Week 2 August 28-September 1

Dear Parents,
Last week was our first official EXPO week for grade 5. The students enjoyed Dragon Boating on Monday, and then 5.3 was off to camp Wednesday. The twitter feeds (@connectcharter or @ErinCouillard) had some amazing pictures, that have been posted to the website. It looked like a fun time time with many opportunities for learning and we are certain that the parents whose children returned have heard all about some amazing adventures. 5.4 spent the week talking about what we already knew about Canada, as we prepare to engage in activities that have us learning about Canada’s geography, history, and identity over the course of the year. We also worked on some reading strategies. Mr. Sonico stepped in to teach math for the last part of the week and the students spent time building relationships with 5.1.

In math, we discussed how mistakes are powerful and can help to grow our brain.  We watched this video and then did a jigsaw activity where students learned more about the four main types of mistakes we can make and how we can learn from each type.  (Stretch mistakes, A-ha mistakes, sloppy mistakes and high-stakes mistakes).  

Changes in Waterton Camp dates for 5.4
5.4 will now be attending camp with 5.1 on September 18-20. This is a positive change as we can continue building relationships and the camp will be consistent across the 2 classes. An email was sent out from Kevin Sonico, on behalf of administration that provides more details and rationale for the switch.

Coming Up This Week
Please return the vaccination forms
In humanities, we will begin our exploration of Canadian Provinces and will work on reading strategies, poetry and figurative language.

In math, we started the week with a problem called “Build it Up” where we worked on our problem solving skills using a problem with many possible solutions.   Students who were ready for a challenge moved on the “Build it Up More”. We will continue to look at Place Value this week all the while reminding ourselves of the role that a growth mindset in mathematics plays in our learning.  

In Science we will begin to explore the role that water plays in ecosystems.  This will help build our understanding of wetlands which is our first science topic of the year.  Stay tuned for a Weaselhead field trip coming up in the next few weeks.  (Date to be determined).

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