December 16, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we started our day with some reading, but it was supposed to be music time.  Then we had gym, and we had these two giant balls and we tried to get them around a circle and down a line as fast as we could.  We also played Indiana Jones.  Ask your child about this.  After that we were supposed to have Roots of Empathy, but it was cancelled so we played "Guess My Word".  Ask your child about this.  Then we finished our morning with two rounds of Daily 5.

This afternoon we went to the Learning Commons.  Then we made snowflakes out of tape on a piece of watercolour paper in preparation for tomorrow.  Then we did some writing about apples to help us with visualization.  Ask your child about this.  Then we finished our day with some caroling in the gym.

On Thursday afternoon we will be building our bird feeders.  Please keep bringing in any 2L milk jugs or cartons for this.  If any parents would be willing to help out with this activity, please email Mr. Soulliere at <gasoulliere@cbe.ab.ca>.  We will be making them right after lunch time.

How do fish survive in winter?  Post your answer in the comments below.

This Friday there is no school for students.  Thursday is our last day before the break.

Message from a Penbrooke Meadows Teacher, December 14/14:

So taking the gifts was such an experience to the home I went to - I actually was emotional afterwards driving home.

When they opened the door there were 4 kids and 1 baby.  They had a small little tree that they had put lights on and it was sitting on top of a side coffee table.  The kids’faces were so happy - they lit up.  They started jumping up and down and saying Thank you Thank you Thank you..!  They couldn't believe that we just kept bringing more bags in and more....  We told them that they were to save these for Christmas to open...so they said they are going to put them under the little tree and they started to make a pile.  They commented on the wrapping paper and how special it made them feel that they were wrapped.  Mom gave us a big hug and said Thank you So much.  The kids were so excited and were waving to us when we left. 

There was no feeling like it.  Your families and staff have made SUCH a difference to our school and our families through your generosity.  This was only one family that I delivered and it didn't leave my mind all weekend. To see this family filled with such joy was amazing.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts Cranston School and Ms. Rauser.  We love you. xx

Have a great afternoon,

Room 74 and Mr. Soulliere

December 11, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we started our day with some reading, then went down to our buddies for some buddy reading.  Then in dance we continued practicing the Shim Sham.  Ask your child about this.  After dance we did some Raz Kids with Ms. Goldberg's class.  In the middle of this, we had a practice lockdown.  The students did very well.

This afternoon we practiced our similes.  A simile is comparing two things to make a juicy sentence.  Then we went out for a body break and Mr. Soulliere made us run around the whole big field.  After that, we finished the day with some math.  Ask your child what they worked on.

Post a simile sentence in the comments below.

Edit: Fun Lunch forms are due tomorrow, December 12th.  The next Fun Lunch will be in January.

Next week, we will be building bird feeders.  If you have any empty 2L milk jugs or cartons, please bring them in for us to use.

Next Friday there is no school for students.

Have a great afternoon,
Room 74 and Mr. Soulliere

December 10, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we listened to the classes that will be performing this evening practice their songs that they will be singing.  They did an awesome job, and we were an excellent audience.  Then we went to the Learning Commons.  Please make sure that your child is bringing their books back at least every two weeks.  After that they are overdue.  The librarian, Ms. Aris, would like to have all of the overdue books returned before the winter break.  Then we finished our morning with two rounds of Daily 5.

In the afternoon we continued our look at the regions of Alberta, and we made a list of our questions and wonders.  Ask your child what they wondered about.  Then in math we worked on adding three numbers together and determining how many more or less to make 10.  Ask your child about this.

Thank you to all of you who came out last night.  The students did an amazing job with their songs.

Fun Lunch order forms are due in by next Monday, December 15th.

Next week is a short week.  There is no school for students on Friday, December 19th.

Have a wonderful Wednesday,
Mr. Soulliere

December 9, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we practiced for our concert this evening.  The evening runs from 6:00 to 7:30.  Our class will be performing at 6:30, so please make sure that your child is here in the classroom and ready by around 6:15 so that we can be prepared to go right at 6:30.

This afternoon the students did a written response to the book Library Lion.  Ask your child what they wrote about.  At the end of the day we started talking about winter, and then finished off the day with some math games.

What is a chinook?  Post your answer in the comments below.

Fun Lunch order forms are due in by next Monday, December 15th.

I look forward to seeing you all tonight.

Mr. Soulliere

December 5, 2014

Hello families and friends,

Yesterday we looked at a map of the natural regions of Alberta.  Then the students were able to explore some of the wildlife and plants of these regions using the website Zooming in on Alberta.  We will continue looking at this over the next couple weeks as we prepare for our Non-Fiction writing project.

For this project we will be making envelope books, and we are looking for a parent volunteer who would be able to help in making these by sewing the envelopes together.  If you would be able to help out with this please email me at <gasoulliere@cbe.ab.ca>.

Fun Lunch orders are available online for January, February, and March now.  The January Fun Lunch is Good Earth on the 28th, February is Boston Pizza on the 25th, and March is A & W on the 18th.  Orders for these are due back by Monday, December 15th.

Next Tuesday, December 9th, is our Christmas Concert.  Our class will be performing at 6:30 p.m.

Thanks to all of you who came out for Parent Teacher Interviews!  It was wonderful to see you all again.  If you have any further questions or concerns, or if there was something that you forgot to mention or ask about, feel free to email me at the address above.

Have a great weekend,
Mr. Soulliere

December 2, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we had music with a substitute teacher.  We sang Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer, Have a Holly Jolly Christmas, and the Chipmunk song.  After practicing those we sang some favourites.  Then in gym we played 4-corner dodge ball.  Ask your child about how this is played.  Then we had Roots of Empathy.  We were learning about teeth.  Then we did some free writing, and had author's chair.  Ask your child what they wrote about.  Then we finished the morning by going to the Learning Commons.

