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There will be a math geometry quiz tomorrow. The quiz will cover lessons 1-3.

vendredi le 12 juin

There will not be any homework this weekend. Please keep in mind that if you have not yet handed in your plant assignment you must complete it for Monday.

mercredi le 10 juin, jour 5

Hello everyone. There is a math assignnment due tomorrow. Lesson 2 of our geometry unit. Students should also spend time this evening working on their plant assignment which is due Friday.

vendredi le 5 juin, jour 2

Hello everyone, there will be a math test on Monday. The test will cover lesson 1-14 in our fractions unit.

I would also like students to download and practice the song below. Just right click and save target as then double click the file and it will play in your media player.

Le verbe c'est superbe

mardi le 2 juin, jour 5

Hello everyone there is a science assignment on plants due tomorrow as well as a writing assignment. Students must write a report on our field trip to Heritage Park.

Hello everyone. I have decided to postpone the math fractions test to Monday because several people will be away tomorrow. To prepare for the test students should complete the review assignment Montre ce que tu sais at the end of module 5.

mardi le 26 mai, jour 4

Hello there is a math assignment and a French assignment due tomorrow.

jeudi le 21 mai, jour 3

Hello everyone there is a math assignment due tomorrow. Lesson 10. Students also have a science assignment to complete for tomorrow.

mardi le 19 mai, jour 1

Hello everyone. There will be a math quiz tomorrow. The quiz will cover lesson 7, 8, 9.

vendredi le 15 mai, jour 6

Hello everyone there is a math assignment due Tuesday. There is also a FLA assignment due Tuesday. Ch. 3.

jeudi le 14 mai, jour 5

Hello everyone. There are 2 assignments due Monday. Lesson 9 in maths and FLA - Voyage vers l'ouest, ch. 3. Also, some students have not yet finished some of the assignments that were due Monday. Please scroll down to see what they were.

mercredi le 13 mai jour 4

Students have a math assignment due tomorrow. Lesson 8.

mardi le 12 mai, jour 3

Parents are welcome to come and see the Gr. 4 Medieval Plays on Friday, May 15th in the Gymnasium at 10:15 a.m. The luncheon for the students will begin in the classroom at 12 noon so all food items should be delivered by 11:30 if possible. Thanks to all of the students , their families and to Madame Anne- Marie and Monsieur Fortier and to Madame Jackson and Madame Tucker for giving us the use of the Gym during their P.E. time. Sincerely, Joan Price ( E.L.A. )

lundi le 11 mai, jour 2

Hello, there is a math assignment due tomorrow, lesson 7. There are also a number of other assignments students are working on that are due. These are:

• Story of Stuff (Science)
• Voyage vers l'ouest, various (FLA)
• Une famille Siksika (Social studies)
• Memorizing public service announcements (Science)

Hello everyone. There is a science assignment due tomorrow. Students should complete their Story of Stuff reflection. The video can be found online at www.storyofstuff.com. It is very enlightening and I recommend everyone see this short 20 minute video.

There is also a social studies assignment due tomorrow. I will give students 45 minutes in class tomorrow but after the 45 minutes I expect all students to have completed the assignment.

Tomorrow is the last day to bring back medieval luncheon forms. Students in grade four will have a potluck lunch next Friday to wrap up their medieval studies unit in ELA.

We have plenty of napkins, plates, and butter but not enough chicken. Alternately, if parents prefer they could send a cash donation between 5 and 10 dollars to cover the cost of the chicken/cold cuts.

mardi le 5 mai, jour 4

Hello everyone there will be a math quiz tomorrow on lesson 4, 5, 6. The most important thing to remember for this quiz is that 1/2 is not always equal to another 1/2. It depends on the whole. Students will also be asked to find and represent a fraction of a number. For example what is 1/4 of 30.

Students should also be working on their French journal activities.

lundi le 4 mai, jour 3

Hello everyone. There are no assignments due tomorrow however I would like everyone to have a look at the breakdown of assignments for this week. Hopefully this will let everyone manage their time.

Maths - Lesson 6 due Wed.
Quiz on Wed or Thurs covering lessons 4, 5, 6. Students could work on lesson 6 this evening if they wish.

FLA - Voyage vers l'ouest, Comprehension assignment due Wed, journal and longer assignment due Monday, May 11. Some students have not yet handed in their work from last week yet.

Science - Story of Stuff Reflection due Friday.

Memorize the public service announcements for the filming. We will need to get these speeches filmed this week sometime.

Social studies. - 2 Assignments coming tomorrow on the Fur trade will be due Friday.

So, as you can see although there are not really any small assignments due tomorrow there is a lot of work to be completed. Some of these things will be done in class but students should not take for granted that we will be doing everything in class.

jeudi le 29 avril, jour 2

Hello everyone. Students must complete the following for Monday.

Maths - Lesson 5.

FLA - Journal activity

Sc. Nat - Practice the speech for our public service announcements.

lundi le 24 avril, jour 5

Hello everyone. Maths lesson 4 is due tomorrow. This lesson is on equivalent fractions. Students must work through the problems by using tokens or drawing the tokens. Students may experience some difficulty with the assignment but it is important that they work through the problems on their own. They must gain understanding before they can use operations to make equivalent fractions.

jeudi le 23 avril, jour 3

Students have a math quiz tomorrow on lesson 1, 2, 3. There is also an ELA assignment.

mardi le 21 avril, jour 1

Hello everyone. Lesson 2 in maths is due tomorrow. There will also be a quiz on Friday on lesson 1, 2, and 3 in our fractions unit.

lundi le 20 avril, jour 6

Students must complete lesson 1 of our new fractions unit in maths. P. 175 #1-12

Hello, I hope everyone has had a relaxing break.  Please have a look at the update below.  Students should expect a slight increase in the workload as we wind down the school year.

Maths:

We will begin a new unit in maths on fractions this week.   This unit should last about 3 weeks.  Please see my math course outline page for more details.

French Language Arts

Theme:  We are beginning a new theme in French language arts.  The theme is “Voyage vers l’ouest” or Journey to the west.  In this theme students will study the early settlement of Alberta and the Canadian west.  The main resource for this theme is a comic book called “Voyage vers l’ouest”.   Students will complete reading comprehension, writing and research activities. 

Grammar:

Students will begin a study of verbs.  We will study verb tenses such as the present and past tenses.  Students will also learn the vocabulary that goes along with the study of verbs such as “participle passé”, “infinitif” and “conjuguer”

Science:

Students in grade 4F will begin a unit called Waste in our World.  Students learn about wastes produced through natural processes and human technology. In studying natural systems, students learn that all plants, animals and other living things are made up of materials that are recycled through the environment again and again. In studying human consumption and wastes, students identify wastes produced within their community and learn the methods used for disposal. They learn that some waste materials are biodegradable, that some are reusable, and that others are toxic. They learn that personal action in reducing, reusing and recycling materials can help decrease the waste we accumulate

Students in grade 4KP will begin a study of light and shadow.  Students learn about light by studying the effects of light on things within their environment. They learn about light sources, about materials that light can pass through and about what happens when a material blocks or changes the path of light. By observing shadows and their motions relative to a light source, students discover that light and shadows fall along a predictable path. They discover that mirrors, prisms and a variety of other materials can affect that path by reflecting and refracting light and by splitting light into colours.  Please click on the ombres et lumières link in the table above to see the student notes on this topic.

From mid may to the end of June students will study plants.  We will likely begin some plant activities as our school begins the springtime planting.  Students in both grade 4F and 4KP will study the plant unit at the same time.

Social Studies:

Students will complete our study of Alberta’s First Peoples.  We will then begin a study of the fur trade.  We will discuss questions such as: Why was the fur trade important to Alberta’s development?  What did the voyageurs contribute? and Why was Fort Edmonton built?

Health:

Students will continue our study of nutrition.

Phys Ed: 

All students at St. Pius X will begin gymnastics activities this week.  Students will learn basic body awareness, stretching and yoga type poses designed to provide an introduction to gymnastics.  Students will be required to perform these activities barefoot on disinfected mats that will be laid out in the gym.  Students are also required to have a complete gym strip.  Please speak to your son or daughter about this requirement and please remind them of proper hygiene required to go barefoot.  Grade 4F phys Ed is on Day 1, 2, 5 and 6.  Division II students will also prepare routines which will be shown to other students on our last day of gymnastics.

Expectations, safety guidelines and activity descriptions are posted in our gym.  If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me, I would be happy to discuss the activities and safety guidelines.

jeudi le 9 avril

Have a happy and safe holiday everyone.

lundi le 6 avril, jour 2

Hello everyone. Students should begin reviewing their math work in preparation for the end of unit test we will have on Wednesday. Tomorrow morning about half the class will be away at the chime choir concert. There will be a quiz on adjectives, either Wednesday or possibly Thursday morning. We are scrambling a bit as we finish up some units before the break.

So although there is no actual work due tomorrow there is still work to be completed especially the hockey projects in French language arts.

vendredi le 3 avril

Notebook 10

Hello everyone. I have distributed memory sticks for our students in grade 4. Students may use the memory sticks until the end of the year to transfer files from school to home or to backup their files from their H drives here at school.

I have also loaded some files onto the memory sticks for students and their families to use. Please read the information below on the files.

1. Notebook 10 software:

Notebook 10 is the proprietary software used for the smartboard. The smartboard is a powerful learning and teaching tool however it is effective only because of Notebook 10. Smarttech, the smartboard company allows students to have a free copy for home use. Even though you do not have a smartboard at home it is very useful to have Notebook 10 on your home computer because students can review lessons, class materials and they can even design their own presentations using Notebook 10. The setup file I have included on the memory stick is for Windows users only. Mac users will have to go to the following link to download Notebook 10 for Macs. You should be able to use the same product key I have included on the memory stick to install the software. For all users however, make sure you have an internet connection when you install the software because otherwise the lesson activity toolkit will not come through properly.

