The Global Read Aloud

 "Global collaboration is necessary to show students that they are part of something bigger than them. That the world needs to be protected and that we need to care for all people. You can show them pictures of kids in other countries but why not have them speak to each other? Then the caring can begin." Quote from: https://theglobalreadaloud.com/blog/ 

This year, our class will be participating Global Read Aloud project. The idea is an example of Deep Learning that helps students develop the  6 Global Competencies of a 21st century learner.  This happens every October, across the globe where over 1.5 million children will be read the same book! For more information check out the GRA blog.

Our class has chosen the middle grade selection of "The Jumbies" by Tracey Baptiste.

Over the next 4-5 weeks, we will be reading this novel in class. Students will be doing a variety of activities before, during and after reading in connection to this book. We will also be connecting with other classes to discuss and collaborate through virtual meets, and a variety of other digital tools and platforms (eg., Padlet; Twitter). We will also collaborate with the Grade 4 and 5 classes at our school who are also reading this novel!

I have created a workspace in Hapara this project. Right now, all work will be completed in class as we read through the book together. Students are encouraged not to work ahead on the tasks as it might spoil some events in the book!

Art Projects from Grade 4/5

 The class was busy during the month of September creating several visual art pieces. Our lessons began with the colour wheel and how to use warm and cool colours in our art. Then, we studied the artist Vincent Van Gogh. 

Our first art piece, "Sunflowers" was inspired by Vincent Van Gogh's work. We used warm and cool colours to create a contrast.

For International Dot Day, we used one black dot. This dot was the starting piece for students and they were free to use their imaginations and creativity like Vashti from "The Dot" by Peter Reynolds.

During the week of Truth and Reconciliation, the class took part in a virtual art lesson with the artist Mark Seabrook. During the lesson, he taught us about the art style called woodlands. This style was created by an Indigenous artist named Norval Morriseau. Mark guided the class through a lesson to draw "The Fish Clan."

Grade 4/5 Classroom

 Welcome to our class blog! This is a place where we will share pictures of students work, learning goals and updates from the grade 4/5 classroom.

Language: We are working on developing detailed reading responses. This year, students will be using "APE" to help them remember how to fully develop  detailed responses about what we are reading. 

This week, we are focusing on the reading comprehension strategy: making connections. Ask your child about some of the books we have read (i.e., The Golden Rule; Do Unto Otters) and what connections they can make with them.

Math: we are starting the year off with place value and whole numbers. We will be using place value charts and base ten blocks to help us understand the value of numbers and how to represent whole numbers as well.

Agendas: This is a great tool for students to practice and build their independent skills and responsibility. We will write important information about forms, reminders of special dates and any homework tasks in the agenda. Please have your child show you regularly at home.

What can we do at home?

For extra practice and skills, see the "websites" page at the top of this blog. Here are a few examples of what students can do at home for extra practice:

- reading nightly (raz kids or books from home)
-Mathletics assignments (found on the OCSB student portal)
- Typing practice (see websites for examples)

Important Dates:

Sept. 24 - picture day

September 30th - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day

October 8  - PD Day

October 11 - Thanksgiving Day

 Welcome Back!

We are so happy to have you back in the classroom and excited for another school year. I am looking forward to meeting you all!