This afternoon we did two blocks of reading for 20 minutes each.  Then we played Sight Word Bingo.  Ask your child how it is played.  Then we finished our day with some math.

Next Tuesday, December 9th, is the Christmas Concert for our class.

This Thursday and Friday are Parent Teacher Interviews.  If you have not booked a time yet please do so.  I look forward to seeing all of you.

If you have said that you are donating something for Families Helping Families, please bring those things in as soon as possible.  They are being sent out this Friday afternoon, so have the wrapped gifts brought in before then please!

Post a math word problem in the comments below.  We will look at these tomorrow.

Have a great afternoon,
Room 74 and Mr. Soulliere

December 1, 2014

Hello families and friends,

Our words of the week for this week are "look", "as", "did", and "go" for grade ones and "down", "all", "there", and "little" for grade twos.  Help your child with these words by practicing using them correctly in sentences and reading and writing with them.  In music the students continued working on the songs that they will be performing next Tuesday, December 9th, for the Christmas Concert.

In the afternoon we practiced creating math problems using the weather graphs that we have made as a class for the first three months of school.  Then we had Ms. Jessica come to continue working with us on our printing.  Today we talked about "tall", "short", and "fishing" letters.  Ask your child about this.  Then we finished up our work on domestic and wild animals, and then the students had some free writing time.

This Thursday and Friday are Parent Teacher Interviews.  If you have not booked already, there are some times still available on Friday.  As these times are only 15 minutes long, if there are any concerns or subjects that you would like to discuss in more depth please email me at <gasoulliere@cbe.ab.ca> to schedule a meeting at another time.  It is important to keep the meetings on Thursday and Friday to the 15 minute time limit as any set backs affect the whole night, and some families will have more than just the one interview to attend to.

Families Helping Families donations are due by this Friday, December 5th.  Please have them wrapped and brought in before this time, as they will be sent out that afternoon.

Thanks and have a wonderful evening,
Mr. Soulliere

November 27, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we did some Raz-Kids.  Please remember, if you are doing Raz-Kids at home to do the quizzes after you read the books.  Also, record yourself reading if you can!  After that we had dance.  We are working on swing dance. Ask your child what they've learned.  After dance we had Roots of Empathy.  We talked about stepping into other people's shoes.  Ask your child what that means.  Then we finished our morning at the Learning Commons.

After lunch we did some writing about our feelings.  Ask your child what they wrote about.  Then we went to the Learning Commons for our last mapping lesson.  At the end of the day, we continued our talk about domestic and wild animals.

Tuesday, December 9th, is our Christmas Concert.

Next Thursday evening and Friday morning are Parent Teacher Interviews.  Book your times as soon as possible if you have not already.

Have a great afternoon,
Room 74 and Mr. Soulliere

November 26, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we started our day with some reading.  Then our buddies came over and we did some buddy reading with them.  Then we had gym.  We continued doing Drum Fit and our self assessments.  Then in math we did some problems.  Ask your child about this.

We had Fun Lunch today.  Then we went to the Learning Commons to do some more work with the map.  We learned about animals that migrate and where they go to.  We also learned that Beluga Whales are almost as big as the map! After mapping we did some science.  Ask your child what they learned about.

Next week is Parent Teacher Interviews.  Registration for times is open.  Most of Thursday evening is already booked, but there are still a lot of times available for Friday morning.

Tuesday, December 9th, is our Christmas Concert.  Remember to check out Mrs. Jones or Ms. Jackson's blog if you want to practice the songs at home.

What is the difference between a domestic and wild animal?  Post your answer in the comments below.

Thank you so much for those that have already indicated a donation or purchase for our sponsored family on our BLOG. Your generosity and care is very much appreciated.

Our 'Families Helping Families' initiative is an amazing opportunity to teach children about the true meaning of the holidays and the idea of giving without the expectation of receiving in return.

The due date for wrapped/labelled gifts is December 5th, 2014. Thank you for helping make this holiday truly special for a family in need!!!

Below is what has been donated/purchased so far:
- scarves for adults
- toiletries for adults
- pants for girl
- sweater for girl
- water bottle for girl
- Uno
- markers
- pencil crayons
- Walmart gift card
- backpack with art supplies in it
- PJs for girl
- sketch book
- glitter glue
- Papa John's gift card
- 2 Magic Tree House books

Have a wonderful Wednesday,
Room 74 and Mr. Soulliere

November 25, 2014

Hello families and friends,

We had a wonderful day at Telus SPARK today.  The children learned a lot and really enjoyed the junior architect program.  Ask your child about some of the things that they did and what they learned.

A reminder that tomorrow is Fun Lunch.

Thank you to those of you that have already sent in your wrapped gifts for Families Helping Families.  I will continue updating on the blog every few days with the things that have been donated so far.

We will be going to the Learning Commons this Thursday.  Please help your child to remember their books by having a special place for them or by putting them into their backpack the night before.

Parent Teacher Interviews are just around the corner!  Registration for times is open tonight at 7:00 p.m.  If there is anything in particular that you would like addressed or if you have any issues or concerns, you can email me at <gasoulliere@cbe.ab.ca>.

Have a great evening,
Mr. Soulliere

November 24, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we did some free reading time for 30 minutes.  We did some drum fit and a self-assessment.  In music we were learning the songs for the concert.  The concert will be Tuesday, December 9th, in the evening.  Our songs are Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Have a Holly Jolly Christmas, and the Chipmunk Christmas Song.  If you would like to practice these songs or lyrics at home, go to Mrs. Jackson or Mrs. Jones' blog.  Then we had word work.  Our words of the week are "can", "is", "so", and "not" for grade ones and "they", "but", "had", and "that".

