Happy December!

Hi Everyone, It's good to be back! I never like being away from my students, but sometimes it's just unavoidable. I was very glad though to leave my class in the very capable and experienced hands of Mrs. Hardy, who, like me, has travelled to the Arctic as part of Canadian Teachers Breaking the Ice. Mrs. Hardy specializes in Language Arts, and so we set science aside last week in order that Mrs. Hardy could do a complete Chris Van Allsburg unit. This focussed on reading strategies that we have been working on since September: predicting, making connections, using prior knowledge, determining what's important, and visualizing. Students built on this by identifying what makes a good story...see their brainstorming to the right - and then doing some creative writing of their own, utilizing all the structures that they know makes for strong paragraphs and good reading. I'm really happy the students had this opportunity with Mrs. Hardy, and to hear her wonderful report on how hard the students worked - congratulations everyone, I'm proud of you. Students have been busy, and report cards come home this Friday reflecting all of the things we have covered so far in first term. I will post a comprehensive overview of the term for Friday as well, along with all of the Learning Outcomes. In the meantime, there are two Winter Concerts to enjoy tomorrow and Wednesday. Please note the Book Fair will be open both evenings for students (and adults!) to purchase good books. There is also a "wish list" for our classroom library that you are welcome to look at!! On Friday,we will be going swimming. A notice will go home tomorrow with details - but there is no cost to the students (unless they rent a locker), it is part of our PE program, and if your child is unable to participae, we require a note. Happy December everyone - let it snow!