Bicycle Safety Trailers and Goodbye!

You did it 3Awesome!!  Congratulations on a very successful year.  Enjoy your summer!

A big Shazam to all of you.  Don't forget to say hello when you see me around the school!

Hugs,

Mrs. Allison

Enjoy your Bicycle Safety Trailers:

Michael, Luka, Noah, Maja and Divjot

Austin, Karman, McKenna, Shengbuo

Denzel, Ethan, Katelyn, Patricia

Aidan, Steve, Dora, Natasha

Chelsea, Oyinda, Kevin, Gurvind

3A News:  June Edition

THE LAST NEWSLETTER!

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Your children have brought me joy each day of this school year.  They have accomplished and grown so much and I am so proud of them.  I would like to wish all the students good luck in grade four as they start their learning in the junior years. 

A note to my 3Awesome students:

Everyone’s good at something – find your “thing.”

Don’t ever forget :   “You are smart.  You are kind.  You are important.”

Thank you for being a part of my life this past school year.  Have a fantastic summer!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Allison

Students of the month: 

May:  Congratulations to 3A friends for being diligent and trustworthy.

June:  These 2 young men were acknowledged for "Excellence" in all areas of the curriculum and character traits.

Field trips:  To enhance their learning, 3A students had a chance to visit Fighting Island and Pioneer Village.  Please click on the following links to watch some short videos documenting our trips.  Thank you to Mr. Murray and Mrs. Arndt for sending in pictures.

Fighting Island

Pioneer Village

Spring Play Fundraiser for Mrs. MacDonald:  Congratulations to our class for their wonderful dancing in the spring play.  Thank you to Talbot Trail families for demonstrating your kindness towards Mrs. MacDonald.  Together, our community raised over $5000 for Mrs. MacDonald.  The latest news is that Mrs. MacDonald is recovering well and has been released from London.  She is on her way home and will recover surrounded by her friends and family.

Class Birthday Party:  Tuesday, June 25thWe will celebrate with cupcakes, treats, Minute to Winit games and water games outside.  Students may  wear their bathing suits underneath their clothes.  They may also bring a towel or change of clothes.

Swim to Survive:  Thursday, June 27
This is also the last day of school.  Students should wear their bathing suits, bring a towel and a plastic bag.



Curriculum news:

Students have been busy finishing up their final projects.  All the students have researched and presented their pioneer projects.  Next week we will be making our own butter and bannock bread to go with it!

We are also finishing up our Science Unit on Plants.  The students are waiting for the seeds to germinate and will be responsible for keeping their bean plants alive this summer.

In Literacy, students continue to work on publishing a variety of texts in their anthologies.  They are excited to share their writing with their friends and family.

In Health and Media Literacy, our students have created some very informative and entertaining videos about Bicycle Safety.  Those videos will be posted on the blog next week.

Finally, we continue to investigate patterns in Numbers and Geometry.  We will be working furiously to get through this last unit next week.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Reminders:

Freezie for a cure tomorrow $1.00 - all proceeds to Cancer Research

Gurvind and Maja to present Pioneer Projects tomorrow

Swim to Survive tomorrow:  bathing suit, towel and plastic bag

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Homework and reminders:

Pioneer presentations tomorrow:
Kevin, Gurvind, Patricia, Katelyn, Chelsea, Denzel, Karman, Shengbuo, Divot, Maja

Swim to survive on Thursday:  bathing suit, plastic bag, towel

Enjoy the beautiful weather!

Blogger of the day:  Chelsea

Today at gym we played kings court and everybody's it at ELT we did a dance and we did a review of math p.130 we had library and voted for the blues sprues books for the vote and i voted for kate and pippin and kate and pippin won.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Homework and reminders

Math p. 232 #2, 3, 5, 6
Science:  Leaf investigation page
Pioneer presentations continue tomorrow

Friday, June 14, 2013

Homework and reminders:

Pioneer Presentations:  Monday and Tuesday
School BBQ;  tonight at 5:30 p.m.

Congratulations to all our 3A dancers for their wonderful performances at last night's show in honour of Mrs. MacDonald.  As a Talbot Trail community, we raised $5501.98 for the MacDonald family.  I feel lucky to teach in this kind and caring community.  It is an honour to be a part of the Talbot Trail family.

We wish Steve, Denzel, Aidan and Oyinda good luck.  They will be competing at Essex District High School at the District track and field meet on Monday.  Go Blazers!!

Happy Father's Day to our 3A dads.  Your kids are "nuts" about you!  Hope you enjoy your gift.