Mac users click here

2. Game templates:

There are a number of game templates on the memory sticks. Students can use the game templates to create games based on material taught in class.

3. Smartboard tutorials:

There are smartboard tutorials that will take you through all the applications available in Notebook 10. By completing the tutorials you will learn about many of the Smartboard features and uses. You can still learn a lot from the tutorials even if you do not have the smartboard.

4. Smartboard videos:

I have included a number of informational videos on smartboard technology. These videos are mpeg 4 format and they require Quicktime to watch them. These videos are from youtube. As a matter of fact smarttech now has their own channel on youtube with about 250 videos available on smartboard technology.

jeudi le 2 avril

Hello everyone there is some work to complete by tomorrow in maths and French language arts. I have reserved the computer room for tomorrow so students will have some time to complete their assignments then. If anyone has finished them at home please feel free to email them to me as MS Word documents.

mardi le 31 mars, jour 4

Hello everyone. There is no homework due tomorrow. However students should remember that there is a math quiz tomorrow. The quiz will cover lesson 10, 11 and 13.

Students should also keep in mind that the review assignment "Montre ce que tu sais" on page 166 of the math textbook is due Friday. There will also be a grammar assignment on adjectives due Thursday.

Please do not forget the 2 French language arts projects that are also due Friday. Students have already had some computer time on Monday. I have reserved the computer room tomorrow afternoon so students will have some time then. I will also give some time on Friday.

lundi le 30 mars, jour 3

Hello everyone. Students have a math assignment to complete for tomorrow. Students must complete lesson 13. There will be a quiz on Wed which will cover lesson 10, 11 and 13.

vendredi le 27 mars

Hello, students must complete lesson 11, module 4 in maths.

jeudi le 26 mars, jour 1

Hello everyone there is no homework due tomorrow.

mardi le 24 mars, jour 5

Hello everyone there is a math assignment due tomorrow. Students must complete lesson 10. There is also an grammar quiz tomorrow on nouns.

lundi le 23 mars, jour 4

Hello everyone students should spend some time this evening reviewing for our grammar quiz on nouns. The quiz will be on Wed and will cover the following concepts.

• Know the difference between common and proper nouns.
• Identify nouns in a text.
• Understand that many French nouns form the feminin by addding "e"
• Be able to form the plural and feminin form of certain nouns.
• Review the boxes labelled "J'apprends" in the duotang.

Hello everyone. There is no homework this weekend.

mardi le 17 mars, jour 1

Hello everyone. There is no homework due tomorrow however there will be a math quiz on Thursday. The quiz will cover lessons 7,8,9 of the measurement unit.

I will be away tomorrow at a meeting so students will have a sub in class.

Finally, please ask your son or daughter for your parent teacher interview time I sent home today.

jeudi le 12 mars, jour 4

Hello everyone. Students must complete their French sentences for tomorrow. Also, I have received word that the Heritage Fair will be cancelled this year.

mercredi le 11 mars, jour 3

Hello everyone there is some work due tomorrow in math. Students must complete lesson 7 for tomorrow. We will also have dictation tomorrow and phrases de dictée are due Friday.

Students began working on their science projects today. The assignment is to build a spool racer and then refine their designs using materials they can find around the house or school. So far there has been a bit of frustration however students are being advised not to give up.

mardi le 10 mars, jour 2

Hello everyone. There will be an ELA test tomorrow.

Hello everyone. Here are the word lists for the coming weeks.

jeudi le 12 mars

Son de "qu+voyelle"

• quel

• la querelle

• la qualité

• quoi

• quelle

• la question

• la quantité

• qui

• quelque

• le quartier

• quatre

• quelque

• la queue

• le quart

• quitter

• quand

• qualifier

• quinze

Le son de "bl"

• mon cartable        

• oublier        

• une blague            

• coupable     

• pénible

• blanc                    

• une étable   

• un sable                

• bleu            

• sublime

• cette fable             

• ma table      

• favorable              

• capable       

• blond

• considérable         

Le son de "br"

• un arbre      

• libre            

• ma broche            

• brave          

• cette branche

• le bruit        

• la brique     

• le bras                 

• brun           

• fabriquer

• bravo          

• sobre          

• octobre       

Hello everyone. I would like to request that all students bring a spool of thread and an empty pop can to school tomorrow for our next science project. The spool of thread can be empty. An empty(no thread) larger diameter spool is preferable for our activity however if it still has some thread on it that is fine. The pop can should be of the 355 ml variety and it should not be crushed.

There will also be a math quiz on time tomorrow. The quiz will cover lesson 1-6 in module 4.

mercredi le 4 mars, jour 4

Hello everyone. There is a math assignment due tomorrow on telling time. Lessons 4-5 are due tomorrow. There will be a math quiz next Tuesday on lessons 1-6. There is also a relgion test tomorrow.

lundi le 2 mars, jour 2

Hello everyone. There is no homework due tomorrow however there will be a religion test on Thursday so students should review for the test. Students reviewed the material in class today.

vendredi le 27 février jour 1

Hello everyone students must complete the math lesson on page 131 for Monday.

jeudi le 26 février, jour 6

Hello everyone. There is some homework to complete for tomorrow. Students must complete phrases de dictée there is a math assignment #1-4 page 130 and 131.

mercredi le 24 février, jour 5

Hello everyone there is some homework due tomorrow. Maths, lesson 1 module 4. There will also be a dictation tomorrow. Students should have the words in their agendas.

lundi le 23 février, jour 3

Hello everyone. There is no homework due tomorrow however students are asked to bring a shoebox and a wire hangar to use for a science project. There is a link at the bottom of this page which explains the science project for which the hangar and shoebox are required. Please have a look but please do not start doing the project as we will be doing them in class tomorrow.

jeudi le 19 février, jour 1

Hello everyone. There will be an end of unit test tomorrow in maths. The unit is on multiplication and division. Students should review their "Montre ce que tu sais" assignments.

There is also a grammar assignment due tomorrow.

mercredi le 18 février, jour 6

Hello everyone. There is a French grammar assignment due Friday. Students must complete activity 13-23. Also, we will correct the "Montre ce que tu sais" assignment tomorrow in maths. The unit test will be on Friday.

mardi le 17 février

Hello everyone. There is a grammar assignment due tomorrow. Activities 7-12. Also, students should complete the math assignment "Montre ce que tu sais" on page 116. This is a review assignment which will help students prepare for the final exam of this unit. The final exam for multiplication and division is Friday. The "montre ce que tu sais" assignment will be corrected on Thursday. Also, please review the math quiz I sent home with your son or daughter this evening.

mardi le 10 février

Hello everyone. There is no homework due for tomorrow because our school will have a winter carnival day tomorrow. Students must come to school dressed for outdoor activities in the afternoon.

lundi le 9 février

Hello everyone. There will be a dictée tomorrow. Phrases de dictée are also due tomorrow. Students also worked on their Alexander Mackenzie letters today. I decided to create an outline in order to make this task a bit easier.

Students are not obligated to use all the sections of the outline however if you find your son or daughter struggling with this task or you read their work and it just does not seem plausible please re-direct them to the outline below.

Outline for the letter

I. Introduction

a) When did Alex Mackenzie leave?
b) When did his journey finish?
c) Let your readers know a little bit about the content of your letter.

II. Canoe problems

a) Describe the canoes.
b) What kinds of problems with the canoes?
c) Why did they have problems?

III. The terrain

a) Describe the terrain.
b) What was difficult and why?

IV. First Nations encounters

a) Describe the appearance of the FN.
b) Hostile or friendly?
c) How did they communicate?
d) Trading opportunities.
e) How did the FN help the expedition?

V. Encounters with wild animals

a) What kinds of wild animals?
b) Insects and bugs?

VI. Conclusion a) Bid farewell
b) Closing comments

vendredi le 6 février

Hello everyone there is a math assignment due Monday. Lesson 10 of module 3. This is the last lesson of the multiplication and division unit. Next week we will review the concepts learned in the unit.

There is also an English language arts assignment due on Monday. Students must complete the rough draft of a letter. For the letter students must imagine that they are Alexander MacKenzie. He is writing a letter to his sister in Scotland to describe his voyage of exploration from Canada to the Pacific coast.

In order to help with this task I have given students an excerpt of his diary to find ideas about the trip. Students must be describe details of their choice about the trip however the details must be historically accurate. Students can also consult a link at the bottom of this page.

jeudi, le 5 février

There will be a social studies test tomorrow. Students should review the material on the prairies in their duotangs. They should also review the 35 comprehension questions on the prairie webpage.

Students must also complete an ELA assignment on "A Dog Came Too"

mercredi, le 4 février, jour 5

Students will have a math quiz tomorrow which will cover lessons 7, 8, 9. Students should also spend time reviewing for our social studies test on Friday.

Valentine's Day

Valentine's day is coming up and so students who wish to exchange valentines may do so on Tuesday, Feb 10. Students who do not wish to participate are not required to. Also, students who are participating are expected to bring a valentine for all the other participants.

Words for Tueday, Feb 10

Ph + voyelle

• un éléphant
• Philadelphie
• la pharmacie
• Sophie
• la géographie
• le télégraphe
• la photographie
• un téléphone
• une phrase
• Philippe

Lesson 9, module 3 in math is due tomorrow. Students also received an assignment in social studies today. The assignment is a short report on the cattle industry in Alberta. The social studies assignment is due Friday.

Hello everyone. There will be a math quiz on Thursday. The quiz will cover lessons 7, 8, 9 of module 3.

There will also be a end of unit test in Social Studies on Friday. Students should prepare for the test by:

• Reviewing the material in their duotangs.
• Reviewing the material in the their textbooks.
• Reviewing the notes and links on the prairie webpage.

Hello everyone. Students have a math assignment due tomorrow. Students must complete p 108-109. They must use the five step problem solving method for numbers 5, 8, 9.

