Have a wonderful Spring Break! We'll see everyone again on April 9th! 

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes
- Spelling Test: 

Math:
- Multiplication Fact Practice (11x)
- Grade 4: pg. 280 #1-6, 8 
- Grade 5: pgs. 11-12 #1-4, 6

Health:
- PEAK (Wednesday after break)

Other:
- Tech & Trades: Grades 4-6, Mondays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Choir: Grades 3/4, Tuesdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Guitar Club: Grades 5/6, Thursdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Girls Basketball: Grades 5/6, Mondays/Thursdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Boys Basketball: Grades 5/6, Tuesdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- CG Recyclers: Grades 4-6, Day 2, Lunch/Recess
- Chess Club: Grades 4-6, Day 3, Lunch Recess
- Hot Lunches, order at christinagordon.hotlunches.net 
- Family Science/Numeracy Night, April 18th @ 5:30 pm
- Wood Buffalo Regional Science Fair, April 21st
- 7 Habits Musical, April 25th @ 6:00 pm 

Winter Carnival tomorrow! Please dress for the weather. 

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes
- Spelling Test: 

Math:
- Multiplication Fact Practice (11x)
- Grade 4:  
- Grade 5: 

Health:
- PEAK (Wednesday after break)

Other:
- Tech & Trades: Grades 4-6, Mondays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Choir: Grades 3/4, Tuesdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Guitar Club: Grades 5/6, Thursdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Girls Basketball: Grades 5/6, Mondays/Thursdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Boys Basketball: Grades 5/6, Tuesdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- CG Recyclers: Grades 4-6, Day 2, Lunch/Recess
- Chess Club: Grades 4-6, Day 3, Lunch Recess
- Hot Lunches, order at christinagordon.hotlunches.net 
- Family Science/Numeracy Night, April 18th @ 5:30 pm
- Wood Buffalo Regional Science Fair, April 21st
- 7 Habits Musical, April 25th @ 6:00 pm 
- Snack Shack, tomorrow ($1 item/ $2 popcorn)

We started our day with our ECDP Buddies. Thank you to all the students for being so kind and patient with your buddies. I know they love getting to see you every week.

In Math today, both grades reviewed multi-digit addition. This is part of our weekly "Check-In." So far this month we have reviewed: place-value, rounding, and multi-digit addition. The purpose of these weekly "Check-Ins" is to review concepts that we have previously studied. Many of these concepts (eg. estimation, adding, etc.) are important to have mastered for our current and upcoming units. Even though we have finished our Whole Numbers units, I want to make sure that we take the time to keep reviewing and practicing these concepts. After our "Check-In" lesson, students complete a short, weekly quiz. Based on the results of these quizzes, your student may be asked to do some further practice and review. Please assist  your students with this review at home. I will always email parents to let them know if their student needs to review one of the concepts from our "Check-In" lessons. 

In Science today we continued to explore open and closed circuits. We reviewed the concept of short circuits, with each building their own. We also discussed the importances of switches today. So far, the only device we have focused on is light bulbs. Today we discussed the need and value of switches in providing use with an easy and safe way to open and close switches. They also help us to conserve energy. Students built circuits with a slide switch and were then challenged to use found materials (index cards, paper clips, alligator clips, paper fasteners, etc.) to build their own switches that could be used to open and close a circuit. 

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes
- Spelling Test: 

Math:
- Multiplication Fact Practice (11x)
- Grade 4:  
- Grade 5: 

Health:
- PEAK (Wednesday after break)

Other:
- Tech & Trades: Grades 4-6, Mondays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Choir: Grades 3/4, Tuesdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Guitar Club: Grades 5/6, Thursdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Girls Basketball: Grades 5/6, Mondays/Thursdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Boys Basketball: Grades 5/6, Tuesdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- CG Recyclers: Grades 4-6, Day 2, Lunch/Recess
- Chess Club: Grades 4-6, Day 3, Lunch Recess
- Hot Lunches, order at christinagordon.hotlunches.net 
- Family Science/Numeracy Night, April 18th @ 5:30 pm
- Wood Buffalo Regional Science Fair, April 21st
- 7 Habits Musical, April 25th @ 6:00 pm 

Sorry for getting so behind on updating the blog! Things have just been really busy with Science Fair, Report Cards, Innovation Fair, etc. I'll be doing my best to get things caught up this week. 

Students both started new Math units today. The Grade 4 students are working on "Multiplying and Dividing Larger Numbers." Today students looked at multiplying multiples of 10, 100, and 1000. The Grade 5 students are working on "Patterns and Equations." Today we worked on recognizing and describing increasing and decreasing patterns using a pattern rule. 

In Science today, we continued to explore open and closed circuits. Today students did an experiment called, "Will it Light?" in which they tested a variety of ways to connect a light bulb to a battery using a wire. We were able to identify that the light bulb needed to be connected to the wire using the threaded metal base and the lead tip. If there is any interruptions between the wire, light bulb, and battery, the light bulb will not light. It was interesting to predict and then test which configurations would work. We also briefly explored short circuits, which is where we will continue tomorrow. 