This afternoon we learned about subtraction with Mrs. Sloane's class.  Then we did a When I Was Little writing task.  Ask your child what they wrote about.

Fun Lunch is this Wednesday, November 26th.

Tomorrow is our field trip to the Science Centre.  The bus leaves around 9:00 so please don't be late!

Update:  At the end of the day, one of our students took home the wrong pair of boots.  Please check your child's winter gear that they have brought home and if they have anything that does not belong to them please send it back with them the next day.  A lot of the students have similar looking things, so this is bound to happen once in a while.  The boots in question today are black felt.

Post two facts that you know about leaves or plants in the comments section below.
Thank you so much for those that have already indicated a donation or purchase for our sponsored family on our BLOG. Your generosity and care is very much appreciated. 

Our 'Families Helping Families' initiative is an amazing opportunity to teach children about the true meaning of the holidays and the idea of giving without the expectation of receiving in return. 

The due date for wrapped/labelled gifts is December 5th, 2014. Thank you for helping make this holiday truly special for a family in need!!!

Below is what has been donated/purchased so far:

- scarves for adults

- toiletries for adults

- pants for girl

- sweater for girl

- water bottle for girl

- Uno

- markers

- pencil crayons

- Walmart gift card

- backpack with art supplies in it

Have a good afternoon,
Room 74 and Mr. Soulliere

November 19, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we started our day with some reading.  We did read to self or read to someone for 20 minutes, and then switched to a different kind of reading for another 20 minutes.  Then we did some gym.  In gym we continued doing some drum fit.  Ask your child what they did.  Then we did writing.  We had four pictures and got to choose one to write about.  Ask your child what they did their writing on.  In math we did the Mr. Soulliere's Toy Factory problem.  Ask your child about it.

This afternoon we continued working on the math from the morning.  Then we worked on Raz-Kids and we had some time to finish up our writing from this morning and the About Me sheet that we started yesterday.  Then at the end of the day, we did some science.  Ask your child what they did.

Please remember to bring back the field trip forms tomorrow.  Our field trip is next Tuesday, November 25th.

Next Wednesday, November 26th, is Fun Lunch.

This Friday there is no school for students.

This Thursday evening is Family Math and Literacy night.

Tell me one thing that you are excited about for the winter.

Have a wonderful Wednesday,
Room 74 and Mr. Soulliere

Families Helping Families

Hello families and friends,

If you are interested in helping, please let us know on this blog post (titled ‘FAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES’). State what item you are willing to contribute or donate based off of the needs the family has indicated so that all other families in our class can see what has been contributed and what still is in need.

Please remember that our families would love to not have to worry about the purchase of food items and more than one gift card to their chosen grocery store would be welcomed! We welcome donations of gently used items for our families as well.

All gifts/donations will need to be wrapped and labeled to whom they are intended for. Wrapped contributions will be due by: Friday December 5th, 2014

Comments when families were notified that they were chosen for this initiative:

"You have no idea what this means to us."

"This is truly amazing."

"This could not have happened at a better time."

“Thank you for everything and for helping my family out. I’m grateful for the help complete strangers are willing to give us. It’s amazing!” 

In the spirit of giving this holiday season, all staff at Cranston school would like to thank families in advance for their thoughts and contributions! Thank you for making a families Christmas a little brighter!!

November 17, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we did some Read to Someone and Read to Self for 15 minutes each.  Then we had gym.  We did some Drum Fit but we worked on some things like tapping the stand and to the side and on top with the drum sticks.  Then we went to music and we were learning the names of the reindeer.  They are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph.  Then we did some word work.  Our words of the week are "up", "are", "at" and "we" for grade ones and "her", "him", "them", and "with" for grade twos.

This afternoon we did some writing about our weekends.  Then we learned how to make finger spaces and continued practicing our sticky letters.  Then we finished up our writing and had an opportunity to share it.  At the end of the day we did some science.  Ask your child what they learned about.

Next Wednesday, November 26th, is Fun Lunch.

Next Tuesday, November 25th, is our Science Centre field trip.  Please return your child's permission forms as soon as possible.

Write a sentence in the comments that uses as many of the 8 words of the week as you can.

Have a great afternoon,
Room 74 and Mr. Soulliere

November 13, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we did some Read to Self and Read to Someone for 15 minutes each.  Then we had dance with Ms. Janelle.  We worked on swing dancing.  Then we had Roots of Empathy with Mrs. Fernandez.  We learned not to shake babies.  Then we had some free writing time.  Ask your child what they wrote about.

In the afternoon we worked on "Triple Scoop Words".  These are juicy words that are more descriptive.  After word work we did increasing and decreasing number patterns in math.  At the end of the day we did some science.  Ask your child about this.

Adults:  What temperature does Lola (a leopard gecko) like her tank to be?  Post your answer in the comments below.

Permission forms for the Science Centre field trip need to be returned as soon as possible.  We are still short a couple volunteers.  If you are able to come please email Mr. Soulliere at <gasoulliere@cbe.ab.ca>.

Have a good evening,
Room 74 and Mr. Soulliere

November 12, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we started with some Read to Self and Read to Someone.  In gym we did some exercises with drum sticks and the exercise balls.  Ask your child about this.  Then we went to the Learning Commons and Ms. Michele, from the Calgary Zoo, talked with us about animals and plants.  After that we went outside and we looked for alive things and things that animals need to survive winter.

