Looking Ahead: Week of March 8
This week will be a short week with Friday being a Non-Instruction Day.
Our book exchange day will be every Tuesday beginning this week! Make sure to return your library book each Tuesday in order to sign out a new book. Don’t forget to also bring your preferred reading material for quiet reading time.
We will be building leprechaun traps on Monday, March 15! You will need to bring your own materials (recycled materials and any decorations you would like to add) by this date. Please take time to collect all necessary materials for your trap this week!
Power of Transforming
· Magic School Bus: “The Great Shark Escape”
· “Skin Again”
· “Lily and the Paper Man”
· “I Have a Little Problem, Said the Bear”
| Word Work & Writing
· Prefixes: sub, super
· Using facts for informational writing
· Extending sentences and adding descriptive detail
· Editing skills
|
Math: Measurement
· Estimating and measuring using standard and non-standard units
· Subtraction with regrouping (borrowing)
· Problem-solving and estimation skills
| Science: Exploring Liquids
· Comparing the density of water with other liquids
· How water interacts with various materials
|
Social Studies: Dynamic Communities
· What is a community?
· Mapping our community
| Art & Health
· Leprechaun trap design and blueprint
· Types of fitness (endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility)
|
Gym
· Locomotor and non-locomotor skills
| Technology
· Google Classroom, My Blueprint, Splash Learn, Prodigy, Raz Kids
|
Looking Ahead: Week of March 1
Hello, March!
Please make sure to bring your preferred reading material from home for quiet reading time.
We will be waterproofing a paper container this week. Can you think of materials you could use to help you make the container waterproof? Please bring those materials by Thursday!
Power of Transforming
· How does your thinking change after reading?
· Chapter book: “The Great Shark Escape”
| Word Work & Writing
· Prefixes: auto, un, uni, bi, tri
· Using facts for informational writing
· Extending sentences and adding descriptive detail
· Editing skills
|
Math: Measurement
· Understanding standard and non-standard units of measurement
· Representing equations
· Solving equalities and inequalities
· Problem-solving and estimation skills
| Science: Exploring Liquids
· Investigate the drying of wet surfaces
· Compare open and closed containers
· Understand how air exposure increases the rate of evaporation
· Explore how to make a container waterproof
|
Social Studies: Dynamic Communities
· Understanding the Seven Sacred Teachings
· Preparing for the study of communities in the past
| Art & Health
· March themed directed drawing
· The human cell
· Collaboration and leadership roles
|
Gym
· Locomotor and non-locomotor skills
| Technology
· Google Classroom, My Blueprint, Splash Learn, Prodigy, Raz Kids
|
Looking Ahead: Week of February 22
It’s the last week of February!
Don’t forget to bring your Ziploc bag of 100 things on Monday for our 100th day of school! We will work on skip counting, sorting, and estimation using our 100 items.
This Wednesday is Pink Shirt Day! Please wear a pink shirt on Wednesday to show your support for the anti-bullying initiative.
Power of Inferencing: Interdisciplinary Connections
· Chapter book: “The Wild Whale Watch”
· “Wave”
· “All the Water in the World”
· “We Are Water Protectors”
| Word Work & Writing
· Prefixes and suffixes: able, be, re, dis
· Sight words
· Using facts for informational writing
· Extending sentences and adding descriptive detail
· Editing skills
|
Math: Equality & Inequality
· Using number lines to solve addition, subtraction, and mixed operation equations
· Representing equations
· Understanding and solving equalities and inequalities
· Problem-solving and estimation skills
| Science: Exploring Liquids
· Comparing absorbent and waterproof materials
· Investigating the evaporation of liquids
· Exploring the suitability of different containers for holding liquids
|
Social Studies: Dynamic Communities
· Understanding the Seven Sacred Teachings
· Preparing for the study of communities in the past
| Art & Health
· Canadian community postcard
· Water and the human body
|
Gym
· Locomotor and non-locomotor skills
| Technology
· Google Classroom, My Blueprint, Splash Learn, Prodigy, Raz Kids
|
Looking Ahead: Week of February 16
Hopefully everyone was able to enjoy a restful Family Day weekend! Please remember to bring 2 books for reading time.
On Monday, February 22, we will be celebrating our 100th day at school! We will be working on all sorts of fun math and literacy activities that day. One of the math activities we will be working on will focus on sorting and skip counting. In preparation for this, your child is coming home with a Ziploc bag that they can fill with 100 small items. Some examples of these items may be: marshmallows, coins, Q-tips, beads, skittles… the possibilities are endless! The only request Is that these items must fit inside their Ziploc bag. You may return this bag anytime and Ms. Williams will store them until Monday, February 22. Thank you again for all your support!
Power of Inferencing: Interdisciplinary Connections
· Chapter book: “The Wild Whale Watch”
| Morning Work & Journaling
· Using facts for informational writing
· Extending sentences and adding descriptive detail
· Editing work for spelling and writing conventions (organization, capitalization, and punctuation)
|
Word Work
· Double ll patterns: all, ull, ill, ell
· Words ending in -tion
· Sight words
· Editing for spelling
| Equality & Inequality
· Using number lines to solve addition, subtraction, and mixed operation equations
· Representing equations
· Understanding and solving equalities and inequalities
· Problem-solving and estimation skills
|
Exploring Liquids
· Water conservation
· Understanding water absorption
· Water absorption rates of different materials
| Dynamic Communities
· Return to Calgary
· Review places and landmarks from Saskatoon, Meteghan, and Iqaluit |
Health
· Connecting with nature
· Mindfulness and meditation
| Art
· Creating a Canadian community postcard |
Gym
· Locomotor and non-locomotor skills
| Technology
· Google Classroom, My Blueprint, Splash Learn, Prodigy, Raz Kids
|
Looking Ahead: Week of February 8
This week is going to be a short week with Thursday and Friday being Teacher Convention days. There is no school next Monday, as it is Family Day. Students will enjoy a 5-day weekend!
