Wednesday 27 February 2019
Tuesday 26 February 2019
Day at the Museum
Dear families,
What a day! We had a great time at the ROM today and have tons to tell you! Please ask your explorer all about it!
For half the day, we participated in a workshop all about stars. Our guides told us stories about the sun, the stars and the constellations. They pointed out items in the galleries that are mentioned in the stories, like a special box and spoon, and some animals. Our very own Hugo knew that the North Star can help us find our way in the night, and our guide said it was the first time anyone had ever known that answer! We also went into a special planetarium where we could see the stars in the sky. It was really neat being able to go back in time to a specific date to see what the sky looked like in summer v. winter. Our guides told us more stories about the constellations and showed us pictures of how different cultures interpret the stars. We also had a chance to share what we imagine when we look at the night sky.
During the other half of the day, we were free to explore the museum with our parent groups. All of our groups completed the treasure hunt I put together, which included animals, dinosaurs and some precious stones. We also got to visit the kids play area where there is tons of hands-on stuff to do. The kids were engaged and enthusiastic the entire time. In fact, there were a few tears when we had to leave to come home. Hopefully they can go back again with you sometime - there is so much more to see!
Here are some pictures from today (sorry they are mostly of my group). Thanks to our parent volunteers who worked very hard. We will all sleep well!
Our final big trip of the year will be Friday, May 24th. Save the date!
What a day! We had a great time at the ROM today and have tons to tell you! Please ask your explorer all about it!
For half the day, we participated in a workshop all about stars. Our guides told us stories about the sun, the stars and the constellations. They pointed out items in the galleries that are mentioned in the stories, like a special box and spoon, and some animals. Our very own Hugo knew that the North Star can help us find our way in the night, and our guide said it was the first time anyone had ever known that answer! We also went into a special planetarium where we could see the stars in the sky. It was really neat being able to go back in time to a specific date to see what the sky looked like in summer v. winter. Our guides told us more stories about the constellations and showed us pictures of how different cultures interpret the stars. We also had a chance to share what we imagine when we look at the night sky.
During the other half of the day, we were free to explore the museum with our parent groups. All of our groups completed the treasure hunt I put together, which included animals, dinosaurs and some precious stones. We also got to visit the kids play area where there is tons of hands-on stuff to do. The kids were engaged and enthusiastic the entire time. In fact, there were a few tears when we had to leave to come home. Hopefully they can go back again with you sometime - there is so much more to see!
Here are some pictures from today (sorry they are mostly of my group). Thanks to our parent volunteers who worked very hard. We will all sleep well!
Our final big trip of the year will be Friday, May 24th. Save the date!
Monday 25 February 2019
Reminders!
Dear parents,
Tomorrow is our big trip to the ROM. It promises to be a very exciting day!
The following reminders were discussed and sent home today:
1. Please be on time, or early for school. We want to leave promptly after 9:00 attendance.
2. Bring a lunch, snacks and FULL water bottle.
3. Dress for success! We will be walking to and from the subway, and on our feet all day. Layers and comfortable footwear are important.
4. Please remind your child of what is expected of them on the trip. We are expected to walk and use quiet voices in the museum. We will be sharing the space with other groups. It is crucial that our students pay close attention to instructions from their chaperones, teachers and ROM guides. When on the subway platforms, students will be asked to keep their back against a wall and stay very close to their chaperone.In addition, I encourage leaving anything unnecessary at home. We won't need pochettes, gym clothes or anything else for school, just a lunch and water bottle. The less we bring, the less we can lose!
See you bright and early in the yard!
Tamara
Wednesday 20 February 2019
Gymnastics!
Dear parents,
I know you've received an email from the gym teachers explaining the gymnastics unit, and the clothing necessary to participate in all the fun climbing activities. In the past, I've put a list of gym dates on the blog to help parents prepare, however I didn't want to get anyone too excited this year, as our gym day falls on the same day as our ROM trip. I've been in touch with Ms. Sharma and our other gym teachers, hoping to find some extra times when the gym is free so that we can enjoy the exciting gymnastics unit as well. Today, they were able to squeeze us in last minute, and the kids had a blast trying out the balance beam, yoga poses, fancy footwork stations and more. We would like to ask that each student keep shorts and a t-shirt in their cubby for this week and next, so that they are always prepared, should we be able to get into the gym. To use the climbers safely, we do need to have some exposed skin for gripping the equipment.
