OCTOBER 5, 2010

Oct 5, 2010
Dear Parents,
What a wonderful September we have had in Core English, and I am now offering a variety of homework packages to assist you at home and help students become successful in the English language. A special thank you to Mrs. Claudia Major for volunteering her time and putting together these packages.
Grade 1, 2: Sight word review. Enclosed in the folder you will find your child’s list of sight words. The highlighted words are the words your child successfully identified. Also in the folder you will find a printing worksheet with this weeks sight words. In the printing worksheet we are working on:
1. Practising the formation of the letters
2. Practising where the letters go on the line.
3. Learning our sight words. As your child is writing the word, have them read it.
Please continue to practice placing the letters in the correct space and to have a finger space between each word. If your child is having trouble, ask them to show you how we are practising spelling sight words at school. Here’s a prompt “Sit on our chairs for the letters a,c,e ......sit on the floor for the letters y, j....stand up with our hands above our heads for ...b,d,f.... Please return the folder every Tuesday so I can monitor their progress and add additional printing worksheets and update sight word progress.
Grade 3 and 4 Students have a handwriting practice book using the ‘Handwriting without Tears’ Program. I encourage students to work slowly at the cursive writing activities and to practise the letters they learn on separate sheets of paper. Please return the folder every Tuesday so I can monitor their progress.

Grade 5 and 6 students are asked to keep a journal which we will call their ‘Super Thought Spots.’ I have provided students with a book for them to record a minimum of 3 entries/ week. Students can write on anything they wish....fiction or non fiction. The idea is to get students writing about anything that is important to them. Thought spots are to be handed in on Tuesday’s for me to monitor their progress. One writing entry should be about someone they admire. We will be using this information next week to create poetry.

Classroom Update: In the classroom the students presented their wonderful Remembrance Day homework in both small and large groups. I was very impressed with the student's hard work. Posters will go on display shortly in the halls. We will choose the top 2 from each grade level to enter in the Legion's contest. We have been reading a variety of books in our Read Alouds. The Grade 1 and 2 students read Proud as a Peacock, Brave like a Lion by Jane Barclay. The grade 3, 4, 5, and 6’s read A Bear in War by Stephanie Innes . Be sure to ask the students about their reading. We are currently working on retelling these stories in our own words. We will continue to work on a theme of Peace for the next few weeks as Remembrance Day is coming soon. Ms. Spencer’s class examined the words to the song ‘One Tribe’ by the Black Eyed Peas and Ms. Gibson’s class, Ms. Bernardins class and Ms. Turgeon’s class sang a song called ‘This Little Sign of Peace’. Ms. Bell’s class and Mr. Mallette’s class have been reading the story of Sadako and a Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr. Be sure to ask these students to show you how to fold the paper cranes.
Watch out for the following coming activities in the next update:
General Lake Great Reading Challenge: I hope to have all the reading levels completely assessed next week and I am hoping to begin a reading challenge for all students.
Students will have the opportunity to enter a poetry contest. The maximum number of lines is 23. It is open to all students grades 2 and up.
Finally I would like to invite you to view my classroom blog at www.mslegaultsclassroom.blogspot.com. I hope to post all these letters as well as pertinent classroom information, homework assignments and samples of students work in the near future. Of course no student pictures will be posted. Thanks for your continued support.

Ms. Legault

SECOND WEEK

September 15, 2010

Dear Parents/guardians,

Welcome to the second week at General Lake. We had a great first week in Core English getting back into the routines and serious business of learning. Be sure to ask students in Mme. Gibson’s, Mme Turgeon’s and Mme Bernardin’s classes about Ms. Legault’s ‘serious business’. The students in all classes have been learning about different kinds of reading. We enjoyed reading Robert Munsch’s Love You Forever and some student’s in Ms. Spencer’s class performed their own adaptation of the story. All students participated in a Multiple Intelligence survey to find out their learning preferences. It is based on a theory by Howard Gardner that found that kids have different learning styles. We can use multiple intelligence theory to help identify the students' strengths and better help them learn by personalizing instruction and assessment. I look forward to sharing this information with you in the near future.

