Dear Families,
Is it really the last week of March?! I hope you've enjoyed the sunshine we've had! It's definitely welcomed and has put a smile on all the children's faces as they run, jump, and PLAY :) Have a lovely weekend. I hope we don't get 'fooled' on Monday ;)
Charlotte:
During book exchange, I have encouraged the students to check out the character education section of books! Today, Charlotte went to this area and signed out "My Friend Has Down Syndrome."
We read this aloud in class and it helped give us a greater understanding about this genetic disorder. We learned that people with down syndrome may have an extra 'gene', but they're just like US! Yes, they may look, act, or learn a little differently than others, but they are HUMAN with amazing thoughts, skills, and abilities. We can learn and grow from them too just like in the story.
The main character named Tammy is an amazing artist and musician!! So, the next time you see someone with down syndrome, remember to share your compassion and understanding ...it would mean the world to them just like it would to you!!
Character Recognition Assembly:
I believe if a person demonstrates integrity, they also possess respect, caring, cooperation, inclusiveness, empathy, and responsibility. I am comforted in knowing that WE at Nottawa are truly surrounded with many students who consistently model integrity in their actions.
Language:
This week, we did a reading response to the book Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting, The purpose of this task was for students to use a Venn Diagram and compare/contrast the similarities and differences of the main character (Andrew) to themselves. It was so interesting to read some of their responses!
Some of the powerful similarities between Andrew (a homeless youth) and my students were:
We both have dreams to achieve.
As you know, Homelessness is an issue that is near and dear to my heart, and I would like to educate my students about the importance of understanding who they are as people and demonstrating empathy and compassion towards them.
We completed a very meaningful activity in class where I had the students create a message of hope for homeless youth in our area. We will be displaying these for the publication night in April. Stay tuned!
Over the weekend, please ask your child what some of his or her message was for homeless youth. We were inspired by the books and video I've shared (see below) in class by local photographer Leah Denbok and . I was fortunate to be gifted Vol. 2 for my birthday!! I think you will be pleased with their messages of HOPE and COMPASSION!
Science:
This week, students worked in their S.T.E.A.M. TEAMS to complete The Straw Structure Experiment. It was an exciting lesson because everyone got to plan, design, and create a structure using straws and masking tape.
In experiment 1, students challenged to create a cube using only 12 straws and tape. Each cube's goal was to hold a load on top. The stronger the structure (cube), the more weight it can hold. This wasn't an easy task, but through perseverance and hard work, we did it!
In experiment 2, students were given an additional 8 straws to help them strengthen their structure. Congratulations to Ryan, Parker, and Karson for making the strongest structure (it held the most weight). IT HELD A MATH TEXTBOOK!!!
Ask your child what some of his or her observations were from this experiment and how they worked in their group. What were some of the ways to make the structure stronger?
The Big Crunch:
The Great Big Crunch is a fun way to:
Everyone received an apple on Wednesday and enjoyed this nutritious and delicious sweet treat! See US below CRUNCHING away!
Thank you to Kennedy Orchards for providing the empire apples for our school! It is appreciated and all your hard work to grow apples is admirable!!
Coleton, Ryan and Addy:
Thank you boys and girls for making my birthday so special! You made it so memorable and sweet! I can't wait to try out the maple syrup made by Coleton's family, pouring my smoothies into the handy cup Ryan bought for me, and lighting the beautifully scented candle Addy thought I'd like for a quiet relaxing evening at home. From my heart to YOURS, thank you :-)
Ryan:
Another thank you to Ryan and his family for providing sweet DQ treats for US all to enjoy! We celebrated my birthday with these in the outdoor classroom on Monday! It was terrific :)
Emma:
Emma is selling girl guide cookies! She is very dedicated and is working hard to achieve her goal! Thank you to all the staff and students who have helped Emma so far, she feels very grateful for your support :)
Mindfulness:
Is it really the last week of March?! I hope you've enjoyed the sunshine we've had! It's definitely welcomed and has put a smile on all the children's faces as they run, jump, and PLAY :) Have a lovely weekend. I hope we don't get 'fooled' on Monday ;)
Rocking OUR Socks for Down Syndrome Awareness:
We are all unique and wonderful JUST THE WAY WE ARE. Each one of us has been given life and we must celebrate our differences and embrace them because it is what makes you, YOU!! Mrs. Shaw's and Mrs. McTaggart's classes led our Integrity assembly this afternoon and this message resonated and energized the hearts and minds of everyone! Thank you for reminding us to be our unique, creative, and jovial selves!
Charlotte:
During book exchange, I have encouraged the students to check out the character education section of books! Today, Charlotte went to this area and signed out "My Friend Has Down Syndrome."
We read this aloud in class and it helped give us a greater understanding about this genetic disorder. We learned that people with down syndrome may have an extra 'gene', but they're just like US! Yes, they may look, act, or learn a little differently than others, but they are HUMAN with amazing thoughts, skills, and abilities. We can learn and grow from them too just like in the story.
