C'est l'automne!

Dear parent(s)/guardian(s),
My favourite time of the year has arrived...autumn! In class we have been learning that in autumn, the leaves change colour and begin to fall. We learned that:

1. Leaves have a pigment called "chlorophyll" which allows the leaf to have that bright green colour. 
2. In the fall, with the changes to the amount of sunlight and in temperature, the leaves stop their food-making process. 
3. The chlorophyl breaks down, the green colour fades away.
4. Then BEAUTIFUL colours (seen in the artwork below) ranging from yellow to orange become visible and give the leaves part of their fall splendor!

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
We went for a walk around the school to observe the colours changing and to collect leaves for a craft. We used the leaves and pastels to trace the wonderful line patterns. We then completed a graphic organizer to show what "we know" and "what we learned".

Updates in Room 111

Salut!

What a week it has been for the students and I! First off, with the drastic change in weather, I would like to remind parents to dress their little ones appropriately for the weather. Layered clothing would be a good idea for this time of the year- feeling a little cooler. I wouldn't want anyone getting sick this early in the year- or at all for that matter. 

In Mathematics, we are continuing to explore, extend, and create number, shape, and word patterns. Students are learning the French vocabulary to describe and extend a letter model (i.e., ABCCABCC). For instance, they are learning that using the following letter model, ABCCABCC, they can replicate a shape pattern and a number pattern. Here are some results:

We are simultaneously working on addition and number patterns. For example, we practice counting by 1's, 2's, 5's, and 10's. It seems however, that if students continued to practice recognizing French numbers in and outside the classroom, it would help us move to higher levels in this unit. I urge students to visit the following websites for a better understanding of numbers and patterns.

1. Math Resources - www.arcademicskillbuilders.com (Play the game Jet Ski Addition)

2. IXL Curriculum Math Based Learning- http://ca.ixl.com/math/grade-1/recognize-patterns

In Language, students should have already taken home their second sound booklet titled "L'histoire de chats". I would like to remind students to use the following reading strategies discussed in class:

1. Regarder l'image. (Look at the picture.)

2. Dire chaque mot lentement. (Say each word slowly.)

3. Chercher de petits mots dans les grands mots. (Look for smaller (and familiar) words within the bigger words.) 

4. Continuer et essayer encore. (Continue and try again.)

To help students with sound recognition, we have been practicing sounding out different combinations of vowels and consonants. You may choose to also do this with your child at home. 

Please remember to return the story of "L'histoire de chats" this week. 

In Science, we have started discussing the characteristics of living and non-living things. We recognize examples of living things we see in and outside of our classroom. To test your child's knowledge of identifying living and non-living things, please visit the following website:

 http://ecole.stex.free.fr/reportages/morbecque/jeu_vivant/jeu_vivant_non_vivant.htm

In Social Studies, we are discussing the different roles and responsibilities we have as classmates, siblings/daughters/sons, and friends to animals and the environment.

Lastly, please continue to check for updates on tabs located on the right hand side of this blog for more information on what we are exploring and for interactive websites you and your child can enjoy at home!

Merci !

Have a wonderful weekend. 

MindFULL start to our day!

As we approach the third month of school, we are encouraged to learn very important life lessons such as, "whatever energy we give off, is the energy we get back". As such, during a class discussion of a healthy, body and mind, we shared many unique ways of starting our day with a positive attitude.

For all those days we wake up on the wrong side of bed and we aren't feeling quite ourselves, let these steps help turn a frown upside down!
Here we go....
Step 1
As you get up from bed, rise slowly and relax your neck, arms, and legs. Shake it all out.

Step 2
Do some stretches, sit-ups, squats or jumping jacks. This will keep you awake and will get you ready for the day.

Step 3
Don't skip the most important meal of the day- breakfast. Try to eat a healthy and balanced meal. Think about what you are eating, what it tastes like, how it feels, and how it will energize you throughout the day.

Step 4
Drink loads of water and bring a water bottle to keep you hydrated throughout the day.

Step 5
Smile on your way to school. Your day will go fine. If you're worried about something, let it go! You can't tell how things are going to happen.

Step 6
Think of all the good things you will be experiencing during the day. Try to organize your day and what is expected of you as you enter the classroom before arrival.

Step 7
Be confident in yourself and be proud of your achievements and talents- big or small.
Step 8
Be nice to everyone. Treat people with respect and you will get the respect you deserve.

Step 9
Have fun! You don't want to be constantly thinking about past negative events or worried about what will happen in the future. Be in the present. Relax and enjoy yourself and you will be happier.

