Geometry

We have moved on to Geometry for Math. Over the next 3 weeks or so our class will be busy learning all about 2-D shapes and their  ATTRIBUTES. With Geometry comes a lot of new math specific words. We will be practicing this 'specialized vocabulary' and learning how to use it during our math classes. By now, your children should know how to explain an ATTRIBUTE (what we use to describe the features of  polygons/shapes). Also, we have begun learning to identify right angles, obtuse angles and acute angles. To help at home, ask your kids to point out right angles around your house and in your neighbourhood. We had a lot of fun finding right angles in the classroom today.

Below are 2 youtube links to video's that I have show the class recently. Student know they are NEVER to use our youtube links with out permission and supervision of an adult.

The POLYGON SONG

The Angle Song

Number Sense and Numeration

As we continue to explore Number Sense in Numeracy students are beginning to strengthen their strategies in both addition and subtraction. It is important that student practice their simple math facts (addition and subtraction) each night regardless of whether or not homework is assigned. Fast facts, as we practice them, are quick addition facts that go up to 9 + 9 = 18 and subtraction facts that involve numbers smaller than 18 ( example: 18 - 7 = 11).  Knowing these facts quickly and accurately are helpful as we move towards addition with re-grouping and subtraction with borrowing.

By the end of grade 3 students should be able to add and subtract two and three digit numbers with either borrowing or re-grouping as needed so daily practice is very important. Driving in the car, walking home from school, talking around the dinner table are excellent opportunities to quiz your children on their 'fast facts'. Students ALWAYS have the chance to become faster and more accurate with their facts.

Non-Fiction Friday

Reading non-fiction texts is an important part of Literacy that often goes over looked. Students should always be reading both fiction and non-fiction text about what interests them. On Friday's we explore non-fiction with each other and then share what we've learned as a group. Take a look!

Kids Working Hard!

Take a look at your children hard at work! Today they were working together using Base-10 blocks to represent different 2 and 3 digit numbers. Students can expect an assessment (test) on Friday. Students on alternate programs for Numeracy will be assessed on their goals throughout the week.

Numeracy PALS - Orange note

Yesterday an orange note went home advertising Numeracy PALS.  This program is excellent, free and has been proven to be highly effective with improving basic Numeracy facts in addition and subtraction.
The Ontario Curriculum (for grade 3) states that by the end of grade 3 students will....

• solve problems involving the addition and subtracting of single and multi-digit whole numbers, using a variety of strategies.

Numeracy PALS targets this goal specifically! Students will practice single and double digit addition and subtraction with and with out re-grouping. The better students become with this skill and the faster and more automatic the answers become will only lead to more success in Numeracy. As the year progresses we will be moving into multiplication. Having a strong understanding of both addition and subtraction (with and without re-grouping) will only help your children master their multiplication facts.

Please consider allowing your child to participate in this valuable program.

Thank you to those of you who have already returned the orange slips.

Scholastic Book Club

On Thursday, I will be placing an order for the September Scholastic Book Club.  Although I prefer to order everything at once, I am happy to place Scholastic Orders whenever your child brings in their order form and money. If you have any questions please let me know via agenda.

Math textbooks

Everyone was very excited to receive their math textbooks today! I'll have to remind them of that as the year moves on ;) In the beginning, your children will most likely need some help while they are learning how to organize their book work. I have encouraged them to always put a title, date, page and question numbers. Also, depending on your child's programming they may not bring the text home each night. Students know that text books MUST come back to school everyday. 

Guided Reading / Independent Seat Work

Guided Reading / Independent Seat Work

Each day for approximately 40 minutes during Literacy students participate in Guided Reading. During this valuable time your child is doing one of two things: Guided Reading or Independent Seat Work. Please read a quick description for both.

Guided Reading  Guided reading is an instructional approach that involves a teacher working with a small group of students who demonstrate similar reading behaviors and can all read similar levels of texts. The text (book, magazine, article) is easy enough for students to read with a teacher's guidance and support. The text offers challenges and opportunities for problem solving and understanding, but is easy enough for students to read with some fluency. The teacher chooses the reading selections to help students expand their strategies.

Independent Seat Work - Students who are not actively participating in Guided Reading use this time to work on different learning tasks independently. The strategies the practice are always introduced to the class as a whole group and are based on our monthly Literacy focus. It is an opportunity to practice vocabulary, grammar, word study, guided reading tasks, reading comprehension strategies, media literacy and oral communication among other things. Students are responsible for completing their tasks with in the given time frame independently.

