Stratégies pour la dictée - le 20 novembre

Each week, students are given a set of 5 dictation words chosen from the word wall in our class (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!

Une recette

The culminating activity for the Language unit on procedures was to write a unique vegetable or fruit salad recipe using a success criteria as a guide (e.g., interesting title, ingredients, number steps, use verbs in the beginning, write clearly).
Following presentations of our delicious recipes, the students took a vote to choose the most appealing fruit and vegetable salad. We had a blast taking on the role of ''mini chefs'' in our classroom.

P.S. The recipe for the winning salads are the following:
1. Tropical fruit salad made with melon, pears, apple, and 1/4 cup of apple juice.
2. Filling vegetable salad made with spinach, red peppers, cherry tomatoes, corn, and cut Melba toast for croutons on top.

Bon appétit!

Book Fair Nov. 9-19 (extended date) in the Library

The Scholastic Book Fair has finally arrived at Clairlea! It will take place November 9th to November 19th (extended date). If you would like to purchase items, please bring a zip lock bag with money and your child's name on it. We will visit the library during class time to peruse the selection of English and French books. 

The Book Fair offers you the opportunity to purchase books at a reduced price. You may come visit the fair after school, as the library will be open until 4:30pm. Alternatively, your child will get the chance to purchase books either through class time, recess, or lunch. 

Bonne lecture!

Montre et raconte

Montre et raconte 

Show and Tell

Last week, the students and I discussed what a "montre et raconte" presentation consists of. Your child received a form with instructions on how to prepare for the oral presentation and what to say in French in their agenda.

1. Please help your child choose one suitable show and tell object (e.g., picture, game, book, travel souvenir, etc.).

2. Provide time for your child to practice saying the prompt phrases. I have written the instructions both in French and in English to make it easier for parents/guardians.

3. An exemplar will be shown Monday. We will begin Tuesday, September 15th. 

Bonne chance!

Les chansons de notre classe!

Songs We Sing in Our Class
Tête, épaule, genoux, et pieds!

This song is a great way to learn French vocabulary and do a little DPA in the morning. 

La routine du matin

This is a song to help students familiarize themselves with the morning routines and procedures (i.e., getting up, brushing teeth, going to school, recess, lunch, etc.).

Si tu aimes le soleil...

Agenda's, Forms & Dismissal

Dear parents/guardians,
A reminder to return the Clairlea package containing school forms (i.e., walking excursion forms, lunchroom forms, medical information, etc.) by Friday, September 18th. Please make sure that you have filled out all of the components outlined on each form.

Thank you to all who purchased an agenda to facilitate communication. The agenda costs $8.00. For those who have yet to purchase one, a kind reminder that it is an indispensable tool for dialogue between parents and teachers. Remind your child to bring the agenda daily to school.

Finally, a gentle reminder that all students who are registered to go on the bus afterschool will be going on the bus unless parents have provided a written note to myself or called the school to notify us that your child is being picked up. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Merci.

Bonne rentrée!

Dear parent(s)/guardian(s),

Welcome back to school! I am excited to be your child's Grade 1 teacher this year. This year is going to be full of many adventures and learning experiences and I cannot wait to embark on them. The following is some important information:

SCHOOL HOURS
8: 40  - 11 :30 AM        LUNCH  11: 30 - 12: 25       12: 25 - 3: 15

Please make sure that your child arrives on time so that he/she receives the benefit from the program. As a courtesy to all staff, please pick up your child promptly at lunch and dismissal time. Students registered on the school bus for dismissal will be escorted to the school bus, unless there is a written note/phone call from parents/guardians advising us of other pick up arrangements.

LUNCH PROGRAM
If your child eats at school, please pack healthy and adequate lunch and snacks. We discourage glass bottles, soft drinks, candy, and chips. The lunch should be packed in a bag with your child's name on it. Please be mindful of the following school allergies; peanuts/nuts and fish.

CLASS TIMETABLE
Library day is DAY 5. It would be appreciated if you remind your child to return the book borrowed by this day so that he/she can take out another one.

Physical Education days are DAY 4 and 5. Please do not forget that rubber soled running shoes are required during gym class to prevent slipping on the floor. These running shoes will also be used in the classroom daily (indoor shoes).

Music day is DAY 2. Students are reminded to bring instruments, if any and be prepared for the lessons.

Drama/Dance day is DAY 1.

WASHROOM ROUTINES
Please encourage your child to use the washroom before coming to school each day. At the beginning of the year we will be going to the washrooms before recesses to practise routines and help develop a habit of going at this time. Students will be discouraged from going during class time due to interruptions and for safety reasons. If the child must go, they will go with a buddy.

HEALTH CONCERNS
Please notify me about all allergies or health concerns. If your child is ill, please have him/her stay home and rest until he/she can participate in all school programming.

OUTDOOR PLAY- RECESS
Students go outside twice during the school day for a 15 minute recess. As well, if they are staying for lunch, they will be outside for 30 minutes. Please make sure your child wears clothing suitable for the weather every day.

TOYS AT SCHOOL
Children are NOT allowed to bring toys to school. If they do, they will be asked to leave them in their back packs or with me until the day is over. Next week, I will be asking children to bring their favourite object to school as part of a speaking activity for Show and Tell.

PROGRAM DURING THE FIRST WEEKS OF SCHOOL
We will spend time working on school routines and building a sense of community in and outside the classroom. We will establish and display our TRIBES agreements that will help us remember that mutual respect, active listening, appreciation, and positive participation promote academic success.

We will also be reviewing what children learned in Kindergarten as well as gradually moving toward meeting the First Term expectations for Grade 1.

You can help your child adapt to the routines of Grade 1 by making sure that he/she receives adequate rest and by talking with him/her about how to be a good listener and friend. You may also refer to educational French websites on the "Parent Resources" tab of this blog. I will be observing your child carefully to assess his/her skills so that I will be able to provide your child with the right program that suits his/her needs.

A parent newsletter and class timetable will be sent home shortly.

Thank you for your support and here's to a fantastic year!

Madame Bensalam