The main character named Tammy is an amazing artist and musician!! So, the next time you see someone with down syndrome, remember to share your compassion and understanding ...it would mean the world to them just like it would to you!!
Character Recognition Assembly:
I believe if a person demonstrates integrity, they also possess respect, caring, cooperation, inclusiveness, empathy, and responsibility. I am comforted in knowing that WE at Nottawa are truly surrounded with many students who consistently model integrity in their actions.
Congratulations to Sonja and Brayden! You are being recognized for ALWAYS displaying Integrity in your thoughts, words, and actions. I am so very proud of you! Continue to be your best self in all that you do! You are exemplary models for this trait!
Math:
Our learning goal for the next while is dividing whole objects and sets of objects into equal parts, and identify the parts using fractional names such as one whole, one half, one third, one fourth, and so on.
Our learning goal for the next while is dividing whole objects and sets of objects into equal parts, and identify the parts using fractional names such as one whole, one half, one third, one fourth, and so on.
I provided students with the challenge of dividing a 8'11 sheet of paper into sixths. Many were unsure of how to do this or they ended up dividing the paper into eighths or tenths. Eventually, we worked on it together as a whole class and got it! Have your child show you at home!
Below you will find pictures of the students playing a fraction concentration game. They really enjoyed this! Please encourage them to use fractional names when talking about this concept.
Below you will find pictures of the students playing a fraction concentration game. They really enjoyed this! Please encourage them to use fractional names when talking about this concept.
This week, we did a reading response to the book Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting, The purpose of this task was for students to use a Venn Diagram and compare/contrast the similarities and differences of the main character (Andrew) to themselves. It was so interesting to read some of their responses!
Some of the powerful similarities between Andrew (a homeless youth) and my students were:
We both have dreams to achieve.
We both want a bright future.
We both have feelings / emotions to be felt
As you know, Homelessness is an issue that is near and dear to my heart, and I would like to educate my students about the importance of understanding who they are as people and demonstrating empathy and compassion towards them.
We completed a very meaningful activity in class where I had the students create a message of hope for homeless youth in our area. We will be displaying these for the publication night in April. Stay tuned!
Over the weekend, please ask your child what some of his or her message was for homeless youth. We were inspired by the books and video I've shared (see below) in class by local photographer Leah Denbok and . I was fortunate to be gifted Vol. 2 for my birthday!! I think you will be pleased with their messages of HOPE and COMPASSION!
"The Sakina Halal Grill is an immigrant-owned upscale restaurant in Washington DC that feeds homeless people for free every day... no questions asked! This is how human beings should treat each other."
Science:
This week, students worked in their S.T.E.A.M. TEAMS to complete The Straw Structure Experiment. It was an exciting lesson because everyone got to plan, design, and create a structure using straws and masking tape.
In experiment 1, students challenged to create a cube using only 12 straws and tape. Each cube's goal was to hold a load on top. The stronger the structure (cube), the more weight it can hold. This wasn't an easy task, but through perseverance and hard work, we did it!
In experiment 2, students were given an additional 8 straws to help them strengthen their structure. Congratulations to Ryan, Parker, and Karson for making the strongest structure (it held the most weight). IT HELD A MATH TEXTBOOK!!!
Ask your child what some of his or her observations were from this experiment and how they worked in their group. What were some of the ways to make the structure stronger?
The Big Crunch:
Why Participate in the Great Big Crunch?
The Great Big Crunch is a fun way to:
- Promote and celebrate healthy snacking
- Highlight local agriculture and the availability of locally grown apples all year round
- Use apples as a centerpiece for activities on tasting, nutrition, composting, sustainability, community development and more!
Everyone received an apple on Wednesday and enjoyed this nutritious and delicious sweet treat! See US below CRUNCHING away!
Thank you to Kennedy Orchards for providing the empire apples for our school! It is appreciated and all your hard work to grow apples is admirable!!
Coleton, Ryan and Addy:
Thank you boys and girls for making my birthday so special! You made it so memorable and sweet! I can't wait to try out the maple syrup made by Coleton's family, pouring my smoothies into the handy cup Ryan bought for me, and lighting the beautifully scented candle Addy thought I'd like for a quiet relaxing evening at home. From my heart to YOURS, thank you :-)
Ryan:
Another thank you to Ryan and his family for providing sweet DQ treats for US all to enjoy! We celebrated my birthday with these in the outdoor classroom on Monday! It was terrific :)
Emma:
Emma is selling girl guide cookies! She is very dedicated and is working hard to achieve her goal! Thank you to all the staff and students who have helped Emma so far, she feels very grateful for your support :)
Mindfulness:
Thank you to Mrs. Shaw for sharing many informative videos / messages this whole week about down syndrome with our school through the morning announcements! We've really enjoyed them and have a better awareness and more compassion for this condition.
Growth Mindset:
"No matter if you're young or old. NEVER give up on your HOPES and DREAMS!" - Becca
Growth Mindset:
"No matter if you're young or old. NEVER give up on your HOPES and DREAMS!" - Becca
Namaste,
Ms. Gill
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