Bloggers of the day:  Austin and Dora
 We had a fun day today and we had a fun minute to win it.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Reminders:

Tomorrow is our first "Swim to Survive" trip.  Please remember to bring your bathing suit, a towel and a plastic bag.

Tomorrow afternoon is our "Galbot Grail" show in honour of Mrs. MacDonald.  There is an afternoon show at 1:05 p.m. and an evening show at 6:30 p.m.

Don't forget to wear a white shirt, black pants and bring $2!

We will continue practising for our Pioneer Presentations.  We have 3 students presenting tomorrow and the rest of the class presenting on Friday or Monday.  Please bring all your rough notes to school.

Have a wonderful evening!

Mrs. Allison

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Blogger of the day:  McKenna

Today we were on the computers  to search for our project about pioneers. We did ELT we practised our dances for the play.  At recess I played with Chelsey, Patrica and Oyinda . Today I read Dork diaries.

CONGRATULATIONS 3A - YOU HAVE FINISHED EQAO TESTING!!!  WAY TO GO!

Reminders

No school on Friday
Snacks to share for movie afternoon
Return raffle tickets or bring in money

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Homework and reminders:

Research for pioneer presentation (due next Thursday)
Swim to Survive forms
Raffle Money
Food day orders

Blogger of the day:  Chelsea

Today we did a practice quiz and we did EQAO.The part of the EQAO was section D part 2 mathematics. Today we reaserched about pioneer life.  At ELT we practiced about our fairy tale plays  .At resess I skipped with Patricia Rachel Dora Mckenna and Katlyn.I had a great day.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Homework and reminders:

1.  Go on the websites listed under "Pioneer Adventure."  Read about different aspects of pioneer life.  Choose one part of pioneer life to write and do a short 2 minute speech about.  Be ready to tell Mrs. Allison your choice tomorrow.  We will research and write in class.

2.  Show mom and dad the Swim to Survive field trip forms.

3.  Get a good night's sleep.  You have EQAO testing (Math, Section 2) tomorrow.

Blogger of the day:  Oyinda

Today we did EQAO languge 2 part
1. We also had gym and we went to the park. I had a fun day!

Friday, May 31, 2013

Reminders:

EQAO on Monday - Language Part I
Find a picture of dad
Nuts and bolts
Return raffle tickets or money

Blogger of the day: Steve

Today we did pioneer art.  We got to make stories on the computers.  In the start of the day we played fun games.

Pioneer Adventure

Pioneer Adventure

Black Creek Village

Pioneer Village Information

Pioneer Life Information

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Our first day of EQAO testing went by without a hitch!  All the students finished and enjoyed a fun period of gym outside to clear their minds.  Students are encouraged to get a good night's rest again tonight.  We will be completing Part I of the Math test tomorrow.  Good luck to our 3A students! 

Blogger of the day:  Dora

Today we got to have an extra gym peryiod.we did EQAO and it was easy and it was fun! I had a fun day today! bye! bye!

Monday, May 27, 2013

Homework and reminders:

Our first EQAO test is tomorrow.  Some tips:

1. Get a good night's rest (go to bed early)!
2. Don't stress out.   You have had plenty of practice and will do just fine!
3. The school bell rings at 8:20 a.m. - please be on time.

more probablity games

Blogger of the day:  Natasha

Today  we  took up EQAO  pratice and  read  for 20  miuts  it was  fun.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Blogger of the day:  Maja

I liked playing probability games.  gym was relly fun.

Homework:

Play probability, time and money games.

Probability Games

Probability is a very short unit.  Here is a link with many games to learn about chance and probability.

Probability Fair

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Homework: 

Practise skip counting with money
Play time and/or money games

Students will write EQAO tests on the following days:

Tuesday, May 28
Wednesday, May 29
Thursday, May 30

Monday, June 1
Tuesday, June 2
Wednesday, June 3

Please ensure that your children are present on those days and at school by 8:20 a.m.

Extra practise tests and answers can be found at the following link.

EQAO for parents and students

Congratulations to our most enthusiastic dancer.  This lovely young lady danced her heart out during fit week and was chosen as one of the best dancing Blazers!

Our fastest runners and highest jumpers were awarded their track and field ribbons today.  The list of those students moving on to the District track and field meet will be posted tomorrow.  Congratulations to all our 3A athletes!  (Missing in picture:  Oyinda)

Blogger of the day:  Gurvind

Today we had two math periods we did lots of work.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Homework and reminders:

Have tests signed
Practise 7 & 8 times tables
Play time and money games

Blogger of the day:  Noah

Today  I some tests back and I am happy with my grades .