Students must also complete sheet FR34 for social studies. This assignment asks students to name 5 different festivals or cultural celebrations held in Calgary. Students must explain what is being celebrated as well as how this celebration is related to our cultural heritage. A good way to find some of these celebrations is to look in the student text. There are three festivals described on page 73. You could also google "Calgary festivals" and you should be able to find some more.

samedi le 31 janvier

I would like to thank all the parent volunteers for their help at our simple machines workshop. We could not have had the workshop without your help. Students should remember to complete their booklets for Monday.

mardi, le 27 janvier, jour 6

There is no homework due tomorrow however students should go to the prairie webpage and begin reviewing the notes and links in preparation for the end of unit test we will have next week.

lundi le 26 janvier, jour 5

Hello everyone. There is a grammar assignment due tomorrow on nouns. P. 31-36; activity 1-6 is due tomorrow. Also, I am still looking for parent volunteers for Thursday afternoon.

Students also have a social studies assignment due for tomorrow. The assignment goes with the lesson we are currently working on. Lesson 4.3. Students must describe the impact on the environment caused by the exploitation of the resources described in this lesson. The three resources are wind mills or wind power, soil, and water use. Students must also complete the 2 "questions de récapitulation" on the last page of the lesson. Students should use their texts as their main information source however the information provided on the prairie page is invaluable. Click on the link in the table above to go there.

Students should also begin reviewing for the end of the unit quiz on the prairies. The quiz should be at the end of next week sometime. We have 2 lessons left in this unit.

dimanche le 25 janvier

Hello everyone there is some work due for tomorrow. Students should complete the draft of a short story we started on Friday. The story is in French and should be from the point of view of one of the characters from the book "Le chandail de hockey'' The story should be between 15-30 sentences long.

Our class will complete science experiments on Thursday afternoon. If you are available to volunteer please give me a call or email me.

jeudi le 22 janvier

Hello everyone. Students must complete lesson 5 in math. Page 100, #1-9 is due tomorrow.

mardi le 20 janvier

Students should review for their science quiz tomorrow. Please refer to the duotang for the notes and previous assignments.

Here is a short study guide for what will be on the test.

• Define work.
• Be able to calculate work.
• Know the unit of measure for force; Newtons.
• Know the units of measure for work; Newton.Metres and Joules.
• Explain what is friction.
• Examples of "good" friction and "bad" friction.
• Compare wheels and rollers.
• Give examples of when to use rollers and wheels.
• Know vocabulary such as essieu, force motrice, force résistante, point d'appui.
• Describe the 2 types of pullies.
• Draw the 2 types of pullies.
• Name, describe and label the 3 types of levers.
• Describe inclined planes and give examples of uses.
• Explain how an inclined plane is like a screw.

Hello everyone there is a science assignment due Monday in levers. There will also be a science quiz next Wednesday. The quiz will cover the concepts we have learned so far. Students should study the material in their duotangs to prepare for the quiz.

jeudi le 15 janvier, jour 4

Hello everyone there is a science assignment on wheels and pullies due tomorrow. Phrases de dictée is also due tomorrow. If students are looking for extra work for this evening they could work in their math Module 3; lesson 4. Students should also plan to spend some time reading and reviewing the information on the prairies webpage. Today in social studies we discussed the importance of water on the prairies. We talked about vocabulary words such as drought, arid and chinook. We also discussed Writing on Stone Provincial park and why it is an important site.

mercredi le 14 janvier, jour 3

Hello everyone. There will be a math quiz tomorrow. Students should review the concepts from lesson 1-3, module 3.

lundi le 12 décembre, jour 1

Students must review the information on the prairies webpage in the table above. This included reading the notes and clicking on the links. Students should try to spend 30 minutes on this task every evening this week.

dimanche le 11 décembre

Hello everyone. Our class has been studying endangered and threatened animals in English language arts. As part of this study our class will hold an endangered species fair. Each student will complete research on a particular endangered animal and then we will show our findings at the fair. Please click on the endangered animal page in the Ela section of the links table above and you will see the outline for the research assignment. To get started download the template and use the links on the page to get started. jeudi le 8 décembre, jour 5

Hello everyone there are three assignments due tomorrow. The comprehension part of the Canadian Endangered Animals story is due tomorrow. Students do not need to worry about the poem or the button just yet.

Phrases de dictée are due tomorrow.

There is also a social studies assignment due tomorrow. The assignment is on hoodoos. In a French language paragraph students must explain how they are formed, where they are found and how they contribute to Alberta's unique character.

Special Note: This might be too much work for some students to complete in one evening. However if some students are unable to complete the work due to certain circumstances please write me a note stating this and students can finish the assignment for Monday.

mardi, le 6 janvier, jour 3

Hello everyone there are no assignements due tomorrow as I will be away at a meeting. However, there is some work due Thursday and Friday.

For Thursday

Maths: lesson 1; page 84-85

Friday

ELA: Canadian Endangered Animals

lundi le 5 janvier

Hello everyone there is some work due tomorrow. Students must complete the assignment from lesson 6 in Les Fêtes. Students must also complete #1-5 on page 84 in their math textbook. Students can feel free to complete page 85 as it will be due for Wednesday. There are also some explanations on the math help page for page 84-85.

During the month of January our class will study words with the "ch" sound. Please find the dictation lists below.

jeudi le 8 janvier

• acheter
• une tâche
• son chocolat
• cette branche
• cette machine
• une marche
• une douche
• le caniche
• la vache
• sèche

jeudi le 15 janvier

• un chasseur
• ma broche
• marcher
• chercher
• ta chemise
• ma bouche
• la roche
• la chose
• le chef
• ma poche

jeudi le 22 janvier

• chicaner
• chasser
• riche
• ruche
• un cheveu
• déchirer
• un chapelet
• un chalet
• une chapelle
• échouer

vendredi le 19 décembre, jour 1 Hello everyone. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday. I would also like to thank everyone for the thoughtful gifts I received. I feel truly blessed.

Although there was a lot of work the last couple of weeks I would like to mention what a good job all students did. No one complained in the face of adversity and everyone did their best. Good Job!!

mercredi le 17 décembre, jour 5 Hello everyone. Tomorrow we will have our math test. Students completed their social studies test and their French test today. I have sent home the French test for review. Please go through it with your son or daughter and return it tomorrow.

Also, I have been told that I am a bit of a grinch so tomorrow afternoon from 2:10-3:15 students will enjoy some free time in the classroom. Students are free to bring treats or games to play in the classroom. Tomorrow students are encouraged to dress festively. That means that Santa hats or reindeer antlers are allowed.

mardi le 16 décembre, jour 4

Hello everyone. Please ask your son or daughter for the quizzes I sent home today. Go through the quizzes and have your son or daughter explain their mistakes. Then please sign and return them tomorrow. It is very important that the quizzes be returned because I need to keep them as evidence of learning for the next term. If the test is not returned I will be unable to refer to it in the future.

Tomorrow we will have two unit tests. The first one is in FLA. The topic is Les Fêtes. Please have a look at the study guide below. The second test is a unit test on Les contreforts. The social studies test will be the more challenging of the two tests and students should spend the bulk of their homework time reviewing the concepts outlined in the study guide below. Here are a few tips to help you study:

• Re-read the notes on the contreforts webpage.
• Re-read and review the lessons in your duotangs.
• Review the links on the webpage.
• Make sure you know the vocabulary by checking the glossary at the back of the textbook.
• Re-read the textbook and make sure to understand the main concepts.
• Try to recall the discussions and lessons we did in class.

Hello everyone. Students should spend some time this evening studying for the tests this week. Students should also work on the math review on pages 76-77. This is not an assignment that is "due" but it should still be completed to prepare for the test on Thursday. We will correct the assignment in class on Wed. I have finished correcting the math quizzes from last week and I will return them and go through the results with students.

dimanche le 14 décembre

Hello everyone.  I hope you are keeping warm in this cold weather.  This week will be the last week of school before the Christmas holidays.  It will also be one of our busiest weeks of the year so far.  We will have three tests this week.  The tests will be in maths, French language arts and social studies.  The French and social studies tests will be on Wednesday and the math test will be on Thursday.  We will do review activities in all 3 subject areas.  Students should also spend some time this week reviewing the material on their own.  Please refer to the study guides below to get ready for the tests.

Maths

Students must know, explain or demonstrate the following concepts.

• Write 4 digit numbers in words.
• Write 4 digit numbers in expanded form.  For example. 7429 would be 7000+400+20+9.
• Compare and order numbers.
• Find sums and differences using estimation, mental calculation and place value (columns)
• Sort numbers using Venn diagrams and Carroll diagrams.
• Make the largest and smallest possible number from a set of numbers.
• Solve a variety of problems involving addition and subtraction.
• Review the material and activities in lessons 1-10.

French language arts

This test will be based on the material in the Les Fêtes Duotang.  Students should re-read the texts and review the comprehension and vocabulary exercises.

Lesson 1:  La Veillée de Noël.  This lesson centers on the traditional Christmas eve gathering, the yule log and various traditions.

Lesson 2: St Francis of Assisi.  In this lesson we learned about St. Francis.  Students should recall the research activity we completed.  They should be able to explain where the tradition of the Crèche came from and how it has evolved over the centuries.  Students should also be able to explain what santons are and describe the steps for making them.

Lesson 3:  Les feuillages de Noël.  In this lesson students learned about the cultural and traditional significance of certain plants.  Students should be able to identify le houx, le gui, le lierre, and le romarin.  They should also be able to explain what each plant represents.  Students should be able to explain where the tradition of the Christmas tree comes from and how it has evolved over the years. 

Lesson 4:  La table de Noël.  In this lesson students learned about different foods served at Christmas.  Students should be able to describe a traditional Christmas feast from at least one of the countries described in the text.

Lesson 5:  Le Marché de Noël.  In this lesson students learned about a traditional Christmas market.  Students should be able to explain the purpose of the market and what types of items could be purchased there.   In this lesson students also learned about the tradition of Christmas cards.  Students should be able to explain where the tradition comes from and how it has evolved.