Please bring 2 books that are at your child’s level for reading time. We will have dedicated reading time with Ms. Williams beginning this week!
Unfortunately, we will not be exchanging cards or gifts for Valentine’s Day. Children are encouraged to dress in Valentine’s Day colours on Wednesday, February 10!
Power of Inferencing: Interdisciplinary Connections
· “You Hold Me Up”
· “Deep Underwater”
· “My Heart Fills with Happiness”
· “Ruby’s Chinese New Year”
| Morning Work & Journaling
· Using facts for informational writing
· Extending sentences and adding descriptive detail
· Editing work for spelling and writing conventions (organization, capitalization, and punctuation)
|
Word Work
· Words with ic ending (e.g. gigantic)
· Adding d or ed to the end of a word (e.g. act -> acted)
· Changing y to i and adding es or ed (e.g. dry -> dries/dried)
· Sight words
| Equality & Inequality
· Using number lines to solve addition and subtraction equations
· Representing equations in multiple ways
· Understanding and solving equalities and inequalities
· Problem-solving and estimation skills |
Exploring Liquids
· Importance of clean water and ways to maintain this precious resource
· Water conservation methods
| Canada's Dynamic Communities
· Return to Calgary
· Review what we know about the three communities we have studied (Saskatoon, Meteghan, Iqaluit)
|
Health
· Indigenous perspective on health and wellness
| Art
· Valentine’s Day art
|
Gym
· Locomotor and non-locomotor skills
| Technology
· Google Classroom, My Blueprint, Splash Learn, Prodigy, Raz Kids
|
Looking Ahead: Week of February 1
It’s February! Your child’s report card will be available early this week if it’s not already posted. Please make sure to check Power School.
Wednesday is Community Walk Day! Please make sure your child is dressed for the weather on Wednesday.
We have some great news to share! Ms. Williams will be joining our class this term! Ms. Williams taught Grade 5 HUB students last term, and she is very excited to join the Grade 1/2 team! You can reach Ms. Williams at jegovett@cbe.ab.ca if you have any questions or concerns.
Power of Inferencing: Interdisciplinary Connections
· Chapter book: “Polar Bear Patrol”
· “Waters”
· “Bright Stanley”
· “The Water Cycle”
· “Nibi’s Water Song”
| Morning Work & Journaling
· Using facts for informational writing
· Extending sentences and adding descriptive detail
· Editing work for spelling and writing conventions (organization, capitalization, and punctuation)
|
Word Work
· Long vowel spelling patterns
· Sight words
· Segmenting words into syllables and blending sounds
· Finding and correcting spelling errors
| Equality & Inequality
· Representing equations in multiple ways
· Understanding and solving equalities and inequalities
· Problem-solving and estimation skills
· Addition and subtraction with answers to 100
|
Exploring Liquids
· Liquid water and state changes
· Importance of water
· Water as a component of living things and many materials
| Nunavut
· Seven sacred teachings
· Explore oral histories and demonstrate respect for indigenous symbols and monuments
|
Health
· Indigenous perspective on health and wellness
| Art
· Open heart paper craft
|
Gym
· Locomotor and non-locomotor skills
| Technology
· Google Classroom, My Blueprint, Splash Learn, Prodigy, Raz Kids
|
Looking Ahead: Week of January 25
We are nearing the end of January, as well as the end of Term 1!
This week is a short week, with Friday being a Non-Instruction Day. The weather will be chilly this week, so please make sure your child is dressed for the weather, as we will be outside for recess and gym.
Please check Power School for your child’s report card this coming weekend.
Power of Questioning: Interdisciplinary Connections
· Chapter book: “Polar Bear Patrol”
· “World Water Watch”
· “The Farmer”
| Morning Work & Journaling
· Using facts for informational writing
· Extending sentences and adding descriptive detail
· Editing work for spelling and writing conventions (organization, capitalization, and punctuation)
|
Word Work
· Long vowel spelling patterns
· Sight words
· Segmenting words into syllables and blending sounds
· Finding and correcting spelling errors
| Equality & Inequality
· Understanding and solving equalities and inequalities
· Using math vocabulary to describe equalities and inequalities (greater than, less than, equal to)
· Problem-solving and estimation skills
· Addition and subtraction with answers to 100
|
Exploring Liquids
· Characteristics of liquids (flow, shape of drops, surface of calm water)
· Describe and compare liquids by their properties
· Liquid scavenger hunt
| Nunavut
· Study Inuit culture, language, and traditions
· Examine photos of Inuit artifacts
· Learn about inuksuks
· Build marshmallow inuksuks
|
Health
· Essential vitamins in our food
| Art
· Arctic landscape and inuksuk art
|
Gym
· Locomotor and non-locomotor skills
| Technology
· Google Classroom, My Blueprint, Splash Learn, Prodigy, Raz Kids
|
Looking Ahead: Week of January 18
We are halfway through January! Thank you for your continued diligence in supporting everyone’s health and safety in the new year!
Please make sure you are able to access Power School by signing up for a MyCBE account. Just like the previous school year, your child’s report card will be available online at the end of each term.
Power of Questioning: We Need Water
· “Water”
· “Hey, Water!”