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Homework

Math p. 257 #3-7
No Wordstudy for the next 2 weeks

Play Money games on blog

Blogger of the day:  Shengbuo

One week and it`s EQAO test.
Today the Silver Ambassador band presented in our school.
I thought that they were a really a good band.  I wonder what it would be like to play in that band.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Reminders:

Heritage Village Field trip tomorrow
-students are welcome to wear "Pioneer" style clothing
-please bring a lunch
Show mom and dad EQAO note
Track Day on Thursdahy

Blogger of the day:  Gurvind

Today we did lots of literacy.  We also got to play badmintin.

Monday, May 14, 2013

Homework and reminders:

Math p. 253 #1, 2, 3
This week is Fitweek.  Please wear your running shoes!

Blogger of the day:  Austin

To day we deanced and had fun and to night im going to wach ghost rider it is going to be cool.

Friday, May 10, 2013

Homework and reminders

Play money and time games on blog
Time quiz on Monday

Give mom card, gift and big hug!

Happy Mother's Day to all the 3A moms!  Thank you for all that you do for the kids!

Blogger of the day:  Natasha

Today  we  made  mother's day  presents.  And got to  play on the computers.

Money Games

Game #1

Game #2

Game #3

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Homework and reminders

p. 238 #2, 3, 4, 7, 8
Wordstudy due tomorrow
Field trip forms
Show mom and dad track and field note
Good copy of "About the Author"

Frozen yogurt $2.50

Blogger of the day:  Divjot

today I had fun doing Math and Litercy and scocial studies.

Games to Practise Telling Time

Here are some games that you can play to practise telling time!

Telling Time #1

Telling Time #2

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Homework and reminders:

Math p. 236 #7 &8
Wordstudy due on Thursday
All tests and assignments signed
Field trip forms PLEASE!

Frozen Yogurt - The grade 5 classes are selling frozen yogurt at second nutrition break for $2.50.  Sales will start tomorrow until  May 24.

Mrs. MacDonald

Our beloved grade 1 teacher Mrs. MacDonald is fighting cancer right now.  The grade 3 kids wanted to send her some words of encouragement as she begins her treatements.  Check out their video.

Keep Fighting Mrs. MacDonald!

Blogger of the day:  Shengbuo

Today we got our math tests back.
We also finished our social studies maps today.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Homework: 

Math p. 336 #1-5
Wordstudy due Thursday

Blogger of the day:  Karman

I had a greart day at school and we are starting a new unit today (measurement).

Tuesday, April 39, 2013

Homework and Reminders

Math p.317 #3-7
open book Social Studies Test tomorrow about maps
Math test on Friday (Fractions)

Blogger of the day:  Patricia

Today we had math and it was really fun!  It was fun that we got to make arrays on little white boards.  I went to a try-out for the school play.  I hope I make it!

Monday, April 29, 2013

Reminders:

Math homework p. 314, #4-7
Rough copy of Island Map
NO Wordstudy this week

Field trip forms and money

Fractions Test on Friday
Mapping Test Wednesday (open book)
Gym tomorrow

Play tryouts - tomorrow
Track and Field training at second nutrition break (wear running shoes and comfortable clothes)

Blogger of the day:  Oyinda

Today I signed up for track and feild. We made our on island and we are learning about pieonner
life in s.studes and literacy and we are going on a feild trip to learn about pionneer life.

May News

Spring may finally be here!  The days are still cool but the sun is trying to peek out behind the clouds.  The students and I are enjoying the warmer weather.  We will be keeping the doors and windows of the portable open this month so we can enjoy the fresh air.

Students of month:  Diligence

Three very diligent students were chosen to be the students of the month.  It is my pleasure to have such hardworking students in 3A.  Chelsea was absent at the assembly so she will be recognized at next month's assembly.

Fighting Island Field Trip

We enjoyed a fantastic day on Fighting Island.  We saw so many cool critters and had a wonderful exprience.  I am making a video of our day to send to the school board Science department.  The video will be posted on our blog next week.  A great big thank you to the parents who came out to chaperone our field trip.  A big Shazam to Mr. McGuire, Mrs. Politis, Mrs. Antal, Mrs. Virk, Mr. Murray, Mrs. Arndt, Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Smith.  The kids loved having you and I appreciated the extra hands.

