Introducing Multiplication and Division

The grade three students and Monday/Wednesday kindergartens are very excited to share with you and the school the importance of empathy and standing up for others. Please come and be inspired by our students on what it means to create a culture of kindness. Our Celebration of Learning starts on Monday February 24th, 2025 at 9:30 We hope you are able to join us. Don't forget to wear your pink!

This week students were introduced to our new math unit on multiplication and division. After learning about arrays, students were given a problem in which they had to reuse their knowledge of quadrilaterals, perimeter, as well as, incorporate their new learning of equal groups and arrays.

In groups of three, students were asked to create animal enclosures for five different animal species. Students were given graph paper and had to consider the size of their animals and design a just right sized enclosure that was in the shape of a quadrilateral. After designing them they were asked to find the perimeter of each enclosure before creating the multiplication sentence to match their enclosure’s array.

To complete this assignment, students were asked to find all the different equal groups that our class of 24 students could be divided into in order to visit their zoos. Finally they had to justify which of the equal groups would make most sense and why. We will continue this learning next week.

Mathematics Learning Outcome:

Students analyze and apply strategies for multiplication and division within 100.

Student Learning Objectives:

• I can visualize and model products and quotients as arrays.
• I can recognize interpretations of multiplication and division in various contexts.

You're Invited

 

Loose Parts

Perhaps one of the most difficult parts of writing is figuring out what to write! Looking at a blank page can be very intimidating for many people. One strategy that can support students who struggle with ideas, is to have them 'work out' their story first using loose parts.

Loose parts can be many different things. In our classroom we have: pine cones, buttons, sea shells, twigs, rocks, glass beads, bottle tops, twist tops​​ and felt that we use as a background or frame.

The beauty of loose parts is that they can be manipulated, moved around and easily changed. It provides students the freedom to experiment with their ideas in a non-permanent way. If something isn't working, they can quickly and easily change it.

This week, students used loose parts to plan the main event of their stories. After working through their main event, they used these manipulatives to orally share their story with a partner. Students then provided feedback to their partners before using our main event graphic organizer to jot down their ideas.

English Language Arts & Literature Outcome:

Students investigate writing and research processes that support informed written expression.

Student Learning Intentions:

• I can use organizational processes, methods, or tools to support the creation of written texts.

• I can include a variety of carefully selected words and sensory detail to add interest and keep audiences engaged.

• I can include dialogue to add variety to texts.

Kindness Videos and Jeff Stockton

This week our grade 3 students were excited to teach their kindergarten buddies how to create a Stop Motion video. After reading the book “What Does it Mean to be Kind” students brainstormed an example of kindness. Then using plasticine and an iPad they created a short Stop Motion video depicting their example. We will be sharing some of these videos at our upcoming Pink Shirt Day Assembly at the end of the month.

Physical Education and Wellness Objective:

Students identify and demonstrate how teamwork supports positive interactions during physical activity.


Student Learning Outcomes:

• I can explore opportunities to contribute to teamwork.
• I can engage in positive interactions that support teamwork.

On Thursday we were fortunate to have the incredible storyteller, Jeff Stockton, come back to Andrew Sibbald School. Students who started kindergarten at Andrew Sibbald remembered him from our storytelling residency we had back then. Using his harp Mr. Stockton quickly drew us into his story of ‘The Horse-Faced Girl’. This ancient Chinese tale was not only entertaining but fit beautifully into our inquiry of kindness.

English Language Arts and Literature Objective:

Students examine and apply listening and speaking skills, processes, or strategies in a variety of formal and informal interactions.

Student Learning Outcome:

• I can investigate oral traditions that have been shared over time.

Celebrating Cultures

Kung Hei Fa Choi

"Wishing you prosperity and wealth."

This week, students learned all about two very unique and beautiful cultures. We started on Monday learning more about the history of the Inca empire and spent some time appreciating their architecture and some of the artifacts they left behind.

Using the recycled materials they gathered as a grade, they created intricate 3D masks. Then using gold paint they finished off their masks. You will notice that their masks don't have eye holes, to find out why you can ask your child.

Learning Outcome: Media and Techniques: Students will use media and techniques, with an emphasis on mixing media and perfecting techniques in drawing and painting.

Success Criteria:

Painting

• I can extend brush skills and further experimentation with the medium so as to achieve special effects such as textures.
• I can work with watercolour paint.
• I can mix paints to show intensity of colour.
• I can apply washes, using watercolour paint.
• I can use preliminary sketches as the basis for a painting, as well as painting directly.

On Wednesday, we learned that many different countries around the world were beginning to celebrate Chinese New Year. Students learned that the celebration lasts for 15 days. Friday was the second day and students learned that it is the birthday of the Chinese God of Wealth, Cai Shen, is celebrated. They also learned that it is believed to be the birthday of all dogs, so dogs are treated with special foods. It is also a time for visiting families. 

Some other things students learned about were:

• Where China is located in the world
• Landscape
• Climate
• Culture
• Preparations.
• New Year’s Eve
• New Year’s day
• What happens from day 1-15 of the Chinese New Year.
• What their zodiac sign is
• Why is there lots of red
• What children get in the red envelopes

Social Studies Learning Outcome:

Students will appreciate similarities and differences among people and communities.

Success Criteria:

• I can demonstrate an awareness of and interest in the beliefs, traditions and customs of groups and communities other than my own.