Changes

The past week was sure exciting in our classroom.  Our larva stuffed themselves until they became large caterpillars.  Then they suspended themselves from the top of their container and molted one more time.  When their last caterpillar skin was shed a chrysalis remained.  We may have butterflies by the end of the week.

Then, we cocooned ourselves to see what it's like to break out of a shell. 

Math

We have been working hard to learn how to describe and sort 2D and 3D shapes.  We have learned a lot of new vocabulary in this unit!

Library Trip

Our final field trip of the year will be to the Winnipeg Public Library.  If your child has a library card they may bring it along and borrow books.  If they would like to sign up for a card then please fill in and return the yellow form that was sent home.  They need to be back at school by Monday, June 17th.  Students are not required to have a library card for this trip.

Research shows that students who do not read during the summer months lose up to two months of reading performance.  It is important to continue to read all summer long. 

Seven ways to keep your child reading during the summer:
1. Visit your local library.  Have your child find "Good Fit" books that interest them.
2. Read at least 20 minutes a day.
3. Let your child see you reading.  It sends a message that you value reading as well.
4. Read to your child.  It's good for them to hear the rhythm of language.
5. Read with your child.  This is a great opportunity to try those books that they want to read but are too difficult for them.
6. Read for different purposes.  Have newspapers, magazines, lists, cookbooks etc available.
7. Play games with words.  Board games, computer games and apps can provide extra educational practice.
8. Read e-books.  There are loads of websites and apps available.

June countdown begins Now!

Zoo Trip

I'm sure you've heard many stories from our field trip by now.  Believe it or not we had a fabulous day!  Going to the zoo in the rain was quite an adventure.  Aside from the giant puddles (thank you for sending rubber boots) many animals were out and about and active.  Since the zoo was rather quiet we had opportunities to talk with zookeepers and get some inside information.  One zookeeper was collecting snake eggs and even broke one open for us to see!  Taking pictures in the rain is slightly difficult so we only have a few shots.

 Group shot in front of the new Australian walk-about where we walked with Emus.

 Our excellent tour guide! (Thanks for sending umbrellas)

 Baby reindeer.

 The new Penguin enclosure.  These are South African penguins.

 We got to see Hudson eating fish for lunch.

 Luckily we were able to enjoy our lunch at an indoor picnic area.

We had a couple of breaks from the rain.

Spelling

Due to the number of special events last week no spelling lists were sent home.  This week there will be spelling words for both grades.  Grade 2s will have a different format this week.

Flat Project

Watch for the Flat people to appear on the bulletin board this week.  I can't wait for everyone to see all the fantastic places we have learned about.  Thank you for helping us out with this project.  I am so appreciative that your friends and family have been so generous and responsive to our letters. 

Butterflies

You may have already heard that we are also growing butterflies in our classroom.  They are currently in the larva stage.  Stop by and take a peak.  We are so excited to see them turn into butterflies over the next few weeks!

Evening of the Arts

It's sure going to be an exciting week!

Read-A-Thon : Thank you for returning the pledge forms today.  Students will get to enter their ballots tomorrow and preview the book fair.  Thank you for all of your support for this event. 

Wednesday Evening: The events of Wednesday evening begin at 5:30 (Book Fair & Bake Sale).  Check to see if your child won a Literacy basket when you arrive.  Winners will be posted.  All students need to report to their classroom for 6:00 with their instrument to be tuned.  At 6:30 the performance will begin outside.  Please remember chairs/blankets.  Students are asked to wear their blue shirts.  The Book Fair & Bake Sale will reopen after the performance and close at 8:15.  If you are unable to attend please let myself or Mr. B. know so that we can plan accordingly.  If you have any other questions about the event just let me know.

Friday - Zoo Trip: The forecast Friday is rain so please dress appropriately.  Rainboots and umbrellas would be a great idea.  Hopefully the forecast will change before then though.  Students need to have a bag lunch and are encouraged to wear their blue BSLS shirts.  Thank you to everyone who volunteered to drive and chaperone!

Hurray!  A couple Flat People have safely returned to us.  Next week you will get to see them posted on our bulletin board.

Have a great last week of May.

Refreshed

The students certainly seem to be refreshed after their extra long week-end.  We have already accomplished loads this morning! 

Evening of the Arts

On Wednesday, May 29th students are asked to wear their blue BSLS shirts.  Events for the evening begin at 5:30.  The Scholastic Book Fair and the Bake Sale will be open at that time.  Students need to be supervised by an adult during this event. 

At 6:00 students need to report to their classroom with their instrument for tuning.  Families can head out to the field to find a spot to view the concert.  Please bring your own lawn chairs/blankets.  Students will remain with their class for the entire concert.  The Book Fair and Bake Sale will close during the concert portion of the evening and reopen again afterwards.

Field Trip

Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to drive us on our upcoming field trip.  Please remember to send back the signed forms by Monday.

Science

We are beginning a study of living things in our classroom.  We will look at characteristics and needs of humans, animals and plants.  Watch for pictures of some of the exciting things happening during this unit.

Flat Project

All of the Flat People have been sent on their way.  When we start to receive them back I will post items for everyone to see.

Have a great week!

Project Flat People

The cookie sale last week was a hit!  Check out our milk mustaches.  Thank you for contributing to our Compassion Canada fundraiser.

Most students in the class recently signed up to be a Star Reader during the month of May.  This means that they have a designated day to read any book they choose to the class.  Picture books of an appropriate length are suggested.

In Social Studies we did a comparison unit of Winnipeg, Manitoba with Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.  Part of this study was an in depth look at the Mi'kmaq Aboriginal group.  Take a look at our community that we built.

Flat People: Thank you so much for already helping out with this project.  The students are so excited to be sending away their Flat People soon.  We are just working on the finishing touches this week.  Please have the four journal entries back at school no later than Thursday.  Here are a few pictures of what our Flat People have been up to so far.

Upcoming Field Trip:  I have an all day field trip planned for May 31.  I will need volunteers to drive and spend the day with us.  Please check your schedules and let me know if you would be available to join us.

For Parents:  I came across this video while doing some reading on the benefits of silent reading in the classroom.  This woman very clearly explains how you, the parent, can help your child read at home.  Her ideas fit along with the Daily 5 strategies and theories used in my classroom.  Your child is at a stage where reading silently everyday is very important practice for their skills.  They are now able to read independently and are excited to do so.