Heritage Village

Our next field trip is to Heritage Village in Kingsville.  This trip will complement our Social Studies unit about Pioneer Life.  Please note that I have had to change the date to Wednesday, May 15 because our original date is the raindate for our school Track and Field meet.

We will also need parent volunteers to accompany us on this field trip.  Please fill out the permission form and send it back to school as soon as possible.  I am only able to accept 6 volunteers.  Thank you for your interest.

Track and Field
The students will be preparing for their first school track and field meet during gym class.  We will be working on running and jumping skills.  Students who wish to, may also train with Mr. Mousseau at second nutrition breaks.  Proper running shoes and comfortable clothing is recommended.  All students are expected to participate at the school track meet.

Important dates to remember:

May 3:  Freezie Friday
Please send $1.00 to school if your child wishes to buy a freezie.  Proceeds will go to the Talbot Trail Special Olympics team.

May 15:  Heritage Village field trip
Please sign and return the permission with $15.00 to pay for the trip.

May 16:  School Track and Field day

May 17:  Raindate for Track and Field day

Curriculum News:

Math:  We have started our fractions unit.  This is a short unit and I am hoping to give the kids a test by next Friday.   Click here for some games about fractions:

Fraction games

We will then start a unit on time and money.  Students are encouraged to count the change they have at home and practise making change with their money.  For example, "If you buy something that costs $2.50 and you pay with 5 loonies, how much change should you get?"  This is a very difficult unit for students as the exchange of money is rarer these days.  Please take some time to practise with students at home.

Please click the following links for computer games to help students make change:

Making Change game #1

Making Change game #2

Making change game #3

Literacy:  Students will continue to write narratives that focus on the following -

1.  Setting
2.  Characters
3.  Problem
4.  Solution
5.  Clear beginning, middle and end

Students will be reading a variety of texts about pioneer times.

Social Studies:  Pionner times

EQAO:  We will continue to practise our test taking skills for EQAO.   This month, we will use last year's math and language tests to practise.  I will send a copy of the tests home after the students complete them so you can see your child's progress.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Reminders:

Health test on Tuesday (teeth)
Earth Day on Monday (wear green, bring a litterless lunch)
Show mom and dad field trip note

Have a fantastic weekend!

Blogger of the day:  Oyinda

Today we had gym and we did a fitness test and we had pizza and treats because it's Denzel's birthday
we also had library and I got a new book called Timothy And The Strong Pajams. And we had a test today.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Homework and reminders:

Math test tomorrow
Health test Tuesday
Field trip forms returned
Library books returned tomorrow
Gym tomorrow

Thank you to parents who volunteered to go on the field trip.  There is room on the bus for all 7 parents who volunteered.  I will be sending home more information about the trip tomorrow.

Blogger:  Dora

Today we got to read a book called Just A dream and it was really cool  I liked it and Katelyn liked it too.and it was a nice day today.

Homework

p. 297 #1, 2
Math test on Friday:  Flips, Slides, Turns
Wordstudy due tomorrow
Field trip forms
Directions pages

Blogger of the day:  Michael

Today we played army tag outside and it was fun. And in literacy we read rabbits .

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Homework:

Math p. 288 #3, 4, 6
Math test on Friday on Motion Geometry: Slides, Flips, Turns
Wordstudy due Thursday
Cursive Writing Art

Blogger of the day:  McKenna

Today I worked on story bird and wrote a new story. My dad also came in to show the class about his job . He showed how to make food outside and cook it . He showed a pictures of me and my brother when we were little. I loved it!

A big thanks to Mr. Smith who came in to speak to us about his role in the Canadian Army.  The kids enjoyed learning about how soldiers help out Canadians and people in different countries during emergency situations.

Pay attention 3Awesome!  Mrs. Allison is going to help you get ready for grade 3 testing.  Get ready for EQAO bootcamp!

Monday, April 15, 2013

Homework:

Wordstudy due Thursday

Math worksheets (slides, flips, turns)

Mapping Sheets

Please return field trip forms and $

Blogger of the day:  Katelyn

I worked with Dora for are mathsheet.It was fun!I like math!We also did s.studies.It was a mapping sheet.I had a fun day and I also had a good recess!

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Homework:

Finish first draft of story about being invisible
Colour and complete Royal Floor Plan
Mad minute

Blogger of the day:  Luka

I liked writing the i'm invisible story also when we did gym and learned how to surve a birdy in badminton.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Homework:

Math Worksheet (Grids and Maps)
Social Studies worksheet (Grids and maps) - Page 1 only
Wordstudy due Thursday

Blogger of the day:  Oyinda

Today we did s.studies and we talked about things we can do to help the Earth.  We watched a video and it was sad video.  I have a lot of ideas to help the Earth.

