I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the Moms a happy Mother's Day. We have done so many exciting things so far and there are again many more to come. Here's some information of what is happening throughout the month of May.
Science: I have decided to begin the animal life cycles unit a bit earlier this year so that the students have lots of time to observe the changes in their mealworm. The students all received their own mealworms. They are observing the changes that are taking place in their worm on a daily basis and are awaiting the transformations from stage to stage. They are exploring different food and habitats for their mealworm. They will be allowed to keep their mealworm at the end of the year. We will also be receiving butterfly larva and will watch the catepillars hatch into butterflies then release them.
The building things unit is being covered sporatically this year as and will continue this way until June. The students will be using what they have learned about certain designs to build a variety of items. The students will be working with glue guns and will learn principles of working safely with tools.
Social Studies: We will move onto our next unit with the inquiry question "What is the impact of human activities on the environment of their communities?" Students will explore how the communities studied have transformed their environments, the effect of these transformations on their quality of life and how the residents watch over their community and protect it.
As we continue to learn about the 4 countries around the world, we have scheduled a visit to the Hindu Temple where we will learn more about the culture and religious beliefs of Indian people. Watch your email for the exact date of our field trip. Parents are more than welcome to join.
Math: We are now onto our measurement unit where students will learn: 1. Relate the passage of time to common activities, using nonstandard and standard units (minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years). 2. Relate the number of seconds to a minute, the number of minutes to an hour and the number of days to a month in a problem-solving context. 3. Demonstrate an understanding of measuring length (cm, m) by: • selecting and justifying referents for the units cm and m • modelling and describing the relationship between the units cm and m • estimating length, using referents • measuring and recording length, width and height. 4. Demonstrate an understanding of measuring mass (g, kg) by: • selecting and justifying referents for the units g and kg • modelling and describing the relationship between the units g and kg • estimating mass, using referents • measuring and recording mass. 5. Demonstrate an understanding of perimeter of regular and irregular shapes by: • estimating perimeter, using referents for cm or m • measuring and recording perimeter (cm, m) • constructing different shapes for a given perimeter (cm, m) to demonstrate that many shapes are possible for a perimeter.
English: We have been focusing a lot on writing and the students will soon write their year end writing sample. Some students still need to meet the Raz Kids level M to be accepted into Reading University. Keep reading to attain this.
French: The students will be writing a piece as a final writing evaluation. Please help your child to continue their nightly reading and writing in their home reading journal.
Religion: During this unit, students will explore how the Holy Spirit is revealed through the scriptures, sacraments, and the Mass. They will also learn about the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. They will develop an understanding that the Holy Spirit is always with us. Their actions and words reveal that the Holy Spirit is at work in their lives.
As the weather is becoming nicer, I have rewarded the students for their hard work with a short visit to the Lion’s park. As focusing in May and June becomes more and more difficult, I would like to continue to reward them with this privilege if they are able to stay focused and put forth quality work in the classroom. I know that it becomes more and more difficult to follow bedtime and homework routine as the weather becomes nicer. Please continue with the daily home reading as some still have goals they need to meet by the end of Grade 3. Thanks for your help.