Friday, December 1st

Hello Families! 

Here are a few reminders about current and upcoming events: 

• Families Helping Families - our three classes are supporting a Calgary family that is in need during this winter season. We invite you to click on the following link, should you be able to contribute an item. This link shows each family member with a list of specific wants and needs. A big thank you to those of you who have already purchased some items (marked with a "y") from the list. If purchasing an item(s), please wrap and label the gift, as well as write the first name of the person receiving the gift. All gifts are due on or before Friday, December 15th. 
• https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Xyvkzkt8CWJlG-wXujDq_EGAZH64ItK9GoLDZEPfLrQ/edit#gid=971779206
  
  
• Salt Dough - In social studies, we are learning about the physical geography of Alberta. In order to form a deeper understanding as we dig into what makes up Alberta, we would like your child to participate in a whole class activity. Students will be creating topographic maps of Alberta! Below is a recipe for you and your child to make at home. Please send the salt dough premade, stored in a sealed bag, ready to use Wednesday, December 13th. As well, please send a piece of cardboard measuring 9 in by 12 in.

Salt Dough Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup salt
1 cup cold water, (½ cup and then add more as needed)

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix table salt and flour together. Gradually add 1/2 cup of water and mix to desired consistency (like play dough). Knead the dough on a flat surface, adding a few more drops of water as needed (but not making it too moist).

A look at our week: 

Ignite: Students worked through various addition and subtraction math games, puzzles, and work tasks. These included a manipulation puzzle, a number hive, and Tac-Tix. We were working to solidify our mental math skills and strategies! 

Math: Students completed 5 Math stations this week. We worked in small groups when working with the teacher, completed partner problems, learned a new strategy called CUBES for solving word problems, and used technology to solve real-world problems. We will be exploring shapes and angles in the coming weeks prior to our break. 

Literacy: We are continuing on with our descriptive writing unit. Students are working on using strong adjectives and other word choices to enhance their pieces. Word work continues to be a focus and students were tested this week on their word lists! Our Targeted Literacy Groups were completed this week and another group will take place later on in the year - awesome job students! 

Inquiry: Students are working through 6 stations in a "Getting to Know Alberta" activity. They are exploring Alberta through articles, digital video, poetry, and photography. The remaining stations will be completed next week, and we will also be highlighting major cities on the Alberta map. 

Have a wonderful weekend!