April News

Happy Spring to 3A students and families!   Our students continue to strive to show good character.  The following students are commended for displaying these traits. Way to go 3Awesome!

January - Self Discipline - Ethan and Maja

February:  Kindness - Divjot and Noah

March:  Fairness - Shengbuo

We have 2 field trips coming up in April and May.  Please mark your calendars:

Thursday, April 25 - Fighting Island

Friday, May, 17 - Heritage Village in Kingsville

I will be sending a permission form home for Fighting Island next week.  Please indicate on the permission forms if you are able to volunteer.

Reminders:

Food day orders due:  April 10th
Hiatus House:  The Social Justice Club is collecting personal grooming supplies to donate to Hiatus House.  Hiatus House is a shelter for abused women and children in Windsor.  If you have new items that you would like to donate, please send them to school.  They are accepting donations next week.  Thank you for supporting our community.

Curriculum News:

Math:  Our new unit is Motion Geometry.  We will:
-work with maps and grids
-explore slides, turns, and flips
-explore lines of symmetry

Social Studies:  Maps and Globes

Literacy:  We will read a variety of texts about the environment and Earth Day (non-fiction, short stories and poetry).  Students will also be preparing for EQAO testing by completing practice tests.  We will focus on how to answer multiple choice questions and open response questions.  After reading a text, students have been asked to answer questions by following these guidelines:

1.  Restate the question.
2.  Find at least 2 pieces of evidence from the text to help answer the question.
3.  Add my own ideas, opinion or schema (back ground knowledge).

Studies show that students learn best when they assess themselves.  In class, they are often shown the different levels of work in order to compare to their own.  I am pleased that many of our 3A students are getting better at assessing their work with honesty and more importantly that are starting to know what they need to do to bump up their work.

Students will start to write narratives with a beginning, middle, end, setting and characters.

Health - Bicycle Safety

I look forward to an exciting month of learning!  Take care!

Mrs. Allison

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Math test tomorrow!!

Do "Show What You Know" to study on p. 184-185

Finish Map of Canada

Library and gym tomorrow

Wednesday, April 5, 2013

Math test moved to Friday - we will do some more review tomorrow
Math worksheets (multiplication and division)
Show What You Know - p. 184 #1, 3, 4

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Blogger of the day:  Austin

Today we had hot choclet and juse and we had a assmebly of sport and a spelling bee in elt i think we finished our robot dance thank you for reading.

Happy Easter!!!!  See you on Tuesday!

Edward Tulane Video

Please take a moment to watch 3A's video trailer about the novel, "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane."  You will be amazed at their retelling skills and use of media.

Edward Tulane Trailer

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Homework and reminders:

Mad minute
Wordsearch (teeth words)
Math test next Thursday (multiplication and division)
Wordstudy due tomorrow

blogger of the day:  Aidan

         Today we went on bitstrips and made comics and  made a cartoon verzion of us and and this morning in ELT we turned into robots and danced like robots!!!!!

Monday, March 25, 2013

Homework and reminders:

Please get Science test, Math test and Math sheets signed.
Bring $4.00 for Number the Stars Play tomorrow
Wordstudy due Thursday

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Great job on the Force and Motion projects 3A!  We like to move it, move it!!!

3A Science Projects

Homework and reminders:

Math p. 169 #5 & 6
$4.00 for "Number the Stars" play
Bring props for Edward Tulane tableau

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Homework:

Fill in multiplication chart
Wordstudy due tomorrow

Blogger of the day:  Noah

The Science fair was fun.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Homework and reminders:

Math p. 161 #6 &7
Wordstudy due Thursday
EQAO sheets "Talent Show"

gym tomorrow - bring shoes
library tomorrow - bring your books

Blogger of the day:  McKenna

Today we had science fair in our classroom.  I showed my toy car.   I got a lot kids at my station.  The grade 2's came to see our projects.  In Math, we got a quiz and I did well.

Monday, March 28, 2013

Welcome back 3A!

Homework

Math p. 159 #5 & 7
Wordstudy due on Thursday
Please be ready to present your Science projects tomorrow

Blogger of the day:  Karman

I had a great day at school because we prepared our Science projects.  Tomorrow we will present them to the grade 2 classes.  In Math I learned to multiply by 2 and 5.  It was easy!

Joke of the Day - Sunday

I hope you are enjoying your March Break.  Here is the joke of the day as promised.