Lessons 6, 7 and 8 will not be on the test because we have not yet completed those lessons.  We will do what we can this week and we will complete the unit after Christmas.

Social studies

The social studies test will bring to a close our study of the foothills region.  Students should know, demonstrate or be able to explain the following concepts.

• Describe the landforms of the foothills region. (p40)
• Describe the climate of the foothills by drawing a picture.(p42)
• Describe the impact of human activities on animal life such as the woodland caribou. (p44)
• Describe how Aboriginal people used a lunar calendar.(p46)
• Describe the factors which contribute to the establishment of new communities. (p46)
• Describe how we can use our natural resources wisely.(p50)
• Know and understand the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources. (p47)
• Locate the foothills region on a map. (p39)
• Define the following terms bassin hydrographique, conifères, feuilles caduques, adaptation, espèces menacées.
• Explain how the foothills were formed. (p40)
• Explain why the foothills region is good for raising cattle. (p49)
• Name some natural resources located near Calgary.
• Explain how early settlers used natural resources to meet their needs. (p48)

In the new year...

Math

In math we will be starting a new unit.  The unit is on multiplication and division.  This module contains 10 lessons.  In this module students will:

• Use different mental math strategies to multiply and divide.
• Multiply by 0, 1, and 10.
• Divide by 1.
• Recall multiplication and division facts.
• Identify and describe patterns in a multiplication chart.
• Relate multiplication and division.
• Pose and solve story problems using multiplication and division.
• Write and solve equations.

It would be a very good idea to study and practice basic multiplication facts.  There is a times table at the back of the agenda that students can refer to.  You can also use the Quia activities and the links on the math course outline page to practice multiplication facts.  Try to spend 15 minutes per day during the holidays and you will be ahead of the game. 

French Language Arts

In French language arts we will be starting a new unit.  The unit is on hockey.  I am planning to use a variety of resources and French books for this unit.  Students will have the chance to view print materials, videos and pictures from stories such as "The Hockey Sweater" by Roch Carrier.   We will also read books by Mike Leonetti and Robert Munsch.  We will learn about hockey stars such as Gordie Howe, Bobby Orr, Wayne Gretzky and Wendel Clarke and how they relate to Canadian and French Canadian culture.

We will also be starting a new unit in grammar.  Students will be studying nouns and pronouns.  We will also be looking at sentence structure and identifying subjects and verbs.  Students will also be doing more writing in the new year.

We will also continue the Home School Reading Program.   Since beginning the program I have been listening to students read in French for about 30 minutes per day.  Students read in French for the first 15 minutes of the day and then again after lunch for 15 minutes.  I have also allowed students to complete miscellaneous assignments or homework in the first 15 minutes of the morning.  Some students have struggled with the no talking policy during these times but I feel we are getting used to it and it is actually quite beneficial to have the quiet time to focus on completing work or concentrating on French reading.  Please continue to listen to your child read in French for 15 minutes per night.  Note any difficulties or observations you may have in your son or daughter's yellow reading journal.

English Language Arts

In English Language arts we will continue our current unit of study on animals. 

Religion

In Religion we will start a new unit called Exploring the New Testament.  In this unit students will learn about the Holy Land, about Jesus' youth and his early ministry.

Social Studies

In social studies we will begin our study of the prairie region in Alberta.  We will spend about 3 weeks on this topic before moving on to the parkland region.  We will need to move fairly quickly through the last 4 units of our study of Alberta geography.  In March we will begin to look at the history of Alberta.  I am also planning on having students complete a major project on Alberta history in May.

Science

In science we will continue our study of simple machines until roughly the end of January.  We still have a fair bit of work to complete in this unit so we will have to move through the work fairly quickly.  The next unit we will do after simple machines is building objects and vehicles that move.  Please have a look at the science course outline for more information.

Hello everyone students must complete a FLA assignment for Monday. Lesson 4-5 activities in Les Fêtes is due Monday.

jeudi le 11 déc, jour 1

There will be a math quiz tomorrow. The quiz will cover lessons 8-9-10 of module 2. Students must know, understand or explain the following concepts.

• Estimate a difference by rounding off.
• Round off numbers to the nearest 10th, 100th or 1000th.
• Subtract 3 digit numbers from another 3 digit number.
• Use borrowing as a strategy when subtracting.
• Subtract numbers mentally using the strategies we learned in class.
• Verify the subtraction by using addition.
• Solve a variety of problems involving subtraction.
• Invent a problem based on a subtraction.

There will be a grammar test tomorrow. Students should pay close attention to the material in their grammar duotangs. The boxes labelled "J'apprends" are particularly important.

Students also must complete 3 social studies questions.

mardi le 9 décembre, jour 5

Students must complete all the sheets in their grammar duotabgs.

I will be unable to answer any queries on Eboard this evening.

vendredi le 5 décembre, jour 4

There is a math assignment due tomorrow. p. 63 #1-5. I have put some explanations on the math help page.

Please bring in the St. Vincent de Paul items you were assigned. The boxes will be picked up this Thursday.

There will be a French grammar test on Thursday. The test will be on "les déterminants". Students should review the material in their duotangs as well as the information on the grammar webpage. There are lots of good Quia activities on the French grammar page.

jeudi le 4 décembre, jour 3

There is no homework this weekend.

mercredi le 3 déc, jour 2

There is no homework this evening. There will also not be any more dictation or phrases de dictée until after Christmas.

mardi le 2 déc, jour 1

Hello everyone. Interview times for the parent teacher interviews were sent home today.

Students started a research assignment in English language arts. The topic for this research assignment is sled dogs. I made a web page for the assignment. You can access the page by clicking on the link in the table above.

I divided the assignment into several parts. The first part was browsing websites for information. I went through the research questions with the class. There are 6 required questions for the research plus students must make up four of their own questions. Students can use jot notes to write answers to the questions.

Finally students will present their research in the form of a question and answer booklet.

I would like students to complete the jot notes for the questions by tomorrow. We worked in the computer lab today so students have had a good start on the assignment. If possible students could also use their jot notes to write the information in paragraphs. If they would like to go even further they could type the questions and their answers into a Word document and then email it to me. This will make the booklet making task easier. I am planning to start the booklet on Thursday morning.

vendredi le 28 nov, jour 5

Hello everyone there is a science assignment due Monday as well as grammar p 2, 3, 4, 5.

jeudi le 27 nov

I have put up the notes for our next social studies unit. Our next unit is called Les contreforts. This unit is on the foothills. We will be studying various topics in the unit such as; the impact of human activities on animal life, human links to nature, factors contributing to the establishment of communities, how to use our natural resources wisely and appreciation of the foothills region.

This unit contains 5 lessons. It is my goal to complete this unit of study before the Christmas holidays. Students can begin to review the material on the foothills webpage anytime. You can see the webpage by clicking on the link in the table above.

Hello everyone. Phrases de dictée are due tomorrow and there is also a math quiz on lessons 4-7.

mercredi le 26 nov, jour 3

Hello everyone. There is a math assignment due tomorrow. P. 57-58. #1,2,3,4,6. Students must use the 5 step problem solving method for #4, and 6.

St. Vincent de Paul

Every year at this time our school prepares food hampers for needy families in our communities. Each class is responsible for one hamper. I have divided up the list and your son or daughter has written the items which they have been assigned in their agenda. Please send the items as soon as possible. Each student is asked to bring 3 items.

mardi le 25 nov, jour 2

Hello everyone there is a math assignment due tomorrow. P. 53, 54. This is an addition assignment. Students had about 30 minutes of class time to work on this assignment. I also taught students a five step problem solving method I would like them to use for problem 6, 7, 8, 9. There is more information on the five steps on the math help page.

lundi le 24 nov, jour 1

Hello everyone there is a math assignment due tomorrow. P. 50 1-4. There are some extra explanations on the math help page.

There will be a social studies test on the Rocky Mountains on Thursday, Nov. 27. Students should use the following study guide as well as the information in their duotangs and on the Montagnes Rocheuses webpage to review and study for the test. There is a fair bit of material to cover so students should plan to spend some time this week reviewing the material. 30 minutes per evening would be a good start. However the more time they spend on the material the better.

Study guide

• Explain and illustrate how the mountains were formed.
• Know and describe glaciers.
• Explain why glaciers are important.
• Describe the landforms and the shape of the Rockies.
• Know the vocabulary on the Montagnes Rocheuse page.
• Locate well known cities, towns, highways etc on a map of Alberta.
• Review all the "pause" questions from the textbook.
• Review all the lessons and notes in the duotang.
• Explain how to show respect for sacred sites, vegetation, and wildlife.
• Explain how coal is formed.
• Explain the importance of coal to Alberta.
• Explain why the grizzly bear population is threatened in Alberta.
• Explain how we could help the grizzly bear.
• Explain why certain communities are located where they are.
• Explain why we have National Parks

Hello everyone. There is a math assignment due Monday. It is lesson 4 of module 2. Do not hesitate to ask questions on Eboard if you need help. I will check it tonight and tomorrow morning as well as Sunday.

Also, students have an assignment in social studies. It is a mapping assignment. The assignment that students received is in French. However I also had an English version of the assignment and I have decided to make it available to parents in case students need help and you are struggling with French. Simply, go to the Eboard page and on my note you will see the attachment. Just click on the link and it will open in a new window. You can also enlarge it if you need to. I will still expect the work to be completed in French though.

jeudi le 20 nov, jour 5

Hello everyone. There is a math assignment due tomorrow. Students must complete p. 47 #1-3. Students can feel free to work ahead on this assignment. We will be completing the rest of this lesson tomorrow and it will be due Monday. Please ask your son or daughter for the math quiz we did yesterday, then look through it and sign it. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me or phone me at school or if you wish we can discuss it at parent teacher interviews in a couple of weeks.

