Reading
Our reading comprehension has been focusing on the skills of inferencing and predicting. I have also introduced the concept of ""schema" to the class. Schema is the sum of all our background knowledge collected through experiences, interests, conversations, family, books, places, stories, movies and pictures. Students have learned that when they make connections between what they read and their own schema it can help them make more valid predictions and accurate inferences. Writing Students are on the tail end of writing and revising their personal narratives. They have chosen a memorable in their life that they think will make a good story. They have been working on building description through the senses as well as slowing down the action in their writing to provide more vivid description. By the end of February we should have stories that are ready for readers! Math January and February have been devoted to learning division. Students have learned the basic concept through their understanding of its relationship with multiplication. As always is the case, the biggest challenge of grade 4 math is the introduction of "long division". This takes some time, because the strategy has mutiple steps (some that involve other operations). We will be extending division into the realm of problem solving where students will be learning to identify problems that require a range of the four possible operations. From division we will be moving into fractions at the end of February. Science Students have continued in the "Light and Shadows" unit. They have learned what light is, how it travels and what happens to it when it encounters other materials . They have studies the relationship between the position of the sun and shadow created by objects on the Earth. They have also experimented with concepts of refraction and reflection. By the end of February we will be moving into the unit of Building Machines that move, where students will learn about simple machines and how they provide a mechanical advantage for the people using them. Social Studies In January we have focused on learning about Alberta's Fossil Heritage. Students have learned why fossils are important to Alberta's identity, where fossils can be found and why they can be found in abundance in the province. Students have also studied how Albertan's opinions and thoughts about fossils have changed over the years. Finally, we learned about the concept of fossil fuels. February will see us look more in depth at the importance of fossil fuels and other natural resources to Alberta's people. Religion Now that we are through Advent and Christmas seasons on the liturgical calendar, we focus this secment of Ordinary Time on the "Building of God's Kingdom here on Earth. Students have learned the difference between an earthly kingdom and a heavenly kingdom. The are currently exploring the concept of "salvation" and the need to experience it before entering the Kingdom of Heaven. This month we will also be looking at the role the church plays in guiding us to build God's kingdom here on Earth.
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