Hello families!
This week, Division 2 worked on multiples and factors in Math. We learned about least common multiples (or LCMs) and practiced breaking composite numbers into prime factors. We are also building up our math vocabulary and multiplication skills in the process!
Lit Circles are underway, and students should be keeping up with reading at home. Those who are readingEl Deafo should be at the end of Chapter 9 for Monday; Wonder readers should read to page 102; readers ofThe Lemonade Warshould read to the end of Chapter 7; and those readingThe War That Saved My Lifeshould read to the end of Chapter 8. On Monday, students were asked to complete different tasks within their Lit Circles groups and write a journal reflection on their opinions of their novels so far. Later in the week, we charted the plots on story arcs and worked on comprehension questions.
This week, we started a spelling program, which also includes vocabulary comprehension elements. On Mondays, and Wednesdays, the class will have various spelling tasks, while on Friday mornings, we will have a quiz of the week’s vocabulary. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we will continue with French, extending the lessons for a bit more time. I hope that this will allow us to cover more in our schedule, as well as delve a little deeper in French lessons.
In Gym, we have been working on basketball skills such as dribbling, passing and shooting. Students are working hard!
We had our first Restorative Justice session of the new year on Wednesday, and Kaylie was joined by her colleague Matty, who will be working with us as well. They shared a few new games with us and discussed the idea of conflict in communication. I am looking forward to another great term with them!
In Science, the class presented their research on three body systems (nervous, hormonal, and excretory) and did fabulously. They were asked to take notes on each other’s presentations and most did very well at this task also! We have wrapped up our study of body systems and will begin learning about simple machines soon.
In Art, we learned about line as an element of art and design. We practiced making lines that were solid, broken, vertical, horizontal, thin, thick, wavy, zig-zag, parallel, and diagonal before “following the line” around some of our favourite animals. Thanks to Mrs. Lee for bringing us books from the public library and sharing her inspiration for this fun project!
Happy Lunar New Year to all those who celebrate! I hope you have a joyful time with your families welcoming in the Year of the Rat!