In Language Arts today, we are continuing to review the parts of speech. Earlier this year we focused on nouns (plural and possessive) and verbs. We are presently reviewing identifying adjectives and adverbs. Students are finding this more difficult that our previous work with nouns and verbs, so while we are continuing to work on poetry, debate, and paragraphing, we will also be taking time to continue to review these grammar concepts. 

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes
- Spelling Test: 

Math:
- Multiplication Fact Practice (11x)
- Grade 4: pgs. 52-53 
- Grade 5: pg. 8 #1-6

Health:
- PEAK (Tuesday)

Other:
- Tech & Trades: Grades 4-6, Mondays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Choir: Grades 3/4, Tuesdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Guitar Club: Grades 5/6, Thursdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Girls Basketball: Grades 5/6, Mondays/Thursdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Boys Basketball: Grades 5/6, Tuesdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- CG Recyclers: Grades 4-6, Day 2, Lunch/Recess
- Chess Club: Grades 4-6, Day 3, Lunch Recess
- Hot Lunches, order at christinagordon.hotlunches.net 
- Family Science/Numeracy Night, April 18th @ 5:30 pm
- Wood Buffalo Regional Science Fair, April 21st
- 7 Habits Musical, April 25th @ 6:00 pm 

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes
- Spelling Test: March 23rd

Math:
- Multiplication Fact Practice (7x, 11x)
- Grade 4: pg. 112 #5, 7-11
- Grade 5: pgs. 106-107 #4-7

Health:
- PEAK (Tuesday)

Other:
- Tech & Trades: Grades 4-6, Mondays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Choir: Grades 3/4, Tuesdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Guitar Club: Grades 5/6, Thursdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Girls Basketball: Grades 5/6, Mondays/Thursdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Boys Basketball: Grades 5/6, Tuesdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Cooking Club: Grades 5/6, Mondays, 3:15-4:00 pm
- CG Recyclers: Grades 4-6, Day 2, Lunch/Recess
- Chess Club: Grades 4-6, Day 3, Lunch Recess
- Hot Lunches, order at christinagordon.hotlunches.net 
- Family Science/Numeracy Night, April 20th @ 5:30 pm
- 7 Habits Musical, April 25th @ 6:00 pm

In Math today, students continued to practice division. The Grade 4 students are working on using their multiplication facts to help them to divide. For example:

Solve 15 / 3 =

Well, I know that I can count up by 3's: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15,... 

Counting by 3's I can see the 3 x 5 =15

So...

15 / 3 = 5

The Grade 5 students are continuing to practice either Long Division or the Subtraction Method to divide 3-digit by 1-digit numbers. Students are welcome to use either strategy, but students must work to master one of of these strategies. Remember, there are review videos for Long Division under "Grade 5," "Math," "Multiplying and Dividing." 
​

In Science today, we continued to learn about batteries. Today we also talked about lightbulbs. We discussed how batteries and light bulbs work. We built a closed circuit so that we could light up a light bulb. We were able to see that a closed circuit without a light bulb caused the wire to heat up quickly. Adding a light bulb adds resistance, slowing down the movement of electrons. The wire did not heat up as quickly. Remember, you can follow all of your lessons under, "Grade 5," "Science," "Electricity & Magnetism," and even make your own circuits using the Phet Simulator Circuit Construction Kit.

We are continuing to work on learning about debating in Language Arts. Today we reviewed what a rebuttal is. Students also considered who should win in a debate. Should the most persuasive student win? The student with the most information? What makes a strong debate argument. We will continue to explore this as we start planning our own debate. 

Our copy of "The Wild Robot Escapes" by Peter Brown arrived today, on it's international release date. We can't wait to see what happens to Roz next! 

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes
- Spelling Test: March 23rd

Math:
- Multiplication Fact Practice (7x, 11x)
- Grade 4: pgs. 111 #1-4
- Grade 5: pg. 106 #1-2

Science:
- School Science Fair (March 14th)

Health:
- PEAK (Wednesday)

Other:
- Tech & Trades: Grades 4-6, Mondays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Choir: Grades 3/4, Tuesdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Guitar Club: Grades 5/6, Thursdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Girls Basketball: Grades 5/6, Mondays/Thursdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Boys Basketball: Grades 5/6, Tuesdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Cooking Club: Grades 5/6, Mondays, 3:15-4:00 pm
- CG Recyclers: Grades 4-6, Day 2, Lunch/Recess
- Chess Club: Grades 4-6, Day 3, Lunch Recess
- Hot Lunches, order at christinagordon.hotlunches.net 
- Family Science/Numeracy Night, April 20th @ 5:30 pm
- 7 Habits Musical, April 25th @ 6:00 pm

Sorry for the short post today. I will try and give a recap of our week tomorrow. Things have been a bit busy because of Science Fair. 

