Ways to Help at Home - Term 1

 I just wanted to take this opportunity to tell you what's been in happening on my days and ways you can (but please there's no pressure to do any of it, just for those of you asking) to help at home. I'm hoping this kind of updates you on what's been happening, as I try to keep the blog updated but some weeks are tougher than others to do so.

English Language Arts

This term in English Language Arts we have been learning about how stories are composed. We have been working on detailed writing. We have composed several pieces of writing, real and imaginative, that reflect and narrate a journey or experience, and share the writer’s own personal and unique voice. Students also continue to develop spelling and word identification skills through Word Work activities. We develop deep and meaningful comprehension strategies during Independent Reading times, which help examine structure of text. Students have also taken the opportunity to not only read stories aloud but also engage in meaningful conversation around different types of stories read to them.

Ways to support your child's learning:

-Choose “just right” books that can be decoded and comprehended.

-Ask  literal and inferential questions about the text/book  

-Keep a notebook for new interesting vocabulary to use in writing

-Play word work games

- Find more resources and games on the blog tabs above

-Read nightly aloud or to themselves for joy

Math

This term in Mathematics we have been working on foundational numerical skills. We have completed our Place Value unit and our Number Sense unit. Estimation is a skill we have chosen to focus on throughout, as it has been a skill shown to need strengthening.

Ways to support your child's learning:

-Play games learned in class to develop a better sense of Place Value (e.g. Place Value War)

-Practice decomposing numbers by turning it into a game (see how many ways you can make up a number (e.g. 40 = 20 + 20, 39 + 1, 35 + 5, 10 + 10 + 10 + 10)

-Continue to strengthen number sense by skip counting by 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, and 10s. Start anywhere on a hundreds or thousands chart and skip count onward from that place.

-Connecting numbers and patterns to relevant and real life examples (e.g. numbers in a: grocery store, hockey rink, Science Museum, etc.)

-Pay for small shopping trips with coins

-Use estimation when shopping (rounding up amounts) and  keep track during shopping trips (or online shopping)

- See the blog tab above for additional games and resources

Social Studies

In Social Studies this term, we have been studying the Ktunaxa Nation. We have been using this opportunity to further enrich our knowledge of the local land, language and wildlife. We also practice making connections from our own lives to that of indigenous ways of thinking and being using the Six Cedars framework. Through use of online resources, displays, stories read aloud, guest speakers, artwork and discussions, students have connected more deeply to the Ktunaxa culture and values this term.

Ways to support at home:

-Continue to have rich discussions about various cultures and societies to nurture multicultural awareness and respect for diversity

-See blog for more information on lessons and have discussions about the learning and its importance at home

- Visit first voices website https://www.firstvoices.com/sections/Ktunaxa  or the Aqamnik School Website for more language learning opportunities and practice https://www.aqamnikschool.com/ktunaxa-language-videos

Art:

We have been experimenting with line and texture. We have experimented with a variety of mediums (paint, leaves, crayon, paper etc.) Allow your child to sit in nature and be inspired or draw things around them. A great resource for enhancing drawing skills and following direction are draw alongs. Check out: https://www.artforkidshub.com/

The last bit of this term and moving into next term we will be working on drama/music more intensely.

PE:

This term in Physical and Health Education, the students have completed a Cooperative Games unit, along with a scooter, basketball, and will be working on a dance unit.

Ways to support at home:

-continue to discuss the importance and benefits of movement for our bodies (and how it affects our circulatory, muscular, skeletal, nervous, and respiratory systems)

-continue to encourage fair play and sportsmanship 

-keep moving! Check out gonoodle.com or go on walks, play games and build in the snow!