Students must also complete sentences for tomorrow.

mercredi le 19 nov, jour 4

Hello everyone there is a French grammar assignment due tomorrow. Activity 14-19 in the grammar duotangs is due tomorrow. There will also be a dict.ée tomorrow.

mardi le 18 nov, jour 3

Hello everyone there will be a math quiz tomorrow. The quiz will cover lesson 1, 2, 3 in module 2. Page 36-44 in the text. Students must be able to represent large numbers using base ten material, compare and order numbers and finally students must know how to use Venn Diagrams.

Students also completed an introduction to doing research assignments in French language arts. The topic for research was St. Francis of Assisi. Students learned that doing research involves looking for answers to questions. Students viewed a video, read material on websites and wrote notes to answer the research questions. Finally, students were asked to compile a report made up of sentences and paragraphs. Students worked individually on their reports after completing the class research activity. The report is due tomorrow.

vendredi le 14 novembre, jour 1

Social studies assignment due Monday

There is some work due Monday. Students must finish a social studies assignment on coal. The assignment is to create a small information booklet. Students must identify what they knew about coal and what they have learned. They must list current and past uses of coal. They must describe how coal is formed and draw a picture of it. Finally, they must write a short paragraph explaining why coal is important to Alberta. There are websites bookmarked at the bottom of the rocky mountain Quia page. Please go there for more information.

Math assignment due Monday

Students must finish the assignment on Venn diagrams on page 44-45 for Monday. This lesson was taught on Thursday and students had today's math period to work on it. I will put some extra explanations on the math help page sometime this weekend. If anyone needs help they should also post a message on Eboard. I will check Eboard this evening and throughout the weekend so if you need help do not hesitate to ask.

Finally, there is also a short grammar assignment due Monday. Activity 10 and 11 on page 9.

Do not forget...

ELA assignment due on Tuesday: Animals make good friends.

jeudi le 13 nov, jour 6

Hello everyone there is an assignment due tomorrow in maths. Page 44, #1, a and b. Students must also complete phrases de dictée for tomorrow.

If anyone needs help with either of these assignments I will be on eboard tonight.

mercredi le 12 nov, jour 5

Hello everyone there is a French language arts assignment due tomorrow. The assignment is to complete lesson 2 in the Fêtes duotang. Students do NOT have to finish the research assignment on Saint Francis of Assisi. They should only complete part I and II. There is also a dictation tomorrow. Finally, please do not forget to have a look at our simple machines webpage by clicking on the link in the table above. The link is Les roues et leviers.

mardi le 8 nov

Hello everyone. I have created a new page for our wheels and levers unit which we will be starting soon. Please have a look by clicking on the link in the table above. The title is Les roues et les leviers. vendredi le 7 nov, jour 4

Hello everyone. There is no homework this weekend. Have a nice long weekend everybody.

jeudi le 6 nov, jour 3

Phrases de dictée are due tomorrow.

mercredi le 5 nov, jour 2

Hello everyone there is a math assignment due for tomorrow. Students must complete lesson 2 in module 2. P. 40-41 are due tomorrow. Students had about 50 minutes to complete this task in class. A few students finished the assignment in class.

We did a writing activity this morning in French language arts. Students are asked to complete the rough draft of their story about snow.

Today students started an art project. The project is to paint a landscape scene of a field of poppies. Students learned about the poem, In Flanders Fields, and they also viewed a short video from the Heritage minutes website. Please feel free to have a look at some of the Heritage minutes by scrolling to the bottom of this page and clicking on the link.

Tomorrow students will complete their landscapes by adding the poppies in acrylic paint. Please send an old shirt which students can wear to cover their clothing while painting.

lundi le 4 nov, jour 1

Hello everyone there is a French language arts assignment due for tomorrow. The assignment is based on lesson 1 of our holidays unit in French. The first part is comprehension questions. Students must refer back to the text to find the answers to the questions. The sencond part is a dictionary assignment. Students are allowed to take one of the OLD Robert Junior's home to use. The last part of the assignment is a crossword puzzle using vocabulary from the lesson.

The home and school reading program is also starting this evening. Students are expected to read for 15 minutes aloud to a parent or older sibling. I levelled the books by putting stickers on the front covers of the books. The green stickers are for the easier books, yellow is for medium and red is for the harder books. I assisted students in choosing their books today.

Finally, our school is now using Eboard as an extra communication tool. I will still continue to post all of my information on this page. However our class will use our eboard as a discussion forum. Students and parents may post messages by using the online form. To check it out go to eboard.com and then enter ecole in the form for the eboard name on the left hand side of the page. The password for our school is french. Then just scroll down and click on our note to see our information.

vendredi le 31 oct

Hello everyone. There is an assignment due Tuesday in Social Studies. Students must do the last 2 questions in lesson 2.2 and make a collage of photos which represent elements of the Rocky mountains. Follow the steps below to make the collage.

Collage

make sure to use the links at the bottom of the montagnes rocheuses page. Please do not just go on google and find pictures because I also want you to look at the content of the websites I sent you to.

• Open MS Word
• Set the document to landscape by clicking "file" then "pagesetup"
• Save your document as "Rocky mountain collage"
• Open Internet Explorer and go to the montagnes rocheuses page on our Quia website. (There is a link from the grade 4 homepage)
• Use the links at the bottom of the Quia page to go to websites that have good photos representing characteristics of the Rockies.
• Right click on the photos you like and then paste them into your word doc.
• Change the layout to "tight" by double clicking on the photos and then going to the layout tab.
• Arrange the photos on your collage page.
• Ask your mom or dad to email me the collage.

Hello everyone. Pages 36-37 in maths are due tomorrow. Please click on the math explanations page above for help. Also, please have a look at my page on how to write numbers in French. I gave a reference sheet to students with this material. However it is also posted on my Quia website. Remember to pay close attention to this material and how to write numbers in French. They are tricky!! One misplaced hyphen can mean getting the whole number wrong.

mercredi le 29 oct

Today students started unit 2 in maths. Please click on the math course outline page in the table above to find out more information about unit 2. There is no homework due tomorrow in maths. However Lesson 1;p. 36.37 À ton tour is due Friday. I have advised students to begin working on this assignment today. I will give some class time tomorrow to work on it and to answer questions. Students should do as much as they can this evening. They should plan ahead and manage their time as well as they can. I will also put some explanations for this work on the explanations page.

Mots de dictée pour 6 nov

• la cheminée
• des refrains
• une bûche
• des feuillages
• Noël
• une veillée
• des rubans
• un arbre
• un gâteau
• un tronc

• décorer
• le houx
• le gui
• le lierre
• le romarin
• feuillage
• traditionel
• couronne
• amitié
• Alsace

• la nappe
• le réveillon
• les mets
• la messe de minuit
• des betteraves
• le maïs
• des amandes
• des boulettes
• la viande
• le choux

• allumette
• pantoufle
• trottoir
• berceau
• tablier
• vieux
• poêle
• chandelle
• lumière
• faim

There is a short assignment in ELA due for tomorrow. Page 33 in ELA Cornerstones is due tomorrow.

Hello. Please have a look at the Home Reading Program in which our class will participate. You can see the information by clicking on the link in the table above. It is in the FLA section. I plan to start this program next week.

lundi le 27 oct

Hello everyone. There is no homework due for tomorrow however students should try to spend some time on the activities on the math page. Click on the math page in the table above and try out some of the Quia activities or links. Also, students should talk to their parents about Christmas traditions. If possible talk to grandparents or even great grandparents about their Christmas traditions.

vendredi le 24 oct

Students must finish the rough draft of a French story we started today. The scenario for the story is:

You have just found a witch's magic broom. What do you do with it?

We discussed ideas for this scenario in class today. We also discussed how a good story must have a beginning, middle and end as well as a problem that is resolved at the end of the story.

A good way to help your son or daughter with this assignment is to first have them write the story in French. Then have them read it back to you in French. Even if you do not understand that is okay. Listen to their reading and how they pronounce the words. Afterward have them tell you the story in English and offer any suggestions or ideas to improve the story.

Swimming Lessons

Just a reminder that Monday is the first day of swimming lessons. We will be going to Foothills pool every morning from the 27th to the 31st. Students must come to school prepared for swimming.

jeudi le 23 oct

I have updated the math course outline page. Please have a look by clicking on the link in the table above.

There is some homework to complete this evening in health. Students have an assignment to complete for tomorrow. Also, phrases de dictée are due tomorrow.

Please send in Scholastic book orders by tomorrow as I will do the orders this weekend.

Kudos to the grade four class. I have been pleased with the progress our class has made since the beginning of the year. There is still lots of room for improvement but I have been happy with how well students are shouldering the workload so far this year. I would also like to take this chance to send out some kudos to the parents as well. The grade fours could not do it without your support.

mercredi le 22 oct

Hello everyone. There will be a dictée tomorrow. There will also be a very short quiz in social studies on the 6 aspects of geography. Students should review the information on page 22 of their Études Sociales book to prepare for the quiz. Students must be able to say what each of the 6 aspects means and give examples.

mardi le 21 oct.

Hello everyone. There is a math test tomorrow and a grammar assignment due tomorrow. Act. 7-8-9 is the grammar assignment.

lundi le 20 oct

Hello everyone there is an assignment in maths due for tomorrow. This is a review assignment. It will be corrected tomorrow however this assignment will not be marked. Students should consider this preparation for the math test on Wednesday. For extra help pease look at the math explanations page by clicking on the link in the table above.

vendredi le 17 oct

Hello everyone there is some work to complete for Monday. Please see the list below.

• Study for Jonas test, see the guide d'étude below.
• Maths p. 27, #1, 2, 3

• Math test on Wednesday
• Jonas le requin rose test
• Starting holidays unit in FLA
• We will continue our study of French articles and "déterminants"

• Re-read as much of the novel as you can.
• Do the activities at the back of the novel and then check the answers at the back of the novel.
• Re-read and study the activities in your FLA amitié duotang.
• Pay close attention to the expressions on page A8.
• Pay close attention to the vocabulary on page A8 and A9.
• Pay close attention to the quotations on page A15.
• Do the Quia activity on Jonas at the bottom of this page.

