Curriculum Update

Math  

Each day we begin our math class with either a number talk or a 3-Act Task. Both the Number Talks and 3-Act Tasks help to develop a multitude of skills such as numeracy, mental math calculations, estimating, critical thinking and reasoning.  They also allow us a chance to hear the ideas and mathematical reasoning of others which is a great way to stretch our math brains. 

Our focus in math last week was perimeter. This week we continue with the Measurement strand but our focus is area.  All of information about this unit is also in the Math section of the Hapara Workspace (in their grade specific folders). I strongly suggest that you ask your child to give you a tour of their Hapara Workspace so that you have an idea what they are using each day. It would also give you a chance to see all of the useful information and tools (e.g. the virtual math manipulatives resource) that are posted there. Each math theme/topic in the workspace is colour coordinated so that it is easier for the students to to navigate (this week the cards are all minty green). It's a small thing but I think it makes it a little easier for them to navigate.   

The Area Unit has been divided up into 4 lessons.  A summary of key learning goals, ideas and definitions, is included on each daily work sheet for students to revisit as they are working through their tasks following lessons. 

Grade 4 Lesson Topics and Learning Goals: 

Lesson #1 - Estimating and Measuring Area: The learning goal of this lesson is to estimate and measure area using a variety of tools and units. Lesson #2 Comparing Perimeter to Area: The Learning Goal of this lesson is to recognize how the meaning of perimeter and area differ. Also, to explain how comparing the values for the perimeter and area of a shape provides information about what the shape looks like.Lesson #3  One Area, Multiple Shapes : The learning goal of this lesson is to recognizse that shapes can have the same area but look quite different.Lesson #4  The Area of a Rectangle: The Learning Goal of this lesson is to recognize relationships among the lengths, widths, and areas of rectangles.

Grade 5 Lesson Topics and Learning Goals: 

Lesson #1: Estimating and Measuring Area = Learning goal is to apply the concept of area to estimate and measure polygonal areas. Lesson #2: Creating Shapes with the Same Area = Learning goal is to identify and apply the independence of area measures and shape. Lesson #3: Relating Area to Lengths & Widths of Rectangles = Learning goal is to develop and apply the formula for the area of a rectangle.Lesson #4: One Area, Multiple Shapes = Learning goal is to predict how changing the shape of a polygon without changing its area might affect its perimeter.

Language:

Two to three times a week we have a sharing circle or a class debate. Yesterday I divided the class into four groups and we used break-out rooms to come up with our ideas about the debate topic which was: Should there be more recess time in a regular school day?  I presented pro's and con's of each side of the debate and then each group was assigned a position to take (otherwise we know what most kids would say). They used their time in the  breakout rooms to come up with their summary of their groups reasons for whichever side they were asked to defend. Each group was appointed a spokesperson. This seemed to work quite well. I popped in for a visit to each breakout room and they were all focused on the task-at-hand. 

Each day I ask the students for their '30 Book Challenge' results. I am tracking these on paper and will update our tracking chart once we return to the classroom. The students are doing quite well with this challenge and I've been  encouraging them to keep it up!  

We are over halfway through our class novel 'Wonder.' Daily reading is part of our routine and I continue to align the chapters I read each day with Madame D'Aoust who is reading it to them in French. 

We continue to receive new Word Study words each week. There is a document of Word Study activities assigned each Monday which must be completed by the end of the week. For now we are not having a  Word Study quiz each Friday although we did play a Kahoot last week which does provide me with some feedback about their understanding. 

At the end of last week students completed their 'Book Creator' writing assignment all about their goals for 2021. All week students have been presenting their books to the class. Everyone will have presented their books by the end of this week.