This afternoon we did the words of the week.  For grade ones these are "one", "for", "said" and "was".  For grade twos these are "friend", "out", "she" and "his".  Ask your child what they did for this.  After this we did some writing about our weekends.  Then we finished the day with some science.  Ask your child what we talked about.

Lola has joined our classroom!

In two weeks we will be going on our field trip to the Science Centre.  We are still looking for some volunteers to help out with this.  If you would be able to come for the day on Tuesday, November 25th, please email Mr. Soulliere at <gasoulliere@cbe.ab.ca>.  That Wednesday, the 26th, is also Fun Lunch.

What kind of food do Lola's crickets eat?  Post your answer in the comments below.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, 
Room 74 and Mr. Soulliere

November 6, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we practiced our Buddy Reading.  We were able to go for 5 minutes.  Then we watched a video that Mr. Soulliere made of our reading and talked about what good buddy reading looks like.  In dance we had a new teacher.  Her name is Ms. Janelle, and she will be with us for the next 3 months.  Then a guest reader came to read the story Amelia Badelia to us.  We also did some free writing.

In math we continued working on our doubles and did some calendar math.  We also listened to a song.  In science we made a How To Get Your Winter Clothes On instruction sheet.  At the end of the day we had another guest reader.  Ask your child about this.

Next week, Lola will be joining us in room 74.  We will be adding a new job to our jobs each week for the students to have an opportunity to take care of Lola.

Next week is a short week.  Students have Monday and Tuesday off.  On Wednesday, permission forms for our first field trip will be going home.  We will be going to Telus Spark Science Centre on Wednesday, November 25th.  We will be looking for some parent volunteers to help out with this.  If you are available that day please email Mr. Soulliere at <gasoulliere@cbe.ab.ca>.

What kind of lizard is Lola, or what does she eat?  Post your answer in the comments below.

Have a great night with your grade 1 or 2 child,
Room 74 and Mr. Soulliere

November 3, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we had an assembly about Readathon.  We learned about different types of books and why people like them.  We also learned about the different events that are going to be happening this week.  Tomorrow is pajama day and book clubs.  Wednesday is dress up as your favourite book character and DEAR day.  Thursday is celebrity guest reader day.  Friday is the Remembrance Day assembly and buddy reading day.  In gym we played snowman dodge ball.  Ask your child about this.  In music we sang Pray for Peace.  We finished the morning with some writing.

In the afternoon we did some reading.  Then we did a printing activity.  Ask your child about this.  Then at the end of the day we learned about the other thing that animals do to get ready for the winter.

What do animals do to get ready to hibernate and what happens when they hibernate?  Post your answer in the comments below.

Going home today are some sheets for Readathon week.  Check in our backpacks for these.  Also please remember to bring your communication folders back as soon as possible so that the Raz-Kids login cards can be taped into them.

EDIT:  Tomorrow we will be going to the Learning Commons.  Please help your child to remember their book by placing it into the backpack before bed tonight.

Have a good day,
Room 74 and Mr. Soulliere

October 29, 2014

Hello families and friends,

Today we practiced our buddy reading some more, and were able to make it for 20 minutes.  In gym we continued practicing our throwing and catching skills.  After that we finished up our Pumpkin Math, with counting the pumpkin seeds.  Ask your child about this.

After Fun Lunch we worked on the /wh/ sound in word work.  In science in reviewed what we had learned about hibernation and started talking about migration.  Ask your child what they learned.  At the end of the day the students had some free writing time.

What are the different types of hibernation?  Post your answer in the comments below.

Tomorrow in the afternoon students are free to dress up in their costumes.  It should be something that will be easy for them to get in and out of and that they will not need assistance with for the washroom and things like that.  We will also be working on a leaf rubbing art project.  Please find some fresh leaves this evening or tomorrow morning to use for this.

A notice went home today for some OT services that our class will be receiving over the next little while.  If you have any questions or concerns, contact information is on the sheet.  This does not need to be returned.

Raz-Kids has now been set up for this year.  Please return your child's communication folder as soon as possible so that their login cards can be taped inside of them for use at home.

Tomorrow is the last day for Jacket Racket.  If you have any old winter gear or clothing that you are not using anymore please send them in for those that are in need.

Thanks and have a wonderful Wednesday,
Mr. Soulliere

October 27, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we read for 30 minutes.  Then in gym we did Drum Fit.  In music we did some singing and we did haunted piano.  Ask your child what songs we did.  We also started our Pumpkin Math.

In lunch we had a new lunch supervisor, Mrs. Jones.  This afternoon we did work work on the /w/ sound and we added some more words onto the word wall.  We added vein, stem, sugars, water, leaf, chloroplast, stomata, midrib, blade, packages and chlorophyl.  Ask your child why we added these words.  Then we wrote about our weekend.  Then at the end of the day we looked at a book about leaves.  Where in a leaf is the midrib?  Post your answer in the comments below.

Bring back your library books tomorrow.  We will be going to the Learning Commons in the afternoon.  If everybody can remember to bring back their books, we will be able to start taking out two.

Halloween Howler is this Thursday evening.

This Wednesday is Fun Lunch.

This Thursday afternoon we will be having a small Halloween celebration.  Bring in your costumes to wear during the afternoon.  No masks or weapons allowed.  

Have a good afternoon,
Room 74 and Mr. Soulliere

October 23, 2014

Hello families and friends,

I have had a few mentions that people have been having difficulties posting comments on the blog.  Most of these seem to be from people who are using a tablet or smartphone.  If you are having difficulties posting a comment there do not seem to be any issues when using a computer.

Next Wednesday is Subway Fun Lunch.

Next Thursday is Halloween Howler.

Tomorrow we will be having an assembly for Right to Play.

