Dear division 1 of 2016-2017,

Welcome to your class blog! I will be writing here as often as I can remember.

If you're not feeling confident in checking all the time, you can sign up to have an email notification every time I post. The box is to the right ---> We have been so busy so far. Lots of writing, math, and art. I'll post pictures soon.

I know the September re-start can be challenging for all of us. I came across this article that gives great perspectives into the beginning of the year for children, and provides some great strategies to help get over the September grumpies. You can read it here. I think the biggest thing to remember, is to keep to an early bed time!

Summer Suggestions Document

I hope everyone is enjoying the first few days of summer break! I was back at the school yesterday and the portable feels so lonely and quiet without the kids.

As promised, here is the electronic version of the document included with report cards. If I see other links of interest, I'll try to post them here.

What can I do to help my child over the summer?

I am often asked what parents can do at home to help their child continue learning over the summer, and to make September re-entry easier. Here is a list of things you can do that will help tremendously!

First off, let them have a break!! We work very hard during the year, and they deserve a break. Try to find a balance between play time and learning time. Also, try to be creative, and make learning as authentic as possible. There are lots of ideas in here for authentic learning. 

*I will post a version of this on the blog so you can click the links instead of having to type them*

French and English Language Arts

- Write Mme Jessica an email!! I’d love to hear about what the students are doing over the summer. I’ll try to check my school email once a week during the break. mme.jessica.chapelski@gmail.com

- Writing about what they do on vacation is always engaging for children! It can be fun to have a special journal to write in (you can get neat note books at a dollar store). 

- Since they will be learning English and French next year, it is good to alternate languages each journal entry. 

- To keep up with French, it is a good idea to listen to French radio, watch French TV, change the language on movies to French, read French books, etc. 

- Alphaboxes (see the worksheet at the end of this document). Pick a category and think of a word for each letter of the alphabet. 

- Use story starters to create a story! (I will post some pictures and links on the blog)

- Read, read, read, read, read!!! It can be fun to visit other libraries and see what kinds of books they have. I recently visited the Brighouse branch of the Richmond library (right by Richmond Center) and they have a FANTASTIC selection of French books!

- Here is a selections of books: http://www.us.penguingroup.com/static/packages/us/yreaders/books4boys/agegrade_middle.php

http://www.pragmaticmom.com/2013/06/graphic-novels-for-3rd-grade/

- Don’t forget to sign up for the summer reading club at your local library. Students were given information in class. 

- Have your child read brochures in both languages when you go on a trip somewhere. 

- Have them research things to do and see during the summer (this is a great way to practice reading non-fiction)

- If you are cooking, have them read the recipie

• Online scrabble in French: https://duplika.ca/

- Have them do a personal interest project. Pick something they’re passionate about and have them research about it. It helps to start with a question 

Math

Often, we think of math as worksheets, but there is so much more to it!

• Give them an answer and have them make up a question: 

- Practice multiplication: http://www.teachingwithsimplicity.com/2013/06/10-ways-to-practice-multiplication-facts.html

- Make up something like this: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Minecraft-Inspired-Multiplication-Practice-Watch-Think-Color-CCSS3OAC7-700183

- Play card games: http://mathcoachscorner.blogspot.ca/2013/05/math-games-with-deck-of-cards.html

- If you are baking, have them half or double the recipie

- If you are traveling, have them estimate how much money you will need as a family, or as an individual

- Play games such as monopoly or cribbage

- Make your own list of activities for the ‘number of the day’

Other ideas...

http://spoonful.com/crafts/outside-art-projects

www.scholastic.ca

• We learned all about plants this year. If you have a garden, involve your child in garden work. 

• ‘I’m bored’ games http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Grade+teacher+bored+game+makes+playthings+household+basics/11099029/story.html

I hope everyone is enjoying The first few hours of summer vacation! I had a lovely last day of school with your children. 

I really had an amazing year with this class. I can truly say that each child is so bright, inquisitive and creative in their own ways, and inspired me to be a better, more creative teacher. While they supported each other in their classroom community, they supported me too. Every child played such a special part in our classroom community. 

I was particularly blown away at how they were able to treat each other with such respect and compassion.I reminded them today that I don't have a magical pixie dust that I can sprinkle on them to treat each other with kindness. It was all them with very little guidance. I get teary eyed just thinking of where these students will go in the future with such great attitudes and interpersonal skills. 

I'm already feeling sad thinking about going in tomorrow morning and having an empty classroom. I will miss their laughter and smiles every morning.

I know going up to the main school can be tough but I know from experience as a student myself and as a teacher, that these children will be fine. It won't always be easy, but I know they will be ok. 

In each student's report card envelope is I DVD with a slideshow of our year together. I hope they can look back and remember grade 3 with fond memories. If for some reason the DVD didn't burn correctly just send me an email and let me know. I can send you another. 

Thank you for all of your kind, thoughtful, and generous gifts. I feel spoiled! Also, thank you for all your kind words in cards. I really was touched reading them all when I got home tonight. 

Please keep an eye on your email next week. I will try to send some pictures from the year. 

If there is anything that you think your child may have forgotten, I will be in tomorrow and you can come to check.

Your child is coming home with some slime today. I will post the recipe at a later date. I recommend that this gets played with only on a hard surface so that it doesn't get stuck.

The students voted for one last prize, and we will be doing crazy hair/costume/bring a board game. I will provide some snacks for the party. If you want to send some healthy fruit that would be ok, but not necessary. 

 A disk came home today that has pictures and videos from grad. Thank you to the organizing parents for putting this together. 

Tomorrow we will be doing science experiments and some painting. Please make sure students wear clothes that can get dirty. No need for a smock, just nothing that's your fanciest dress. I'd also recommend plastic flip-flops to change into. 

This last week of school always feels like a 100m sprint all day! We have so much to do in so little time. Here are some things to know for the upcoming days:

On Thursday, we will be harvesting potatoes, radishes, salad greens, and beets. Please make sure students wear clothes that are ok to get dirty. We will be doing this rain or shine, so make sure to dress appropriately for the weather. 

Thursday afternoon we will be walking up to the main school to see the gr 4s and 5s perform plays. Again, make sure to dress for the weather as it is supposed to rain. 

On Friday we will be cooking and eating our harvest. On the menu is potatoes two ways, mixed salad with a olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette, local fruit, yogurt (thanks to a fund from BC dairy in the classroom), and granola. Please send a labeled plate, bowl, fork, and spoon  on Friday. Our preference would be plastic so as to minimize accidental breaks. 

Thank you parents for creating such a wonderful celebration for the children. It was so nice to see them celebrated and encouraged. I heard so many students say how much they loved today. I truly felt honoured to be a part of these children's lives this year. 

Just a quick reminder to students that they have something 'special' in their agendas for Sunday. I know today was so exciting I don't want them to forget. 

One other side note, a teacher friend recommended an article on cbc kids' Facebook page. I was looking at it earlier today, and it has some great ideas for activities with kids. If Facebook is your thing, it would be a great page to follow. 

Have a great weekend!