I love that our class does backwards lunch, giving us some alone time outside before the other classes come out. This morning, we had so much fun doing relay races in the snow. Within their teams, students paired up to pull each other in a toboggan, make snow angels and fill a container with snow, before racing back. Everyone was a good sport and congratulated the other team.
Meet Mlle Jade! Jade is a student from CTA across the street, and is doing her co-op placement in our class this term, as Mlle Sofia did last term. Jade is interested in being a teacher or ECE in the future, so this experience will be a great introduction to what that really means. She has already learned our students' names and has been helping them with their tasks, helping them with their belongings, helping with problem solving and helping them focus at calmer times. Please introduce yourself to Jade when you see her around the school or at dismissal!
This afternoon, Jade checked in on our math groups during some open-ended problem solving. Our challenge was to organize our jetons in a way that would make it easy to count, and see which colour had more and less. After drawing their idea, each group presented it to the class. We had a range of good ideas, from dividing the colour groups using a line, to drawing the jetons in an organized circle, to drawing the jetons in a straight line, or even straight lines of equal length. We did agree that it is certainly easier to count things when the material is laid out neatly in a line.
Yesterday, we celebrated family day by making beautiful origami families. Students thought about hair colour, eye colour and what type of clothing to put on their parents and siblings. They are so cute!
I know you've received an email from the gym teachers explaining the gymnastics unit, and the clothing necessary to participate in all the fun climbing activities. In the past, I've put a list of gym dates on the blog to help parents prepare, however I didn't want to get anyone too excited this year, as our gym day falls on the same day as our ROM trip. I've been in touch with Ms. Sharma and our other gym teachers, hoping to find some extra times when the gym is free so that we can enjoy the exciting gymnastics unit as well. Today, they were able to squeeze us in last minute, and the kids had a blast trying out the balance beam, yoga poses, fancy footwork stations and more. We would like to ask that each student keep shorts and a t-shirt in their cubby for this week and next, so that they are always prepared, should we be able to get into the gym. To use the climbers safely, we do need to have some exposed skin for gripping the equipment.
I love that our class does backwards lunch, giving us some alone time outside before the other classes come out. This morning, we had so much fun doing relay races in the snow. Within their teams, students paired up to pull each other in a toboggan, make snow angels and fill a container with snow, before racing back. Everyone was a good sport and congratulated the other team.
Meet Mlle Jade! Jade is a student from CTA across the street, and is doing her co-op placement in our class this term, as Mlle Sofia did last term. Jade is interested in being a teacher or ECE in the future, so this experience will be a great introduction to what that really means. She has already learned our students' names and has been helping them with their tasks, helping them with their belongings, helping with problem solving and helping them focus at calmer times. Please introduce yourself to Jade when you see her around the school or at dismissal!
Yesterday, we celebrated family day by making beautiful origami families. Students thought about hair colour, eye colour and what type of clothing to put on their parents and siblings. They are so cute!
Here are some people in our family that we definitely know en français!
Maman
Papa
Frère
Soeur
Bébé
I have finally finished meeting with each student to help them write down something they are already doing very well, and choose a goal to work on going forward. We have some excellent ideas in mind, and will start earning stars when we work hard at our goal. Ask your student what they wrote down as their official school goal!
Finally, in addition to everything else, this month we celebrate Black History Month. We will have an assembly Friday morning with some presentations and storytelling. In discussing Black History Month in our class, many students brought up the idea of slavery, but in Canada we have had other problems much more recently. We read the story of Viola Desmond, who stood up for her rights in the late 1940s. Please ask your student what happened to her, and if they think that was fair.
Wednesday 13 February 2019
Interviews
Dear parents,
I am looking forward to meeting many of you for interviews this week. When you're at school, here are a few other things you might do:
1. Check the lost and found and our cubbies. To be specific, there are kinder items hanging on a line in our hallway, but also a school wide lost and found under the overhang stairs by the gym. Please also check our cubbies for any extra clothes that need to be refreshed, or items that can go home. On Friday, I will move the many items that have been lingering there, that the kids insist aren't theirs!