*Students are responsible for their learning during this time as I am always working with a small group of readers*

students know it is their job to :
1) work independently 
2) work with out distraction (or distracting others)

Below is a link that you will surely find helpful with 'at home' Math practice.

Mathies - Math Practice

This is a site that collects all of the resources that the ministry has that would be appropriate for students and parents. These include math games (both physical and electronic), a link to Homework Help, learning tools and activities. These are appropriate for students in grades k-12. 


I will also permanently attach this link on the Blog under the heading Helpful Links.

Numeracy- Patterning and Algebra

Our first strand for Numeracy (area of focus) is Patterning and Algebra. We are off to a great start and all students are capable of making a line patterns using shapes with different features.

According the Ontario Curriculum students will (by the end of grade 3)...

• describe, extend and create a variety of numeric patterns and geometric patterns.
• identify extend and create a repeating pattern involving 2 attributes (features).
• identify and describe number patterns involving addition and subtraction.
• extend repeating, growing and shrinking number patterns.

For the next few weeks this will be our major area of focus. For those students with different learning goals, please refer to their IEP's to see the goals determined for this specific strand. Please know that while they primary goals are that of the IEP they will also be exposed to other elements within the strand as well but will not be assessed on them.

As always if you have any questions please let me know via agenda or phone.

We are currently waiting for additional grade 3 math textbooks to arrive. Until then, if you'd like to assist your child at home with extra math practice they can work on single and double digit addition and subtraction.  This skill is extremely important in all areas of numeracy and student need to become very efficient/automatic with their addition and subtraction facts. Our next strand will be Number Sense.

Team Building Activities

Working in small groups is an important part of any classroom. Today was our first (of many) team building activities. Students were asked to build the tallest structure with the materials they have been given. This activity gives me the chance to see how your children work to solve problems with one another. It also gives me a chance to see their ability to focus on a specific task to achieve a goal. Enjoy the pictures!

Take a look at the most successful structure!

All About Me

Hello,
I am so excited to be a part of the Torch family! I have heard great things about this school from my good friend and mentor Mr. Boglitch. I look forward to the upcoming school year and can't wait to get to know your children and help them achieve their academic, social and behavioural goals for grade 3. In a round about way I feel an old connection with this area. When I was young my father taught in the area and also ran a city gymnastics program out of St. Alexander. I loved driving around this neighbourhood as it always meant gymnastics was just around the corner!

I have been blessed with many fantastic teaching experiences and I hope to continue adding to these experiences during my time at W.J. Langlois. I have spent the past 10 years splitting time between St. Francis (2003-2009) and St. Gabriel (2009-2014). I have taught between grades 3-6 and have also spent time working in LSST.

Welcome Back Torches

September has arrived!

Our classroom blog is up and running! My objective for this blog is to keep you informed and up to date with what's going on in our classroom.  My goal is to create posts based on what we are learning and post pictures of student work to give you an idea of what happens throughout the day in 3P.  I may also share educational and inspirational video clips from time to time. Although new posts may not occur daily, I will do my best to keep current with what we are covering and use the blog as an added means of communication between school and home.  As the blog moderator I am the only person able to post to this blog.  You as the viewer will have the ability to read and view all posts but can not post comments.  Our classroom blog does not replace your child's agenda. Homework and assignment due dates may not always be posted to the blog.  Please continue to check your child's agenda periodically throughout the week. If you have any questions or concerns regarding our classroom blog please notify me through the agenda.  We have discussed in class the importance of always asking a parent, or adult beforing logging on to the Internet.

Thanks,

Mrs. L Plante

Summer Days are HERE!

I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who helped make our 'Classroom Blog' successful! It was a relatively new adventure for me and I am happy to say that with your support (signing up via email) and frequent blog checking, it was much more successful than I had ever imagined it would be. It was my hope to provide some insight towards the day-to-day workings of our classroom while also providing helpful tips, links and information so that each student and parent would benefit from visiting. Our year was fantastic! We had so many new and fabulous learning experiences I can only pray that they will be remembered in the years to come. As many of you already know, I have accepted a teaching position at W.J. Langlois school for the upcoming year. As I look back on this year, I cannot think of another group in the school as kind and accepting as your children. Your children put forth a 'collective' effort that was contagious! Their ability to work with one another was remarkable. It will serve them all well as they move on through the junior grades. I would like to wish everyone a safe, long and fun-filled summer. Also, my husband and I look forward to joining you all next year as Guardian parents!