• Try to spread out your studying over the weekend rather than trying to do it all at once.
• Use a dictionary to check look up words you do not understand.
• Make a chronological list of the events that happenned in the novel.
• Make a list of the main characters.

Hello everyone there is some work to do for tomorrow. Please look at the list below.

• Study for light quiz
• ELA sports media assignment
• Grammaire activity 1, 2, 3, 4
• Phrases de dictée

• Identify light sources
• Draw where a shadow is cast by looking at the position of the sun or light source.
• Identify what time of the day it is by looking at the shadow.
• Explain why it is dangerous to look at the sun.
• From the pinhole camera project: Explain why the image was inverted
• Explain what opaque, transparent and tranlucide mean.
• Explain how a shadow changes when we move a light source nearer to or further away from an opaque object.
• Explain what is refraction and draw an example of it.
• Explain how corrective lenses work.

There is some work to complete for tomorrow. Students must complete the math assignment we started yesterday. P. 24, #4-7 are due tomorrow. If you need extra help please click on the "math explanations" link in the table above.

There is also a dictation tomorrow.

Hello everyone. I handed out permission forms for our swimming the week of Oct 27-31. Please collect these and fill out the information. The forms are due back Friday because we need to send them to the pool.

mardi le 14 oct

Hello everyone there is some work to complete for tomorrow. Please see the list below.

I am also sending home the social studies test that students did last Friday. Please find a moment to look at the test with your son or daughter then sign the test and return it tomorrow. It is imperative that I receive the tests back because they are evidence of learning. I use this material when evaluating students and I must keep them for future reference. Students have been told of the expectation to return the test. The consequence for not bringing back the test tomorrow is missing recess.

Due tomorrow

• Maths p. 24, #1, 2, 3. Students may go ahead and do 4, 5, 6, and 7 if they have time. This will be assigned tomorrow.
• Southpaw questions due tomorrow.
• Science lumière Q & A assignment. This is particularly important because we will correct this tomorrow and students will have a quiz on this material Friday.

Sports story report. (See Ela Cornerstones duotang)Due Fiday

Tests

• Friday Oct 17; science quiz on light.
• Monday Oct 20; Test on Jonas le requin Rose.

This week we will be starting new work in the following areas:

• French language arts; grammar: les déterminants
• Social Studies: Les montagnes rocheuses

So it seems that the Stamps were the better team today. I guess the Riders will have to try, try again.

Recent updates to Quia pages. I have updated the following pages.

• Maths course outline and a new math help page. Both pages are still under construction. The course outline page has links to Quia activities. The full course outline is coming soon.
• Social studies rocky mountain page has been updated with links to outside websites. We are just starting our unit on the Rocky mountains so it would be worth it to visit this site.
• There are new activities on the ombres et lumières page.

vendredi le 10 oct, jour 4

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the whole class on the success of the liturgy. I heard many positive comments and praise on the job the grade fours did this morning. Good job!!

There is nothing due for Tuesday however students should make sure to complete their Jonas activities in their duotangs for Wednesday. They must also complete the Q & A assignment for Science.

Please check the webpage this weekend for some updates.

The dictation words for the next few weeks are posted below.

Oct 17

• une plaque
• un glacier
• la géographie
• le relief
• l'hydrographie
• un champ de glace
• le climat
• la végétation
• une ressource naturelle
• le charbon

• le colliery
• un parc national
• une montagne
• une vallée
• user
• la précipitation
• l'altitude
• la flore
• un combustible fossile
• l'extraction

• l'exploitation
• sources thermales
• la faune
• une espèce menacée
• une voie ferrée
• More words to come.

Try this math activity.

Students must finish their phrases de dictée for tomorrow. Tomorrow is our Liturgy service for Thanksgiving. It will begin at 10:50 AM.

mercredi, le 8 oct, jour 2

Hello everyone. There is some work to complete for tomorrow. Students must practice their readings for the Thanksgiving liturgy on Friday. There will be a dictee tomorrow. Also, if anyone will be absent on Friday I would appreciate it if you could let me know tomorrow please.

There will be a social studies test tomorrow on Unit 1 of Notre Alberta. Our class spent about 45 minutes today reviewing the concepts as well as talking about how to study for tests. We talked about marks and how they affect the report cards and how we will soon be having more tests because report cards are coming up. Anyway, I like to provide a study guide to students who have to study for a test. So, the following items are things students will have to know, explain, draw or understand for tomorrow's social studies test.

• What is a creation story? Why have people and cultures developed creation stories?
• What is Pangea?, explain what is continental drift?
• Describe First Nations beliefs concerning fossils.
• Understand that FN peoples have inhabited Alberta for thousands of years.
• All of the vocabulary on the "Les origines d'Alberta page. (Look above for the link)
• Describe GM Dawson and his contributions. Who he was and what he did.
• Who was Tyrrell and describe his contributions.
• Locate Alberta on a map of Canada.
• Explain how fossils help us to understand Alberta's past.
• Explain how the Royal Tyrrell museum helps us to understand the history of fossils.
• Know the capital of Alberta.
• Locate the capital on a map of Alberta.

• Reread the chapter in your text.
• Read the notes on the origines d'Alberta web page.
• Study the question and answer assignment in your duotang.
• Explore the links on the origines d'Alberta page.

Hello, I just wanted to let everyone who filled out a volunteer registration form at the beginning of the year that a volunteer orientation is a yearly requirement as per board policy. M. Degagné is in charge of this at our school. So, if you filled out a registration form you can expect to receive a phone call to set up a time for the orientation. The orientation itself is about 15 minutes and covers everything you will need to know about volunteering.

mardi le 7 oct. jour 1

Hello everyone there is some work to complete for tomorrow.

• Liturgy reading practice.
• Maths, p 20-21 of the text. #4-10
• Social studies test has been postponed to Thursday.

#4-6: Students must write an equation and then solve the equation using one of the strategies listed in the problem. The strategy for #4 is: Use tokens, #5 is draw a picture, #6 is to predict and verify. We did #4-6 together this morning so most students should be finished this work.

#7-10 are a bit more challenging. For number 7 students must choose which equation goes with the problem then explain why they chose that particular equation.

For number 8, they must invent a word problem that would use the equation listed in number 8. It must be a word problem written in French then they must solve the problem.

Number 9 is the same as number 8.

For number 10, students must use the numbers and symbols to create as many equations as possible. (3 would be a good number) They must then solve them using a different strategy each time. (using tokens, draw a picture or guess and check). Then finally write a word problem for each equation.

lundi le 6 oct, jour 1

Hello everyone. There is some homework to complete for tomorrow. Students must practice their readings for the liturgy this Friday.

Maths

Students must complete page 20, A ton tour. #1, 2, 3. This lesson is an introduction to equation. Today students learned the following.

• An "expression d'egalité" is an expression where all the numbers are known. IE: 12+2=14
• An equation is an expression where one term is unknown. Students learned to substitute a symbol for the unknown term. IE 23+#=25.

In number 1 students must write an "expressions d'égalité" for the pictures of the base ten material.

In number 2 students must solve the equations using the "prédis et vérifie" strategy.

In number 3 students must explain in words what each equation means. Then, solve the equations and represent them by drawing the tokens in their notebooks.

We will continue to work on this lesson tomorrow. It should be noted that these are important concepts that will provide the foundation for future math studies.

Special Social Studies Project

I introduced a special social studies project today to the grade four class. Please find the letter detailing the project I sent home with your son or daughter. There is also a link at the bottom of this page to a website. This website details the adventures of Jasper a travelling bear. This website and series of books is similar to the project our class will complete. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

dimanche le 5 octobre

Thanks to Alexandra for the caricature she drew of me. It is like looking in a mirror, thanks Alexandra!!

Hello everyone. I would like to invite all students and parents to view our new grade four french grammar page by clicking the link in the table above. This page details the grammatical concepts students will learn in grade 4 this year. This information is intended to be a primer for grammatical concepts as they are taught. It is meant to be supplemental. Also, do not forget to try some of the activities at the bottom of the page. These activities will help you to practice grammatical concepts and vocabulary.

vendredi le 3 oct, jour 5

Hello everyone. There is a French language arts assignment to complete for Monday. Pages A15-A18 in the Jonas le requin rose novel study (yellow duotang). On page A18 students must draw a 6 panel comic strip which details the scene in the book where Jonas visits a beach and is rejected by all the humans. Student should draw the images and then use speech bubbles to express what the characters in the story are saying.

jeudi le 2 oct, jour 4

Hello everyone. Today was a fairly busy day with a lot of work being corrected and marked and more work and activities assigned. There is some work due tomorrow, please look at the details below.

• Phrases de dictee. Students must write sentences with this week's dictation words. Students should use a dictionary to verify that their sentences are written in the correct context.
• Études Sociales. This is the assignment that was given on Wednesday. It is a question and answer assignment based on chapter 1 of Notre Alberta. Students have already had 30-45 minutes of class time to work on it. This assignment is particularly important because we will be having a test on this material next week.
• Science journal writing. This assignment is the conclusion of this week's science activity of making a camera obscura. The cameras and questions were marked today and to follow up the assignment students were instructed to take their projects home, show them to their parents and then demonstrate their use. Afterward they must answer the following question and complete the journal entry in their science duotangs. The question is: Why is the image projected onto the wax paper screen inverted? Here is a hint. Google the term "convex lenses"

Homework

• Dictation
• Science questions from the experiment on Tuesday.
• P. A5-A14 Jonas le Requin Rose.
• P. 6-7 maths, feuille de travail dans le duotang.

Today in English languge arts class I handed out a copy of magazine to all students. This magazine is called "The Canadian Reader". It contains current events stories and English language arts activities that students can do at home. Our school has subscribed to this magazine and we should receive it every month. I will distribute the magazine and the expectation is that students take it home and do the activities at home. At this point I am not requiring students to bring the work back to school. It is meant as a supplement for students to work on at times when they do not have formal homework.

