Second Week of School - SUPER CALM & COOL!

 Dear Families,

Wow!  We've already completed our second week of school!  Time flies when you're actively engaged in your learning and having FUN!  The energy of our staff and students continues to be happy, healthy, and SAFE.  This will be an ongoing goal for us.

Thank you to the families who have taken the time to check out my last blog update!  I have received positive feedback from parents and students which made my day!  I will continue providing you all with updates and highlights each week.

Great news!  The blog is now accessible at our Nottawa Website  

Click on "classes" --> Pareen Gill

Brain Breakfast:

This week, I provided students with math warm-up activities called "Brain Breakfast" which link directly with the math expectations.  When students arrive to class each morning, they quietly get out their folders and complete 5 assigned math questions.  This gets their brain alert and ready for the day's math lesson.  See sample below.  

We always consolidate (think, share, and discuss our strategies) as a class afterwards to check for understanding.  I provide specific feedback and strategies for students to help them "bump up their answers" (refer to "'How Am I Doing photo) to make it a level 3 or 4.  

Through this process, I gain valuable data to see students' progress with their stars - "what they did well" and arrows - "what they need to improve upon for next time."

The completed sheets will be in your child's agenda after the weekend (Monday's).  Your child will bring home this week's sheets on Monday evening in his or her agenda bag.  Stay tuned!  

Please sit with your child at some point during the school week and go over their answers and have them explain some strategies or new learning from this work.  Thank you so much for your support in our "Brain Breakfast" program!

Handwashing:

Throughout the school day, students will be reminded and strongly encouraged to thoroughly wash or sanitize their hands to help prevent the spread of germs.  At Byng, we are fortunate to have regular and accessible access to a sink and soap just outside our classroom :)  

Check out Owen and Taylor below taking their time to wash their hands properly as presented by the World Health Organization (W.H.O).


Math:

In math, we are learning about ourselves as capable math learners and that everyone can learn math.  This school year, there will be an emphasis on creating positive math mindsets.  In doing so, I showed the video below which shares with students "YOU CAN LEARN ANYTHING" as long as you set your MINDSET to it :)

As a teacher, I want to help your child feel success and that they can achieve their best in math no matter what!  This will be an ongoing theme and one that will require effort and hard work.  I believe in my students and their abilities.  Together, we can DO IT!

Check out the math lesson we completed below (pictures).  Please ask your child how he or she solved the "Jumping Joey" math task that was sent home in the agenda.      


Language:

I shared this read aloud (see below) this week for students to continue getting to know the POWER OF THEIR BRAINS!!  The brain is a powerful muscle and one we need to continue exercising and giving energy to it.  Please click on the link below to listen to the story.  Afterwards, please discuss some of the key messages (learning) from the book! 

  

Click Here "Bubble Gum Brain"

Ryker:

I absolutely LOVE when students make connections at home to what I'm teaching in class.  That's exactly what Ryker did!!  

As you know, we've been doing a lot of learning about THE BRAIN.  On Wednesday morning, Ryker was very keen to share an article from her Chickadee magazine with our class about all the amazing ways to "'SUPERCHARGE YOUR BRAIN FOR SCHOOL!"  

8 Ways to Supercharge Your Brain:  Try them out!

  • Move Your Body
  • Exercise Your Mind
  • Make Mistakes
  • Wear a Helmet
  • Get Lots of Sleep
  • Talk it Out
  • Eat Healthy Foods
  • Read, Read, READ!

 

Thank you Ryker for sharing your enthusiasm and new found knowledge with us all!  You've inspired us to continue getting to know and love our brain!!  

Mindfulness:

Have you experienced feeling frustrated, angry, or sad by someone?   If so, please try these mindful strategies and see how you feel afterwards.  You'll be amazed at how effectively you're able to release those emotions and feel lighter and brighter.  

You may not feel the effects instantaneously, but if you try and TRY AGAIN ... you will get there!


Let's remember to always spread COMPASSION in our thoughts, words, and actions!!

Growth Mindset:

Miigwetch,
Miss Gill

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
Dear Families, Wow, is it already March!?  Spring seems to be in the air with all this glorious sunshine we've been receiving - I love it!   I'm sure by now you know exactly what I'll be up to ... that's right, hiking and exploring the amazing trails offered in our town!!  I hope you get an opportunity to as well!!  Have a lovely weekend with your child(ren)! 2021 International Women's Day: Did you know international women's day is celebrated each year on March 8th?  It is an opportunity to observe women's success and part in cultural, political, social and economic development.  It is also acknowledged to make people aware of women's rights and gender equality. In class, we have had many discussions about equality and how we need to strive to treat all people fairly.  No one should ever be discriminated based on their race, orientation, or gender.   In our society, we have come a long way to gender equality, and I am proud to say that I get to cherish a
Read more

Hoppy Easter ;)

Image
Dear Families, Here we are at the end of our first day of April!  They say, "April showers bring May flowers!"  Let's hope!  But, can you believe it snowed earlier today!?  Was it a prank from Mother Earth?!  Sure seemed like it ;)   Some students shared with me that their parents played a little trick on them by saying, "It's a snow day!"  HAHA, good one parents!  It is April Fools Day after all ;) Thank you Dougie for bringing in a little something to share with the class about this tradition.  It is important that we always remember that when we are getting into the spirit of a friendly prank that it is NOT harmful to someone's thoughts, feelings, and emotions.  Thank you for always thinking about others, Dougie!!     Ryker shared with us that her parents played a little trick on her by pouring salt in her oatmeal for breakfast, haha!  I loved hearing about the various pranks parents did to their child(ren).  It definitely put a smile to my face as yo
Read more

April Break 12 - 16th

Image
Dear Families, The second week of April has come and gone!  The warmer temps arrived this week and we're all loving IT!  We had another busy, yet productive week at school.  So much engaging, fun, and interactive learning happening in and out of our classroom! I want to take this opportunity to thank all my students for their continued diligence each and every day.  Everyone is working tremendously hard and putting in their best efforts!   As a teacher, it brings me tremendous JOY seeing my students achieve their best!!  I am certain when school work comes home, you're equally as proud and rejoice in your child's growth. Thank you parents for always being so supportive and working with your child on their various at home activities (e.g., word study, extra math practice, reading comprehension).  It is truly appreciated!   A Message from Mr. Perry: Please note that while we are currently scheduled to return to school on April 19th, the Ministry of Education is requiring in-s
Read more