Have a good evening,

Mr. Soulliere

October 22, 2014

Hello families and friends,

Today we worked on the /ng/ sound in word work.  Then in writers' workshop we looked at the writing samples that the students did yesterday and started to make a list of What Makes Good Writing.  Ask your child about some of the things we came up with.

In the afternoon the grade twos worked on creating word problems and the grade ones worked on their doubles facts in math.  Then we watched the Magic School Bus "Gets Planted" and talked about what we learned about plants from the video and made connections to the things that we had already learned about leaves.  Our question for the day is; what are the tiny pores in the leaves called that bring in air for photosynthesis?  Post your answer in the comments below.  We will continue looking at leaves tomorrow, to try and answer why leaves have the shapes and sizes that they do.

Tomorrow we will be going to the Learning Commons.  Please help your child to remember to bring in their library book by putting it into their backpack this evening if they have not already returned it.  If all the students remember to bring them back again this week they will be able to start taking out 2 books!

Picture Order forms went home yesterday.  Those are due back next Wednesday, October 29th.

Next Thursday, October 30th, is the Halloween Howler.

Have a wonderful Wednesday,
Mr. Soulliere

October 21, 2014

Hello families and friends,

In gym this morning we played Botchy Ball with the balls or frisbees and we played Evolution Tag.  In word work we did the /n/ sound.  We also read for 30 minutes straight.  At the end of the morning we did number strips, math games and worked on skip counting by 5 up to 100.

This afternoon we did some writing about Fall.  Ask your child what they wrote about.  At the end of the day we practiced being a scientist.

Next Thursday, October 30th, is the Halloween Howler.

Forms for Roots of Empathy need to be returned as soon as possible.

Picture order forms are going home today.

Why does Lola shed her skin?

Pumpkin Math: Next week, the students in rooms 73, 74 and 75 will be working on some Pumpkin Math.  They will be working in groups on some measurement and estimation skills, and to assist with this we are looking for some families to donate pumpkins.  Since we will be working on comparing and describing the pumpkins as well, we will be looking for a variety of sizes and shapes.  We will need approximately 6 pumpkins from each class.  If you are able to donate to our cause, please email me at <gasoulliere@cbe.ab.ca> before the weekend.  Your support is greatly appreciated!

Have a great evening,
Room 74 and Mr. Soulliere

October 20, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we continued building our Read to Self stamina.  We were able to go for 30 minutes without stopping!  Well done team.  In gym the students were able to participate in Drum Fit.  Ask your child about this.  Then in word work we worked on the /m/ sound.

In the afternoon we talked about two different kinds of stories; walking stories and climbing stories.  Then we practiced writing a climbing story.  Ask your child what they wrote.  At the end of the day we reviewed what living and non-living things are and the needs of living things, then we discussed ways that living things prepare for the winter.  How do animals get water in the winter?  Post your answer in the comments below.

Tomorrow will be our first Roots of Empathy class.  If you have not returned your child's form for that please do so as soon as possible.

EDIT: Pumpkin Math:  Next week, the students in rooms 73, 74 and 75 will be working on some Pumpkin Math.  They will be working in groups on some measurement and estimation skills, and to assist with this we are looking for some families to donate pumpkins.  Since we will be working on comparing and describing the pumpkins as well, we will be looking for a variety of sizes and shapes.  We will need approximately 6 pumpkins from each class.  If you are able to donate to our cause, please email me at <gasoulliere@cbe.ab.ca> before the weekend.  Your support is greatly appreciated!

Thanks and have a great evening,
Mr. Soulliere

October 15, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we worked on our Read to Self and Read to Someone.  We were able to make it for 25 minutes in our Read to Self!  In gym we played Bandage Tag and a game with bean bags.  Ask your child about this.  Then in word work we worked on the /ch/ sound.  In writer's workshop we practiced doing some writing from our imagination.  Ask your child what they wrote about.

In the afternoon we did some math centres.  The students worked on subitizing games and addition sentences using ten frames.  Ask your child about these.  At the end of the day we did an activity on living and non-living things.

We forgot to go to the Learning Commons today!  We will be going tomorrow so remember to bring in your library books if you have not already.  If we can all remember to bring them back this week and next week we will start taking out 2 books.

Why are the days shorter and the nights longer in Fall and Winter?  Post your answer in the comments below.

Have a wonderful Wednesday,
Room 74 and Mr. Soulliere

October 14, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we did some writing about our weekend.  We had outside gym.  Ask your child about this.  We practiced read to self, read to someone and listening to reading for 13 minutes.  In word work we worked on /sh/ and /zh/. Ask your child about this.

This afternoon we worked on our math skills.  We had a bunch of manipulatives in our bags and we had to take out either 7 or 20 (for grade one or two) and draw out our groups and write the number sentences.  We also worked on our doubles.  Ask your child about what we did at the end of the day in science.

Halloween Howler ticket orders are due back as soon as possible.  Halloween Howler is Thursday, October 30th.

Fun Lunch order forms are due TOMORROW.

Scholastic book orders are due back Friday, October 17th.

Jacket Racket is happening from now until October 30th.  Bring in any old snowsuits, jackets, hats, boots, snowpants, etc. that no longer fit to donate to people in need.  Bring them in a bag labelled on the outside with what items are in the bag and what sizes to help our students organize them.  Make sure that they are washed first please!

Why do the days get colder in the Fall?  Post our answer in the comments below.

Have a great evening,
Room 74 and Mr. Soulliere

October 9, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we continued working on our Read to Self stamina and were able to go for almost 30 minutes!  They have made a lot of improvement with this, and we are slowly getting closer to our beginning-of-the-year goal that we set for one hour.  After that the students began working on a mapping project with Mrs. Kinsman and Mr. Southworth.  Ask your child about this.