Why don't elephants need suitcases?

Because they already have trunks!!!

Have a great day!

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Homework:

Math worksheets:  Using Arrays to Multiply
Science:  Toy Plan and Instruction Sheets
-any students who need some extra time to finish off their toys may stay in at recess tomorrow
Work on those multiplication colouring sheets if you have time

Reminders:

Day 8:  Gym tomorrow
Break a rule day tomorrow

See you soon!

Mrs. Allison

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Homework:

Math worksheets - relating multiplication and addition,  multiplication colouring sheet
Study for Science Test tomorrow
Work on Toy Plan (make sure your diagram is coloured neatly and labelled correctly) and How I Built My Toy Instructions

Reminders:

Popcorn sales continue for $2/bag
Break a rule on Friday:  50 cents for one rule, $2.50 for all the rules
-wear a hat, bring an electronic (must be used for academic purposes- no gaming machines please), wear pj's, change your seat, chew gum

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Blogger of the day:  Gurvind

Today we got to science and every budy got to build are toys. The best part of my day was when I got to do science . I had a great day today.

Homework

Math p. 147 #2, 4, 6
Wordstudy due Thursday
Science Review due tomorrow
Science Test on Thursday (Force and Motion)
Toy Plan and Project sheets due Friday

Reminders

I need to clarify the prices of the grade 8 fundraisers.  Please accept my apologies for any misunderstandings.

Popcorn is $2.00/bag
Break a rule day on Friday:  50 cents for one rule, $2.50 for all rules

March News

Happy March to our 3A students and families!  Let's cross our fingers that some warmer weather is on its way!  Here are some curriculum updates and classroom news for the month of March.

Math - We will start our Multiplication and Division unit this week.  Students should continue to practise math facts daily using flashcards, computer games, computer apps or mad minute worksheets.  Students will get 1 blazer ballot for every mad minute sheet they complete at home.  The ballots are sent to the office for a pizza draw each Friday.  I would like to see our box full of blaxer ballots this month!

Literacy
We will finish up our "Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" novel with some art and drama activities.  The students will be working on acting out scenes from the story using tableaux and also creating characters with plasticine.

Students will continue to read short fictional texts and non-fiction reports to prepare for EQAO.  I will begin to give students practise tests so they can become familiar with the type of questions and the format that will be on the test in May.

We will also be creating avatars and writing our own comics on the web based site called "Bit Strips."

Science
This week, our toy engineers will be designing and assembling their own toys.  It will be a busy and fun week.  A reminder to students that the unit test on Force and Motion is this Thursday.

Social Studies
When we return from March Break, we will start a unit on Map and Globe skills.  The culminating activity will allow students to design their own island and create a map for that island.


Grade 8 fundraisers

The grade 8 students have two upcoming fundraisers.  All proceeds will go to the grade 8 field trip and graduation.

1.  They will be selling popcorn for $1.00 all this week at second nutrition break.

2.  Break a rule day - Friday, March 8
-for 50 cents, students will be allowed to do one of the following:  chew gum, use electronic devices, wear a hat, wear pj's or choose their seat.
-$2.00 will allow students to do all of the above

Please note that any electronics brought to school will be used to research, read or practise math facts.  No gaming machines please.   The school cannot be responsible for loss or damage of electronic devices.

March Break is from March 11 -15.  Have a safe and restful March Break.  I look forward to warmer and sunnier days when we return.

Take care,

Mrs. Allison

Friday, March 1, 2013

Homework and reminders:

Math test on Monday (do Show What You Know)
Science test on Thursday
Bring materials for your toy

Blogger of the day:  Luka

I liked that i started planing my toy for my scince project!

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Homework and reminders:

Math homework:  p. 366 #1-4 (Show what you know to review for test), Name Art
Math test on Measurement on Monday:  cm, m, km, perimeter, area

Science test next Thursday:  muscular force, gravitational force, magnetic force, friction

Science project:  The students were given their project rubrics and outline for their "Build a Toy" project.  Their only homework is to brainstorm ideas and collect materials to build their toy.  All other planning and building will be done at school.  Please ask your child for the project outline for more details. 

Food day orders:  order forms were sent home today.  Due date:  Wednesday, March 6, 2013.

Library books:  Mrs. Lawler would like all overdue library books returned ASAP.

Dinner table discussion:  Tell your family what happened to Edward today.  What do you really think happened to him?  How do you feel about the book so far?

