The First Weeks

The students of Room 104 have been exploring a variety of concepts and skills across the curriculum as we continue to build a foundation for the approaches to learning that we'll undertake throughout the school year. It has been a pleasure working with this group of students, and we've demonstrated engagement and active participation in our learning this week.

We began to take a closer look at the elements of story writing. In particular, we worked to identify the ways in which the action and events in a story are constructed around a central problem, and will then build towards a climax before progressing towards an appropriate resolution. As a starting point, we're using a selection of Pixar short films to highlight the process of creating succinct, detailed and engaging storylines. We've begun to use Google Docs as a means to collaborate with peers and share our work, as we seek feedback to further enhance our understanding.

Our Math investigations have been focused on developing strategies and approaches to problem solving. We've explored patterning as a means to identify elements in a progressive sequence, as well as to estimate and predict results. Currently, we're building fractals and discussing patterns using the Sierpinski Triangle as our inspiration. Please visit our class Twitter account @ronsouthern45 to take a further glimpse into our learning. We'll be sharing our version of the Sierpinski Triangle at our upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences on the evening of Thursday September 19th, and the morning of Friday September 20th. 

Our Science and Social Studies work also began this week, with Grade 4 focusing on Waste in our World, and Grade 5 beginning their exploration of Electricity. Our Social Studies work has been developing around investigations of ghost towns, and the circumstances that contributed to their initial development and success, as well as their demise. The role of natural resources and human capital provides a starting point for our research, with Grade 4 focusing on Alberta and Grade 5 exploring Canada through a national context.

On Tuesday September 17th, we'll be taking our studies to the Bow Habitat Station for our science based field trip. Please let us know if you are interested in joining us to support as a volunteer. Thank you to our families that have already booked a conference time. There are still several conference times available on both Thursday evening and Friday morning. Please contact Mr. Wideman either through the school or via e-mail at ajwideman@cbe.ab.ca if you have any questions about our upcoming conferences or field trip. 

With the first two weeks now in the books, we're looking forward to an exciting 2019-2020 school year! Enjoy your weekend, and I look forward to meeting our Room 104 families during conferences.

-Mr. Wideman