Step 10 
Go to bed early and always get enough sleep so you don't feel irritated in the morning.

We also learned about our brain. This video is a representation of the brain using our hands. We will be using the 'hand representation' of the brain in class in order to help students make wise decisions and talk about/communicate their feelings. 

Stratégies pour la dictée

Beginning this week, each week, students will be given a set of 5 dictation words derived from sound booklets (i.e., Mimi la souris, Une histoire de chats) which are either tied to a unit of study or are high-frequency sight words. During the quiz, I say each word aloud three times and use it in a "context" sentence. 

In Grade 1 we spend time discovering how each student learns differently and we encourage the students to try new strategies when they study for the dictation. Here are some ideas:

1. Practice writing the words on a white board.

2. Use Scrabble letter tiles to put the words together and spell them aloud. Bananagram letters or alphabits work great too!

3. Take an old puzzle and write letters on the back of the puzzle pieces. See how quickly you can put the puzzle together. Use pencil so that the words can be erased and re-used each week.

4. Try "tactile, sensory" strategies by spelling the words with letters made out of plasticine or play dough.

5. Create a word search puzzle with the dictation words hidden in it. Bring it to school to share with the class.

Bonne étude!

Weekly Home Practise

Dear parent(s)/guardian(s),
Throughout the week, your child will come home with important learning items. Please make note of the deadlines and return date for the following items:

1. A weekly dictation (dictée) on Friday. Students will receive a list of 5 new words derived from a French sound booklet. We spend time in class doing shared reading activities with the sound booklets (e.g., recount graphic organizers, making inferences, writing new vocabulary on the word wall, and discussing grammar points).

2. A weekly book bag (sac à livre) on Day 5. In the book bag, you will find a parent newsletter, a vowel & consonant graphic organizer, and a leveled Alpha Jeunes book.
Please return all three items in the plastic bag each week so that your child can continue progressing in his/her reading with their Reading Buddies.

3. A weekly library book (livre de bibliothèque) on Day 3 (currently Monday's). 

4. A monthly show and tell (montre et raconte). 

It is recommended that your child spend at least 10-15 minutes reading and answering comprehension questions orally. Students in Grade 1 are not given homework, but rather practise work/reading to help build a routine, independent learning skills, and most importantly, to reinforce learning from school.

Thank you for your continued support in your child's learning!

La communication orale

In order to improve our writing skills, we will take part in an oral communication activity each morning wherein students will be asked to form a different sentence daily with a choice of one of the  following prompt sentence starters.

We are using a "marble jar reward system" in our classroom. We have two jars- one for the class and one for the teacher. Whenever students speak French in our community circle, at the carpet, in cooperative groups, or even during recess, a marble is added. 

This month, the students are working TOGETHER towards a more complex reward. We are counting and praising both individual and group contributions. However, when students speak English, a warning is given and the next time it occurs, a marble is taken away from the class jar and placed in the teacher jar. 

I am implementing the same marble jar system for our morning dialogues. 

1. Two marbles are added to the class jar when a complete sentence is formed. 

E.g., Je suis allé (e) au parc. / I went to the park. 

2. One marble is added to the class jar if the sentence is somewhat complete or contains some English vocabulary. 

E.g., J'ai regardé a movie. / I watched a movie. 

E.g., J'ai joué ______. / I played _______. 

3. No marbles are added to the class jar if there was no sentence constructed. 

So far, the class marble jar is halfway full. Students proclaim their goal is to attain a full jar by the end of October. 

Please reinforce the "marble system" with your child at home and feel free to check the Language and Parent Resource tabs on the right hand side of the blog to practise French vocabulary, phrases, etc.  

Bonne continuation!

Picture Day is tomorrow (Oct. 3rd)!

Dear parent(s)/guardian(s),
A kind reminder that tomorrow, Wednesday October 3rd, is picture day.

J'ai bien le droit par Tom Tirabosco

In preparation for Orange Shirt Day, the students and I read the book entitled "J'ai bien le droit" by Tom Tirabosco. 

Following our shared reading, we discussed the theme of the book relating to Orange Shirt Day which discusses how:

1. Each child has the right to live with his/her family. 

2. Each child has the right to eat a good meal. 

3. Each child has the right to play. 

4. Each child has the right to LEARN. 

5. Each child has the right to be protected and feel safe. 

6. Each child has the right to express his/her opinion. 

Upon reading this book, we discussed that these rights of a child have already been established by the United Nations in 1989. 

Each one of these rights was eloquently written and illustrated for children in this picture book which helped the students understand why all of us celebrate Orange Shirt Day.