· “Water Can Be”
· “We Need Water”
· “The Water Princess”
| Morning Work & Journaling
· Informational writing
· Writing conventions
· Extending sentences and adding descriptive detail
· Editing skills
|
Word Work
· Multisyllabic words with r-controlled vowels
· Sight words
· Segmenting words into syllables and blending sounds
· Finding and correcting spelling errors
| Equality & Inequality
· Understanding and solving equalities and inequalities
· Problem-solving and estimation skills
· Addition and subtraction with answers to 100
|
Exploring Liquids
· Understanding states of matter
· Characteristics of liquids
| Nunavut
· Explore Inuit culture and art
· History of Iqaluit
|
Health
· Healthy alternatives to treats
| Art
· Directed drawing
· 3D craft
|
Gym
· Locomotor and non-locomotor skills
| Technology
· Google Classroom, My Blueprint, Splash Learn, Prodigy, Raz Kids
|
Looking Ahead: Week of January 11
We are back in classrooms this week!
We will continue to follow all health guidelines and safety practices, such as masking and hand hygiene, to help keep everyone healthy. Please support our efforts by checking your child for symptoms each and every morning.
Please bring your magnet-powered machine and your blueprint to school on Monday.
Power of Questioning: Cross-Curricular Connections
· Chapter book: “Amazing Magnetism”
· Non-fiction: “Polar Bears”
· Non-fiction: “I Love Snow Babies”
| Morning Work & Journaling
· Informational writing
· Writing conventions
· Extending sentences and adding descriptive detail
· Editing skills
|
Word Work
· Multisyllabic words with short vowels
· Sight words
· Segmenting words and blending sounds
· Finding and correcting spelling errors
| Patterns, Number, Addition & Subtraction
· Equalities and inequalities
· Problem-solving and estimation skills
· Addition and subtraction with and without regrouping (with answers to 100)
|
Magnetism
· Build a magnet-powered machine to create movement and motion · Test our magnet-powered machines | Nunavut
· Nunavut’s climate and geography · Explore the city of Iqaluit |
Health
· Healthy eating
· Meal planning
| Art
· Painting with magnets
· Directed drawing
|
Gym
· Locomotor and non-locomotor skills
| Technology
· Google Classroom, My Blueprint, Splash Learn, Prodigy, Raz Kids
|
Looking Ahead: Week of January 5
Happy New Year!
This is our week of online learning. Please use the Google Meet code posted in Google Classroom to join our class meeting each morning and afternoon. Please make sure you have an independent learning space along with the materials you need to engage in learning. We hope to be back in classrooms next week!
Power of Questioning: Winter Theme
· “Perfect Snow”
· “Where Bear”
· “The Way Home for Wolf”
· “Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?”
| Morning Work & Journaling
· Informational writing
· Writing conventions
· Extending sentences and adding descriptive detail
· Editing skills
|
Word Work
· Review of long vowels
· Spelling and sight words
· Segmenting words and blending sounds
· Finding and correcting spelling errors
| Patterns, Number, Addition & Subtraction
· Problem-solving and estimation skills
· Addition and subtraction with and without regrouping (with answers to 100)
· Equalities and inequalities
|
Magnetism
· Design a magnet-powered machine to create movement and motion
| Nunavut
· Travel virtually to Canada’s most northerly territory: Nunavut
|
Health
· Mental health and expressing emotions
| Art
· Directed drawing
|
Gym
· Locomotor and non-locomotor skills
| Technology
· Google Classroom, My Blueprint, Splash Learn, Prodigy, Raz Kids
|
Looking Ahead: After Winter Break
2020 has definitely been an unusual year! Students and families have worked incredibly hard this year, demonstrating strength and resilience during these challenging times. It’s time for a well-deserved break!
For online learning from January 5 to 8, our Google Meets will be an online learning space for us to connect as a classroom community. Please ensure that an independent learning space has been created for your child. This space should be free from interruption by pets, siblings, and family interactions. Connecting headphones or earbuds to a computer, tablet or iPad would also be helpful. Please make sure your child is ready for learning with all necessary supplies, such as a notebook, pencil, eraser, materials for colouring, etc.
Once your child is logged into their Google Meet for the morning or afternoon, give them a hug and wave just as you would when dropping them off at school. Ms. Lee will be available on Google Meet during school hours, with the exception of music periods with Mr. Siemens (see schedule) and lunch time. You can also reach Ms. Lee through email. Please download the schedule under the sidebar so you know what to expect, and our detailed learning outline will be posted in January.
We will be designing and building a magnet project to wrap up the magnetism unit! You can start looking for items that contain magnets and magnetic elements around your home to prepare for this project.
Lastly, thank you for thinking of me! I truly appreciate your kindness and generosity. I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful group of students! Have a safe and healthy holiday, and I will see you (virtually) on January 5, 2021!
Looking Ahead: Week of December 14
This week is the last week before Winter Break!
This Friday is Pajama Day. Children can come to school dressed in their favourite (or festive) pajamas!
Students will be engaging in online learning the first week after Winter Break, with Monday, January 4 being a Non-Instruction Day. Students will begin online learning on Tuesday, January 5. If you are unable to access Google Classroom from home, please let Ms. Lee know prior to the break.
There is no library exchange this week. Please return your books by Tuesday, December 15.
Power of Visualizing: Christmas Theme
· “Memoirs of an Elf”
· “Captain Bing’s Christmas Plunder”
· “The Best Christmas Ever”
· “Merry Moosey Christmas”
· “12 Little Elves Visit Canada”
· Books to introduce specific subjects/topics
| Morning Work & Journaling
· “Elf Self on the Shelf” story using Google Slides
· Writing conventions
· Extending sentences and adding descriptive detail
· Editing skills
|
Word Work
· Review of spelling patterns
· Spelling challenges
· Sight words
· Segmenting and blending sounds
· Finding and correcting spelling errors
| Patterns, Number, Addition & Subtraction
· Increasing, decreasing, and repeating patterns (numerical & non-numerical)
· Problem-solving and estimation
· Addition and subtraction with and without regrouping
|
Magnetism
· Understanding that magnets have different strengths
· Discovering unusual uses for magnets
| Nova Scotia
· Interesting trivia about Nova Scotia
· Prepare for our virtual travels to the next destination
|
Health
· Practicing mindfulness
| Art
· Salt dough ornaments
· Holiday art & Christmas craft
|
Gym
· Locomotor and non-locomotor skills
| Technology
· Using My Blueprint, Google Classroom, Splash Learn, Prodigy, Raz Kids
|
Looking Ahead: Week of December 7
Two more weeks until Winter Break! Let’s stay vigilant and keep each other safe!
