Mrs. Spreen's Class Blog

Happy snowy Friday!   Isn't this snow something?  Personally, I love it.  I know it causes a lot of trouble, makes it hard to get around, requires extra clothing...but it is so clean and quiet after a snow storm...peaceful. (Please don't throw a snow ball at me for saying this!) We have had a jam-packed week of learning.  We have begun to work on our "Writer's Notebooks" which is more formal way of recording our 'noticings' which we will be using to assist us when we write - whether it is a poem, a narrative, a list or any other type of writing.  Writing  begins with recording the noticing of sights, sounds, smells, and an awareness of feelings.  We watched both Denise Fleming's and Eve Bunting's episode of "Meet the Authour" and have implemented  some of their strategies into our notebooks.   We have also worked on grammar, spelling - suffixes on words ending with cc-y (consonant, consonant, y),and reading comprehension. We will be c

Friday, November 21, 2014 This week in science we have continued working on our flow chart of a product and its packaging from raw material through consumer consumption through to waste.  The students have been using Google Classroom to complete this task.  Using the technology for this project has added another element to their learning - and mine!  We have tackled many issues and resolved most of them by ourselves - yeah us!  We will be wrapping up these projects on Monday and then will be moving onto the next section of our unit - biodegradable and compostable. Social studies has taken us on an adventure through the different regions.  We will begin comparing the similarities and differences in the coming week.There will be a summative assessment on this section of our curriculum early in December - please prompt your child to bring home his/her passport to study. In LA we have worked on writing stories using a given prompt and without using dialogue.  This is a complex task f

Fruit and Cookie dough...is in... pick up will be tomorrow!  I just received this information so I apologize for getting it out to you on such short notice.

November 17 Concert Preparation As we draw nearer to the concert night, I will be posting reminders and notes for parents and guardians as they are provided to me.  Please check often so as to not miss any information.  We will also be writing this information into their agendas.   *For those parents, guardians, well wishers, friends, and family members who wish to take pictures during the Christmas concert, please note that the grade 4s will be seated on the west end of the gym. They will also be performing from this area.  (It is the side of the gym closest to the change rooms and storage area.)  *Adults are welcome to pick up their performer from the music room following the concert. ***Please advise Mrs. Spreen ASAP if you are not planning to attend the concert - this is for planning purposes only. ***** 33 days until Christmas Holidays!!

November 13, 2014 Christmas Concert is only a few weeks away.  As such Mrs. Stanski has asked: 1.  Please find out if there will be any students who are planning  not  to attend the Christmas concert . Students are sometimes playing instruments are saying line, etc. and it really is important I know who will be away so , I can prepare properly.   2.   Let your parents know what students should wear for the concert  .  No high heeled shoes for safety.     Grade 4 students are asked to follow the these rules- No buttons, zippers, sleeveless tops or dresses, or sparkles, or necklaces.  Long hair should be up.  This is to protect the hand bells. Would you please send an email to me indicating your family's intentions, barring the unforeseen, regarding attendance at Concert? Thanks!

November 5, 2014 Tomorrow we host our Remembrance Day ceremony in the gym at 10:30.  You and your family are welcome to join us for this ceremony.  The grade 4 classes will be reciting ' In Flanders Fields' as part of this ceremony.  We have been working hard to memorize the poem in anticipation of this performance. This week and next we will be working on Remembrance Day projects in Social Studies.  We have discussed many of the symbols we use and their significance.  We also have talked about the importance of honouring those who are actively involved in the military and those who are veterans. If you are interested in watching a very touching video about dedicating 2 minutes of silence to pay homage, please watch: http://youtu.be/0bXGZr-IJJ4  Tonight is the conclusion of our parent meetings.  I have enjoyed our meetings and being able to share some of our stories with you. Thanks for coming in and sharing with me as well. In Science, we have begun our Waste and Ou