Building Big

Built by Lucas, Tyler, Justin and Jacob

We had a great time launching our new science unit on Structures. Students were given a challenge to form groups of 4 or 5 and build a tower using only newspapers and masking tape. Then we tested the structures to see if they would remain standing using a small fan. During our unit, we will be investigating a few key questions:

• What kind of structures are there?
• What materials are used to build structures and why?
• What kind of shapes make strong building frames?
• What forces act upon structures?

Top left: Brian, Lewis, Matthew R and Finlay

Top right:  Isaiah, Quinn, Akash, Matthew D, and Chet

Bottom left: Rachel, Emily, Keerit and Sophia


Bottom right: Catherine, Kira, Lori-Lynn, Sofie, and Hallie







This week was also our first math classes. The grade 3 students are beginning with a fun unit on Time. Grade 4 students are beginning with a unit on Fractions. On September 27, the staff will having a professional day focusing on math. Our guest speaker will be John Mighton, founder of the JUMP math foundation. He will also be speaking to parents in the evening.

In language arts, we have been reading independently for the first half-hour after lunch. Students self-select books for their book boxes. They keep a record of books they finish in a duotang. Each Friday, we will be browsing new books. Over the next few weeks, I will be working with students to select books that are just-right for them. The rule of thumb I have given them is this: if more than 5 words on a page are too difficult to read or understand, then the book is probably too difficult or should be read at home with support. I also ask students to read from a variety of genres. Our classroom library has a large collection of chapter books, nonfiction, picture books, poetry, and some magazines. We also discussed the idea of choosing books that are 'too easy' and that teachers (and parents too) choose books that are of interest to us or books that will teach us something. We don't usually set aside our newspaper or magazine because they are too easy for us, and pick up a medical dictionary for a challenging read instead. 


This week we worked on writing poems inspired by two poetry books: Summersaults and Autumblings  by Douglas Florian. Students used an organizational format which began by saying 'goodbye' to Summer and ended with 'hello' Fall. We also brainstormed some powerful describing words to make our words come to life!