Students will be engaging in online learning the first week after Winter Break, with Monday, January 4 being a Non-Instruction Day. Students will begin online learning on Tuesday, January 5. We have all accessed Google Classroom from school. If you are unable to access Google Classroom from home, please let Ms. Lee know ASAP!
This Thursday will be our last library exchange before the holidays. All books must be returned by December 15.
Ms. Lee has missed you! See you on Monday.
Power of Visualizing: Christmas Theme
· “Sad Santa”
· “Pig the Elf”
· “Tough Cookie”
· “The Lost Gift”
· “Olive, the Other Reindeer”
· Books to introduce specific subjects/topics
| Morning Work & Journaling
· Parts of a story (setting, character, plot)
· Creating an original story
· Writing conventions
· Extending sentences and adding descriptive detail
· Editing skills
|
Word Work
· Pattern of ow as in now
· Pattern of ow as in snow
· Pattern of ou as in out
· Pattern of ous to make the sound us
· Review of spelling patterns
· Sight words
· Segmenting and blending sounds
| Patterns, Number, Addition & Subtraction
· Increasing and decreasing patterns with pattern rules
· Repeating patterns up 5 or more elements in the core
· Complex numerical and non-numerical patterns
· Problem-solving and estimation
· Addition and subtraction with and without regrouping
|
Magnetism
· Making a magnet experiment (making magnetic paperclips)
· Magnet interactions (materials that interact with magnets)
· Guess my mystery material (describing a material)
| Nova Scotia
· Acadian culture and traditions
· Important aspects of life in Nova Scotia
· Cultural festivals, historical sites, leisure activities, local cuisine, and landmarks
|
Health
· Practicing mindfulness
| Art
· Sketching the Bluenose
· Maud Lewis inspired art
|
Gym
· Locomotor and non-locomotor skills
| Technology
· Using My Blueprint, Google Classroom, Splash Learn, Raz Kids
|
Looking Ahead: Week of November 30
We will be building magnet mazes this week. Please make sure to have your cardboard (and other optional materials) ready for Monday!
Ms. Lee is away this week, and we are lucky to have Ms. Webb with us! Please make sure to email the office to inform the school of illness, attendance concerns, and medical appointments.
There will be no school for students this Friday as it is a Non-Instructional Day.
Power of Visualizing: All About Snow
· “A Perfect Day”
· “Snowmen at Night”
· “When It Starts to Snow”
· “When the Snow Falls”
· books to introduce specific subjects/topics
| Morning Work & Journaling
· parts of a story (character, setting, plot)
· writing conventions
· extending sentences and adding descriptive detail
· editing skills
|
Word Work
· word families: ing, ang, ong, ung
· segmenting and blending sounds
· decoding words using a variety of strategies
· encoding sounds for spelling
· review familiar sight words
| Patterns, Number, Addition & Subtraction
· increasing and decreasing patterns with pattern rules
· complex numerical and non-numerical patterns
· problem-solving and estimation
· addition and subtraction
|
Magnetism
· designing and building a magnet maze
| Nova Scotia
· Acadians and their way of life
· learn about the Bluenose and other interesting Nova Scotia facts
|
Health
· practicing mindfulness
| Art
· sketching techniques
· how to sketch a sailing ship
|
Gym
· locomotor and non-locomotor skills
| Technology
· using My Blueprint, Google Classroom, Splash Learn, Raz Kids
|
Looking Ahead: Week of November 23
We are more than halfway through November! Thank you for your continued diligence in keeping our community safe and healthy.
We will be building magnet mazes the week of November 30! Please collect cardboard at home and prepare to bring them to school. Choose thicknesses that children would be able to cut independently with scissors, such as cereal boxes.
Have you had a chance to download the sight word lists? Make sure to review and practice the words from Grade 1 if you haven’t learned all of them.
Power of Connecting: Lessons from Bears
· “Two Hungry Bears”
· “Polar Bear Island”
· “Love Matters Most”
· “The Very Sleepy Bear”
· “If Polar Bears Disappeared”
· books to introduce specific subjects/topics
| Morning Work & Journaling
· parts of a story (character, setting, plot)
· squiggle stories
· writing conventions
· extending sentences and adding descriptive detail
· editing skills
|
Word Work
· double consonants: ll, ss, ff
· double consonants with –er ending
· segmenting and blending sounds
· decoding words using a variety of strategies
· encoding sounds for spelling
· review familiar sight words
| Patterns, Number, Addition & Subtraction
· increasing and decreasing patterns with pattern rules
· complex numerical and non-numerical patterns
· repeating patterns with 5 or more elements in the core
· problem-solving and estimation
· addition and subtraction
|
Magnetism
· all about iron, nickel, cobalt, and magnetite
· materials that are transparent to the effects of magnets
| Nova Scotia
· introduce Acadian fishing community of Meteghan, Nova Scotia
· learn about the fishing industry and other local industries
|
Health
· emotions and the brain
· practicing mindfulness
| Art
· Maud Lewis inspired art
· building lobster traps
|
Gym
· locomotor and non-locomotor skills
| Technology
· using My Blueprint, Google Classroom, Splash Learn, Raz Kids
|
Looking Ahead: Week of November 16
Thank you to all families who attended our virtual Parent Teacher Conferences! It was great chatting with you. Feel free to reach out should you have any additional questions or concerns. Remember to check Power School and My Blueprint regularly for assessment updates and student work.
