Measuring A Classmate

We have been measuring some fun things around our classroom and outside in nature! We have been exploring different size units. We used paper clips, erasers, marker lids, crayons, and Lego to measure smaller items such as school supplies and leaves. We used markers, plastic sticks, and even clipboards to measure larger/longer/wider/taller items! Grade one students are learning how to use a ruler with standard units (e.g., centimetres).

Below was a fun lesson where we measured how tall one of our classmates is. We chose many different units!

 

 

Connection: Ask your child to show you some of their measurement skills. What are some things around the house that you can measure together? What unit would you use to measure those items?

What Animals Do in the Winter?

 

Our class learned animals make behavioural and physical changes to survive in the winter.  Some animals sleep through the winter by finding a cozy place to hibernate; some animals migrate to warm places; and some animals adapt to the climate by growing thicker fur and changing colours.

 

 

We created a class diorama.

 

 

 

Animal Research Project

 Each table group chose their animal (bears, snakes, monarch butterflies, arctic wolves, and beavers) and we looked at books to help us find information about our animal.  We then shared the information to the class.  Please ask your child to share some information about their animal with you.

 

 

 

Arctic Animals Art

 

 

 

We went on a nature walk to look for holes animals could live in.  Here are some of our predictions:

“A hole! I think a spider lives here.  I see spider webs. “

“I think an owl lives in that hole.”

“A squirrel’s home.”

“A bird is in the hole.”

“Maybe this hole goes to that hole. Animals can go out there.”

“A worm! I see a worm!”

Literacy Week

 

We had a fun literacy week! Our new principal, Ms. Ashton, read us a story, teachers changed classrooms to read their favourite children’s book, we read in the dark with flashlights and we had a book cover parade! A very special guest also read us a story.  Mr. Lee surprised all the kids with a pre-recorded video of him reading a story to the whole school!

Hope everyone enjoyed Literacy Week! Thank you parents for participating in the Family Bingo!

 

Ice-Skating

The students had so much fun ice-skating, many of them ice-skating for the first time! Here are some photos from our two ice-skating sessions at the rink.

 

Thank you again to all parent drivers and volunteers for making this trip possible. ❤️

 

Happy Lunar New Year

The children had a blast creating these lunar new year lanterns a few weeks ago. First, we colored the pictures with crayons. Then, we used watercolor paints to paint over the whole lantern. The crayons resisted the wax on the crayons and the colors “glowed” through the paint. You will see these on our windows!

 

For those who celebrate Lunar New Year,

恭喜发财  [Gōng xi fā cái / Kung hei fat choi]

새해 복 많이 받으십시오 [saehae bok mani badeusipsio]

Wishing you health, happiness and peace in the year of the rabbit!

The Ocean Wise Sea Dome Experience

On Wednesday, we had some wonderful visitors from Ocean Wise*. The guides brought a Sea Dome, an inflatable six-metre dome that projects a 360-degree cinematic video! We watched a short video on climate change and looked at animals in the ocean. We were able to view tropical reefs, sea ice in the Arctic, and many amazing animals up-close! We saw an octopus, a sea turtle, a whale, a shark, jellyfish and more.

After the sea dome experience, students were guided through two other stations, looking at artifacts and images. Our guide showed us turtles and coral reefs from around the world. Then, we looked at a huge Arctic floor map. Our guide talked about the loss of sea ice and its impact on the animals (e.g. Polar bears, seals) that lived there. We even saw and touched a 9 foot narwhal tooth!

Ocean Wise is a non-profit organization which aims to protect and restore our world’s oceans. Thanks to Ms. Sue for organizing this.

Ask your child, what was their favorite part of the presentation?

 

Winter Celebration Event

What a fun night of music, festivities, and gingerbread decorating!  It was wonderful seeing and connecting with so many of you at our school Winter Concert & Community event.  We noticed the decorated gingerbread men and women were creative and detailed, some with full outfits on.

 

Did you notice our classroom door?  Students had fun posing and pretending to play in the snow for these photos.  We will keep the door decorated in January as well, so please come and take a peek at it then.

 

 

Below is a short clip from the dress rehearsal, taken by Ms. Lai.

 

Thanks to Ms. Vaesen for coordinating, and all the parent volunteers who have helped to make this night possible!

We wish you and your family a warm and toasty holiday season filled with fun and laughter!