Mastering multiplication facts

  Cue the flash cards!   As we work through math problems that involve multiplication, it is important that students become more proficient with their multiplication facts to 9 x 9.  To that end, we will be reviewing strategies to help students to memorize their multiplication facts and will be having regular multiplication fact quizzes.  If you can help your child to memorize his/her facts, that would be great.  Check your child's agenda to see when the quizzes will be taking place.  A bientot!

Mme Lindsay

Retest for science - la lumière

Bonjour!  J'espère que vous avez passé une bonne semaine de relâche!  Please note that there will be a retest on Wednesday, March 21st for students who were not very successful the first time around when writing their Science test on light/la lumière and/or would like to try to improve their marks.  We reviewed the test today in class and students are welcome to bring their green Science duotangs home for studying.  Mme Lindsay

Hike on the Riverside property next Wednesday, March 7th

  Next Wednesday morning, we will be heading by bus to the property across the road from Riverside Public School for a hike, some outdoor games and potentially a campfire.  Bussing costs for excursions to the property are covered by our school administration.  :)   Please send in the signed permission forms before next Wednesday.  Mme Lindsay

Addition and Subtraction quiz next Tuesday, March 6th

  Next Tuesday, we will be having an addition and subtraction quiz.  At the *Grade 4 level, students are expected to be able to add two-digit numbers in their heads (ex. 19 + 36 may become 20 + 35 to make it easier to add) and add two four-digit numbers.  We have also been adding and subtracting decimal tenths (ex. 4.1 - .6) using concrete materials, such as ten grids (i.e. encouraging kids to colour out tenths in a ten grid to find the answer).  We have also been subtracting two four-digit numbers.  I've been encouraging the "adding up" strategy, from the smaller to the larger number, as there are generally fewer errors.
  We will have completed our practice quiz by tomorrow and your child is welcome to bring home his/her math duotang for practice.  Thanks so much for your support.

Mme Lindsay

P.S.  To encourage the kids to speak French in spontaneous situations, I created a fake trial today, involving the 'suspects' involved in the murder of the (imaginary) Count Dubois.  Ask your child about it!
P.P.S.  If your child has an IEP in the area of math, the expectations will be adjusted.

Light quiz postponed to this Thursday, February 22nd

Bonjour!

  Due to the snow/rain(?) day, the science quiz on light has been postponed until Thursday, February 22nd.  Tomorrow in class we will review the important concepts together via a Jeopardy game and the students are welcome to bring home their green Science duotangs home after that for further review.  A bientot!

Mme Lindsay

Hearts, addition facts and sea turtles

  Wondering what hearts, addition facts and sea turtles have in common?  They are all related to life in our classroom!
  First of all, students are welcome to bring Valentine's Day cards this Wednesday, February 14th, as long as they include all of the students in the class.  We will have a copy of the class list ready for them on Monday to take home, if they wish.  Mme Campbell and myself will be bringing in a treat for the short party at the end of the day, so no extra treats are needed.
  Cue the cue cards!  We are working through the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and efficiency with number facts helps considerably when students are estimating, doing math mentally and calculating answers (without calculators).  Please practice addition facts up to 9 + 9 with your child, so that they become efficient.  If your child has already mastered these facts, you can progress to the multiplication facts up to 9 x 9, which are an expectation of the Grade 4 curriculum.  There will be a quiz of addition facts up to 7 +9 on Monday and up to 9 + 9 on Wednesday.
  We have been exploring the properties of light in science in a variety of "hands-on" ways, from building kaleidoscopes to discussing why straws look like they bend in water to looking for rainbows to discussing how light pollution affects sea turtles.  After a review of the concepts discussed, we will be having a quiz next Wednesday, February 21st.
  Thank you to all of the parents who have supported the activities of the class and school by volunteering to help with such events as the recent spaghetti supper, winter activities at Tawingo and the various ski races.  Enjoy Family Day weekend!

Mme Lindsay

New winter activity dates: February 1st and 8th

Bonjour!

  Due to the lack of snow, the winter activity dates have been changed to include our alternate date, February 8th.  Our fun-filled days at Tawingo will start next Thursday and will continue the following Thursday.  Volunteers are now needed for the February 8th date. (Thank you to the parents who volunteered for the postponed January 25th date!)  If you are available to help, please contact me via e-mail:  anne.lindsay@tldsb.on.ca or by writing a note in your child's agenda.  Wishing for snow in Room 204 ...

Mme Lindsay