June is moving right along!

As we continue to move through June there are a few things that will need to be taken care of. I am looking for a permanent home for our classroom fish tank. The PetSmart grant I obtained at the beginning of the year covered a majority of the expenses so I am happy to offer the tank, fish and all accessories to anyone interested at no cost. If more than one family is interested then we will have a random draw to determine who the lucky one will be.  If you are interested please let me know via note or agenda and I will keep you posted.

Medieval Day Pictures

MEDIEVAL DAY

Medieval Day drop box

All of the Medieval Day photo's are posted in the link above.  Please save or print any photo's at your convenience. This drop box link will be taken down on the last day of school. If you have any questions please let me know.

Random Acts of Kindness

During Catholic Education Week our class read a story that told a familiar tale of exclusion. The main character reflected (in hind sight) that little acts if kindness along the way would have been a better alternative. As a follow up activity our class decided to choose simple 'random acts of kindness' that were shared with other classes in the school. Look at the pictures below to see what we did!

These 4 created and performed a 'mini-circus' complete with juggling and acrobatics for the grade one students.

This group created a 'surprise' fun recess for all primary students to enjoy!

These students opted to engage in some 'free play' with our jk/sk students.

These last groups shared laughter by telling jokes! 

PAWS for reading contest winner!

Congratulations go out to Ophelia Piasentin for winning Scholastic Canada's PAWS for reading contest! Ophelia's entry was one of ten chosen across Canada. We are very thankful and proud of her accomplishments. Her prizes included a digital camera, $100.00 animal shelter donation and a box of animal related books for her family and the classroom! Way to Go O!

Weekend Reading

Next week, We will be discussing conception and fetal development through to 9 months. I have asked each student to bring home their Fully Alive text should anyone want to preview, or pre-read the selections prior to our class discussions. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me via agenda or by phone.

pg  45 (conception)
pg. 51-54 (fetal development)
pg. 55-56 (child birth)

JDRF! We are AWARE

According to Julie's estimations we Guardians received 'honks' from 180 different cars!! Sounds like a successful campaign again this year. Thanks to those who donated spare change for the cause.

JDRF WALK

4P is preparing for our JDRF walk tomorrow afternoon! Please join us is your schedule permits. We will be collecting spare change all day!!!

APP CAFE - Excellent Opportunity to jump into the APP world.

There are many resources available to you through Windsor Public Library’s digital collection.  We’ve got eBbooks, magazines, TV shows, movies, music, newspapers, health resources, auto repair guides, research databases and more.  Our online resources are expanding rapidly.  Would you like to learn more about these (and other) Library Apps? Would you like help getting them up and running on your tablet or mobile device? Then be sure to visit our App Café at one of the following sessions:

June 18th @ Budimir Library 6:00 - 7:30

Please visit the following link for additional information.

Windsor Public Library

Fractions Assessment

Students can expect an assessment for Fractions towards the end of the week, most likely on Friday.
We have started to review key concepts and students will have some practice and review questions for homework on Monday and Wednesday. Also for your convenience, I have re-posted the link to some helpful fraction games. The activities/links do not replace studying. They provide additional exposure to fractions.

Fractions (Introduction)

Equivelant Fractions

Comparing and Ordering Fractions

Hillman Marsh new date!

This morning we received a call from Hillman Marsh. At the time, they were calling for thunderstorms in the morning and afternoon. Based on that information, we decided to postpone our trip as it is very difficult to explore the marsh in harsh weather conditions. We were able to reschedule our trip for next Tuesday (May 27th). My Nonna always told me to hang a Rosary out on the clothesline the night before a 'big day' to stop the rain from coming! I'll try it this time and pray the sun shines bright on the 27th. Thanks for your patience.

Hillman Marsh Field Trip

As you all know we are headed to Hillman Marsh on Tuesday May 20th.  It looks as if the weather will be favourable! If there are any parents interested in following the bus out to Hillman Marsh please be at the school no later than 8:45. We are hoping to pack up and leave as close to 8:45 am. The Marsh has room for everyone!

