What should we bring to school?

In our classroom, we have tables instead of desks, promoting group seating and cooperation. Supplies will be shared, except for duotangs. We’ll discuss sharing, treating supplies respectfully, and being considerate at our table groups. Please do not label any of your child’s supplies, such as pencils, pencil crayons, markers, etc. Thank you for your support and cooperation!

In addition to our shared supplies, please ensure your child comes to school each day with:

  • Labelled water bottles
  • Inside shoes – A pair of shoes to be kept at school and worn indoors
  • Appropriate footwear and jackets – Ensure your child is dressed to be both inside and outside each day, including appropriate footwear and jackets if needed.
  • Change of clothes – Please send a full change of clothes (socks and underwear too) with their names on each piece in a labelled bag that can hang on their hook in the cloakroom in case they get wet, muddy etc.
  • Nutritious snack and lunch

What should stay home?

    • Toys and electronics

Any specific info about snacks and lunches we should know?

  • We have a Pack In and Pack Out initiative for litterless lunches. Students are encouraged to pack all wrappers and garbage back into their lunch bags to bring home for proper disposal.
  • Also, please note that we are a nut-aware school. We kindly request that you check the ingredients of all foods your child brings to school and avoid sending snacks containing nuts. Thank you for your cooperation!

How can we support our children at home? 

  • Reading
    • Ensure they are reading every day for 15 minutes. You can read with them or listen to them read
  • Spelling Activities
    • Pictures: Ask your child to draw a picture for each spelling word. This will help them grasp the meaning behind the word, ensuring they aren’t just memorizing it but also understanding its definition.
    • Count the sounds: Say each word to your child and have them count the sounds they hear. Have your child draw a line for each sound or use sound boxes. Then, have them spell each sound on the line or in the box.
    • Word Work Chains: Using the sample word work chain provided, guide your child’s practice by asking them to spell or read a new word. The Sample Word Work Chain Script shows how to alternate between reading and spelling practice. You can do this activity on a whiteboard with a dry-erase marker, or use the digital word work mat provided: click here
    • Write: Say each word to your child and have them spell it on paper, a dry-erase board, with paint, or by building the word with Play-Doh.
    • Build their own sentences: To help build understanding, ask your child to write sentences using their spelling words.
    • Dictate sentences: Read a sentence aloud that contains the spelling word, and have your child write the sentence to the best of their ability.
    • Heart word practice: Practice sounding out “heart words,” and place a heart over the part of the word they need to memorize by heart.
    • Word Hunt: Read a book (or use the readers sent home) and ask your child to find as many words as they can with the same phonics pattern. For example, if the focus for the week is the digraph “ch,” they can search for and write down words with “ch.” You can also do this activity while driving or on a walk, looking for words on signs!
  • Math
    • Engage in fun math songs to encourage math fluency

Thank you for your support at home!

What’s the purpose of the planner?

  • In our class, planners are used as a communication tool among teachers, students, and families, and they’re a great way to stay organized. Every Friday, we’ll write in our planners to share important upcoming events for the week.
  • Your child’s planner will contain information about upcoming events and reminders, and any important notices will also be in the front pocket of their planner.
  • Please initial your child’s planner each night to show that you have seen it. If you need to pass along any information to me, you can write it in their planner and I will respond back. Thank you for your support!

How do we contact you? 

  • You can email me at althea.kwok@burnabyschools.ca or you can find me outside at the end of the day