Problem Solving Strategies

Throughout the year, grade four students will be working on developing and using different problem solving strategies. Please have a look at the strategies below and try them out with your child.

Problem Solving and Reminders

Try this questions with your parents are home:

Heidi and Cathleen were trying to decide what kind of pet they wanted. They looked at a lot of animals at Morgan's Pet Store. They looked at 3 more rabbits than birds. They saw one half as many birds as kittens. There were one third as many kittens as puppies. They took a long look at the 36 adorable puppies. How many animals did they look at altogether?


Reminders:
-If anyone has any old newspapers they can part with, we would love to have them for an art project.
-The Elboya Terry Fox run is on September 24th.

Area and Perimeter

Grade four students are learning about area and perimeter in math this week. Students can review using the links below.
Math Live: Area and Perimeter
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/me5l/html/math5.html

Math Live: Area and Perimeter of Irregular Shapes
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/me5l/html/math5.html

Area and Perimeter Game
http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks2/maths/perimeter_and_area/index.html

Story Starters!

Grade Four has started working on developing their creative writing skills. Today they began working on writing interesting story starters. Ask your child to give you examples of some different ways to start a story. 

Daily Five

The Daily Five is a reading program used to help students become independent readers and writers. The Daily Five consists of Reading to Self, Reading to Others, Word Work, Work on Writing and Listening to Reading. Students are encouraged to do all of these five activities at least once a day. Ask your child to talk to you about Daily Five and how they are working to become independent readers and writers. Have a great weekend!
Reminder: Picture day is on Tuesday the 8th.

First Week!

Welcome back to school! We have had a busy week here in Grade 4. Please spend some time talking to your child about the Daily 5, our plants, making connections while reading and our measurement math work. We have also started working through a novel study on "The City of Ember." It's going to be a great year!
Reminder: School photos are taking place on Tuesday September 8th, 2015.

Welcome to the 2015/2016 School Year

September 2, 2015

Dear Students and Parents,

Welcome to a new school year! This is my third year teaching at Elboya and 7^th year in the teaching profession. In previous years, I have taught kindergarten through grade 5 In British Columbia, at Chaparral and here at Elboya. I am looking forward to grade 4 this year with many familiar faces. My goal is to provide students with an engaging learning environment where they can grow as learners and citizens.

Parent/Teacher Relationship

I believe that a strong parent-teacher relationship is necessary for maximum school success. Throughout the year I will communicate with you through, Google Aps (our online community blog), notes, emails, telephone calls, report cards and parent-teacher conferences.  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.  The most effective way to reach me is by email at mvhaines@cbe.ab.ca.  You may also leave a message by phone at 403-777-7760 ext. 2010. 

Agenda:

Daily communication home with be primarily done through the online blog. Any upcoming events, homework, pictures of projects and other information will be at http://gradefourelboya.blogspot.ca. Students will also be expected to keep a daily agenda.

Footwear

For safety reasons we request that all students wear some sort of footwear at all times.  Phys. Ed. is taught daily and every student must have a pair of indoor running shoes that can be tied. These shoes should be kept at school during all seasons and cannot be used outside. In the warm weather, we would also ask that outdoor shoes be a type that can be used for outdoor gym classes. Sandals, slip-ons, and boots are not appropriate for running around during outside gym.

Homework

As a Grade 4/5 team, we believe that a little homework can be beneficial and helps a child develop responsibility, practice necessary skills, and share their learning with parents. We recognize that families have extracurricular and family commitments and we don’t want homework to take away from these important experiences in a child’s life.  Any homework expectations will be communicated through the online blog and agenda.

Reading and practice of basic Math facts is not considered homework at Elboya and is expected to be practiced as often as possible. We recommend approximately 40 minutes per night for a student in grade 4/5 or the equivalent over a week as many children at this age like to curl up with a book on weekends.  

Additional homework for students will not exceed 40 minutes per night for students in Grade 4/5 and will likely be more on a weekly basis or long term projects. I will provide classroom time to work on all projects throughout the year. Students who choose not to use their school time effectively and complete their work here may expect that teachers will be discussing catch-up periods at home with parents.

Lunch and Snacks

Just a reminder that Elboya is a nut free school. Please do not send snacks or lunch items that contain any kind of nuts (including tree nuts). Also, please send healthy food with your child. Elboya is also beginning a litter-less lunch initiative to alleviate work for the caretakers and help with the environment. Ideally lunches would be packed in reusable Tupperware and any garbage would be sent home with the student.

Money

In the event that it will be necessary for your child to bring money to school, always send it in a sealed envelope or enclosure with the following information:

-        your child’s name

-        the amount of money

-        the purpose of payment (book order, field trip, etc.)

If at all possible, please do not send field trip permission slips and money separately.  

In closing, I would like to say that I am looking forward to an exciting year working with your child. 

Sincerely,

Marissa Haines

Grade 4

Elboya School

t | 403-777-7760 ext. 2010

f | 403-777-7769

mvhaines@cbe.ab.ca