Thanks to all the families that have signed and returned students Individual Program Plans. If you have not had the chance to return the school copy, and have questions about it, please feel free to reach out. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please email me at rlmyroniuk@cbe.ab.ca
It has been such a busy week of learning in our class! Students are continuing to build up their stamina for our morning task work. Students complete three to four tasks, some independently and some with the support of adults, before enjoying some choice activity time. Our tasks focus on building skills in fine motor, literacy, numeracy and integrate from our Inquiry learning. I am so proud of all of our students in this work!
This week one of our literacy focuses was on building an "I see" sentence in both our morning task work and our afternoon inquiry. In our morning work, students are using an adapted fall book to pull selected words off a choice board to complete the "I see" sentences. During our Inquiry learning, all students are exploring building predictable sentences using an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device. When listening to the zoo song https://youtu.be/xXfOvghCu5c , the video is paused frequently and each student takes turns building an "I see" sentence with the animal they see on the Smartboard. During this time there is a focus on differentiation for each learner. Some of our students are learning that the AAC device can be their voice and they can communicate what they see on the Smartboard with a single word, some are using the predicability of the device to create an "I see" sentence, while other students are further developing their understanding of sentence structure with a focus on punctation and developing an understanding of when to add an 's' to make a noun plural. Our AAC device is also used with tasks such as putting together a puzzle, using an "I see" sentence for each puzzle piece.
In our Inquiry learning we also focused on grouping vertebrate animals using their unique characteristics. Take a listen to a learning song from this week to see the different animal classes https://youtu.be/P9ptHAClC4Q. During whole group learning students work together to sort animals into their 5 classes on the Smartboard. This activity is repeated daily. During our work time, students are supported to complete an individual animal classification chart. Again, differentiation is used during this task and the learning outcomes are different for each student. Learning outcomes vary from further developing fine motor skills using adapted scissors, following multi-step directions, or ability to identify each animal and correctly sort it into the different classes.
I am so proud of our students that participated in the Alien In-line skating program this week. In-line skating is challenging and our students did not give up! They all got to their feet and took steps towards skating independently. Thanks to our Alien Inline Coach "Skater" for helping us learn and have fun this week. Students who were not participating in the program spent extra time outdoors on the playground building their gross motor skills.
With the change in the weather, please remember that students spend time outdoors each and every day. There are a few times when the temperature is too cold and require indoor play. This decision is made for the entire school and will be announced prior to scheduled outdoor times. Please send your child with appropriate clothes for the weather. Please let us know if these items can stay at school or if you require them to go home each day. If you require assistance in getting any clothing necessary such as mittens, snow pants, or warmer jackets please do not hesitate to reach out we are more than happy to help!
Upcoming Dates to Remember:
October 27 - Monster Mash from 6-8pm
October 28 - Non-Instructional Day - no classes for students
November 8 - School Council and Parent Society Meeting
Please see this important message to families from your Parent Council. I am sorry that the forms did not make it into student backpacks on Friday. Forms will be sent home on Monday and a copy of the form will be digitally sent home with school messenger. Feel free to print it out and send it back on Monday.
Parent Council Hosted Halloween Event
Hello Families. Today forms went home with students regarding the Halloween Event this Thursday evening. It is hosted entirely by Parent Council. All tickets and pizza orders must be done in advance of the evening (deadline Tuesday October 25).
Here are the details:
- On October 27, from 6-8 pm,
- Doors open at 6 pm
- Families are encouraged to come and students must come with an adult from their family.
- Tickets must be bought in advance $2/person through this site: emjschoolcouncil.square.site
- If you wish to order pizza, it must be purchased in advance $2.50/slice
- A concession with sweet treats and beverages will be at the dance (cash only)
Please see details in the attached invite or the one sent home with your child today. If you have any questions, please contact emjcouncil@gmail.com
