Friday, May 31, 2024

May 27 - 31, 2024

Hello, Grade 1 Families, 

Learning Intention: I can observe and describe similarities and differences between plants and animals. I can share examples of plants and animals that are native to Alberta. I can identify and explain what plants and animals need to survive.

We are fortunate to live in a beautiful city with Fish Creek Park nearby. We could extend our learning from inside the classroom to our outdoor classroom and see the plants and animals we discuss, in their natural habitats. During our outdoor learning, we were looking for many plants native to Alberta found in Fish Creek Park. See if your child can tell you what plants we found. We have been learning about what plants and animals need to survive (water, air, food and shelter). When looking at different animals and plants, we have been discussing how the environment around them meets their needs, if we can identify the ways, and what happens when plants and animals do not meet their basic needs. Students are learning about the life cycle of plants and animals and have planted their own seed and we have been eagerly watching our plants begin to sprout. 

Upcoming Dates:

  • June 5 - Last day for Book Exchange - Library
  • June 7 - Rock Your Locks assembly
  • June 10 - Fun Lunch
  • June 11 - Volunteer Tea
  • June 12 - In-Class Talent Show (No parents)
  • June 14 - Sports Day 
  • June 14 - ALL library books are due today at the latest
  • June 17 - Classroom Camping - More info to come
  • June 24 - Whole School Talent Show - 2 participants from our class
  • June 25 - Yes Day! - More info to come
  • June 26 - Beach Day - More info to come
  • June 27 - Last day - 1/2 Day!
  • June 28 - Summer Break!

































Friday, May 24, 2024

May 20 - 24, 2024

Hello, Grade 1 Families, 

Learning Intention: I can differentiate between telling and asking statements. 

Students are learning to tell the difference between a story, fact, or information and asking or responding to a question. When we read, we ask clarifying questions to understand our story more. When we are given instructions, we ask questions to ensure we know what we need to do next. Students often confuse a question with sharing and we are working on understanding the difference. To help with this, we read some Pourquoi stories and discussed the question the story was answering. When reading, we have been talking about how our voice changes when we read a question. See if your child can notice the difference when you read to them. See if your child can show expression while reading a question. 

Upcoming Dates:

  • May 28 - Fish Creek Park walking field
  • May 31 - Dress Like A Star
  • June 5 - Last day for Book Exchange - Library
  • June 7 - Rock Your Locks
  • June 10 - Fun Lunch
  • June 11 - Volunteer Tea











Friday, May 17, 2024

May 13 - 17, 2024

Hello, Grade 1 Families, 

Learning Intention: I can blend sounds in words with speed and accuracy to decode unfamiliar words. I can read phrases smoothly taking punctuation into consideration. I can read texts aloud, with appropriate expression. 

As we move through the year, learning to read is changing. We began by identifying letters and sounds. Next, we learned how to decode CVC words by segmenting the sounds and blending them back together like a slide. Now that we are reading words with many sounds and many students are decoding words automatically, we are focusing on reading with fluency. This means we are looking at speed and accuracy to ensure we are decoding accurately and not changing sounds and reading in phrases so we don't sound like a robot when we read. Students notice punctuation and are beginning to change their voice intonation to reflect it. To work on fluency, we have been reading poems out loud. We begin by listening to me model fluent reading and helping decode unfamiliar words. Then we echo read (I read and students repeat) and then move to choral reading (we read together at a fluent pace). We also annotate the poem to show what we notice about it. For example, we have noticed punctuation, digraphs, and r-controlled vowels. Lastly, students partner up, practice their poem, and then present it to the class. When your child reads with you at home, please have them read the decodable book or whatever book they are reading to you, at least three times as this helps build fluency. We are aiming to have at least 95% of words read accurately. 

Enjoy your long weekend!


























June 17 - 21, 2024

Hello, Grade 1 Families,  Learning Intention: I can gather data by sharing answers to questions. I can collaborate to construct a concrete g...