Grade four C.C.A.T. Testing

Each year all grade 4 and grade 7 students in the Calgary Catholic School District write C.C.A.T. tests (Canadian Cognitive Abilities Tests). The purpose of the these tests is to identify student learning styles and needs.

Our grade four students will write these tests on October 7, 8, and 9 from 9:00 to 10:00. These tests do not require any studying or advanced preparation and serve as one of many tools teachers use to improve teaching and learning for our students.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Mr. Scott at 403-220-9556.

mardi le 30 septembre, jour 2

Hello everyone. Today was a fairly busy day. We read through ch 2 in our Jonas le requin rose novel. We also did a new lesson today in math called representing patterns. Students identified numerical patterns then had to represent them using tokens and then by drawing them. Exercise 1-5 on page 16-17 is due tomorrow.

Students also made and tested pinhole cameras. They followed a set of instructions to make a light tight box and then conducted an experiment with them. The image they saw through the camera was inverted. I would like to challenge all students to explain why the image is inverted.

lundi le 29 septembre, jour 1

Hello everyone. There is some work to do this evening in maths. The assignment is page 4-5 in the math duotang. This is a reproducible sheet that builds on the skills learned in lesson 2. Students practice working with and extending patterns. We spent most of today's math class working on this assignment so students should be almost finished.

For the students who have not brought their shoeboxes in, they should have them by tomorrow or they will be unable to complete the activity in science and will have to do it at home.

dimanche le 28 septembre, jour 1

Hello everyone. I hope everyone is having a nice weekend.

Have a look at the activity below.

vendredi le 26 septembre, jour 6

Hello everyone. There is some work due Monday.

• FLA Ex. 13-17 for dictionary skills.
• Bring a shoebox or similar sized box that can be cut for Monday for a science activity.

Digital natives digital immigrants

jeudi le 25 septembre, jour 5

Hello everyone. There is some work to complete for tomorrow.

• Phrases de dictée. Students must write 10 sentences using this week's list of dictation words.
• Rough draft of Best Friends Interview. This was assigned on Monday. We have been talking about in class all week. Students were expected to see me if they were having difficulty with this assignment.
• Comic strip of the Pentecost story from religion. Students have had about 1 hour of class time to complete this assignment.
• P. A2, A3, A4 of the activity booklet for Jonas le Requin Rose. This is a novel study we have started this week in French language arts.

• Students must bring a shoebox or similar sized box that they do not need returned. This is for a science project.
• Ex 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 of the dictionary studies. This will finish off chapter 2.

mercredi le 24 septembre, jour 4

Hello everyone. There are a couple of assignments due tomorrow. Please read below for details.

• FLA - dictionary skills assignment. Students must complete ex 9, 10, 11, 12 in ch 2. Students require a Robert Junior to do this work. Students are allowed to borrow one from the class if they need to bring one home.
• #4 on page 12 of the math textbook.
• Dictation tomorrow. Every Thursday students have a spelling test. Scroll down to see the words for tomorrow. Students are also expected to have them written down in their agendas.
• If there is still time I would like students and parents to read through the information on the "ombre et lumiere" page. The link is above.

• Phrases de dictée
• Rough draft of best friend interview.
• Pentecost story.

Hello everyone there are a couple of assignments due tomorrow.

• Maths: P. 12-13 #2 and 3. This assignmetn deals with patterns. Students must do the activities and record data in a table. They must then make a prediciton based on the data in the table.
• FLA: grammaire; Ex 7 and 8 for Robert Junior. In exercise 7 students must use the dictionary to find the feminine form of nouns. In exercise 8 they will see words with more than one meaning. They must look up the word and then write the meanings of the words.

Hello everyone there are some assignments due tomorrow. Plus one ELA assignment due Friday. Please read below for a breakdown of the work. Also, I have only received 6 photos of the students' work areas at home. Please ask your son or daughter about this assignment.

• Maths. Students are still getting used to the work in grade four as well as the textbook therefore we are taking it a bit slow. I am planning to pick things up in the coming weeks as there is a fair bit of material to cover. For tomorrow students need to finish #1; a-g on page 12 of their textbook. Students were also reminded of the expectation to show assignments appearing on this page so everyone is supposed to have their math books with them.
• French language arts (FLA) dictionary skills; ch. 2 ex 4,5,6 due tomorrow.
• Religion, draw a picture and answer 2 questions as per the instructions given in class.

Students must find a pair of "best friends" They can be any age. It would be interesting if they could find older people who have been best friends for many years. They can also interview their parents as long as they are best friends. I am encouraging uniqueness with this assignment so the sky is the limit when it comes to the pair of friends.

They must then interview the friends using 4 pre-determined questions plus 4 questions of their own. They must then take some photos of the friends (preferably digital) Then use the material from the interview to write an article on friendship.

The four pre-determined questions are:

• How did you meet?
• What do you like to do together?
• Do you ever have fights?
• How do you make up?

vendredi le 19 septembre, jour 1

Please click on the link below and spend time this weekend perusing the information found on the page ''Les origines d'Alberta''. Students must list five things they have learned as a result of surfing through the links and activities found on the page, les origines d'Alberta.

This is a page with notes and links on it that is designed to help with the introductory chapter of our social studies text, Notre Alberta. You will find notes, explanations, vocabulary and links to other websites. Pay close attention to the information on this page as it will become a valuable tool to assist you in our social studies program this year.

jeudi le 18 septembre, jour 6

Phrases de dictée are due tomorrow.

mercredi le 17 septembre, jour 5

There is a dictée tomorrow. The words are down below. Phrases de dictée are due Friday.

Also, students spent a good portion of the day learning and talking about Terry Fox. Students made writing folders and then worked on a writing assignment. The assignment was to write about a fictional encounter they had with Terry Fox. They are supposed to imagine waiting for Terry along the highway and then write a short story about their meeting with Terry. I used this opportunity to introduce graphic organizers and we started the story together. I am expecting students to have a rough draft of the story completed by tomorrow.

mardi le 16 septembre, jour 4

Important note: For the month of September students are expected to take home all assignments listed on this page to be checked over by parents even though they have completed the assignments.

Parents, please look over your son or daughter's work and look for any obvious errors, neatness, spelling etc.

There is a FLA assignment due tomorrow. Ch. 2, ex 1, 2, 3 are due tomorrow. This work is part of the dictionary studies we have been doing in class. These exercise give a definition for a word and students must look in the dicitonary to find the word then use the word in a sentence. It is a bit confusing at first. The clue in the definition is a word written in bold text. Students must look up that word then read the surrounding words (mot de la même famille)

Students must also complete the assignment "chasse aux trésors''. This is a social studies assignment. Students must peruse the textbook in order to find the information asked for in the assignment. This assignment should already be almost completed.

lundi le 15 septembre, jour 3

There are some assignments due for tomorrow.

• French language arts dictionary skills. Students must complete chapter 1 up to page 30. Students will need a Robert Junior for this work. If your son or daughter borrows a dictionary from class please make sure they return it as we only have a class set.
• Maths, finish lesson 1. This includes the textbook work which should be done in the notebook #1-7, as well as 1 sheet in their duotangs.
• Religion vocabulary crossword puzzles. There are 3 crossword puzzles to complete by tomorrow.

vendredi le 13 septembre

There is no homework this weekend. However students wishing to complete phrases de dictée for next week could do that.

mardi le 9 septembre, jour 6

• There is no homework due tomorrow. However we will be having our first French spelling dictation on Thursday. This is a weekly occurence. Dictation will take place every Thursday.
• Please get the interview time confirmation I sent home today. They are in the front pocket of the agendas.
• I will be away tomorrow at a meeting. Students have been advised that a sub will be coming in. Students are expected to be on their best behaviour tomorrow.

French spelling words for the month of September

These words are vocabulary words taken from the novel Jonas le Requin Rose. Our class will begin studying this novel next week sometime. Dictation will take place every Thursday and phrases de dictée are always due on Fridays.

September 18

• marsouin
• requinot
• dégradant
• sillage
• poseur
• grotte
• malin
• capture
• gambader
• surdoué

• imbécile
• geule
• avaler
• harpon
• transpercer
• domaine
• dévorer
• solitude
• l'univers
• sagesse

• quitter
• moral
• profond
• gaieté
• ancêtre
• minuscule
• merveille
• délicieux
• appétit
• succulent

• montagne
• accrocher
• espèce
• peine
• mystérieux
• direction
• Jonas
• atoll
• baleine
• goût

Please have a look at some of the basic routines, rules and expectations for our grade four class by clicking on the link below.

Basic Routines

lundi le 8 septembre, jour 5

There is a homework assignment in French language arts due tomorrow. Pages 21-22; exercise 8, 9, 10, 11. This is a dictionary assignment. I have instructed students to bring home a French dicitonary if they do not have one at home. The dictionary that our class will use for the year is Le Robert Junior. This is a very good dictionary and it is available at Indigo bookstores. It is worth having it at home in case your son or daughter needs to refer to it.

Our class has been discussing positive school/study habits. As part of this discussion students are asked to take a photo of themselves in their study spaces at home or wherever they do homework or studying. Any type of photo or drawing will work however a digital photo is preferable. Please email me the photo either this evening or tomorrow or whenever you have time. You can get my email by clicking on the link at the top of this page. Thank you.

Scholastic book orders

last week I sent home order forms for Scholastic book orders. There is absolutley no obligation to purchase anything from Scholastic. However if you would like to purchase anything please fill out the order form and send it back to school. Unfortuately I am only able to accept cheques. There are 2 main reasons for this. It tells me you have given permission for your son or daughter to order materials and it saves me time when completing the orders.

I normally do not have a set date for orders as I complete the orders online. I usually do it on the weekends and it normally takes about 2 weeks for orders to come in. Students are responsible to submit the orders in the ziploc bag I have posted on the bulletin board. If you have any questions about this please do not hesitate to email me or write a note.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

There is a French sentence writing assignment due tomorrow. Students must write sentences with the dictation words posted below.

