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September 2018
Welcome back!  I hope you had a great summer.  I am happy to be back and am looking forward to a great year.  Please read my monthly blog to keep yourself informed about what it taking place in our classroom each month. 

Language Arts
This month we will begin our Spelling and Guided Reading activities.  These take place in the morning at the beginning of our LA lesson.  The word lists and reading books are based on your child's abilities and are designed to work on addressing the needs of your child.  Our writing unit for the next two months will be on Creative Writing.  We will begin by reviewing the components of a good paragraph, using adjectives (describing words) and creating original ideas.  We will lead up to writing a short story.  I strongly encourage you to set aside time each night for your child to read chapter books.  Good reading skills will help your child in all subject areas. 

Math
We will begin the year with a unit on Patterns and Equations.  This includes recognizing 'what comes next' in a series of numbers and describing the pattern rule and determining the missing number in an equation (4 + ? = 11)  In order for your child to be successful in Math, they need to know their basic facts by rote memorization (ie. 7 + 7 = 14, 2 x 9 = 18).  Each night they will have to write out 2 multiplication tables in their notebook.  I will model the first one with the students and then they will have it for homework each night.  I also recommend using free apps on their devices to make it fun.  You can search 'adding or multiplication practice'.  My daughter found one called Math Bingo which allows her to choose which operation (+, -, x or /) and what level she wants to practice at (easy, medium or hard). 

Science
I will be alternating between Grade 5 and Grade 4 units.  The first unit is Electricity and Magnetism which is a grade 5 unit.

Social Studies
This year the Grade 5's will be learning about Canada (the land, the history of our country and First Nations people in Canada).  The Grade 4's will be focusing on Alberta (the land, the history and the First Nations people of Alberta). 

French
Each grade will be learning French as a second language.  I will provide you with more information about the curriculum and teacher at a later date. 

Health
The first unit is Wellness Choices and we will begin with Personal Health (physical activity, nutrition, body image, mindfulness and toxins to our bodies). 

Music
We will begin the year by learning/reviewing Beat, Rhythm and Form.  These components are the building blocks of Creating and Playing music which will follow in subsequent units. 

Physical Education
The Phys. Ed. curriculum breaks down the objectives into four major outcomes; movement skills, appreciating the benefits of exercise, interacting positively with others and living an active lifestyle.  This will be accomplished through various sports, skills and games. 

Religion
The units for both grades cover a wide range of topics in our Catholic Faith.  The outcomes for each grade are slightly different but include learning about the Church calendar, the sacraments, the Kingdom of God, Jesus' teachings and living as God's people.  I will provide more specifics about each unit in the following blogs. 

Important Dates (Please read the school newsletter for times and location)
Opening Mass                                        September 14th
School BBQ                                           September 20th
Meet the Teacher                                   September 21st
School Pictures                                      September 27th 
                                            
As always, please contact me if you have any questions or concerns (rosalie.hnatick@cssd.ab.ca). 

Sincerely,
Mrs. Rosalie Hnatick

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