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes
- Spelling Test: March 15th

Math:
- Multiplication Fact Practice (5x, 10x)
- Grade 4: pgs. 88-89 #1-6
- Grade 5: pg. 102 #3-5

Science:
- School Science Fair (March 14th)

Social:
- Pink Tea Party (tomorrow)

Health:
- PEAK (Monday)

Other:
- Tech & Trades: Grades 4-6, Mondays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Choir: Grades 3/4, Tuesdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Guitar Club: Grades 5/6, Thursdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Girls Basketball: Grades 5/6, Mondays/Thursdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Boys Basketball: Grades 5/6, Tuesdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Cooking Club: Grades 5/6, Mondays, 3:15-4:00 pm
- CG Recyclers: Grades 4-6, Day 2, Lunch/Recess
- Chess Club: Grades 4-6, Day 3, Lunch Recess
- Hot Lunches, order at christinagordon.hotlunches.net 
- Family Science/Numeracy Night, April 20th @ 5:30 pm
- 7 Habits Musical, April 25th @ 6:00 pm

Don't forget that tomorrow is our classroom Science Fair. A few of the students asked today if parents were allowed to come to the classroom Science Fair tomorrow. Parents are absolutely allowed to come and observe our classroom Science Fair! Our class is going to be available to be viewed at the following times tomorrow:

- 9:45 am-10:30 am
- 11:00 am-11:50 pm

Please be aware that there may be other classes viewing our projects at these times, so the room may be a bit crowded. Also, be mindful that I will be assessing students during these times, so I unfortunately will not have time to speak to parents or answer questions. It can be challenging assessing so many projects in one day; I will want to give your students my full attention. We also ask that parents NOT be present while their students' projects are being assessed. I have found in the past that this makes students very nervous; presenting to both myself and their parents. I have also had parents help their students present in the past, and this is not fair to the other students. I want to assess your student on what they can do and what they know about their projects. As such, if you are in the classroom, I will wait to assess your student. If you are planning on joining us, make sure you enter the school through the front door and that you sign in at the office.

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes
- Spelling Test: March 15th

Math:
- Multiplication Fact Practice (5x, 10x)
- Grade 4: pgs. 48-49
- Grade 5: pg. 102 #1, 2

Science:
- Classroom Science Fair (March 7th)
- School Science Fair (March 14th)

Health:
- PEAK (Wednesday)

Other:
- Tech & Trades: Grades 4-6, Mondays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Choir: Grades 3/4, Tuesdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Guitar Club: Grades 5/6, Thursdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Girls Basketball: Grades 5/6, Mondays/Thursdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Boys Basketball: Grades 5/6, Tuesdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Cooking Club: Grades 5/6, Mondays, 3:15-4:00 pm
- CG Recyclers: Grades 4-6, Day 2, Lunch/Recess
- Chess Club: Grades 4-6, Day 3, Lunch Recess
- Hot Lunches, order at christinagordon.hotlunches.net  

Welcome back!

We started our day by going and playing with our ECDP Buddies. Thank you so much to our class for the kindness and patience you have been showing to your buddies. I know that Mrs. Luco really appreciates how much you care about them. Your buddies learn so much from playing with you. Keep up the good work!

In Math, we reviewed our 5x and 10x tables. Remember, we will have quiz on the 5x and 10x tables at the end of the week.

In Science  today, we looked more closely at electrical safety. I shared some safety tips with students. Then we watched some videos that highlighted different areas of electrical safety such as in our homes or during a storm. Afterwards, students help me brainstorm some more safety tips we could add to our list. Finally, students are working in groups to create an electrical safety poster for different areas of the school. Students are working on a poster for: the div. 2 hallway, the div. 1 hallway, the gym, and the office. I can't wait to see our finished posters!

In Health today, students continued to work on our "The Best Part of Me" projects. Students have been typing the good copies of their responses. Today, some students were even able to move on to the next step and start planning what they want their picture to look like. Next week we will be able to use our planning pages to help our Tech & Trades students take our pictures to go with our writing assignment. It will be fun to share these assignments with everyone when they are finished.

In Language Arts today we discussed what a debate is. Students learned the following terms:

- resolution (statement)
- affirmative team
- negative team
- rebuttal 
- judge

We watched this example of two Grade 5 students debated on whether or not junk food should be allowed in schools:
​

Finally, we formed teams for our own upcoming debate. The Grade 4 students are going to be the negative team, taking the position that, "'The Three Little Pigs' is not a fairy tale, it is a fable," while the Grade 5 students are going to be the affirmative team, taking the position that, "'The Three Little Pigs' is a fairy tale." We will begin planning our debate tomorrow. 

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes
- Spelling Test: March 15th

Math:
- Multiplication Fact Practice (5x, 10x)
- Grade 4: 
- Grade 5: 

Science:
- Classroom Science Fair (March 7th)
- School Science Fair (March 14th)

Health:
- PEAK (Wednesday)

Other:
- Tech & Trades: Grades 4-6, Mondays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Choir: Grades 3/4, Tuesdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Guitar Club: Grades 5/6, Thursdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Girls Basketball: Grades 5/6, Mondays/Thursdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Boys Basketball: Grades 5/6, Tuesdays, 3:15-4:15 pm
- Cooking Club: Grades 5/6, Mondays, 3:15-4:00 pm
- CG Recyclers: Grades 4-6, Day 2, Lunch/Recess
- Chess Club: Grades 4-6, Day 3, Lunch Recess
- Hot Lunches, order at christinagordon.hotlunches.net