over the weekend and are always anticipating their presentations. I am quite impressed with the level of comprehension and character analysis I am hearing during the presentations. It appears that many students are choosing books of interest which allows them to uncover the “big idea.” Well done boys and girls! Keep up the great work! Take a look at our class' reading chart so far:
In Language Arts, we will read non-fiction texts surrounding topics about our Earth. The students will learn how to make inferences based on what they have read and use the information from the text to support their answers. We will continue using the 3-2-1 strategy (3 facts, 2 questions, 1 opinion) and a RAN chart (Reading Analyzing Non-fiction) after reading various texts. Both grades should be working on Spelling List 25 activity pages due this Thursday.
In Mathematics, we are exploring multiplication. For the grade 2 students, this chapter introduces the operations of multiplication and division through concrete experiences. The focus of this chapter is on the conceptual understanding of multiplication as repeated addition of groups/sets. These groupings are modelled using arrays or jumps on a number line. Division is developed through situations where students determine “fair shares” and through repeated subtraction of same-sized objects. For the grade 3 students, the focus will be on using skip counting and repeated addition to develop an understanding of the multiplication facts up to 7x7.
In Science, the grade 2 students will review concepts from their unit on solids, liquids and gas. A test review will be sent home this week for next week’s test. The test date will be Tuesday April 30th. Our next science unit will be on Air and Water in the environment.
In Social Studies, the grade 3’s are presenting their Pioneer dioramas. All presenters are encouraged to make eye-contact with the audience, read fluently and use a clear speaking voice. There will be a test on Pioneers next week on Tuesday April 30th. I will send home a study guide this week.
As many of you know, Holy Name will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary on May 25, 2013 . Each class has been asked to create a display of important events, fashion, art and people for a specific decade. Our class has been assigned the 1930’s. Therefore, our visual arts lessons will be focused on designing our 1930’s display board. At home project outlines were sent home last weeks. Students will select a topic of interest and design a component related to their topic (collage, structure etc). A paragraph should also accompany their work.
Have a fantastic week everyone!
Sincerely,
Ms. Bertone
Important Reminders:
-The whole month of April is dedicated to our Amazing Reading Challenge: keep those pages turning.
-Please sign agendas and assessments
-Class trip to the Kortright Center