Your child’s class is starting a mathematics unit on number patterns. Patterns occur regularly in mathematics. As children learn to analyse patterns, they develop powerful reasoning skills that will help them make sense of mathematics.

In this unit, your child will:

• Investigate and describe patterns in tables and charts.
• Extend number patterns.
• Use concrete materials to display patterns.
• Use patterns to solve problems.
• Write and solve equations.

Patterns occur in many different forms. Encourage your child to look for patterns around the home, and talk about them.

Here’s a game you can play with your child that creates a pattern of words that expands.

Expand the List Word Game

Think of words to describe a cat or other animal. Each player repeats the words said by previous players in the correct order, and adds a new word at the end of the descriptive list.

The first player starts by saying, for example, “My cat is an adorable cat.”

The next player must repeat this but add a new descriptive word. For example, “My cat is an adorable, black cat.”

A player is out of the game when he or she cannot repeat the list or fails to provide a new word.

Wednesday, September 3 2008

There is a French language arts assignment due tomorrow. Students must complete the comprehension questions they received in class today. Please ask your son or daughter to see this work even if it is already completed. Please look at their work and reinforce work habits in class, as well as taking pride in their work, neatness and paying attention to details such as capitals at the beginning of sentences and proper punctuation.

In order to reinforce in-class work habits ask questions such as "How long did it take you to do this work"? "What did you do if you did not understand a task, a word or a sentence"? "Is this your best work? "How do you think you could improve this work?" "Did you use your class time well"?

Spelling words for Thursday September 10, 2008

• une cigale
• une fourmi
• amasser
• un travail
• avoir envie de
• des provisions
• prêter
• chanter
• une guitare
• sans cesse

Hello and welcome to the 2008 - 2009 school year. I trust everyone has had a refreshing and restful summer vacation. As always at this time of the year I feel nervous and excited. I am anxious for what the school year will bring.

This evening your son or daughter will bring home an envelope with a great deal of information. Some of it is just information, some of it is forms that need to be completed and returned to school. In order to make it easier to make sense of it all I have compiled an itemized list of the material below.

• Demographic form: This form must updated, signed and returned to the school. Please ensure the information is current. (New students to St. Pius X do not have to worry about these.)

• Fee Sheet form: This sheet details the school fees for the year. Please fill out the appropriate sections and return the form.

• Internet User Form - Student: Students and parents must read this form and it must be signed and returned to the school PRIOR to the student being allowed to use the computers.

• Internet User Form - Volunteer: If you intend to volunteer at the school you must have this form signed in order to use the computer or assist students in the computer lab. It is probably a good idea just to sign it and then you do not have to worry about it again.

• Volunteer registration form: If you intend to volunteer in any way shape or form you must fill out this form. Once again. Even if you do not think you will volunteer it is a good idea to have this filled out. Then, if you do decide to volunteer it makes it easier than having to fill out the form on the morning of a field trip.

• Annual Field trip form: This is a general permission form allowing your son or daughter to go on field trips. Any field trips will also have a specific permission form sent home prior to the field trip.

• Field trip form for attending opening and closing Mass: Our school will go to St. Pius X Church on Sept 5 for the opening Mass of the school year. We will also do this in June. This form gives permission for your son or daughter to attend Mass.

• Newsletter: There is ONE newsletter sent home with the youngest child in each family. I highly recommend you read the newsletter carefully. Take note of important dates and then keep the newsletter in an accessible location.

• Accident Insurance Form: This is an optional program that you may participate in if you wish.

• Agenda: The agenda is an integral part of elementary school and an important communication tool. Your son or daughter is responsible for this book. It is expected that the agenda make the trip back and forth from school to home DAILY. Students are also expected to have it on their desktop at all times during the day. Please sign the agenda daily and write any communication you may have inside the agenda.

• Bus safety rules pamphlet: This is information for you and your son or daughter.

The link below goes to a webpage featuring a short 20 minute animated video which tells the story of consumerism. Any school age child or adult will be able to understand the message. The video describes the cycle of stuff from the extraction of natural resources to where a lot of stuff eventually ends up. Please watch this video.

Story of stuff

Please feel free to download the power point presentation below titled "The dangers of plastic bags. It is well worth viewing this presentation before going shopping. Please note that the grade four class encourages re-using plastic bags. I will not throw away any plastic bags that come to school. We will store them and then re-use as needed.

NB Please note. I removed the file from this page because I needed the space. If you wish to have a copy of the power point presentation described above please let me know and I will get it to you.

Grade four supply list

• 1 set of felt markers
• 24 pencil crayons (please sharpen before coming to school)
• 24 HB pencils
• 1 red pen
• 1 blue pen
• 1 scotch tape
• 2 highlighters (any colour)
• 2 white vinyl erasers
• 1 pencil box or case.
• 1 pencil sharpener with receptacle
• 2 large glue sticks (UHU is best)
• Scissors (child safe, no razor sharp scissors please)
• 1 metric ruler
• 12 duotangs (different colours, more duo tangs will be needed later in the year.)
• 1-1” binder for music
• 100 sheets of white paper
• 2 coiled exercise books (graph paper)
• 8 Hilroy notebooks (sold in pkgs of four)
• 1 French English dictionary
• 1 large box of Kleenex
• Outdoor shoes
• Indoor shoes
• Gym strip (shorts and t-shirt)
• Drawstring bag for gym strip
• Soprano recorder for music

Felt markers

Students in grade four will not need a huge set of markers. I have also not had much luck with the small skinny markers that come in huge multicolored packages. I have found that these markers are difficult to keep track of and they do not last very long. At the end of the day the floor is swept and any markers or pencils that are left on the floor get thrown out. For these reasons I recommend purchasing a set of 8 markers. Mr. Sketch are good and they seem to last longer.

Pencil crayons

Laurentian 24 package pencil crayons are the preferred brand. I have found that these crayons last longer and are of higher quality that the no name brand pencil crayons. If cost is an issue please purchase the 12 crayon package.

HB pencils

I have found that students in grade four tend to go through a lot of pencils. I have also noticed students sometimes trying to write with tiny stubs or chewed up pencils etc. For this reason I recommend starting the year with a package of 24 pencils. You may need to purchase additional pencils throughout the year. I also recommend just getting regular wood pencils. I have found mechanical pencils to be unreliable and they are sometimes a distraction.

Pens

I do not have a problem with students having several pens. Generally I ask student to make corrections and mark work with a red pen. I sometimes have them write titles or headings in pen. Occasionally I will allow students to complete work in pen. Please note that white out or liquid paper, including corrective tape is not allowed in our classroom.

Highlighters

Students will need highlighters when we do reading or for highlighting notes etc. These tend to be a bit of a novelty at first and I have observed students highlighting everything or using them to colour their books. However I feel that grade four is a good age to begin to experiment with highlighters.

Pencil box or case

I am flexible on this issue. Students may use a soft case or a hard shelled box in order to store pencils and markers or other tools. However whatever they choose must fit inside their desks. For this reason I do not recommend the large plastic pencil containers.

Pencil sharpener with receptacle

This is a very important item as we do not have a classroom pencil sharpener.

Glue sticks

2 large UHU brand glue sticks are recommended. Ross or Elmers glue sticks are also acceptable. Please stay away from the no name brands.

1 pair of scissors

Please get child safe scissors. I have had accidents in the past where students have cut themselves or others with sharp scissors. Students generally only need them for cutting paper.

Duo tangs

Most classes use duo tangs to keep their papers organized. In grade four students will need several duotangs for different subjects. I have decided to try colour coding the duo tangs for the upcoming school year. I feel this will help to keep students organized. The cheap paper duo tangs are sufficient for our needs. Different colours are usually available in the bulk bins at Staples. Please do not purchase the plastic duo tangs as they are not biodegradable and although they are more durable I feel the paper ones are sufficient. However if you are reusing plastic duo tangs from last year that is okay. (do not worry about the colour coding if you are reusing)

• 5 Green.............Science
• 5 dark blue .......Social studies
• 2 red ................Math
• 3 yellow.............French Language Arts
• 3 light blue.........ELA
• 2 pink................Health
• 2 gray................Religion

Students get a lot of handouts and papers in music class. The music teacher prefers binders because it is easier to put papers in and to take them out. They are a bit clunky and they take up space however this is a necessary item. Any colour will do.

The recorder is also part of the grade four music program so students will need to get a soprano recorder.

100 sheets of white paper

This paper is used in our classroom for art activities or for printing in the computer room. We keep all our paper together and use it as it is needed. This goes for the loose leaf lined sheets as well.

Loose leaf lined paper

2 packages should be sufficient. This paper is used to write notes on and to write stories etc.

2 coiled exercise books with graph paper inside

These notebooks are used for maths. It is important to get the graph notebooks because they make the math activities much easier. 2-200 page notebooks is usually enough for the year.

8 Hilroy lined 40 page notebooks(usually sold in packages of four

We use these for doing weekly sentence writing in FLA, journals, dictées and other things.

Dictionaries

The use of dictionaries in grade 4 is very important. It is important that students have access to a French English dictionary at home and at school. Our class is equipped with a set of French dictionaries. French English dictionaries are generally only useful for translating words. They do not offer a good definition of the word. For these reasons I am requesting that students get a French English dicitionary for use at school. If you do not already own a French Dictionary for home "Le Robert junior" is a good one and it is the same as the class set of French dictionaries. You may have to hunt around but Chapters might have them or you could possibly order one.

2 large boxes of kleenex

The cheapest tissue will be fine. Students go through a lot of tissues. Our class will pool our tissue resources for the year.

Outdoor and indoor shoes

Students will need proper footwear like all the other years.

Gym strip

Students in grade four are required to change for phys ed. They will need shorts, a t-shirt and their shoes. Please put them in a drawstring bag. The items can be brought home periodically to be washed. I have never had a problem with odour from a student's gym strip.

Please remember to label each item

Please feel free to send me an email over the summer if you have any questions.