Dear Families,
As we enter into our March Break, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe, enjoyable, and rejuvenating break with your loved ones!  Some of my students have mentioned that they've going away and that their week off is jam-packed with activity, that's terrific!!

In the past, I've been to Florida with a dear friend, however, this year that isn't the case, but I am planning on enjoying all the wonderful and fun winter activities that Collingwood has to offer like hiking and cross country skiing.  Rest and relaxation will also be part of my break!  Hope it is for you too!


I am very much looking forward to hearing all about the special things your child did with YOU!  Although, we won't be at school, I wanted to also wish you a HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

Thanks Addy for getting into the spirit!

Image result for happy saint patrick's day in irish

Math:
This week's focus was on learning to predict the frequency of an outcome in simple probability experiments or games, then perform the experiment, and compare the results with the predictions using mathematical language (e.g., likely, unlikely, chance).

Students have really enjoyed playing probability spinner games!  First, we played "Two Spinner Sums" and then "Race to Ten."  Ask them about these experiences and perhaps try some of the games at home over the break! 

I've posted pictures below of the various tasks we completed for your reference so you can discuss these math concepts with your child and ask them what their outcomes were.  When I assess students, I am really looking for them to use mathematical language when discussing their results!
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After the March Break (March 20th), students will receive a probability assessment.  Please go over the review sheet and complete the practice questions to help prepare for this :)

Language:
To link to our science learning about Strong & Stable structures, this week's reading comprehension task focused on Pyramids of Ancient Egypt.  Before beginning our reading job, we watched a video to activate our prior knowledge (schema).  Have a listen.  Students then used information from the text and the video to help support their answers.




Science:
Yesterday, we did a mini-experiment testing out the stability of large, medium, and small paper tubes.  Students made a hypothesis of the one they thought would fall first.  Many predicted the large one would, and they were right!  Next, we will add some weight to the base of the tube in experiment 2 and see if that makes a difference.  Ask your child what the term stability means according to the definition we discussed in class.


Parent HINT: Stability = ability to maintain balance; remain in a fixed spot





Grade 3 EQAO:
Over the next while, students will be given reading, writing, and mathematics questions to work on their knowledge/understanding, thinking/application, and communication skills.

This week, I gave my class a reading titled:  Sometimes It Takes Two. The goal of this was to familiarize them with EQAO type reading questions that they will receive when the time comes to writing the test.

I was extremely proud of everyone's efforts in this task!  After the March Break, we will take the answers up together and I will offer feedback, and show the students what a level 1, 2, 3, 4 response looks like so they can continue improving upon their reading comprehension skills.  The challenging part is using specific evidence (proof) from the text to support their answers.  We can and WILL build on this skill - "practice makes PROGRESS!"





Please note, I have shared with everyone that we must not solely focus on the levels we receive, but more so on working to our potential and putting in a solid effort.  As long as students are building and growing from each task they complete and applying this to the next, that is superb!

Every question that students will be given are expectations that they will need to know.  It is exciting because they are receiving higher level thinking questions that really digs deep into their thinking process and challenges them in a meaningful way!

As your child's teacher, I will ensure they feel success, comfort, and JOY in celebrating what they KNOW, and what they don't know ...YET!

Healthy Food Eating Session:
Are you looking for school lunch ideas for your children to eat, that are healthy, quick and easy to make? If so, School Council along with our Wellness Committee would like your family to join us for a healthy eating session hosted by the local Loblaws in-store dietitian.  Lindsay Waymouth will provide information about the benefits of eating healthy, demonstrate healthy lunch options and share some recipes from the PC kitchen. 


Image result for healthy eating for kids

When: Wednesday, March 20th, 2019
Time: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Nottawa Elementary School gym  

Please click on the attachment below to sign-up for this engaging session. If you are unable to access this online sign-up list, please contact Leslie Beattie in the school office.  

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VfmHMFhpnrxBuYE0an8KR7kYKsTKrXxHIUrgHcSwcGw/edit

Becca:
Thank you Becca for the amazing card, growth mindset page you made for me, and bringing in a lovely read aloud about KINDNESS!  I really value that you're developing the spirit of a positive mindset!  Let this part of YOU always SHINE!  I've now seen other students (e.g., Adalyn) with growth mindset colouring pages and they happily complete these during spare moments in the day - amazing!!

Remember, "Our THOUGHTS become our WORDS.  Our WORDS become our ACTIONS.  Our ACTIONS become our DESTINY!"

Think positively now ...and ALWAYS, my friends!!




Karson & Harrison:
These two remarkable young boys continue to shower me with love and kindness through their words and actions.  This week, they decided to write me an acrostic poem using heart warming adjectives.  Isn't it so sweet they used my first name :)

In case you're wondering, here are the adjectives they used for P.A.R.E.E.N - patient, active, responsible, encouraging, empathetic, nice.  Thank YOU Karson and Harrison!!  I will cherish this forever!


Mindfulness:
Make it an intention to practice sitting still, silent, and smiling using this purposeful 1 minute meditation tool (see video below).  You will soon realize just how relaxed and focused you are in the present moment.

In class, we have been regularly meditating twice daily for 1 minute after recesses to help calm our minds and bodies from playing outside.  This week, we started using the video below as the author's message is powerful :)

Thank you Mrs. Johnson for sharing this with the whole school on our morning announcements.  The students and I love it and will continue utilizing it!!


Growth Mindset:

"Family and friends are more valuable than wealth and money!" - Alex

Namaste,
Ms. Gill

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