Happy Halloween!

What amazing costumes, and thanks for all the treats! We had a great day including some Halloween stories, learning the song "C'est l'Halloween", painting ornaments, playing charades with Halloween creatures (in French!), and a Halloween-themed connect the dots and word search. Sadly, I forgot to take a picture of our class all dressed up, but fortunately the children did a good job tidying up our classroom (which had pretty much exploded), so we'll be able to have another party sometime. :)

This morning, I was very pleased that we knew almost every word in the morning message, so we were able to read the whole thing together, and some brave students even wanted to read it on their own!! Later, each child wrote in their journal "C'est l'Halloween. Je suis..." and I helped them fill in what they are dressed up as. Ask the kids what I was dressed up as, and what book we read as a result!

Since I studied music, I also love having the opportunity to share some music stories when I can. Today, I told the class the story of the Erlking. This is a German song ("Erlkönig") by Schubert that tells the story of a father desperately trying to get his son to the doctor as he is very ill. The boy is having visions of the Erlking - an evil spirit who comes to children who are sick and tries to lure them away, kind of like the witch in Hansel and Gretel. I told the story on top of the music so that the children heard the singer (who plays all the characters) and the accompaniment while I told the story in simple terms in French (and English). The whole time, you hear the pulsating rhythm of the horse, carrying the father and son, running. I encourage you to look up this song on youtube and listen to it with your child. Perhaps they can remember enough about the different voices in the story and tell you what happens. It's a really cool piece of music, and a bit spooky sounding - perfect for Halloween!

Today, children are bringing home their masks, which we did a few days ago. They look great, but we haven't worn them yet... didn't want them to break before you saw them. It was a bit crazy at the end of the day with all the costumes, treats and accessories we had to pack. I think we did pretty well - no lunch bags left behind! Any sweaters or boots that didn't make it into the bag will meet up with you again tomorrow.

Have fun with your activities tonight, and please be safe!

Words of the Week – Les Mots de la Semaine

Dear parents,

Today I am sending home a letter explaining the Word of the Week program that several grade 1 classes are starting. It shouldn't take up much of your time - just a few minutes of practise each evening will make a big difference. Of course, if you would like to do more with the words, you can get as creative as you like. Hangman, for instance, is a great game for learning new words!
Today we made flashcards for our 5 words. They should be in the yellow folder, and the kids know that they should ask you to help them practise by showing the cards. We may not always do this with future words, but I encourage you to make them at home as one of your first practise activities!

Here is the note:

In grade 1, children learn to read by using different strategies, but eventually very familiar words used pretty much on a daily basis will be instantly recognizable whether they are in context or out. You can support your child by asking them to review the words with you (on flashcards, a chalkboard, tracing them in flour etc.). We will begin with 5 words a week. These are words we have already practiced at school.

The 5 reading words for the week beginning October 29^th are:

le, la, les, un, une

If you have any questions about the word of the week program, please don’t hesitate to email me!

Thanks so much for your support,

Tamara

Weekend Homework!

Dear parents,

As you know, area 24 has discussed some ways that humans adapt to weather and seasonal changes (for example, the clothes we wear and the activities we participate in). We need your help with one last topic: shelter. This weekend, I encourage you to discuss, with your child, the features of your home that help protect you. Here are some questions you can ask and answer together:
- What are some things in our home that help keep us warm in the winter?
- What are some things in our home that help keep us cool in the summer?
- What are some features of our home that protect us from snow, rain and wind?
- What features of our home allow us to see, day and night?
- What features of our house allow us to keep and cook food to eat all year?
- What features of our home help keep us safe?

On Monday, I will ask the class what they discovered about their homes, and we will make a list of important features together.

As a follow-up activity, you might encourage your child to build a house, apartment, bus shelter or other structure that protects people using Lego, blocks or boxes. Encourage them to include features such as doors, windows, and so on.

Don't worry, I won't be checking off to see who has and has not had this discussion, but it is my hope that this will be a fun and interesting activity for you and your child to do together!

Have a great weekend,
Tamara