October 11th, 2017

Today was: Day 5
Tomorrow is: Day 1

In Math, the Grade 4 class is working on comparing pictographs and bar graphs. We now know how to read and construct both, but what similarities do they have? Differences? We have also been discussing how to choose which graph to make. Consider the numbers that you need to graph. Can you choose a symbol that can easily match your key or be easy to draw in parts? If not, pictographs can be challenging. Bar graphs are easier to estimate a wider range of numbers with. However, pictographs are very visually appealing. It is important to consider who will be reading the graph and the purpose for making the graph when  making your final decision. The Grade 5 class is continuing to work on conducting probability experiments and describing the outcome of possible events. We will also begin designing our own experiments in upcoming classes.

Both Grade 4 and Grade 5 will have finished these units early next week. As a result, students will be having unit tests in Math next week. The Grade 4 class will begin reviewing in class Friday and Monday, and then write their unit test on Tuesday. The Grade 5 class will begin reviewing in class on Tuesday and Wednesday, and then write their unit test on Wednesday. Please do NOT wait until these review days. Start reviewing now if possible. This will give students lots of time to ask for my assistance if they run into trouble. Students are encouraged to bring their textbook home for extra practice. There are also resources for Grade 4's under "Data Analysis" and for Grade 5's under "Statistics and Probability." These pages have review games students can play at home as well as extra workbooks that can be printed at home for extra practice. Students can also access their Mathletics accounts from home. 

In Social Studies  today, we continued to review the cardinal and intermediate directions. Students came up with some interesting mnemonic devices to help them remember the order of the cardinal directions:

Never Enter Smelly Washrooms
Never Ever Stop Winning 
Ninjas Eat Shrek's Waffles
Never Eat Stinging Wasps

We also took a look at our upcoming Geography unit. Students will be doing research projects on either the regions of Alberta or the regions of Canada. Take a look at the "Geography" pages to see student exemplars from last year. Next class, students are going to get to use the rubric they will be marked on to grade some of the exemplars, giving them the opportunity to reflect on what they think they can improve upon in their own projects this year. 

Students had time to work on their Genius Hour projects today as well. I am very excited about the topics students are choosing for their projects. Check in with your students at home to see what topic and what problem they are going to be tackling with this project. 

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes

Math: 
- Gr. 4: pgs. 267-268 #1, 2, 3
- Gr. 5: pg. 279 #6, 7

Science:
- Decomposers Worksheets (Elizabeth, Amelia, Lochlan, Josh, Erica)

Other:
- Running Club: Mondays until 4:00 pm
- Choir: Tuesdays until 4:00 pm
- Guitar Club: Thursdays until 4:00 pm 
- Boys Volleyball: Wednesdays until 4:00 pm
- Girls Volleyball: Thursdays until 4:00 pm
- CG Recyclers: Day 2, Lunch/Recess
- Chess Club: Day 3, Lunch Recess
- Hot Lunches, order at christinagordon.hotlunches.net 
- Classroom Reward: Thursday, sign up here 
- Fri-Yay Popcorn Sale: Friday, $2/bag
- Benefit Concert, November 2nd
- Fall Market, November 18th