Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Book Fair Tomorrow

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick note to say our class will be visiting the book fair tomorrow afternoon. If you wish to send some money along with your child, they will be allowed to purchase items while we are there.

Parent teacher interview confirmation times will be going out tomorrow.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Children of Conflict

Hello Grade 3 parents!

Last week, in preparation for the video, we talked to the children about why there is a war going on in Afghanistan, the meaning of being literate and the various degrees of poverty. This afternoon we watched a 30 minute video called "Children of Conflict" about the children of Afghanistan. A very quick but rich discussion followed. The children were able to identify the things that made them sad - not having enough food, not being able to attend school, not having the proper shoes to wear in the winter, having no toys, etc. and were also able to identify things that made them happy when they watched the video.

The intent was to not only teach the children about those that are less fortunate, but to talk to them about the WONDERFUL things that are happening to help those that are less fortunate. Additionally, we spoke about the things that we appreciate that not everyone is lucky enough to have. (It goes wonderfully with the appreciation statements the children share after a Tribes activity!)

1 1/2 boxes filled for Afghanistan! Thank you for the support!

Monday, March 17, 2008

Tuesday's Homework

Hi Everyone,

Report cards went home this afternoon. I spoke to the students about how the report cards only reflect 3 months of their lives and to not worry if they have not done as well as they would have liked this term - we have 3.5 more months of school to improve ourselves! They were also encouraged to continue to set high standards for themselves and to make sure that they are always trying their best.

As reading comprehension and writing continues to be an area of weakness for many of the students, I will be alternating writing and reading comprehension homework from now until the end of the school year. They will receive their first reading comprehension assignment tomorrow. It should not be very difficult for them as they have done similar exercises in class.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Great Vocabulary Website To Checkout

A great website that not only helps improve vocabulary but also helps in the donation of rice to the United Nations Food Program. Check it out here:
http://freerice.com

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Supply Drive for Afghanistan

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that we will be holding a supply drive for the children of Afghanistan. Ask your child about it if they have not already given you the note. We've been talking about this in class and many of them are very enthusiastic to pitch in and help out.

We have talked about:
- How fortunate we are
- Not everyone is as fortunate as we are
- That although it is sad when we look at what little they have, there is a positive light to all of this: there ARE things happening out there that ARE good! Such as what we are doing.

In the coming weeks, we will be watching a video about the children of Afghanistan, discussing what it means to be global citizens, and reading books about diversity, peace and acceptable. We are also tying all of this in with the curriculum. The students will be weighing, measuring, counting, and sorting all the items we receive to get them ready for shipping.

It is very exciting to see how passionate they all are!

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Super Spellers

The Super Spellers national challenge will air on CBC-TV this fall. Now is the time for students to get involved. They are searching for top students - not just great spellers, but those who can think on their feet.

To qualify, beginning on March 16th, 2008, kids 12 or younger can log on to www.superspellers.ca for a chance to spell their way to a spot on the TV show. Visit the Super Spellers website for more information!

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Back To School We Go!

I hope everyone had a wonderful March break! We will be started a new Social Studies unit on New Brunswick this week and will also be beginning our unit on Measurement in Math. Be prepared for lots of exciting activities!