In the afternoon we spent some time looking at goal setting and uploaded our goal and strategy into IRIS.  Ask your child what their goal is.  Then we began our Calendar Math, looking at representing the number 9.  At the end of the day we practiced logging in to Mathletics.

Scholastic Book Orders went home today.  They are due back next Friday, October 17th.

Next Monday is Thanksgiving, so there is no school.  What are you thankful for?  Share in the comments below.

Fun Lunch Orders are due back by next Wednesday, October 15th.

Have a great evening,
Mr. Soulliere

October 8, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning in gym we played a tag game using pool noodles.  We also played opposite dodge ball.  Ask your child about this.  In word work we worked on the /l/ sound.  We continued practicing our Read to Self and Read to Someone, and we also started using the Listening Centres.  At the end of the morning we worked on some Non-fiction writing.

In the afternoon we worked on making number sentences in math.  We also went out and enjoyed the sunshine for a body break.  At the end of the day we continued working on our Non-fiction writing about leaves.  We also went to the Learning Commons to switch out our library books.

If we can all remember to bring back our library books for the next two weeks, we will get to take out two books!  Help your child to remember so that we can all get this done.

Next Monday is Thanksgiving, and there is no school.

Halloween Howler is on October 30th in the evening.  If you would like tickets send in your order forms as soon as possible.

Fun Lunch order forms are due back next Wednesday, October 15th.

Question of the day: Why do leaves change colour?

Have a wonderful Wednesday,
Room 74 and Mr. Soulliere

October 7, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we had gym outside.  We played a tag game and then learned how to throw a frisbee.  In word work we worked on the quiet and noisy /th/ sounds.  Then in writer's workshop we continued writing about what we had done over the weekend, focusing on our writing skills that we have been practicing, and students had an opportunity to share their work.

In the afternoon we had our pictures done, and the students all looked very nice!  We also did a math activity on writing number sentences.  Then we learned more about the season of Fall with a video and talked about what causes Fall to happen.  Write in the comments something that you learned about Fall from the video.

Fun Lunch Orders are due back next Wednesday, October 15th.

Tomorrow we will be going to the Learning Commons.

Look forward to receiving an assessment update about your child by the end of October.  If there is anything specific that you are wondering about please email me with your questions.

Have a great evening,
Mr. Soulliere

October 6, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we continued building our reading stamina.  We were able to go for 20 minutes of Buddy Reading and 20 minutes of Read to Self.  In music we did a Fly and Dinosaur catching game.  Ask your child about this.  We also played barrier dodgeball in gym.  Then we did the /i/ sound in word work.

This afternoon we worked on making number sentences in math.  We also had a presentation from Hazel Hutchins.  Ask your child about this.

Tomorrow is picture day.  Pictures will be taken in the gym so please make sure that your child is dressed appropriately for outside gym.  Fun Lunch orders are due back next Wednesday, October 15th.  Next Monday is thanksgiving, so there is no school.

Have a happy afternoon,
Room 74 and Mr. Soulliere

October 2, 2014

Hello families and friends,

Today we continued working on our Buddy Reading skills and talked about what good Read to Someone looks like.  Then in word work we worked on the "brother" sound to our /f/ sound that we learned yesterday.  Ask your child about what they did.  After that, we worked on a patterning activity where the students had to extend patterns and create their own pattern that follows the same rule as one given for them.

In the afternoon we continued looking at the Writing Process by doing steps 3 and 4; Conferencing, Editing and Revising, and Publishing and Sharing.  Then we learned more about leaves by becoming veins.  We had to work together to send the "water" down to the edge of our leaf, and we learned about why leaves have so many veins and why they have so many that connect and go to the same places.  Ask your child about this.  Finally, we have been spending some time talking about things that we care about and ways that we can care for, and show that we care for, these things.  Today we took it back to ways that we care for ourselves.  

What is one way that you are taking care of yourself tonight?  Post your answer in the comments below.

Halloween Howler order forms have gone home; return those as soon as possible if you would like tickets as supplies are short.  Fun Lunch orders for October and November are available online, and instructions for this were sent out in the October Newsletter.

Have a great evening,
Mr. Soulliere

October 1, 2014

Hello families and friends,

In gym this morning we worked on our throwing and catching skills and played dodge ball.  In word work we worked on the /f/ sound.  We also worked on our Read to Self and Buddy Reading skills.  We are able to do 20 minutes of Read to Self and 15 minutes of Buddy Reading now.

In math we started working on some math centres.  Some students were able to get on to Mathletics, we worked on filling in number patterns, and representing numbers.  Please make sure that your red folder comes in to school each day.  Our mathletics sign in cards are taped into our folders, so it makes it easier for us to work on it when we have our folders here.

This afternoon we learned about photosynthesis.  Ask your child about this.  We also worked on a new planning strategy for our writing called a 4-corner plan.  Then we worked on our writing skills that we've been practicing.

Some forms are going home today.  October and November Fun Lunch orders are available online now.  They are due back by Wednesday, October 15th.

Have a wonderful Wednesday,
Room 74 and Mr. Soulliere

September 30, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we practiced our throwing and catching skills in gym.  We also practiced our Read to Self and Buddy Reading skills.  In writer's workshop we talked about why writers write and our job as a reader.

It was an indoor recess today.

In math we worked on representing numbers.  We played a ball game for an activity break this afternoon.  Ask your child about this.  We also finished up a couple art projects that we had started last week.  Then we spent some time taking a close look at some leaves.

For our parents:  Why do you think the top side of the leaf is a brighter colour than the bottom side of the leaf?  We won't give you any clues or hints!  Please comment below with your answer.

