Unit Three: Geometry Test Study Guide

Students will write their Unit Three Math test on Wednesday January 14th. I have created a checklist that will assist students in preparing for the test.  

You can print a copy of it by clicking on the link below the picture. 

Unit Three Study Guide

Social Studies Mini-Lessons

Our Social Studies mini-lessons have gone very well this week! Just ten or so minutes a day and I'm able to deliver the essentials and give the boys and girls a chance to explore the questions they have and how we can find the answers.  

While I won't deliver the entire Social Studies curriculum this way, it's been fun to pick up where we leave off from one day to the next and then continue the conversation. It's also a great way for children to demonstrate both their listening and oral expression skills.  

On Monday, we focused on Trading Posts. Then on Tuesday, we continued that conversation and the question was raised, "Why DID people come to Canada in the first place?" In addition to a desire to explore new lands, we talked about those individuals that came to Canada for their own safety.  

Today we began a conversation about the Irish Potato Famine of 1845. The boys and girls were really engaged throughout this conversation and I loved how disappointed they were when I told them that it was time to move on to the next part of Morning Message! 

Tomorrow, the kids will learn some of the theories around how the Potato Famine started (that was the big question today).  

I know we'll have to complete our Learning Journal at some point, but right now, I am finding great value in the discussions we're having. It's exciting to let the children's questions drive the direction of the lessons. Plus, at just 10 or so minutes a day, it allows for greater continuity, which I think benefits children in understanding what can be complicated information. 

An nice easy start to 2015

The boys and girls worked really hard today on a booklet I created to celebrate the New Year.  

It's full of all that good stuff to review after a break. A little Math, a little reading/writing and then some reflection and goal planning. It's a great way to get everyone settled back into the routine without feeling overwhelmed.  

Students will bring home the booklet on Tuesday and then again on Thursday to complete for Homework instead of a Practice Page.  

Welcome Back!

Did everyone have a wonderful break? Mr. M and I spent it in Fort Myers, Florida and enjoyed catching up with my brother and his wife Christina. 

I was able to read lots, shop a little, and enjoy the sun. Just as we were wrapping up our trip, all of the Snowbirds from the north were arriving. It was so fun to watch everyone get reacquainted. Listening to them all talk with great enthusiasm about their grandkids and the snow they were dodging was really sweet. 

No chimney, but Santa still found us!

Christmas in Florida is certainly different than Christmas up here, but no matter where you spend it, it's always a wonderful day when you enjoy time with loved ones, great food and special traditions. 

And now we're back! It's time to get back on track, so to speak and we have a whole lotta work to do in Room 208 in order to get these chickadees ready for Grade Four!  

This week, we'll ease back into our routine for the first day or two, but then we really get things rolling with creative writing, a new math unit and a new approach to our Social Studies unit. There's a lot to cover in Social Studies and I'm thinking some kind of "daily commercial" would help the kids learn what's needed and give them an opportunity to explore questions they have. This once-a-week-lesson-thing isn't really working for me. We'll try this out and see how it goes. That all gets rolling Monday (January 5) 

I can't wait to see the kids today!  I hope they are as excited to see me as I am to see them! 

I think whether you live up here or down
there, we all deserve this!