My apologies for the delay in this weekly update.
Students (and adults!) had a fantastic time on our very first field-trip of the year. Our programming at Fort Calgary focused on four groups of people: the First Nations, Missionaries, Settlers and Northwest Mounted Police (NWMP) and how their arrival brought change to Calgary. Students dressed up as a character from one of the groups, created a map of Calgary that changed over time, examined artifacts from each group, learned about the challenges settlers faced when they arrived, and worked together to build a log cabin.
Thank you too all our volunteers who were able to join us for the day, and enrich the programming for the students. Your time is greatly appreciated!
As follow-up activities, students have been completing procedural (how-to) writing describing the process of building a log cabin, as well as reflecting on the character they dressed up as. Later this week, they will identify important features in the map they created as a whole group.
As a group, we have continued with the second Great Lesson, and have just been introduced to the dinosaurs! Students were excited to finally have these creatures come to life on earth, as many originally thought they were the first life on earth!
Students have been (re)introduced to the idea of subitizing. Subitizing is the ablity to "see" a small amount of objects and know how many they are without counting. Commonly arranged patterns help us with our subitizing super power and students were able to identify dice, cards, the bead bars and dominoes as materials in the classroom where we use subtizing. Using the 10 frames (or dot frames) as a tool, we started exploring strategies for subitizing (if we know one row is 5, then one row and one more is 6) as well as how 10 frames help us with our Making 10 facts, and even applying our Making 10 facts!
January Letters are coming home today. Please take some time to read your child's letter and write a positive note back to them. They are always so excited to share their growth in learning with you.
Report Cards went home on Wednesday. Please review your child's report card and then sign and return the envelope ONLY at your earliest convenience. We will use the envelope again for June report cards.
Please note: there are no official conferences until March. Please do not wait until this time if you have any questions or concerns about your child's report card or learning. I would be happy to meet with you at any point, please email me to schedule a time.
Grade 2 students started their Independent Spelling Program today. After being pre-assessed on several high frequency spelling words, students were given a bank of words they can choose from for weekly study. Each week, students will choose 5 words for study, and bring home a list to share with you. Home practice is encouraged, but optional. Students will be taught a variety of ways to practice their words during the Work Period. On Friday, they will be tested on their 5 words using Buddy Testing.
February Scholastic book orders are due back Wednesday, February 14th if you would like to order. Cheques or online payment only please.
This Thursday, February 8th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. is the Family Dance! Purchase tickets online: lakebonavista.yapsody.com
A reminder that this Friday, February 9th is an early dismissal at 11:38 a.m.
Have wonderful evening everyone!
Ms. Thomas