Where can you find magnets in your home? Bring a magnet to school this week!
There is no school for students this Friday. Don’t forget to visit the virtual Scholastic Book Fair!
Power of Connecting: Bravery and Empathy
· “Out”
· “The Lion Inside”
· “Brave”
· “Enemy Pie”
· books to introduce specific subjects/topics
| Morning Work & Journaling
· parts of a story (beginning, middle, end) · squiggle stories
· writing conventions
· extending sentences using connecting words
· adding details using describing words
· editing our own writing
|
Word Work
· spelling patterns: -ck, -ic, -le, soft g/ge/dge
· segmenting and blending sounds
· decoding words using a variety of strategies
· encoding sounds for spelling
· review familiar sight words
| Patterns, Number, Addition & Subtraction
· repeating patterns with 4 or more elements in the core
· increasing patterns with pattern rules
· problem-solving challenges
· estimation
· addition and subtraction
· number concept
|
Magnetism
· why do we use magnets?
· legend and history of magnets
· polarity of magnets
| Nova Scotia
· landscape of Nova Scotia
· lighthouses as a symbol of Nova Scotia
· history of lighthouses
|
Health
· emotions and the brain
· what does it mean to be mindful?
| Art
· building a lighthouse
|
Gym
· locomotor and non-locomotor skills
| Technology
· using My Blueprint, Google Classroom, Splash Learn, Raz Kids
|
Looking Ahead: Week of November 9
This week will be a very short week as we observe Remembrance Day on Wednesday and hold virtual Parent Teacher Conferences. Please make sure to sign up for a 10-minute meeting between 12 and 8 p.m. on Thursday. Ms. Lee looks forward to chatting with students and families virtually!
To honour and remember the men and women who have served, you can create a digital poppy online and make a donation through mypoppy.ca.
The Scholastic Book Fair is happening from November 9 to 22. Orders can be placed online, and books will be shipped to your home address. Please check the school website for more information.
Power of Connecting: Stories of Peace
· “What is Peace?”
· “Peace is an Offering”
· “A Poppy is to Remember”
· books to introduce specific subjects/topics
| Morning Work & Journaling
· squiggle stories for creative writing
· writing conventions (spacing between words, punctuation, capitalization)
· extending sentences using connecting words
· adding details using describing words
· editing children’s own writing
|
Word Work
· word endings: s, ing, y, er
· segmenting and blending sounds
· decoding words using a variety of strategies
· encoding sounds for spelling
· review familiar sight words
| Patterns, Number, Addition & Subtraction
· repeating patterns with 4 or more elements in the core
· increasing patterns with pattern rules
· problem-solving challenges
· addition with sums to 100 and corresponding subtraction · number concept
|
Magnetism
· use of magnets at school, at home, and in the community
| Nova Scotia
· learning about the province of Nova Scotia
|
Health
· how to describe our emotions
| Art
· colour gradient art
|
Gym
· locomotor and non-locomotor skills
| Technology
· using My Blueprint, Google Classroom, Splash Learn, Raz Kids |
Looking Ahead: Week of November 2
We have made it to November! I hope everyone gets a good night’s sleep on Sunday with the extra hour as we turn back our clocks.
Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place next Thursday, November 12, through Microsoft Teams. Children should attend the virtual meeting with their parents. Please make sure to book your 10-minute meeting between 12 and 8 p.m. when booking becomes available.
Power of Connecting: Empathy & Kindness
· “Those Shoes”
· “Chrysanthemum”
· “Last Stop on Market Street”
· “Kindness is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler”
· “The Recess Queen”
· books to introduce specific subjects/topics
| Morning Work & Journaling
· squiggle stories for creative writing
· writing conventions (spacing between words, punctuation, capitalization)
· extending sentences using connecting words
· adding details using describing words
· editing children’s own writing
|
Word Work
· consonant blends: sw, st, sn, sk, sp
· segmenting and blending sounds
· decoding words using a variety of strategies
· encoding sounds for spelling
· review familiar sight words
| Patterns, Number, Addition & Subtraction
· repeating patterns with 4 or more elements in the core
· increasing patterns with pattern rules
· problem-solving challenges
· addition with sums to 100 and corresponding subtraction facts
· number concept
|
Magnetism
· introduction to magnetism
· explore using magnets
· magnet vocabulary (magnet, poles, attract, repel, force, motion)
| To the Maritime Provinces
· travel to the Maritime provinces
· flag of Nova Scotia and other facts
· compare and contrast the Maritimes and the Canadian Prairies
|
Health
· organ systems in the human body
· how our body parts work
| Art
· colour-blocking art
|
Gym
· locomotor (skipping, hopping, running) and nonlocomotor (balancing) skills
| Technology
· using My Blueprint, Google Classroom, Splash Learn, Raz Kids
|
Looking Ahead: Week of October 26
It’s the last week of October! Photo retakes will take place on Wednesday, Thursday is Orange & Black Day, and Friday is a Non-Instruction Day. Unfortunately, due to our current restrictions, we will not be able to dress in costumes or have a party with shared food. Students can paint their faces on Thursday and come dressed in orange and black to celebrate Halloween!
Don't forget that you can request books for our library exchange on Thursdays!
Have a safe and happy Halloween!