2. Hunt down Mlle Sharma and Mr. Greene if you'd like to know more about their programs.
3. Visit the French book fair in the library. Mme Gaudreault also teaches our class once a week.
4. Enjoy the Black History Month storytelling presentation in the gym (3:30-7:30).
4. Enjoy the Black History Month storytelling presentation in the gym (3:30-7:30).
5. Check out our art in the hallway, particularly our amazing illustrations to "Loupscaroux" above our cubbies.
We've been working on some sweet cards for our parents and siblings, to celebrate Valentines day and Family day. I wish you all a love-filled weekend!
Monday 11 February 2019
Reporting
Dear parents,
Tomorrow you will receive your child's report card. In kindergarten there are no marks, but I have written comments that I hope will highlight areas of strength and areas to keep working on. For all students, we will again set a goal after report cards. Please celebrate all the great things your child is doing, and help them select just one thing to work hard on going forward. If nothing pops out at you, use my suggestion from one of the frames.
If we are having an interview, you should have received a small green confirmation slip last Friday with your time. If I missed you, or if you can no longer make the assigned time, please email me. Your student is welcome and encouraged to come with you to your interview so that they can share some work and be a part of planning our next steps.
Today, you are receiving our paper work for the ROM trip. This will take place February 26. This trip costs $17. As always, please speak to me if this cost presents a hardship for your family. You may have heard, through school council, that Dewson is moving to a Cash Online system. This will allow you to pay for trips, materials, snack and other items online. It should be much easier for you and for me! The first time you use it, you do need to register. Instructions are on the reverse of the trip note. Please let me know if you are having trouble getting set up. You are, of course, welcome to send cash or a cheque if you prefer. The form and payment are due by the 22nd (earlier is better!).
Last week, we finished a math challenge where we learned the terms "moins" (less) and "plus" (more), not as the operation of adding and subtracting, but for comparing sets. Each student was asked to take 2 handfuls of buttons, but one handful needed to have "plus". Each student went about it differently, some deciding to take only one or two buttons in one hand, in order to easily pick up more with the other. Some students took a large handful, and then an extra large double scoop requiring us to count up to one hundred together! It was interesting to see each mathematician's approach.
Last week we also celebrated Chinese New Year by reading a bit about it, and making cute little cochon masks with Mme Diamond, since it is the year of the pig!
Tomorrow you will receive your child's report card. In kindergarten there are no marks, but I have written comments that I hope will highlight areas of strength and areas to keep working on. For all students, we will again set a goal after report cards. Please celebrate all the great things your child is doing, and help them select just one thing to work hard on going forward. If nothing pops out at you, use my suggestion from one of the frames.
If we are having an interview, you should have received a small green confirmation slip last Friday with your time. If I missed you, or if you can no longer make the assigned time, please email me. Your student is welcome and encouraged to come with you to your interview so that they can share some work and be a part of planning our next steps.
Today, you are receiving our paper work for the ROM trip. This will take place February 26. This trip costs $17. As always, please speak to me if this cost presents a hardship for your family. You may have heard, through school council, that Dewson is moving to a Cash Online system. This will allow you to pay for trips, materials, snack and other items online. It should be much easier for you and for me! The first time you use it, you do need to register. Instructions are on the reverse of the trip note. Please let me know if you are having trouble getting set up. You are, of course, welcome to send cash or a cheque if you prefer. The form and payment are due by the 22nd (earlier is better!).
Last week, we finished a math challenge where we learned the terms "moins" (less) and "plus" (more), not as the operation of adding and subtracting, but for comparing sets. Each student was asked to take 2 handfuls of buttons, but one handful needed to have "plus". Each student went about it differently, some deciding to take only one or two buttons in one hand, in order to easily pick up more with the other. Some students took a large handful, and then an extra large double scoop requiring us to count up to one hundred together! It was interesting to see each mathematician's approach.
Last week we also celebrated Chinese New Year by reading a bit about it, and making cute little cochon masks with Mme Diamond, since it is the year of the pig!
This week, we have a few crafts planned, with a bit of a heart theme, and we completed our February portraits. Please note that, unfortunately, the library trip scheduled for this Thursday has been cancelled due to other work going on at the library. We'll go again in March.
Here are some words we will learn/review this week:
Je t’aime
L’amour
L’amitié
Un coeur
Une carte
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)