Math - Number Sense and Numeration

Number Sense and Numeration is an important part of beginning our math program.  This week, we are going to be comparing and ordering whole and decimal numbers.  According to the Ontario Curriculum document students should be able to "represent, compare, and order whole numbers and decimal numbers from 0.01 to 100 000, using a variety of tools". 

In the classroom we have been using manipulatives  (ie. base 10 blocks, egg cartons, popsicle sticks, etc.) to help better everyone's understanding of decimal places and whole numbers.  At home, students can use the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives, for practice throughout the unit, as it is a great resource.  This could also be used further in our Data Management unit later in the year (Tip for parents: bookmark it!).

Social Studies - Student Vote

This year we will be participating in Student Vote as a part of our Social Studies curriculum.  Over the course of the election, I encourage you to bring in any materials related to the election or the candidates (ie. newspaper articles, candidate platforms, etc.) to put up on our board to keep it updated.  As a class, we will follow the political parties, learn about election issues and encourage debate.  We will also participate in Student Vote Day which will allow students to conduct their own votes.  On Election Night, the Student Vote results will be broadcast on TV and covered in the newspaper.

This unit will be covering the Social Studies curriculum Overall Expectation: "identify concrete examples of how government plays a role in contemporary society and of how the rights of groups and individuals and the responsibilities of citizenship apply to their own lives".  By participating in Student Vote, we are learning more about the responsibilities of our Canadian citizenship, how this effects our everyday lives and what role and impact the local, provincial and federal governments have on ourselves and the community.

Parents, check out the political party links below with your children to get informed!

Liberal
Conservative
NDP

Topics of the Week

Over the year we will be working on many web 2.0 learning sites. One particular site that students may enjoy using is Google Earth. This site is free to download and allows students to explore, search and discover the world around them with the click of a mouse.  Another resource students might enjoy learning about is Kids Geo, which has an online learning section and fun games for children to play to learn more about geography.  My favourite resource is National Geographic Kids because it is very interactive.  There are games, videos, animal stories and so much more!

Have fun checking these great links out!!

Online Resource

Check out the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board website. You can find information and news regarding our school system and important school dates. You will also be able to find resources for parents and students, as well as other services and programs provided.  This is a great online resource tool to keep up to date on everything going on in our school wide community.

Welcome

Welcome to my classroom blog for the 2011-2012 school year! I am very excited about the opportunities we will have as a class this year using a blog format for communication. Students and parents, this site will help you keep up to date on assignments and homework, as well as provide you with extra resources and links to use at home.  So click away and check things out!

Looking forward to an amazing year,
Miss Robinson