Author Spotlight: Peter H. Reynolds
· “Sky Color”
· “Playing from the Heart”
· “Happy Dreamer”
· “I am Human”
· books to introduce specific subjects/topics
· Reading Powers (reading comprehension strategies)
| Morning Work & Journaling
· writing conventions (spacing between words, punctuation, capitalization)
· expressing and justifying opinions
· descriptive writing
· subjective-specific writing (developing vocabulary)
|
Word Work
· beginning blends: dr/tr, pr/br, gr/fr, cr/cl
· segmenting and blending sounds
· decoding words using a variety of strategies
· encoding sounds for spelling
· review familiar sight words
| Addition & Subtraction
· three-act tasks (problem-solving challenges)
· addition with sums to 100 and corresponding subtraction facts
· place value (ones, tens, hundreds)
· vertical addition & math mountain
· odd and even numbers
|
Small Crawling & Flying Animals
· mealworm story
· how small animals move
· review of physical structure, life habits, and behavioural adaptations
| Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
· explore historical sites in Saskatoon
· traditions and local cultural celebrations
|
Health
· paying attention to physical cues· how our brain interprets signals from the body | Art
· Halloween-themed craft · colour-blocking art |
Gym
· locomotor (skipping, hopping, running) and nonlocomotor (balancing) skills
| Technology
· using My Blueprint, Google Classroom, Splash Learn, Raz Kids
|
Looking Ahead: Week of October 19
We will be building our mealworm habitats this week! If you have emailed Ms. Lee to indicate your interest, please bring a clear plastic container with a perforated lid on Monday. Ziploc sandwich containers would work well, as would small takeout containers. Please poke holes in the lid for ventilation. Children will be provided with instructions on how to care for mealworms, as well as a mealworm observation booklet.
Author Spotlight: John Jory
· “The Good Egg”
· “The Bad Seed”
· “The Cool Bean”
· “The Great Eggscape”
· “Giraffe Problems”
· books to introduce specific subjects/topics
· Reading Powers (reading comprehension strategies)
| Morning Work & Journaling
· writing conventions (spacing between words, punctuation, capitalization)
· expressing and justifying opinions
· descriptive writing
· subjective-specific writing (developing vocabulary)
|
Word Work
· vowel digraphs: ai, ea, oa, ee, ay
· segmenting and blending sounds
· decoding words using a variety of strategies
· encoding sounds for spelling
| Two-Digit Addition & Place Value
· three-act tasks (problem-solving challenges)
· two-digit addition (with and without regrouping)
· basic subtraction facts
· place value (ones, tens, hundreds)
· vertical addition & math mountain
· odd and even numbers
|
Small Crawling & Flying Animals
· how to responsibly care for various invertebrate animals · how to build a suitable habitat for mealworms
| Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
· daily life in Saskatoon and rural Saskatchewan
· language and culture in Saskatchewan |
Health
· sleep and our brain | Art
· colour-blocking art
|
Gym
· locomotor (skipping, hopping, running) and nonlocomotor (balancing) skills
| Technology
· using My Blueprint, Google Classroom, Splash Learn, Raz Kids
|
Looking Ahead: Week of October 13
Happy Thanksgiving! Wishing everyone a safe celebration this weekend!
Students have an opportunity to engage in a take-home mealworm project, where children would be responsible for taking care of several mealworms over the course of their life cycle. This would allow children to observe the entire metamorphosis process up close! Students would need to provide a suitable container with a perforated lid so they can set up the mealworm’s habitat at school. They will also need to provide food for the mealworms, as well as clean the habitat regularly. If you and your child would like to participate in this project, please send Ms. Lee an email by Friday, October 16. Detailed instructions, as well as an observation booklet, will be provided. Feel free to email Ms. Lee if you have any questions!
Read Aloud Stories (chain stories)
· “There Was an Old Lady” series by Lucille Colandro continued
· books to introduce specific subjects/topics
· Reading Powers (reading comprehension strategies)
| Morning Work & Journaling
· collaborative stories
· chain story organizer
· writing conventions (spacing between words, punctuation, capitalization)
· expressing and justifying opinions
· descriptive writing
|
Word Work
· r-controlled vowels: ar, or, er, ur, ir
· segmenting and blending sounds
· decoding words using a variety of strategies
· encoding sounds for spelling
| Two-Digit Addition & Place Value
· two-digit addition (with and without regrouping)
· place value (ones, tens, hundreds)
· vertical addition
· numerical patterns
· odd and even numbers
|
Small Crawling & Flying Animals
· how to responsibly care for a small animal
· small animals that are helpful/harmful to humans and the environment
| Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
· rural and urban communities in Saskatchewan
· stories from the past
|
Health
· good nutrition
| Art
· sketching
· shading techniques
· pattern art
|
Gym
· locomotor (skipping, hopping, running) and nonlocomotor (balancing) skills
| Technology
· using My Blueprint, Google Classroom, Splash Learn, Raz Kids
|
Google Classroom
We are still waiting for students to accept Ms. Lee’s invitation to join our Google Classroom! If you can no longer find your invite in your CBE Gmail, please use the class code to join: xd2a6fj
Looking Ahead: Week of October 5
We’ve made it through the first month of school! We have worked diligently despite the numerous changes that have been introduced. Great job, everyone!
Thank you to everyone who have submitted their forms through My Blueprint! Ms. Lee also enjoyed reading your family questionnaires. If you haven’t completed those forms, please do so ASAP.
Students have a four-day weekend coming up! This Friday is a Non-Instruction Day, and next Monday is Thanksgiving.
Our book exchange program will begin on Thursday! Students can request specific books by checking the CBE eLibrary for titles at our school, and using the book request form to request books. Ms. Lane will also bring books of interest to our classroom for the kids. Books must be returned each Wednesday before children can check out a new book.