St. Gabriel Catholic Elementary School News and Events: Paul Davis - Coming Soon

St. Gabriel Catholic Elementary School News and Events: Paul Davis - Coming Soon: SAVE THE DATE:   Monday, June 2 at Holy Names Secondary (7 p.m.) More info to follow....

The link below has some helpful links for extra practice with fractions. We have featured a few sites in class and students are asked to practice for a stronger understanding of fractions. Enjoy!


Fraction Games

We Need To Talk 'Student Series'

Please read the following post regarding the "We Need To Talk - Student Series". At the bottom of the post there is mention of Paul Davis' social networking safety presentation at Holy Names Secondary School on June 2nd. All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Dear Parents,

The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board recently launched a series of awareness newsletters entitled, “We Need To Talk” (Parent Series).  The intent of the newsletters was to provide you, as parents and guardians, with key information that you can use on a daily basis to assist us in doing all we can to make internet use a safe and useful tool for learning.  These newsletters are still located on our school blog as well as the Board Website.

As an entire Board, we will collectively launch the “We Need To Talk” (Student Series) this month which will focus on Cyber Bullying, Sexting, and Profile Protection; with students in Grades 4-8 taking part in a system wide, three-part series on internet safety.  The information covered will be made available to you on our School/Class website.

All of our lessons and conversations with your children are rooted in and explained from a Catholic perspective.  We believe this is foundational in all that we do on a daily basis.  Moreover, we believe it is crucial to not ‘sugar coat’ the discussion nor the potential consequences possible with the inappropriate use of technology.  These consequences have the potential to bring a life-altering impact to all those involved.

Let us engage our children with love and respect. In so doing, we will promote self-confidence and self- respect. These are the two critical components to the well being of our children. We trust that you will agree and that you will join us in this most important venture.

Topics:

Cyberbullying Adult Tools Come with Adult Consequences

Sexting You Can’t Unsend

Online Responsibility You Post it, You Own it

Video Resources:

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B4vLnKI6wPt_dEVIZmdIUUJNekU&usp=sharing

Parent Presentation:

On Monday, June 2 at 7 p.m. Paul Davis (http://socialnetworkingsafety.net/sample-page/) will be speaking to a ‘parents only’ audience in the Auditorium at Holy Names Secondary. This is a very informative and impactful presentation that you are all highly encouraged to attend.  All are welcome.

Medieval Day Information

Medieval Day

On Wednesday April 30th, we will be celebrating ancient civilizations with our very own Medieval Day Celebration! Students will get the chance to travel back in time to the Medieval Era and enjoy an educational and interactive day of fun. In the morning, students will rotate through a variety of activity stations geared towards Medieval Times. Each station is created to highlight different aspects of ‘daily living’ during the Medieval time period. To help keep the day authentic, all students will be encouraged to ‘dress the part’ in the medieval style of dress. We have discussed different ways to turn our everyday clothes into the medieval style clothing. Students know to look around the house for different options and are encouraged to use creativity and not cash to enhance their looks. Prior to our event, students will draw their roles as either Royalty (kings and lords), Clergy (monks, nuns, or abbots), Knights, or Peasants. We are looking for some parent volunteers who would be interested in assisting with the morning portion of our day (approx. 8:45-11:45). Parents are needed to accompany and assist students at various stations. Traditionally, one of the stations is reserved for group and individual photo’s. The kids have a lot of fun dressing and posing. If you have a camera and would like to assist with this station we will develop the photo’s and distribute them to the students. If you are interested in volunteering please send a note via agenda with your phone number and we will be in contact. For the afternoon portion of our day we will welcome Windsor’s own “Medieval Man”. Jay McKee, is a historian with endless knowledge about Medieval history. His presentation is engaging and very informative. He also brings many artifacts, weapons and equipment from the era. After his presentation, Medieval Man always allows the students to have some hands on time with his fantastic Medieval display. We are asking for a $2.00 donation to help cover the cost of our guest speaker. Parents are welcome to join us for the presentation. It will begin at approximately 12:45 pm. Thank you, Mr. Cowan Mrs. Plante

Education Week Mass

Our school Mass for Education Week has been moved ahead to Monday May 5th. Time and location have not changed :) Please come and celebrate with us!

St. Gabriel Catholic Elementary School News and Events: We Need To Talk - Issue #2 of 4

St. Gabriel Catholic Elementary School News and Events: We Need To Talk - Issue #2 of 4

St. Gabriel Catholic Elementary School News and Events: We Need To Talk - Issue #3 of 4

St. Gabriel Catholic Elementary School News and Events: We Need To Talk - Issue #3 of 4

Thanks You!