What we have been doing in Grade 1 and 2: The students have participated in many getting to know you oral language activities, as well as shared reading (looking at text together). This week the students in grade 1 and 2 are practicing how to read by themselves by doing a picture walk. I am in the process of assessing the students on their sight word knowledge as well as their reading ability. Once I have assessed all the students I will be sending home a sheet highlighting the words your child knows. I will also be sending home books for your child to read appropriate to their reading level. For this week, please continue to read daily with your child. Reading aloud to a child has many academic benefits including developing attentiveness, expanding vocabulary and develing imagination and creativity.

*****As a homework assignment I am asking the students to complete the following oral language assignment:

Students are asked to share about themselves with the class orally. Students should talk about their family, their favourite activity, their favourite book and their favourite toy. (e.g. My name is Lauren and I live with my mom, dad, brother, and sister. My favourite thing to do is colouring. My favourite book is about Chester and my favourite toy is my rock collection.) Students may bring in props to share. Ask the students about our friend Buddy Bear and what he shared. The following rubric will be used to assess this assignment.

Oral Language Assessment

Speaks in simple correct sentences yes no Speaks loud enough to be heard yes no Has a prop picture or model yes no

Date due: September 21st

What we have been doing in Grade 3 , 4, 5 and 6: The students in these classes have been participating in various getting-to-know-you oral language activities. They also have explored the various classroom books and began looking at them and identifying the various genres (or kinds of books). I am encouraging the students to discuss what they are reading in terms of its genre, then to explain what characteristics makes it that genre. Ask your child the genre of Robert Munsch’s ‘Love You Forever’. The students have just begun talking about the characteristics of a biography through our discussions of Terry Fox. I will be assessing the students reading ability in the next couple of weeks through the PM Benchmarks and CASI Reading Assessment. I look forward to sharing this information with you in the future. In the meantime, please continue to set aside a regular time to have your child read daily. Students also benefit greatly from being read aloud to even in the junior grades. Reading aloud to your child helps motivate them to read, helps build listening skills and expands their vocabulary. It also provides a purpose for sharing time together and bonding.

****As homework this week I am asking the students to share some information about themselves in an autobiography. Students may choose how they would prefer to present this information. It may be a written piece, a visual display, an oral presentation or any other way that has been given the okay by the teacher. It needs to include some information about their family, their background, their preferred genre of reading, their interests, three goals for the future, as well as some interesting facts. An oral presentation should be only 2-3 minutes and the written product should be a maximum of 2 pages.

Autobiography Rubric

All information is included 1 2 3 4

Format:

Visual presentation is visually attractive 1 2 3 4

Oral presentation is clear and loud enough to be heard 1 2 3 4

Written piece uses conventions appropriate to grade level 1 2 3 4

Project is handed in on time 1 2 3 4

Planning notes (to be completed at school) 1 2 3 4

Date due: September 22nd

Thank you for your support and I look forward to meeting you on September 23rd at Meet the Teacher Night.

Ms. Debbie Legault

WELCOME

Welcome Back! September 2010

Dear Parents,

It's school time again! My name is Ms. Debbie Legault and I will be your child’s English teacher for 2010 -2011 school year. I am new to General Lake, but I have been teaching for 20 years. I believe that by all of us working together we can make this a very successful year. I consider it of prime importance that you be an active part of your child's education. You are invited to phone me any time that you have a question concerning your child's progress. I also welcome volunteers in my classes, if you have some time you would like to share. To keep you informed I will send home regular newsletters, as well as samples of your child’s work. I have four basic classroom rules or Agreements which are to demonstrate mutual respect; to show attentive listening; to have the right to participate and sometimes pass; and to show appreciation only to others/no putdowns allowed. For this first week we will be reviewing these Agreements during our class. I will begin sending homework next week once we get into the swing of things.

I consider it a great privilege and responsibility to be your child’s teacher and I look forward to meeting you soon.