Read Aloud Stories (chain stories)
· “There Was an Old Lady” series by Lucille Colandro
· books to introduce specific subjects/topics
· Reading Powers (reading comprehension strategies)
| Morning Work & Journaling
· story prompts
· chain story organizer
· writing conventions (spacing between words, punctuation, capitalization)
· expressing and justifying opinions · descriptive writing
|
Word Work
· vowel digraphs: oo, ou/ow, au/aw, oi/oy
· segmenting and blending sounds · decoding words using a variety of strategies · encoding sounds for spelling
| Two-Digit Addition & Place Value
· addition strategies (with and without regrouping)
· place value (ones, tens, hundreds)
· vertical addition
· numerical patterns
· identifying odd and even numbers
|
Small Crawling & Flying Animals
· relationship of bugs to humans, other living things, and non-living things in an ecosystem
· how bugs evade predators (camouflage, taking cover, flight)
| Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
· climate and geography
· industry and natural resources
· grain elevators
· history of Thanksgiving
|
Health
· physical and mental health
| Art
· sketching
· shading techniques
· watercolour
|
Gym
· locomotor (skipping, hopping, running) and nonlocomotor (balancing) skills
| Technology
· using My Blueprint, Google Classroom, and Splash Learn
|
Looking Ahead: Week of September 28
This week will be a busy week!
Monday is Picture Day. Show us your bright smile!
We will participate in the Terry Fox run on Tuesday during gym class.
Wednesday is Orange Shirt Day. Please wear an orange shirt to school as we learn about respect, community, and reconciliation.
Read Aloud Stories (circular tales)
· “If You Give a Mouse a Brownie”
· “If You Give a Dog a Donut”
· “If You Give a Pig a Party”
· “If You Take a Mouse to School”
· “If You Take a Mouse to the Movies”
· books to introduce specific subjects/topics
· Reading Powers (reading comprehension strategies)
| Morning Work & Journaling
· circular story organizer (focus on cause and effect)
· writing conventions (spacing between words, punctuation, capitalization)
· expressing and justifying opinions
· making lists
· descriptive writing
|
Letter Sound Review
· a, e, i, o, u, silent e
· review of letter formation (capital & lower case)
· segmenting and blending sounds
· sounding out words
| Number Sense & Basic Addition
· addition strategies (with and without regrouping)
· place value (ones and tens)
· numerical patterns
· skip counting by 2s, 5s, 10s forwards and backwards
· identifying odd and even numbers
|
Small Crawling & Flying Animals
· role of insects and bugs in food chains and food webs
· producers, consumers, decomposers
· herbivores, carnivores, omnivores
| Community
· communities in Canada
· map of Canada
· introduction to Saskatoon
· virtual tour of Saskatoon
|
Health
· positive relationship choices
| Art
· sketching · shading techniques
|
Gym
· locomotor (skipping, hopping, running) and nonlocomotor (balancing) skills
| Technology
· using My Blueprint, Google Classroom, and Splash Learn
|
Meet the Teacher
Thank you for joining our very first virtual Meet the Teacher night! If you missed it, here are some important reminders:
- If you haven’t done so, please accept Ms. Lee’s invitation to our Grade 2 Google Classroom by logging in using your child’s CBE Gmail and system password. Should we need to pivot to online, or if children are away for an extended period of time, this is where work will be posted.
- Please download and complete the “Introductory Family Questionnaire” that is available on Google Classroom (editable), as well as under the Resources sidebar on this page. I would love to get to know your child better from your perspective! The completed questionnaire should be emailed to Ms. Lee.
- Make sure you have uploaded your completed beginning of school year forms on My Blueprint. If you would like to volunteer for activities when it is possible to do so, please also complete the volunteer registration form.
- Check to make sure you are able to log in and access PowerSchool as well.
- To help you become more familiar with the Grade 2 curriculum, there are two documents under the Resources sidebar for your reference.
- If you would like to place Scholastic book orders, please go to the website and download the digital flyer. Our teacher code for placing orders is RC171351.
It was great to meet all of you and see your faces! Feel free to reach out to me through email if you have any remaining questions or concerns.
Looking Ahead: Week of September 21
It’s the fourth week of school! We have done a good job keeping each other safe. Let’s keep it up!
This week is a short week, with Friday being a Non-Instruction Day. Don’t forget to join our Meet the Teacher session on Tuesday at 8:00 on Microsoft Teams! Please see the email Mrs. Hadden sent out for our session link.
Have you downloaded and completed all school forms on My Blueprint? Please do so ASAP if you haven’t had a chance. If you require support, check out the “My Blueprint Login – Student Instructions” document (found under the Resources sidebar to the right) for detailed instructions. You will be using your child’s CBE Gmail login.
If you haven’t prepared a “Me Bag” for your child, please see the list of materials in our first blog post at the bottom of this page.
Read Aloud Stories (circular tales) · “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”
· “If You Give a Moose a Muffin”
· “If You Give a Cat a Cupcake”
· “If You Give a Pig a Pancake”
· books to introduce specific subjects/topics | Morning Work & Journaling · opinion writing
· making lists
· descriptive writing
· writing conventions (spacing between words, punctuation, capitalization) |
Letter Sound Review · w, h, wh, qu, x, y and c
· review of letter formation (capital & lower case)
· segmenting and blending sounds
· sounding out words
| Number Sense & Basic Addition · demonstrating quantities
· 100 chart and number line as tools
· skip counting by 2s, 5s, 10s forwards and backwards
· addition using manipulatives/visual strategies
· identifying odd and even numbers
· place value |
Small Crawling & Flying Animals · insect life cycles
· insect habitats and adaptations (physical and behavioural)
· needs of animals (air, food, water, shelter & space)
| Community · Canadian provinces and territories
· provincial flags
· sketching local landmarks
· explore communities we will learn about this year (Saskatoon, Meteghan & Iqaluit) |
Health · building positive relationships
| Art · colour wheel
· directed drawing
· shading techniques |
Gym · locomotor (skipping, hopping, running) and nonlocomotor (balancing) skills | Technology · using My Blueprint, Google Classroom, and Splash Learn |
Looking Ahead: Week of September 14
We are heading into our third week of school! Thank you for your continued support and diligence in checking children for symptoms each morning.
