Spaceship Earth

I just realized that I never published my last post so you are getting a double update this time!

Reminders:

• field trip on Friday to the space centre (bring a bag lunch)
• collect a shoe box for a social studies activity for Monday, October 29

Here are some pictures of our Mystery Science activity today. We learned about the "wandering stars" that are actually planets (not stars). We also learned some cool facts and viewed some incredible photographs of the planets. Then we went outside and made a model of the solar system to scale using astronomical units (au).

We have been practicing our reading strategy of 'connecting' in language arts. After modelling the thinking of connecting for students ("this reminds me..."), we discussed three different types of connections:

• text-to-self: reminds me of my own life
• text-to-text: reminds me of something I've read or watched
• text-to-world: reminds me of my knowledge of the world

Students then had an opportunity to read an article with a partner and then on their own. They are learning to pay attention to their thinking as they read, and notice the connections they are making. Both articles we have read are taken from current events in Canada: 1) A clan of killer whales needs help and 2) More than just a haircut. 

We are also about halfway through our class read aloud: The end of the wild by Nicole Helget. This is a complicated story about a young girl named Fern whose life is not easy. The forest where she lives is under threat from a fracking company that's come to town.  

In language arts, we have been spending the last few weeks on mini-lessons to support students in writing. Some of the concepts we are working on are powerful paragraphs, bold beginnings, similes,  show (not tell), and finding the small moment. Students will begin writing their third personal narrative write next week. 

We are focusing on municipal governments in social studies right now. Students are learning about the services provided in our regional district and they will be considering issues relevant to our municipality.Our next focus is math is on regrouping and addition. 

Over the next two weeks, we will be participating in gymnastics. Please make sure that students are wearing comfortable clothing that they can roll, climb or hang in! 

Finally, please check out our fantastic art on display outside our classroom as well if you get the chance.