I've had a couple of people ask if they missed term 1 report cards. No you didn't! The first of two report cards are coming out next week. They are a new format, so I'm sure there will be lots of questions. You can find a powerpoint explaining the new reporting system here. This is a learning curve for all of us, so thank you for your patience.

I'll also be sending some writing home soon with a rubric attached.This is a part of  'communicating student learning', an important part of the new reporting system.

We spoke today about changing our mindset around some of the common phrases we might use. I've attached an example in english of similar sentences to those we spoke about.

We started talking about growth mindset in class on Friday. This is a buzz word in education right now, but is worthy of it's buzz. It's such an important mindset to practice. I'll keep posting more as we continue learning. For now, we watched, then discussed and summarized a series of 5 movies. They might be nice to watch at home to give you some foundation to talk about this. If you go on youtube, search for 'Class Dojo Growth Mindset'. There is a series of 5 great videos.

It's been a busy start back to the school year. I always love this term. Students know expectations in class, and we can really delve into deeper learning.

This week, we have done a STEM challenge making paper chains.

We started learning multiplication (in grade 3 we technically only have to learn up to 5 times 5), and started making flash cards.

Dictées are changing now to sentences. An explanation came home on Monday with this week's sentences.

Tomorrow we are going to start learning about growth mindset. I'll make sure to post more as we work on this.

A big discussion this week was about treating others with respect. Before the break, there were lots of little incidents where students weren't being horrible to others, but weren't being the kindest they could be. We are working as a class to be extra conscious of the impact of every action and every word we say. As I explained to the class, this isn't the kind of lesson that goes on report cards, but instead it is one of those life-long lessons that will hopefully be with them for a long time. 

Just a quick note for tomorrow’s concert - please have your child wear any combination of black and white - and if they want to wear a festive accessory that would be fine as well :)

This afternoon was ‘have fun decorating the class’ time! So many creative projects. 

Also, this week there is no dictée. I understand what a crazy week it will be for everyone! 

Technological difficulties!!!

Here are the songs to practice: Bonne et Joyeuse Année and J'ai demandée à la lune

On Monday, we started a countdown to winter break. Every day we will have something small but special. Yesterday we made snowflakes to decorate the room. If you’re looking for an easy way to make snowflakes, coffee filters are the way to go.

We have also been working on Subtraction with regrouping, but I’ve taught them a different strategy then is traditionally talked. Below you will find step-by-step instructions of how it works. That way you guys know what they’ve been learning. I know some students said they tried to teach their parents but that it was very tricky. If you have any questions please let me know. 

Some food for thought as you embark on your weekly dictée practice