Passion for Glass, Math and More

Passion for Glass Residency

Teachers and students want to to give a big thank you to our Andrew Sibbald Parent Association for providing the opportunity to have this week's Passion for Glass residency. Our grade 3 students loved the experience and are so excited to see their glass art when it comes out of the kiln. We also would like to thank our parent volunteers for coming in to help us.

Writing

Students have been doing a fantastic job finishing their narrative stories inspired by a video clip they were shown last week. Students completed their stories and used their personal rubrics to assess their own work and check and see if they included all the descriptors needed in writing a beginning, middle and ending of a narrative story. After they were finished, they were excited to watch the rest of the ‘Dustin’ video clip and see the original ending of the story. Afterwards they compared similarities and differences to their own stories.

After finishing their stories, we decided to take a pause from Narrative Writing and spent some time examining and writing poetry. We read some of the novel entitled: “Love That Dog” about a boy who doesn’t think he can write poetry.

After being introduced to the poem entitled: The Red Wheelbarrow by William Carlos Williams, students discovered Free Verse Poetry. When writing free verse poems, you are free to write whatever you like. We learned that no rhymes, punctuation or capitalization are necessary, and you are free to express your thoughts in any way you choose.

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

• I can investigate words or phrases used in a non-literal way to create a desired effect (figurative language)
  

Science

Students investigated the strength or magnitude of a force by doing a little experiment with a rubber band. In conclusion, students were able to describe a force by using words such as:

Stronger
Weaker
Larger
Smaller

Students also completed an experiment in which they chose classroom items to press, push, squeeze etc.into plasticine. Students then examined the effect on the plasticine. They used other vocabulary words to describe the direction of a force onto an object:

From the left
From the right
Upward
Downward
In all directions

Example: Sam pushed the box from the left side.

Science Outcome

Students investigate and explain how forces affect the movement of objects.

Student Learning Objectives:

• I can describe forces using vocabulary representing both strength and direction.
• I can predict how the movement of an object will be affected by different strengths and directions of force.
• I can conduct investigations regarding the effects of forces on the movement of objects.
• I can describe the effects on objects when a contact force is applied.

Math

This week students worked in groups of 3 using their stand up white boards to solve a variety of multiplication and division questions by creating equal groups. We also listened to a story called, “The Doorbell Rang” by Pat Hutchins. Students were asked to pay close attention to the doorbell. Every time the doorbell rings, new guests come to the house and they have to equally share the cookies with them. Students were asked to pay attention to the number of cookies each person gets and how it changes when the cookies need to be shared by more people.



Mathematics Learning Outcome:

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

Student Learning Objectives:

• I can recognize interpretations of multiplication and division in various contexts.
• I can compose a product using equal groups of objects.
• I can relate multiplication to repeated addition.
• I can relate multiplication to skip counting.

Science, Nature and Basketball!

In Science this week, students continued their exploration of energy and forces by building their moveable toy that they planned with a partner. It was great to see how students used their plans and made modifications as necessary to ensure their toy moved using contact force. They were very proud of their toys and eager to share their hard work with their classmates and teacher.

Science Outcome

Students investigate and explain how forces affect the movement of objects.

Student Learning Objectives:

• I can describe where forces may exist in everyday situations
• I can perform simple experiments to demonstrate changes in motion

On Thursday, we visited our Fish Creek Part Sit Spots. Starting with a Winter Scavenger Hunt, students explored their environment. They were able to notice subtle changes from their fall visit. Students were really excited to spot local birds, insects and lots of deer scat.

After the Scavenger Hunt, they settled down to write a Skinny Poem about something they saw.

A skinny poem is named after the shape and format of the poem. It begins with an introduction to the subject (noun) of the poem, and then on separate lines contains 5 or more verbs which describe the subject, and then ends with the location of the subject.

We are very grateful to our three volunteers: Katie, Robin and Brad who helped to make this a successful field trip.

This week, students also had the wonderful experience of having Dave Wilder come in and coach basketball to them. Our students loved Coach Dave and learned so much while having a lot of fun! We are grateful for him and all the volunteers who took time out of their busy schedules to bring this great learning opportunity to our students.

Physical Education and Wellness Outcomes:

Students examine how participation in a variety of challenging physical activities fosters well-being.

Students examine and integrate tactics in a variety of physical activity contexts.

Student Learning Objectives:

I can apply tactics in a variety of physical activity contexts such as:

• changing direction
• changing speed
• passing an object
• changing levels

Assembly & Energy

On Monday our Grade 3 students and Mrs. Swanson's class's kindergarten buddies hosted our Pink Shirt Day and Kindness Celebration of Learning. Our students worked really hard and were very proud to share the importance of Pink Shirt Day and kindness every day. Through songs, Stop-Motion videos and a reader's theatre they were able to show what kindness looks like and why it is important.

On Wednesday, official Pink Shirt Day, we had another assembly. Juno nominated singer and entertainer, Mary Lambert, performed for our whole school. Students and teachers learned more about kindness through her songs. We had fun learning and singing along and participating in her actions. A big thank you to our parent council for providing the opportunity to have Mary Lambert come to entertain and teach us.

Physical Education and Wellness Learning Outcome

Students investigate and describe how problem solving can affect healthy relationships.

Students Learning Objectives:

• I can generate solutions to problems in a variety of relationship contexts.
• I can identify respectful and positive interactions with others.
• I can practise conflict-resolution or problem-solving strategies that support friendships.
• I can use kind and safe words and actions to help others feel safe and respected.
• I can stand up for myself and others in a kind and respectful way.
• I can explain the difference between rude, mean and bullying behaviours and how it affects people.
• I can explain ways to include others and be kind.

This week, students also continued to explore the science topic 'Energy.' After learning the difference between the forces push and pull, we examined the difference between contact and non-contact forces. Students will be applying their knowledge of friction, gravity, tension, elastic forces to build a toy that moves. With a partner, students already began their plans and were asked to make a list of recycled materials they will need to bring to school on Monday to make their toy. We are excited to see their creativity and knowledge come together!

Science Learning Outcome:

Students investigate and explain how forces affect the movements of objects.

Student Learning Objectives:

• I can describe where forces may exist in everyday situations.
• I can perform simple experiments to demonstrate changes in motion.