Sunday, March 25, 2012

March 26, 2012

March 26, 2012


Dear Parent/Guardians,

We are now in the third term and students continue to work hard at their various activities in the Core English.



JK/SK Students: Students have completed 2/3's of the Jolly Phonics Program. The following sounds are what we will be working on the this last term: z, w, ng, v, short oo, long oo, yx, ch, sh, voiced th, unvoiced th, qu, ou, oi, ue, er, ar. Students have also begun reading a new book called 'Animals At Night' and completing various activities related to this book. I will send home the book next week for review at home. Students are working on the Read Aloud 'Chicka, Chicka, Boom Boom' by Bill Martin. The following is one of our chants:

I said a boom chicka boom.

I said a boom chicka boom. (echo)

I said a boom chicka boom.

I said a boom chicka boom. (echo)

I said a boom chicka rocka

chicka rocka chicka boom!

Uh huh!

Uh hu!

Oh yeah!

Oh yeah!(echo)

A little bit softer now...(repeat song)



Grade 2: Students are exploring the genre of adventure story through books such as 'Puff the Magic Dragon' by Peter Yarrow and 'How I became a Pirate' by Melinda Long and David Shannon. Students completed various activities including a story map using the triangle, rectangle and circle to represent beginning, middle, and end, as well as creating a map to illustrate the setting of the story. Student are now beginning to work this week on their own adventure story. I am hoping to get all their stories published this week on the class blog. Students are also working on identifying parts of speech including nouns, verbs and adjectives.



Grade 7/8: Students continue to explore main idea and how to recognize it through the 'answering four questions' method. We have almost completed 'Free The Children' and as a final book report students are asked to choose from one of the following ideas:



  • GRADE 7 - 8 STUDENT BOOK REPORT IDEAS

  • I) Write a poem about an episode in the book.

  • II) Create a public service announcement regarding the theme/content of the book you read.

  • III) Make an illustrated timeline to retell the story. Include a minimum of twelve events.

  • IV) Develop a web or mind map of the themes contained in the book you read.

  • V) Create a flow chart of the sequence of events in the book you read.

  • VI) Write about something you would like to share after reading this book. It could be something that book has inspired you to learn more about or something you would like to do.

  • VII) Personal Opinion: What did you think of this story? Why did you or didn't you like it? Would you recommend it to others for reading? Give at least 2 reasons for your answers. Don't just say, "I liked this book".

  • If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to send me a note or call the school at 613 687 2404.


Friday, March 2, 2012