Self-Regulation Self-Reflection

As you are hopefully all aware by now, we have turned our attention this term to the Learning Skill of Self-Regulation. Like we did earlier in the year, there is a class target to track progress. Recognizing that each individual has their own goals and areas for improvement, students created personalized Self-Regulation trackers.

They were provided a format of deciding on a goal and then thinking of an action that would help them to achieve their goal. Four goals and actions were created for each student. At the end of each day, students honestly assess whether or not they successfully carried out their target actions.

I also assess the class as a whole and indicate how successful they were in terms of Self-Regulation and mark it on the class tracker. This can serve as an overall reminder of proper student behaviours that make successful students.

At the end of the week, the student trackers are totaled and used to practise Math skills related to fractions, decimals, and per cents. We can monitor our progress from week to week and track trends by graphing the data.

Please take time each weekend to review the student trackers and discuss what goals might look like for the following week. Initialing the tracker helps us all work on accountability. Thanks for your support!

Book report!!!

Please see the assignments page for more information. Any additional questions can be handled through email, so don't hesitate to ask for any clarifications.

The initial response to the assignment has been very positive. Since we have been using a variety of reading strategies throughout the year to analyze the novel "Dunk", the students are very familiar with the type of responses that are expected during the conferencing stage.

Parents can assist at home by asking questions about the novel that will elicit depth and explanation. (See example questions on the Homework page.)

Wizard of Oz... Get your tickets!

Before the break, a letter and ticket order form was sent home regarding this year's Pineland production of The Wizard of Oz. There are multiple shows (three I believe), but as history dictates, tickets go fast! If you are interested in seeing the show, please get your tickets in by the date indicated on the form.

(It wouldn't hurt... hint hint... to get the orders in tomorrow.)

Hope everyone had a great March Break!

Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts

Dear families,

Both grades will be attending a field trip at the Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts. They will explore a curriculum topic from Social Studies through an arts lens. They will be provided expert instruction in Drama, Dance, Music and Visual Arts, putting on a full production and completing their own work of art.

The 5s will be experiencing this opportunity first. Their trip is scheduled for the Thursday following the March Break. A permission form was sent home today. Please complete and return it ASAP or the Monday following the break at the latest.

The 6s are booked a little later. Stay tuned for more information and forms.

Any questions, please ask.

Carnaval at Pineland

This morning marked the opening ceremonies for Carnval at Pineland. Students have been learning about
Carnaval and Quebec-French culture, including songs, dances, and many other activities. This morning Bonhomme made an appearance at the assembly and crafts were put out for display.

Tomorrow is the big event where all students will participate in all kinds of outdoor Carnaval activities. Since we will be outside for a large portion of the day, please ensure proper clothing is sent to school - winter attire, including waterproof boots, snow pants, hats, mitts - as well as back up clothes, mitts, socks, etc. as the field will likely still be quite wet.

Regardless of the weather, a lot of planning and effort has gone into this event for students and should be a lot of fun for all!

Report Cards

Reports were sent home on Monday. Hopefully everything on them made sense. I was not at school on Monday and usually allow students time to look over their report and ask me any questions. Don't hesitate to contact me should you have anything about the reports you'd like to discuss.

Additionally, when you've had a chance to look the report over, please complete the tear-off portion on the last page and return it along with the envelope so it can be re-used in June.

Thanks!

Area & Perimeter

The class has been working on developing understanding of how to measure area and perimeter, what each measure refers to. We have been working with irregular figures and breaking them down into known shapes (rectangles) in order to add up the whole area. Determining missing dimensions through measuring and the concept of part part whole (e.g., 6 + ? = 14, or 14 - 6 = ?).

Our class has been fortunate enough to host other teachers and Mr. Pritchard and work through measurement problems with them supporting the lesson in order to enhance our teaching practice to support student learning. The class participated admirably and seemed to enjoy the experience.

Please discuss the concepts of area and perimeter at home. Talk about times when these measurements have been used at home (e.g., home renovations). Please share any insights, breakthroughs, or questions with me.