We have started GENIUS HOUR in 3D!

To learn more about Genius Hour, check out the video clip below.  Have fun and enjoy the learning process.  I can't wait to see what you have become an expert in :).

Winter Olympics 2018!!!

We have been having lots of fun discussing the upcoming Olympics and all the possibilities in linking a variety of Olympic subjects to the Grade 3 curriculum!
During second term we will be investigating Forces (gravity, friction, wind resistance, etc.) and Structures (stable, purposeful) in Science.  In Math we have begun looking at naming and categorizing shapes in Geometry and will then move to Measurement.  In Language we will be continuing with asking good questions while reading as well as researching Canadian Athletes and the variety of Winter Game Sports.  Narrative writing will be our next writing unit.

Here is a link to some great websites to support researching the Winter Games!

Olympic Websites for Kids

Click the link below to see all the fun Spirit Week activities planned during February 20th- February 23rd.

St. Cecilia Spirit Week Activities

We are loving the Olympic Mascot for the 2018 Winter Games!  Check out Soohorang demonstrating the Winter Sports that are featured in this year's Olympics. 

Great Week Back!

It is hard to believe that we are already halfway through January already!  We had a great week back to school after the Christmas Break and I think students were happy to see their friends again and get back into a regular routine.  It was wonderful to see all the smiling faces and hear all about the wonderful vacations everyone had.

We have finished up our Descriptive Writing unit in Language and have begun Procedural Writing.  Check out our Twitter Feed for our co-created 'Must Haves' chart.

Students are wrapping up their Google Presentations on their Soil/Plant inquiry.  We should be ready this week to start presentations and build each others' knowledge.  Each group has been researching and preparing a different project so it will be exciting when these 'experts' help us all to learn more about their topic of research. 

Students have been learning how text font, backgrounds, subtitles, table of contents, diagrams, etc. help grab the attention of the reader and help the reader understand the text better.  We have also been talking about the importance of communication skills when presenting.  Students have been thinking about how they can make sure the information they are presenting 'sticks' with their audience. 

In Physical Education, students have been learning a new game called Handball.  They are doing so well and starting to learn some great game strategies.

In Mathematics, we continue with Temperature and have introduced Time.  These are great concepts to practice daily at home using everyday situations such as, "What time is it now/"  "We are leaving for hockey in an hour and a half, what time will it be then?", "If you have dance practice everyday for 20 mins., how much have your practiced in total this week?", etc.  There are also numerous Time activities linked on our blog.  Have fun!

Advent Week 1 - HOPE

It is hard to believe that December is upon us and that we have begun our Advent Journey.  Yesterday and today, we gathered as a class to bless our classroom Advent Wreath and learn about Isaiah and the message he delivered.  We talked about lighting the first purple candle that represents HOPE and the students began their own wreath in their Religion notebooks.   

The students in 3D along with the students in 3C (Mrs. Smith's Class) will be working together on a Christmas Hamper for a family of 7.  The family that we will be supporting this year consists of a mom and six children (Girls ages 15, 14, 1 and a  1/2 yrs. old - Boys ages 12, 6 and 4 yrs. old).  We do not know their clothing sizes or any other specifics other than they are a family from the St. Elizabeth Catholic School community.  Yesterday a letter went home with a suggested item your child wishes to contribute to our hamper project.  If there is a problem with that item or you would prefer to give something different, please don't hesitate to let me know.  In addition, if you wish to contribute additional items, some other things to consider are family board games, Christmas treats, Winter gear (hats, mittens, scarves, warm socks, etc.), gift cards to the movies, restaurants, Tim Hortons, etc.

All hamper items are due by the 11th of December if possible.  We do have a few extra days after the 11th but our goal is to have hampers prepared and wrapped within a couple days after that.  Thank you in advance for all of your support.  We all feel so blessed to be part of this wonderful project.  I know the students are very eager to help bring hope to this special family during this Advent Season.  

Advent Blessings,

Mrs. Caluori

Peace is...

Students reflected last week about what 'Peace is...' and what 'Peace means to them...'  We read stories of peace and participated in 'Postcards for Peace' in which students prepared postcards for our Canadian Veterans. 

Our latest Visual Arts project involved students learning about Pointillism and beginning a Remembrance Day Pointillism piece of art.  They are so beautiful and will be added to their Art Portfolio. 

On Friday we held our Remembrance Day Service here at St. Cecilia in our school gymnasium and it was a beautiful tribute to our beautiful country, Canada. 

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend.  We will begin our school week rejuvenated and ready for learning!

A reminder that Progress Report Interviews are Thursday, November 23rd.  A message from the school will be sent home shortly, but just a heads up that all interviews are booked online.  Let me know if the 23rd does not work for you and I am happy to schedule an alternative date and time with you or schedule a phone interview if that works best for your schedule. 

Moving!!!

We are moving!!!

We have some exciting news to report in Grade 3D!!  We are moving into the school.

Our classroom will now be in the Blue Pod. 

This week we will be eating our lunch inside and over the course of this week and next, we will be slowly moving in as the space becomes available. 

Our schedule otherwise will remain the same.  If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me.

GRIT!

We have been talking about collaboration, character, community and the importance of GRIT when faced with challenging learning tasks.  Mistakes in learning are important because it means we are growing as learners.  Here is a great video all about GRIT!  Love it! 

Enjoy and I hope everyone is outside and soaking in this beautiful Fall weekend.