Sincerely yours,

Debbie Legault

Ezra’s Banana Muffins

(YUMMY, YUMMY)

1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 egg
3 medium bananas
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup oil
Mix together, bake @350 for 50 minutes

Ezra’s Something From Nothing

A long time ago Ezra’s Grandma made him a beautiful blanket. It was red. He loved it so much and carried it with him everywhere he went. It got very old and dirty.

So one day his mother said “ It’s time to get rid of that old blanket.”

Ezra said “No, Wait…Grandma can fix it.”

Grandma looked at it and she agreed. There was enough cloth to make a wonderful red hat.
Ezra loved his new hat and wore it all around. Soon it got very old and dirty. Then his mother said he should throw it out.
Ezra said “But Grandma can fix it!”
Grandma looked at it and she agreed to make it into a button. Ezra wore it all around until one day when he was playing outside he lost it.
Ezra felt sad but Grandma said, “It’s okay because we can sit down and make a wonderful story about it”
And that’s just what they did. So Ezra carried this story with him everywhere he went and even told the story to his friends in his classes.
The End

The Force by the Primary Mac class

THE FORCE



It was a regular Tuesday in the MAC class. Everyone was excited to go to the computer lab. When they arrived they were all surprised by the sight of new computers. Zach touched the computer screen then ZAP…..the force came into his hand.

He decided to use the force for good things. At first he just helped his classmates turn on all the broken computers.

Ezra said “That’s cool!!!”


Then he helped the caretaker move the piano.

Billy, the number one Star wars fan exclaimed, “Now he’s using the force!”

But Zach wasn’t happy just using the force in the school. He wondered how can I use this force to change the world.

He went to his friends the Framptons and asked them what they thought he should do. They suggested he use it for good, instead of evil.

Zach had a plan. He decided to give the power to the Frampton’s because he knew they would use it wisely. And he was right. The Frampton’s took the power and used it to suck the cancer out of all cancer patients. Cancer was cured all over the world and all because of the generosity of very special boy named Zach.

Sound Off

Traits of writing I know some
to learn the rest is why I come
Sound off 1 2
Sound off 3 4
1 2 3 4
1 2....3-4!

Write, Write,
It’s fun to write

Not in order but here they are
Learning each helps us go far

Sentence Fluency, Organization and Voice
Conventions, Presentation, Ideas and Word Choice

Sound off 1 2
Sound off 3 4
1 2 3 4
1 2....3-4!

Left, Left,
There’s nothing left

Ms Legaults New Mac Class: ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Mac class is a pilot program, where for twelve weeks, students attend the program for an Intense daily program developing strategies in social skills, organization, self-esteem, conflict resolution and problem solving. The academic areas of current grades are covered, as well as Health and Physical Education and daily computer time. Students are integrated with school for assemblies/lunch/recess and special events. The activities reflect the interests of the students and problem solving centers around real-life. Students take part in the program for about 60% of the school day, then they are integrated back into their regular classes to practice the skills they have learned. The first group to complete the program was Junior students, followed by intermediate students and finally from March to June is the Primary division. The program is seeing over a 50% success rate with its graduates. Ms Legault joined the program in January 2008.

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS from the IntermediateDivision

THE BEST PART OF THE MAC CLASS IS:
“Everything …playing guitar, building bridges, and making pizza” (Activities reflect interests of students)
I LEARNED ABOUT:
“Anger signs, hot talk, finding my peaceful place, the Tribes Agreements, getting along with each other”
I THINK THIS WILL HELP ME:
“Improve my social skills, work with others on projects, use cool talk instead of hot talk, use ‘I-Messages’, deal with my problems in a good way”

Mac Class enter Annual Engineers Bridge Building Competition

Make a Change...Ms Legault's new class

Make A Change



The M.A.C class is one of the best classes that I went to in a day. It makes a change, it helps you get along with other kids, and it makes you want to do well in school. Some of the changes that happened with Ms. Legault as a teacher was that I stop losing cards in my classroom for forgetting things because Ms. Legault would tell us to remember.