Have a good night with your grade ones or twos,

Room 74 and Mr. Soulliere

September 29, 2014

Hello families and friends,


Today we continued our word work by working on the short /e/ sound.  We also continued practicing our writing skills and adding detail to our writing.  Ask your child what they wrote about.  Also in the morning, we had our first fire drill of the year.  The students did an awesome job!

In the afternoon we practiced our research skills by looking at the answers to some of our questions that we came up with last week about leaves.  They learned about the process behind leaves changing colour and why they are not all the same colour throughout.

A reminder to please continue bringing in home reading book bags.  I have found some entertainment book bags that I can give to the students if needed, but the ziploc bags work much better as they can be sealed and better protect the books.

Have a great evening,
Mr. Soulliere

September 24, 2014

Hello families and friends,

Just a reminder to send a ziploc bag in with your child for the home reading program so that we can get that started this week.

Edit:  Also, I have finished putting the Mathletics groups together and I have the students' login cards printed off.  I will be taping them to the inside of their communication folders so please make sure that your child's comes back before the end of the week if you would like to get them started on that.

Have a wonderful Wednesday,
Mr. Soulliere

September 23, 2014

Hello families and friends,

Today we were able to make it to 10 minutes of focused Buddy Reading.  Then in Word Work we made words using only the sounds that we have worked on up to this point.  We also went to the Learning Commons to switch out our books.

In the afternoon we did some investigation of the leaves that we gathered as a group on our community walk yesterday.  The students had a lot of great questions about them and we will be learning more about these in the coming weeks.  Also, in Writer's Workshop we worked on adding detail to our writing.  The students wrote about what kind of pet they would like to have, based on the book "I Wish I Had a Dinosaur" and to include some reasons and also some things that they could not do with that pet.  Ask your child what they wrote about.

Tomorrow is the Terry Fox Hot Dog Lunch and Run.  The students will not be needing as much in their lunches because of this.  Also if possible, please send in a small blanket for the children to sit on as we will be eating outside.  We will also be writing some inspirational messages along the path with our grade 3/4 buddies in room 70.

Thank you to those of you who have sent in the ziploc bag for the students' home reading bags.  We will be looking to get books sent home for the weekend so please keep bringing those in.

Thanks and have a great evening,
Mr. Soulliere

September 22, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we went on our community walk.  We spent some time sketching, looking for and collecting different signs of nature.  Ask your child about what they saw and sketched.  In the afternoon we did our Pinwheels for Peace for International Peace Day.

Please keep sending in those large or medium sized ziploc bags for the Home Reading program, it is greatly appreciated and will help work towards making sure that the books do not get lost or damaged.  Any lost or damaged books will cost $5 to replace.  Also, please keep sending in the Paper Bags About Me. We will start sharing those tomorrow.

Have a great evening,
Mr. Soulliere

September 20, 2014

Hello families and friends,

Just a few reminders today.  Monday our class, along with rooms 73 and 75, will be going on our community walk.  This will be happening in the morning so please make sure that your child comes dressed appropriately for the morning weather.  We will also be out of the school on Wednesday for the Terry Fox run.

Hope you're enjoying the beautiful weather this weekend,
Mr. Soulliere

September 17, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we had our Terry Fox kick-off assembly.  The run will be next Wednesday, September 24th in the afternoon.  Families are welcome to come and participate with the students.  Pledge forms will be going home tomorrow.  We also worked on our reading, getting to 10 minutes in Buddy Reading!  Finally, we continued our word work with the /g/ sound.

A reminder that tomorrow is the Meet the Teacher Open House, from 4:00-7:00 p.m.  Times can be booked online at the same site that you pay fees.  Look forward to seeing you all there!

Student demographic forms went home today.  Please return those as soon as possible.  Entertainment Books or order forms are due back on Monday, September 22nd.  Tomorrow is the last day to return Hot Dog Lunch Order Forms.  Also, we are still looking for one more volunteer to come with us on our community walk on the morning of September 22nd.  If you would be available for this please email me at <gasoulliere@cbe.ab.ca>.

Have a wonderful Wednesday,
Mr. Soulliere

September 16, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we made it to 12 minutes of Quiet Reading and 7 minutes of Buddy Reading!  It is good to see the students continuing to develop those independent work skills.  We also switched out books in the Learning Commons.  A reminder that for now students can only take out a new book once they have returned their last one, until we have gotten used to the routine of when to bring them back.  In the afternoon we started talking about the season of Fall and came up with a huge list of different things that we see and notice during the fall.  Ask your child what changes they have noticed happening already.

Terry Fox Hot Dog Lunch forms are due back this Thursday, September 18th and Entertainment Books or Order Forms are due back next Monday, September 22nd.  We will also be going for our Community Walk at 9:00 a.m. on Monday the 22nd, and we are still looking for a few more volunteers who would be able to assist with this.

Starting next week I would like to begin the Home Reading program.  To assist in taking care of the books and making sure that they are not lost or damaged, I am asking that each student please bring in a medium or large sized ziploc bag (the size of the library book bag or slightly smaller, but larger than a sandwich bag).  Your assistance in this would be greatly appreciated.  

Enjoy the beautiful weather,
Mr. Soulliere

September 15, 2014

Hello families and friends,

Today we continued working on building our reading stamina; we made it 11 minutes in Quiet Reading and 6 minutes in Buddy Reading.  Then in word work we worked on the /k/ sound, looking at the letters 'c' and 'k'.

This afternoon we spent some time looking at the videos that the students had made last week and talked about what makes a good video.  I want the students to have lots of opportunities to do make videos to assist in showing their understanding and learning, so we watched a lot of samples to see what worked well and what did not.

