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March 2019

The Spring Solstice is in three weeks but it sure isn't looking much like Spring.  I'm not sure about you, but I have had enough snow!  Please take a look to see what we are working on next.

Language Arts
The novel study, Owls In The Family, has been funny and enjoyable.  We are learning a lot about animals and the themes that the author is using in his story. We continue to work on Spelling, Reading and Writing in class.  Soon we will begin an Expository writing (non-fiction) unit. 

Math
Our unit on Fractions will be starting next week. We have already begun working on some of the skills needed in this unit when we practice our Reducing in Mad Minutes and in homework questions.  Please feel free to help your child with the questions sent home.  This helps him/her to see how you solve a questions even if it is different from the way it is taught in class.  However, they must still write the questions themselves. 

Science
The unit we are currently working on is Chemistry.  Students find this unit fascinating as we explore matter (atoms and molecules).  We study how matter can be in three states (gas, liquid or solid). 
We will learn about and discover different mixtures (solid/solid, solid/liquid, liquid/liquid) and how to separate some of these mixtures.  The students will discover reversible/irreversible chemical reactions and how to identify a base from an acid.

Social Studies
We will be having a text next week on the Canadian Shield.  The next region that we will study is the Interior Plans.  This is the land that covers most of the prairie provinces.  Most days we talk about the current events that are taking place in our city, province, country and world.  Please ask your child to share some of these topics at home with you.  It would be great for them to Google the topics that interest them so that they can try some independent research. 

Religion
The third unit focuses on Living A Moral Life.  We are discovering the things that help us to make good choices and the reasons we do either good or bad.  We will also be learning about the Lenten Season and Easter.

Physical Education
Mr. Hager and myself are teaching and reviewing basic skills in Basketball such as dribbling, passing and shooting.

Art
We have completed our print making unit and are about to embrace sculpture.  We will use a variety of materials to make 3D works of art.

Health
We are are reviewing known strategies to help ourselves and others when stressed.  We are also learning how to take care of ones mental health and well-being to help live a good life.

French
Mrs. Howe will be introducing Carnival (French festival in Quebec).  She continues to work with the students on simple phrases and commands in French.

Drama
Mr. Johnson is continuing to develop the students acting skills and improvisation techniques.  He is giving them random works that they must incorporate into their plays.  This requires the students to use their creativity and adapt to unknown words or situations.

Important Dates 
March 7th                         Field Trip to the Mayor's Safety Expo (bring a bag lunch)
March 15th                       Report cards go home
March 22nd                      Parent/Teacher Conferences (No School)
March 25th-28th               March Break (No School)


Useful Links
Study Ladder (all subject areas)                     www.studyladder.ca               
Mathletics (works on various math skills)      www.mathletics.com

*If your child does not have his/her username and password in his/her agenda, please contact me.

Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Rosalie Hnatick

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