School forms are now digital! You will need to sign in to My Blueprint in order to download the forms and upload your completed forms. My Blueprint’s login process has been simplified this year, and you can now use your child’s CBE account to log in. If you are new to Rideau Park School, please see the email that was sent to you last week with your child’s new password. If you need support, download the “My Blueprint Login – Student Instructions” document (found under the Resources sidebar to the right) for detailed instructions.
If you haven’t prepared a “Me Bag” for your child, please see the list of materials in our first blog post at the bottom of this page.
Read Aloud Stories (Todd Parr series) · “Love the World”
· “The Feelings Book”
· “The I’m Not Scared Book”
· “The Dot” and “Ish” by Peter H. Reynolds (for International Dot Day) · books to introduce specific subjects/topics
| Morning Work & Journaling · opinion writing
· making lists
· descriptive writing
· writing conventions (spacing, punctuation, capitalization)
|
Letter Sound Review · two th sounds, s/z, sh/ch/j, l/r, m/n/ng
· review of letter formation (capital & lower case)
· segmenting and blending sounds
· sounding out words
| Number Sense & Basic Addition · demonstrating quantities
· 100 chart and number line as tools
· skip counting by 2s, 5s, 10s forwards and backwards
· addition using manipulatives & visual strategies
· identifying odd and even numbers |
Small Crawling & Flying Animals · vertebrates vs. invertebrates
· physical characteristics and adaptations of insects, arachnids, myriapods, and annelids
· sorting small crawling and flying animals by their characteristics · drawing and labeling diagrams of bugs | Community
· aspects that make our city unique (past and present)
· identifying and making connections with local landmarks
· virtual exploration of our neighbourhood, city, province, country, and the world |
Health · good personal hygiene habits
| Art · directed drawing
· shading techniques |
Gym · relay games | Technology · using My Blueprint and Google Classroom |
Looking Ahead: Week of September 8
The first week of school has been a whirlwind! We did so well following our new routines, such as sanitizing our hands regularly, keeping our masks on, and trying our best to stay physically distanced. Thank you for the preparatory work you have done with the kids. Together, we hope to keep everyone safe and healthy!
School will begin at 9:05 next week. We will continue with staggered dismissal at 3:40 (Mon-Thurs) and 12:45 (Fri) to maintain physical distancing at the end of the day. For next week, please have your child wear a fanny pack/belt bag to store their mask during outside recess breaks and gym. If possible, include a clean backup mask (in a Ziploc bag) and a small bottle of hand sanitizer in the bag.
Please see the chart below for topics we plan to cover from September 8 to 11. Some topics will be taught and reviewed over several weeks in order to reinforce important concepts.
Read Aloud Stories (Todd Parr Theme) · “The Feel Good Book”
· “It’s Okay to Make Mistakes”
· “It’s Okay to be Different”
· “Be Who You Are” | Morning Work & Journaling · opinion writing
· making lists
· descriptive writing · writing conventions |
Letter Sound Review · letters b, p, t, d, f, v, k, g
· letter formation
· blending sounds · sounding out words | Number Sense & Basic Addition · demonstrating quantities
· counting on using the 100 chart
· skip counting by 2s, 5s, 10s
· single digit addition using manipulatives |
Small Crawling & Flying Animals · identify local small crawling and flying animals
· compare and contrast small crawling and flying animals · parts of an insect | Community · what makes up a community
· parts of a community
· how I contribute to my community |
Health · what it means to be healthy · making healthy choices
· regulation strategies | Directed Drawing · drawing, sketching, and shading a wasp
|
Gym · relay games | Technology · using My Blueprint and Google Classroom |
Welcome Back!
Dear Grade 2 Families,
Welcome to the 2020-2021 School Year! The first day of school is Tuesday, September 1. Here is some information for our first day.
We will begin the school year with staggered entry this week. Please arrive at 9:25, and Grade 2s will meet in the front loop. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, students will be dismissed at 3:30 and teachers will walk kids to the front loop at the end of the day. On Friday, students will be dismissed at 12:35.
If your child will be going home for lunch, please send Ms. Lee an email at mmlee@cbe.ab.ca.
Your child’s start and pick up times have been emailed to families through School Messenger on August 26th. School Messenger is an important tool for staying informed and to receive information from the CBE and Rideau Park School. Here is the link to subscribe: http://calgary.schoolmessenger.com/cbe_subscribe
What to bring on your first day:
- A mask (to be worn when entering the school)
- Indoor shoes
- Lunch (hand sanitizer inside the lunch kit is recommended)
- Water bottle
- Outdoor shoes (running shoes are recommended as Physical Education will take place outside this year)
- Your “Me Bag”
Items for your "Me Bag":
Please place everything inside a large Ziploc bag and write your child's name on it.
MUST INCLUDE (required):
- Tub of Playdough
- Deck of playing cards
- 4 dice
- Set of dominoes
- Book of choice
- Small/mini notebook
- Pack of 100 small index cards
- Whiteboard marker
- 20 small objects for counting, such as: blocks, Lego, buttons, beads, beans, paper clips, etc. (placed inside separate small Ziploc bag)
- Beaded number line: 100 beads on a string (2 colours of beads, alternating in groups of 10).
MAY INCLUDE (optional):
- Colouring tools, such as crayons or pens
- Colouring book
- Lacing cards
- Small puzzle
Our classroom is ready! Things will look a little different this year as we work together to keep each other safe while engaging in learning.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions throughout the school year. I am so excited to meet everyone!
Love,
Ms. Lee
mmlee@cbe.ab.ca