Today Scholastic Book Order forms went home.  Please have them back by Friday, September 26th.  Also please remember to return any forms that have gone home that you have not returned yet.

We have set the time and date for our Community Walk for next Monday, September 22nd at 9:00 a.m.  We are planning to be out until 10:00, 10:30 the latest.  If you would be available to assist us in this you can email me at <gasoulliere@cbe.ab.ca>.

Thanks and have a great evening,
Mr. Soulliere

September 12, 2014

Hello families and friends,

Today was our first day of Choir with Mrs. Sloane and Mrs. Webb/Ms. MacMillan's classes.  We will be having Choir every other Friday.  In developing our reading stamina we were able to make it to 9 minutes in our Quiet Reading and 6 minutes in our Buddy Reading.  We are making some good progress here!

In math we worked on different ways to sort objects and talked about our special word that we learned yesterday, "properties".  Then the students used Bloggies to record a video of the sorting that they had done and to explain how they sorted.  Ask your child about this.

Later this month our class, along with Rooms 73 and 75, will be going on a community walk.  We will be looking for about 4 volunteers from each class to come and help supervise the students along the way.  The tentative date is set for the morning of Monday, September 22nd.  I do not anticipate this date changing, but I will keep you informed if it does.

On Tuesday next week our class will be going to the Learning Commons again to return our books and take out new ones.  Students will not be allowed to take out a new book until the one that they have has been returned.  Please help your child to remember to bring their book back on Monday or Tuesday, and remember to have a special place for your child to put their books to minimize the risk of them being misplaced.

Thanks and have a wonderful weekend,
Mr. Soulliere

September 11, 2014

Hello families and friends,

Today we continued building our Quiet Reading stamina.  We made it to 8 minutes!  We are going to continue building this stamina and independence so that I can start doing some small group work with the students.  In math today we started talking about sorting, and we learned an important new word.  Ask your child what it is!

Today we continued doing our word work, focusing on the /t/ sound.  In word work, a few days a week, we are focusing on specific sounds and not necessarily the letters.  We spend some time talking about how the sounds are made, what parts of our body we use to create the sounds, and if our voice is "on" or "off".  Ask your child what this means.  After that we make a list of words beginning with that sound and then the students practice writing the letter(s) that make the sound, words that begin with the sound, and pictures of things that begin with that sound.  We will continue doing this over the next little while, and if possible I would encourage you to spend some time to practice these things at home with them as well to increase their phonetic awareness.

This afternoon we also had our first time with the laptops.  The grade twos helped our grade one friends learn how to log in and out of the computers, and we posted our first artifact onto IRIS.  We will be doing a lot of work with IRIS throughout the year.

Terry Fox Hot Dog Lunch fundraising forms went home with your child today.  All proceeds from this will go towards the money we raise for the Terry Fox Run.  Please return this and all other forms that have gone home as soon as possible.

Thanks and have a wonderful evening,
Mr. Soulliere

September 9, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we made it to 6 minutes with our Quiet Reading and 4 minutes with our Buddy Reading.  We will keep working on this to build our stamina and independence.  In math today we continued working on patterns.  The students were given a sequence of colours and had to determine what would be the next colours in the pattern.  Then we did some work on decorating our visual journals with glue and tissue paper.  They are looking really nice!

Milk Program order forms went home today.  Please fill those out and return them as soon as possible if your child would like to have milk with their lunches.  Also, please return the package of forms that went out last week as soon as possible.

Stay warm,
Room 74 and Mr. Soulliere

September 8, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we went to the Learning Commons and took out our first book.  It is important that we take care of our library books by keeping them in the ziploc bag when we are not reading them.  Please find a special place to keep the library books each day so that they do not get lost.  The library books need to be returned after 2 weeks (14 days).  We will be going to the Learning Commons at least once each week, and if the students are finished their book it can be returned and a new one taken out.  This morning we also tried out Buddy Reading.  Ask your child about this.  We also made it to 5 minutes with our Quiet Reading.

We had our second music class today.  Music will be every Monday and Thursday.  In math, we looked at patterns and practiced making "aab" patterns.

We had a good day today.

Have a good evening,
Room 74 and Mr. Soulliere

September 4, 2014

Hello families and friends,

Today was a very exciting day.  This morning we had our first day of dance with Ms. Natalka.  We will be having this every Thursday.  We also had our first music class with Mrs. Jones.  Music will be on Mondays and Thursdays each week.  Then we had a chance to meet our buddies for this year, the students in room 70.  The students enjoyed the time together doing some buddy reading.  Finally, we finished up our Math About Me work and practiced our quiet reading skills.

In the afternoon we had the kick-off assembly for the Entertainment Books.  These went home with the students today.

Tomorrow we will be having our welcome back celebration for the students and teachers with muffins and water on the compound.  We will also be working on an art project with some of our other grade one/two buddies in the Hope hallway with us.

A reminder, please fill out and return the forms that were sent home earlier this week as soon as possible.

Thanks and have a great night,
Mr. Soulliere

September 3, 2014

Hello families and friends,

This morning we had our first gym class with Mr. McDougall.  Ask your child about what we did.  We also wrote about what we did on our summer break and some people shared their work with the class.

This afternoon we did Math About Me.  We used numbers to talk about how many pets we have, how many people are in our family, how many teeth we've lost, how old we are, when we were born, and our favourite number.  We also started building our Reading Stamina.  As a whole class we made it to 2 minutes.  We are going to keep working on this until we get to our goal of 1 hour!

Today the Cranston School Advisory Council sheets were handed out.  Look in your child's backpack for this.

Have a wonderful Wednesday,

Room 74 and Mr. Soulliere