This morning we learned new phonics chunks that make the 'calm' short o sound: aw, au, and al, and edited for them in our message. We learned that a usually is shouting "aaaaaah!" but those 3 letters, when following, help it calm down to say "awww." We had a sharing circle about small ways we can help make every day Earth Day, and wrote in our journals about our Earth Day tips. We began a new round of literacy centers and guided reading focusing on our new phonemes. In the afternoon we had a school assembly to celebrate the $750 raised by grade two for the fire-stricken community of Kugaaruk. Way to go!!! Our guest visitor, Kim (Kaylee's mom) shared with us the traditional First Nations planting method called "The Three Sisters." She helped the students plant squashes, beans, and corn, which will support each other to grow together. We are excited to observe them as they grow! In math we worked more with cuisenaire rods to find and compare equalities. We finished our day with some social studies and reading Matilda (we are so close to finishing this favourite read-aloud!).
Sight Words
We are focusing on "pinchy" sounds this week, /au/, /al/, and /aw/
because saw also all talk walk awesome almost
Mail Pockets
- Spring photo proofs went home
Please and Thank You
- Grade One will enjoy observing spring seasonal changes on our next Ridge Walk Thursday, May 4 at 1:30. We would appreciate one or two more volunteers, please.
- Our class will visit the Calgary Drop-In Centre on Thursday, May 11 to learn about how our city supports its vulnerable citizens, and to volunteer sorting donations. We will also enjoy exploring nearby Patrick's Island via the Riverwalk that afternoon. We would appreciate 5 volunteers to come with us.
- The Grade Ones will enjoy will learn about how plants and animals in the natural world thrive together during our Fish Creek Park program on Wednesday, May 24. We are hoping to have 5 volunteers for this day full of science and fresh air.
- While we realize June 14 is further down the road, we are hoping to have 8 - 10 of our fabulous volunteers join us on our Urban Community Tour. This exciting day exploring Calgary's landmarks and local history is made much smoother with a small adult-child ratio, and is always one of the most memorable highlights of the grade ones' year. We hope you can come with us! :)
Thank you for being so giving of your time! Please email Elysa or Melissa if you are interested and available for any of these experiences.
Math Facts
When we play fact fluency games in class, we are currently reviewing doubles, near-doubles, "ten buddies," one more (+1) and one less (-1) facts. Please feel free to review these at home! It can be a fun way to pass time during car rides or waiting in line, and you can use simple items like dice or playing cards to make a game of it. For example, roll the die or take a card -- what is that card's "ten buddy?" What is one more or one less? What is the double of that number? How fast can you go!?
Upcoming Dates
April 24 – Kugaaruk Assembly at 1pm
April 26 – FUN LUNCH – Chachi’s
May 4 - Ridge Walk (2 more volunteers needed, please!)
May 11 - Calgary Drop-In Centre volunteering (4 more volunteers needed, please!)
May 24 - Fish Creek Park "Thriving Together" program (5 volunteers requested, please!)
June 14 - Urban Community Tour (8-10 volunteers requested, please!)
Daily Challenge
Can you teach your family about the Three Sisters method of planting? Which plant do you think will start growing first?