Also the rest of the staff of the M.A.C class are awesome, like Mrs. Van-Hoof our wonderful EA, she was always there with her bucket when we needed a pencil, or to help us in class, oh and did I mention that she also is an awesome person!

If you ever had a problem, you didn't have to wait in line for the teacher or EA. This was written during transition week and I am already starting to miss the class, no matter where I may go I will always remember the time spent in Ms. Legault's Class.

Did I forget to mention about how we had a different teacher to start the class and Ms. Legault came about a month in and still helped us right off the bat! Mrs. Van Hoof also came in, after Ms. Legault but like Ms. Legault was an immediate success.


Sincerely,

Caleb
___________________________________________________________________________

Health Hustle Comes to Braeburn

Tuesday, December 4, 2007 is the Official launching of the school-wide Health Hustle. If all goes as planned, Ms Legault's physed students will arrive in your class, after O’Canada. The Health Hustle will be played over the PA and your class should watch the Junior Leaders and follow the directions. Please make sure that the students are listening and following directions. We also encourage teachers to participate as role models. The leaders have been trained and they are expected to behave appropriately at all times. The students have been practicing hard since September and they are very eager to lead.
Ms. Chang Ali Alyssa Amal
Ms. Padda Jayden Asmaa Miske
Ms. Dulku Kevar Chelsea Hanadi Sadaf
Ms. Reid Mohamed K Jenica Kimberly
Ms. Brennan Iqbal Maryam M Kevin Vladimir
Ms. Wilson Mohamed A Nicolette Raquel
Ms. Townsend Jordan Johnnie Karen
Ms.Dorosko Naid Jason Ahmed Salma
Ms. Livingston Teniola Nadia Ramsha Farhad
Ms. Crawford Roman Phillip Abdirahim Maryam A
Ms. Malhotra
am Anna Maha Hassan
pm Omar Kowthar Libin 3:00 pm
Ms McPhail
am Aneesa Zayed Destiny Tyler
pm Najma Osazee Sounia 3:00 pm
GO BRAEBURN GO!!!!!!

How Does It Feel To Be In A Your New Classroom

I didn’t know what class I was going to be in but when I heard I was going to be in Ms.Legault class I was so excited. I sat down with my class and I said, “I, Raquel can’t wait for school”. Even though 9:30 was bedtime, I was so jumpy for school! On Wednesday I had alot of fun. We did DPA for the second time, it was so much fun. I thought, “I wonder what we’re doing tomorrow”? The class ran around the WHOLE school and then we were streching. I saw my sister then the bell rang. We got our stuff and went home. Which brings me to today . Ms.Legault marked my work even after I was late. I feel like my friends and classmates and we made new friends this year! I feel like Ms.Legault is the coolest teacher ever. We’re having Art at the end of the day. Ms.Legault says that we’re having two activities for Art.
I love this class!
Sincerely Raquel

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE IN A NEW CLASSROOM

I feel confident and ok this year so far in my new classroom. I feel I can connect with people. So far I think Ms. Legault is an
awesome teacher. My group is a great, magnificent group. I’m so happy Ms. Legault put me in this group. This school year is going to be fascinating. I’m looking forward to learning about rocks and minerals, science, art and lastly music. This classroom has very interesting facts. I hope we raise enough money to go to Medieval Times. Hopefully we get to go on lots of field trips. My classmates are very nice to one another. In this class we will all get a special day. When it’s my special day I’m going to play my recorder. I know how to play two songs they are called “Mary Had a Little Lamb” and “Turn on the Sun”. I can’t wait to learn more new songs for the recorder.
MS. LEGAULT... YOU ARE THE GREATEST
TEACHER EVER !
Sincerely,Teniola