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Blogger of the day:  McKenna

Today in science we were spining  tops and timing them. In math we  got to make are names with block letters. We had library and I picked out a new library book.

Homework and reminders:

Wordstudy due tomorrow
Science worksheet:  spinning away
Math test on Monday:  cm, m, km
                                      area
                                      perimeter
Please bring your library books back.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Homework:

Math p. 349 #1-4

Have a safe and WARM weekend!

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Homework and reminders:

Math p. 347 #4, 6, 7
Gym tomorrow

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Homework:

Measurement worksheets:  kilometre and measuring perimeter

Writer's Notebook:  Write about your favourite speech(es) that you heard today.  What makes a good speech?  Tell what you liked about your favourite speech.

No Wordstudy this week.

Our grade 3 students are starting to recognize that success goes hand in hand with organization.  Many students are taking advantage of the cold weather and staying in at least once/week to clean out their desks and organize their notebooks.  Please read the following tips to help your child get organized.

10 Ways to Help Your Child Get Organized

Developing good organizational skills is a key ingredient for success in school and in life. Although some people are by nature more organized than others, anyone can put routines and systems in place to help a child "get it together."  Here is a list of strategies that you can use to help your child get — and keep — her life under control.

1. Use checklists.
Help your child get into the habit of keeping a "to-do" list. Use checklists to post assignments, household chores, and reminders about what materials to bring to class.

2. Organize homework assignments.
Before beginning a homework session, encourage your child to number assignments in the order in which they should be done. She should start with one that's not too long or difficult, but avoid saving the longest or hardest assignments for last.

3. Designate a study space.
Your child should study in the same place every night. This doesn't have to be a bedroom, but it should be a quiet place with few distractions. All school supplies and materials should be nearby.

4. Set a designated study time.
Your child should know that a certain time every day is reserved for studying and doing homework. The best time is usually not right after school — most children benefit from time to unwind first.  Even if she doesn't have homework, the reserved time should be used to review the day's lessons, read for pleasure, or work on an upcoming project.

5. Keep organized notebooks.
Help your child keep track of papers by organizing them in a binder or notebook. This will help him review the material for each day's classes and to organize the material later to prepare for tests and quizzes.

6. Conduct a weekly cleanup.
Encourage your child to sort through book bags and notebooks on a weekly basis. Old tests and papers should be organized and kept in a separate file at home.

7. Create a household schedule.
Try to establish and stick to a regular dinnertime and a regular bedtime. This will help your child fall into a pattern at home. Children with a regular bedtime go to school well-rested. Try to limit television-watching and computer play to specific periods of time during the day.

8. Keep a master calendar.
Keep a large, wall-sized calendar for the household, listing the family's commitments, schedules for extracurricular activities, days off from school, and major events at home and at school.

9. Prepare for the day ahead.
Before your child goes to bed, he should pack schoolwork and books in a book bag. The next day's clothes should be laid out with shoes, socks, and accessories. This will cut down on morning confusion and allow your child to prepare quickly for the day ahead.

10. Provide needed support while your child is learning to become more organized.
Help your child develop organizational skills by photocopying checklists and schedules and taping them to the refrigerator.  Most important, set a good example.

Celebrations

On Friday, our school celebrated French Canadian Culture with a Carnaval.  We were joined by Bonhomme Carnaval himself!  The students enjoyed a fun day of games, songs and treats.  Congratulations to our very own 3A Carnaval Queen pictured below with Bonhomme.  What a wonderful way to celebrate one of the cultures that defines Canada!

This past week, my family and I celebrated Chinese New Year and we made this video to share.

Chinese New Year with the Allison Family

The children also took some time to write about their own family traditions and share with the class.  I think it is fantastic that we can learn about so many traditions here in Canada!  I wish you all a wonderful Family Day weekend.  No matter how you plan to celebrate - I hope it is with the ones you love.

Happy Family Day to my 3A students and families!

Mrs. Allison

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!  Sending all my 3A students a big hug and smile!

Reminders:

Carnaval is tomorrow.  Wear running shoes, black and red tomorrow.

MONDAY is FAMILY DAY - NO SCHOOL.

Blogger of the day:  Michael

Today was Valentine's Day and we got a lot of candy and cookies.  We also got to play 4 corners at recess.  And also at recess we got to play bump.  Today we had Science and we got to make parachutes and Mrs. Allison launched some.  We learned that the bigger parachutes fall slower and the small parachutes fall faster.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Wordstudy due Thursday
Math p.340 #4, 6, 8
Wear Black and Red for Carnaval on Friday

Blogger of the day:  Karman

I had a great day at school today.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Homework:

Science Investigation:  Push or pull page
Math:  mad minute
Writer's notebook:  Special celebrations

Blogger of the day:  Oyinda

We learned about celebrations and we talked about chinese new year and we did force and tried some experiments.

