The Week of October 2 - October 5

Another wild week of learning here at Sagonaska!

Last Friday was Picture day, here is a sneak peak!

We started the week off by learning all about the Problem Solving Framework.  We will use this framework a lot this year.  It is something we came up with last year here at Sagonaska. It makes students slow down and think through problems they are faced with prior to doing the work.  It's amazing what happens when students slow down, think things through and break problems down into smaller parts.

I relate the Problem Solving Framework to using a ladder to get on a roof. If we wanted to get onto the roof to get the upper level windows clean, we need a ladder with rungs. The closer the rungs, the smaller the steps, the easier it is to get on the roof.  The Problem Solving Framework allows students to break problems down into smaller, more organized chunks.  This allows the students to take smaller steps which in turn will make attaining their goals, easier.

In language, we have been working on the intricacies of independent reading. We are currently creating a few different videos that will help us explain exactly how we read independently and the benefits of the different strategies we use to help us read. Stay tuned for those!

In math we are working through our first unit of number sense and numeration. More specifically we are investigating common factors and common multiples.  As always, we are helping students to understand these concepts through three different kinds of representations - concrete, pictorial and then symbolic.

In Science the kids are learning about the interdependence of abiotic (no living) and biotic (living) factors in the environment.  Specifically students are investigating water and the impact humans have on it.  We are doing all of this using the scientific method. Our culminating activity is going to be a blast! Stay tuned.

Some questions to ask the kids over the weekend...

1. Can you explain to me how you use concrete examples in math to help you learn new concepts?
2. Show me how you use the Sounding Out Strategy on the word "nests".
3. Explain to me what tools you need to use when you are reading independently.

Follow us on Social Media!

Twitter...
@mr_dzzzclass

Instagrm
mr_dzzzclass

Have a great long weekend!