We're into our fourth week together and we're starting to get this year really rolling. Please try hard to bring your best self to school each day. Sometimes this can be difficult - we're tired, the days are shortening, we're busy after school with activities. Oof! It feels like a lot. So, how best to prepare for learning?
- Eat healthy
- Wash your hands
- Go to bed on time, every time
- Limit screen time
- Breathe
- Relax
- Smile
Here is the plan for this short week:
Math: Last week's addition strategies stuff seemed to go over pretty well. Nice work, gang. You are ready to move on to the next. For that, we'll take some of what we learned about number lines and use it to help us subtract. Here's a little secret: I've got a way for you to calculate a difference between two numbers without actually subtracting anything. Don't tell anyone, but you may never have to subtract again!
Social Studies: This week we'll look at a brief overview of the global conflict of the 1940's. Each of the places central to the conflicts we've explored - Syria, Cuba, and this week, Germany - will be featured in our upcoming novel study. We will also read and discuss the term refugee.
L.A.: We will launch the novel Refugee by Alan Gratz. Throughout this novel study, we'll listen to the audiobook version while reading along with the text. Expect in-class tasks and discussions of the book. The story ties in well with our Social Studies curriculum, but it is also entertaining, exciting, and beautifully written.
Science: We will launch into our first unit this week. Some of you might remember studying one or more body systems last year. In grade six, we explore different systems of bodies, different functions that help keep us alive.
Finally, a note about participating. Middle School represents an amazing time in your lives. This school in particular tries to offer many different ways to be involved outside of the classroom. These opportunities are free and fun. Basketball and Cross Country are undereway. Others are just getting started. Have you considered playing Ultimate? Badminton? Have you thought about joining the Drama club? The Art club? There are more lunch clubs about to start, too - Magic the Gathering, Rubik's Cube, Cheer, and Chess will all start soon. There will be others as the year goes on. Be brave and be willing to try something new this year!
Enjoy your week, everyone!