For those students who wish to send Valentine on Thursday, here is a class list:

Denzel Aguilar

Michael Antal

Patricia Arndt

Noah Carter

Maja Chandler

Katelyn Chapple

Ethan Elmer

Shengbuo Fang

Steve Ishaq

Kevin Liu

Natasha MacFarlane

Austin Mack

Chelsea McGuire

Aidan Murray

Karman Panaich

Dora Politis

Gurvind Sekbon

McKenna Smith

Oyinda Talabi

Divjot Virk

Luka Vucak

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Homework and reminders:

Parent/Teacher interviews on Thursday 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
-please call the school and speak to one of our secretaries to book an appointment
-I will be holding interviews in the front office not in our portable

NO SCHOOL ON FRIDAY:  PA Day

Place Value tests and quizzes to be signed and returned

Wordstudy due tomorrow

Monday, February 4, 2013

Homework

Science p. 117 #1-4
Wordstudy
Report cards signed and bottom portion returned

February News

Dear Parents:

Happy February!  It has been a cold and windy winter so far, but we are warm and cozy in our portable.  This newsletter has been posted on our 3A Class Blog, but since this is the start of a new term, I am sending home a paper copy so that you do not miss out on any important news.  Please note that all newsletters have been and will continue to be posted on our blog.   If you type in “3A Class Blog” in your search engine, we are the very first listing. 

Important Reminders:

Gym days:  Day 1, Day 5, Day 8

Students must have proper running shoes in order to participate.

Library : Day 1

Students must return borrowed books in order to check out new books.

Winter Wear

Boots and snow pants are needed for snowy days, please send dry inside shoes or slippers for your child to wear inside.

Wordstudy

Wordstudy is assigned each Monday and collected on Thursday.   I do not test the students on the words but still expect students to complete this weekly assignment neatly and accurately.   Students are often rushing to complete their wordstudy and making silly errors.  In addition to the wordstudy, we are constantly adding to our classroom word walls that we use to keep track of new words in literacy, math, science and social studies.  Please read my philosophy on spelling:

We know now that learning to spell and learning to memorize lists are two different things. If we want children to be good spellers, the spelling instruction must be part of the rest of the reading and writing lessons that happen every day in the classroom. Word lists are still kept and learned, but the words are those the children actually use. Many of them belong to a personal collection built up by the child, others may relate to themes or topics being studied, along with various word families in which the child can learn to recognize patterns.

Report cards and Parent/Teacher Interviews

Report cards will be coming today.  Please review your child’s report card and fill out the bottom portion of the last page.  Please return that piece and the report card envelope back to school.  The report card itself is yours to keep.  If you wish to discuss your child’s progress, please call the school at 519-969-9748 and speak directly to a one of the secretaries to book an appointment.  Please do not leave a message on the answering machine.  Parent/Teacher interviews will be held on Thursday, February 7, 2013 from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.  If you are unable to attend, I will be happy to conference with you via telephone or meet with you at another time.

Homework:  Homework should be written in your child’s agenda daily.  Any homework that is assigned, is work that your child has not completed in class.  If you are finding that your child is spending more than 30-40 minutes daily on homework tasks, please let me know and we will have to meet to review why he/she is taking so long to complete assignments.

EQAO:  Please read the letter that was sent home today for more information about EQAO testing.

Curriculum News:

Math:  Measurement (Length, Perimeter and Area)

Students will:

1.    Measure lengths

2.   Measure the distance around a figure

3.   Measure the amount of space a figure covers

Math facts:  students are working at different levels in our classroom.  Some still need to review addition and subtraction facts.  Others are reviewing multiplication facts in higher or lower numbers.  By the end of grade 3, students will be expected to multiply up to 7x7.  Students should make an effort to do a mad minute, review using flashcards, iPad apps or computer games at least 3 times a week.

Literacy:   We will continue with our novel study, “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.”

Students will start writing narratives with characters, a setting, beginning, middle and end.

Students will begin cursive writing.

Science:  We will continue with our Forces and Motion unit.  Students will be designing and building a toy that moves and presenting it to their classmates.

Health:  This month, we will focus on personal hygiene.

Have a great month!  Please read the blog next month for March News. 

Take care,

Mrs. Allison