Welcome Back to Grade Four

From the desk of Ms. Legault

September 4, 2007

Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to the fourth grade! We are going to have an incredible year. I take education very seriously, but I also love to have a good time! We will be doing quite a bit of writing this year. We will publish some of our work in our classroom blog located at www.mslegaultsclassroom.blogspot.com. We are going to learn about rocks and minerals, animal habitats, pulleys and gears, light and sound, medieval times and Canada. We will be doing many Math activities including learning to play the game of Chess. A monthly schedule will go home to keep you informed of the up and coming events. We will be doing a lot of fund raising, as we hope to attend Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament like we did last year. This is an extremely educational and one-of a kind learning opportunity for the students, but it is very expensive. We will fundraise as much as possible but if students begin saving $5.00/month right now they will have more than enough to cover the cost in June. A web site I recommend to all parents to access is www.raisingsmallsouls.com. It has a wealth of information on parenting which I use with my own family. I know we will have a wonderful year at Braeburn. I look forward to meeting parents at "Curriculum Night" in September. Please watch for coming announcements.
Room 11 Policies and Procedures
Please have students bring in a bottle for water to drink in the classroom throughout the day. Water can be refilled during the day but should go home in the evening for washing. It's a vital nutrient for the body that kids don't get enough of AND it doesn't make the desks sticky during math... Students should also have an extra pair of running shoes at school. We will be involved in daily physical activities regardless of whether we have a scheduled gym period.
Homework
Homework is given to reinforce the lesson and help prepare students for the next lesson. Students will be expected to read every night for a minimum of 20 minutes and practice their spelling words. Students will also have some other homework in another subject area. Homework assignments and spelling words will be recorded in the planner, as well as on the classroom blog. Parents, it is very important that you review your child's homework every night. If you see errors, ask them to find them and correct them. If the student is unable to complete homework due to lack of time please record a note in the planner.


While your children are reading very well on their own, they will still get an ENORMOUS benefit from your reading to them. Many parents stop reading to their children when they can read independently. Research shows students of all ages benefit from being read to. When children are read to, they hear inflection and animation in the reader. They are exposed to vocabulary that they might not otherwise consider. And they see you reading- which is benefit enough. If your child is reading a chapter book, read a chapter to him or her occasionally. Or select a book together that is "above" fourth grade reading level, and read it to them for 15 minutes each night. When you get to a new word, ask if they can figure out what it means, or what other word would fit there... Talk with them about what they are reading; cast the characters with people you know and relate the story's events to similar situations you've encountered in your own lives. And enjoy the story together!

Parents, homework is one of your greatest responsibilities. Set a special time and place aside for homework nightly. Please remind your children to place their completed homework in their backpack the night before, with all necessary forms and supplies for the following day... especially during the first few months.

Homework Projects
Please remember, "it is the process, not the product" that is most important. I have seen parents create beautiful projects that were very impressive, but they deprive children of the benefits of creating them on their own. While your help is encouraged, and often required, please allow your child to come up with their own ideas. Ask questions like:
Where would you like to start? Could we sketch this out on scrap paper?
What do you think this will look like when it's done?
How do you think we could...?
What is your favorite... How could we incorporate that?

Fourth Grade Policy Students are required and expected to do all assigned homework. Planner is expected to be signed very evening. All reading needs to be recorded in planner with the title of the book and the author. If a student misses 3 homework deadlines, parents will receive a phone call.



Miscellaneous
As the budget is very tight at school I would like to ask all students to donate the following items to the classroom. If everyone contributes it should be enough to cover our needs throughout the year. It also lets the students take responsibility for the supplies therefore they tend not to waste.
Kleenex boxes
Paper towels
Soap (bar)
Ziploc bags

Parent Volunteers
Teaching time is very valuable therefore its hard to find enough time to do all the preparation. It would be helpful to have volunteers in the classroom to complete the following activities:
Photocopying
Small group reading
Small group math
Marking
Also if anyone has any skills/ talents/ knowledge they wish to share we always love to have people in the classroom do demonstrations. E.G. Dancing, Art, Storytelling, Henna, Paper folding/Paper cutting/ Knowledge related specific culture or subject areas



FINALLY, please remember... Knowledge is power. Grades are just letters.

Do your best and be proud of what you've accomplished!


Thank you for your partnership in your child's education!

Mrs. Legault

DAILY CARTOON

DAILY CARTOON
click to enlarge

Cartoons by Andertoons

DAILY CARTOON click to enlarge

Cartoons by Andertoons