St. Gabriel Catholic Elementary School News and Events: We Need To Talk - Issue 1of4

Please take a look at the information provided in the link.



St. Gabriel Catholic Elementary School News and Events: We Need To Talk - Issue 1of4

Thanks!

I thought it may be best to post pictures as items come in for our raffle basket. Thanks to all who have donated.

Buttercream Dreams Cupcakes

I would like to acknowledge Amy Germanese of 'Buttercream Dreams Cupcakes' for donating a $30.00 gift certificate to help build our cupcake raffle basket. Her business card is posted below. Thanks Amy!

Castle Building

Please read the attached note for Social Studies

Welcome Miss Cannon!

Take a look at your children! They were partnered and asked to discuss and compare the 'pros' and 'cons' for each level of Medieval Society. In the end, the activity allowed students to examine the benefits and consequences related to each level of society.

Miss Cannon is currently on her last student teaching placement. She will be with us through the end of the month. The class is happy to welcome her and look forward to her leadership.

Cupcake Raffle Basket

Students will have a small note today explaining our cupcake raffle basket. I have included a picture of items donated thus far. Also, "Buttercream Dream Cupcakes" were generous enough to provide a gift card for a dozen gourmet cupcakes! If you have any questions please let me know via agenda.

Measurement

Our current strand for Numeracy is Measurement.

We have been working in class on strategies to determine the perimeter and area of different sized rectangles and other objects. As a final in-class assessment students will be asked to design a zoo according to specific expectations. Their zoo's will require specific measurements with enclosures and features that meet area and perimeter requirements. We will begin creating and designing our zoo's on Monday.

Thank you P.A.C.

Recently our classroom received some fantastic non-fiction books. The books range in levels and cover a wide variety of topics. These new books are very popular and in high demand! A special thank you goes out to our parent council for providing the funds to purchase such awesome resources!

Google Safety

As we continue to explore and become more involved with our 'mytools2go' accounts it may be helpful to read and discuss some helpful and safe technology tips. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Getting started with Google

N.E.D. & LET'S TALK SCIENCE

The N.E.D show stopped in on Wednesday afternoon to deliver a positive message along with some fabulous yo-yo tricks. Zachary explained that in order to be a champion you have to never give up on yourself. This earned him a trip to the front and a free set of brain fireworks! 

On Thursday we had the opportunity to participate in a "Let's Talk Science" presentation. Students were in small groups and used Science to conduct a crime scene investigation. In the end, 'shining white Sam' was found guilty of stealing the formula for a top secret cure from a lab somewhere deep in South America. Everyone had a fantastic time with this valuable hands on experience.

Guardians Give Back

As you all know, for our Guardians Give Back campaign we sent out thank you letters and cards to local charities and not for profit organizations. Since then, we have received some positive feedback. The class gets very excited when they see the benefits of their work! I will continue to post pics of the feedback as it comes in.

BE the CHANGE

For Lent our Social Justice Club has organized a spare change drive in hopes of raising funds to help build a school in Kenya. Each classroom is asked to collect spare change for the duration of Lent. The class that collects the most change (the money will be weighed) is eligible for a class ice-cream party! If you would like to help our class by collecting change at work or in your neighbourhood/community, I can send a spare school bank home with your child.

Writer's Workshop

 This past Thursday we had the pleasure of meeting and listening to acclaimed author and poet Janet S Wong. Janet's presentation focused on writing, specifically poetry.  She explained to the students that poems and stories often come from stories of family history, family traditions or personal life events.  She entertained the students with the stories 'behind' her poems and encouraged them to write, write, write! She suggested that each student find a small notebook and spend only 5 minutes a day filling that notebook with words, thoughts, and small sentences or stories about things that they are interested in.

Janet insisted that poems and stories are right under our noses waiting to be discovered. All we need to do is speak to people to uncover them.  She suggested the students:...

"Find the oldest person they know and ask them to tell a story from their childhood"
"Ask someone...what's the weirdest thing they've eaten?"
"Ask someone...Where is the greatest place you've been?"
"Ask someone...What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you?"

Her point was that once you hear these stories you might be inspired to retell the story in the form of a poem.

if you would like to see more of Janet Wong's poetry please visit her website @
www.poetrysuitcase.com