March 9th - 13th
Follow is an update our week in 4A:
Brain Waves
On Monday the Grade 4 students were given a Brain Waves presentation by the local public health centre. This informative and fun half-day neuroscience presentation was sponsored by a national charity called Parachute. The aim of the charity is to bring attention to the issue of preventable injury and to help Canadians reduce their risks of injury so they can enjoy life to the fullest.
During the presentation, the students learned about different parts of the brain, basic neuroscience vocabulary, and how and why it's important to protect their brain and spinal cord. They participated in hands-on science lessons that allowed the students to see the connection between the brain and our senses. The presentation really helped to instill the brain and spinal cord prevention message.
Internet Awareness Presentation
This week the students were also given a presentation by the Saffron Centre on Internet Awareness. In this presentation, they discussed current trends, games and apps and how they impact us. The students were also given valuable information regarding online boundaries and how to stay safe on the internet.
Writing Workshop
Our Kidblog writing schedule this week included:
Journal Writing Monday - Weekend Post
Talk About it Tuesday - Would You Rather Cross-Country Ski or Downhill Ski
WeSearch Wednesday - Cross-Country Skiing
3, 2, 1 Thursday - Week in Review
Limericks
This week we read The Luckiest Leprechaun by Justine Korman. When a leprechaun reluctantly lets a dog befriend him, he finds out what it's like to care about someone. We used this book as a mentor test to help us generate ideas for writing Irish Limericks.
A limerick is a poem with humour and a strong rhythm. These poems originated in Ireland and follow a AABBA pattern. Each line of a limerick also follows a syllable rule. The 1st, 2nd, and 5th lines of a limerick be between 7-10 syllables and the 3rd and 4th lines must be between 5-7 syllables.
Math
We are continuing to work through our Fractions Unit and our focus this week was on ordering and comparing fractions. We watched a really good fraction video that explained this concept well. We will continue comparing fractions next week, looking at fractions with different denominators.
Science
Our TTT Marble Tracks are near completion and will be tested on Monday. We will have the tracks set up for Student Led Conferences and you will be able to watch your child demonstrate their completed toy.
We will begin Task #2 this week and your child may need to bring in a few more items for this project. They were so eager with their first design that many of the supplies were used already. Toy Design Task #2 is:
Twisted Trio Toy customers have been asking for an alternative to remote controlled vehicles. Customers have expressed concern that throwing away so many used batteries is bad for the environment, and they would like an eco-friendly alternative.
To address customer concerns, TTT executives have asked you to design a self-propelled toy vehicle that moves forward at least 2 meters and does not use batteries or electricity.
P.E.
This week, 4A was fitted with cross country ski boots and spent time outside, learning how to cross country ski. They started out learning how to fall, how to get up, and how to turn. They then progressed to basic forward movement, high knees, and gliding. After learning the basics, the students were given poles and started playing various games and making tracks.
Art
For art this week, we created leprechauns to go with our Limericks. Their limericks were published, attached to their leprechauns and are on display for you to see on Tuesday at Student Led Conferences.
