Casa Update
We have seen an explosion of writing in the Casa classroom this week.
In the Casa classroom children are introduced to the movable alphabet (large individual wooden letters) when the child is able to identify a number of sandpaper letters. This Language activity gives further practice with linking letter sounds with letter symbols, and initiates word building. In order to build phonetic words, the child uses the skill of analysis to decipher the sounds in words. An exciting leap into self-expression, work with the movable alphabet enables the child to bring their thoughts to life and communicate through the written word.
This week the large movable alphabet has been taken out to give the children opportunity to create words with the individual sounds they recognize. Some children have been making their own booklets, labels and stories. Cursive writing is ever present as well - this is still very much a favourite.
Just a reminder: if you haven't already selected a time to visit the classroom for a scheduled observation next week, please sign up via the sheet outside of our classroom. Your child will enjoy having you visit the classroom, and it will be a wonderful opportunity for you to observe your child's learning in progress.
Elementary Update
The classroom exploded with an enthusiasm for math this week, with many students working on multiplication and measurement using the metric system.
Work in history continued with discussions of the fundamental needs of human beings and how people have met their needs for shelter, food, and clothing in the past and present. We also enjoyed a Community Outing to the Locke Street Library to select new sources for project research. The class is looing forward to having parents join us during our morning work cycle as fall term observations begin next week.
Have a great weekend!
Ms. Achong and Mme. Prat-Kalonji
Elementary Update
The elementary class was a buzz of activity this week with many students completing independent research projects and making their first plasticene models to illustrate their studies.
Our weekly community outing investigated architecture and street art in the Kirkendall neighbourhood, followed by a visit to the studio of local artist and Lyonsgate parent, Dana Cowie. After a demonstration of painting with warm and cool colours, the students worked on their own pieces using acylics on canvas. We would also like to thank everyone who joined us to view our work at our Open House this week. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon for Parent Observations!
Bon Weekend,
Ms. Achong & Mme. Prat-Kalonji
Toddler Community Update
Thank you to the moms who came out for our Toddler sing-a-long and story this week.
We enjoyed dancing and singing to various songs such as "Bonjour mes Amies", "Wheels on the Bus" and danced to "What are you Doing?" and other movement songs. We all had a great time.
The children continue to work very well in the classroom and are beginning to master some activities like the more challenging puzzles and setting up their own table setting for snack and lunch. Great job Toddlers!
Casa Update
Halloween was a key feature in our classroom this week, and we enjoyed learning all about pumpkins. We also saw a strong interest in the bells throughout the week.
Children are born with the ability to hear, but the ability to listen is learned. As children develop the ability to listen, they build the foundation for analysis of language and communication as well as learning proper enunciation and context. Activities in the Practical Life area, such as responding to a bell and the silence game, as well as activities from the Language area such as vocabulary enrichment and language training, develop the child’s ability for focused listening.
Upcoming Dates:
• Tuesday, November 15 – Clothing orders due
• Friday, December 2 – PD Day & Parent Teacher Interviews
• Wednesday, December 21 (tentative date) – Holiday concert and social (5:00-7:00pm)
• Friday, December 23 – Last day of school (winter holidays begin)
Weekly Update
Thank you to all of the parents who came out to our Parent Social & Education Nights. They were fun and informative evenings!
Due to a busy week with classroom activities and parent teacher nights, we have a short update on upcoming dates for you this week. Also, be sure to check your child's Seesaw account for classroom photos and updates.
Upcoming Dates:
- Wednesday, October 26 - Elementary Community Outing: Casual Gourmet
- Friday, October 28 - Picture Day
- Wednesday, November 2 - Elementary Event: Art with Dana Cowie
- Thursday, November 3 - Toddler Sing & Share/Casa & Elementary Open Houses
- Friday, November 4 - PD Day (No School)
- December 5 - 9 - Casa Observations
- December 13-15 - Elementary Parent-Teacher Interviews
- Friday, December 16 - Elementary Reports
Elementary Update
The elementary students were thrilled to take their botany and history studies out of the classroom this week with a field study day at the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Armed with clipboards and paper for sketching, the students spent the morning working in four of the smaller gardens in Hendrie Park. In the Scent Garden, students explored how fragrance, nectar, and pollen are used to benefit both plants and insects; in the Prehistoric Garden, they studied two tree specimens once thought to be extinct: the Dawn Redwood and the Gingko Biloba.
Afterward, the class turned to a discussion of the types of technology used by humans in the Middle Ages, spending time in the Medieval Garden examining how a sundial works. A final stop in the Medicinal Garden let them discover plants used for keeping different body systems healthy. After all their hard work, the children were happy to gather with the Casa students for lunch and recess in the RBG's natural playground.
Back at school, the class eagerly explored measurement in Math, began work with their spelling groups, and ended the week with the Great Lesson of Human Beings.
We look forward to sharing some of these lessons with you at the first Elementary Parent Education evening on Thursday, October 20.
Upcoming Dates:
- Wednesday, October 19 - Community Outing: Locke Street Library
- Thursday, October 20 - Elementary Social & Parent Education
- Wednesday, October 26 - Community Outing: Casual Gourmet
- Friday, October 28 - Picture Day
- Thursday, November 3 - Elementary Open House
- Friday, November 4 - PD Day
Enjoy the beautiful autumn weekend ahead,
Ms. Achong & Mme. Prat-Kalonji
Toddler Community Update
Happy Thanksgiving, families! We had a short and busy week including a trip to the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Toddlers enjoyed walking through the gardens, and especially liked seeing animals in nature. We spotted a raccoon and many birds along our nature walk, and even had the opportunity to feed chickadees from our hands! Overall the outing was interactive and the weather couldn't have been better.
We don't have very many updates this week as you will have received an email with some notes earlier today.
Upcoming Dates:
- Wednesday, October 19th - Toddler Social and Parent Education
- Friday, October 28th - Picture Day
- Thursday, November 3rd - Toddler Sing Along
- Friday, November 4th - PD Day
Casa Update
What a full week we had in Casa North! On Wednesday we had a wonderful day out at the RBG.
The children loved going on a nature walk, seeing wildlife, and especially feeding the chickadees! We finished our day on the beautiful natural playground.
Despite having a holidcy and a field trip, the children still experienced beautiful work in the classroom. The older children have enjoyed practicing their cursive writing which is a wonderful example for the younger children of what is to come. Thank you to Coooper G for bringing a snake skin that he found on a family hike - the children loved taking a close look!
We have observed new friendships forming and some wonderful assistance coming from older friends helping with coat zippers and tying shoes in the cloakroom.
Next week:
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Piano lessons/small group lessons will continue for their second week of sessions. Unless parents are otherwise notified, lessons are taking place during school hours.
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We are back to our regular schedule and looking forward to a full week of learning
Upcoming dates to note:
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Thursday, October 27th - Casa Social and Parent Education
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Friday, October 28th - Picture Day
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Thursday, November 3rd - Casa Show and Share
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Friday, November 4th - PD Day