Your Tuesday Chuckle

Here are your awesome kids learning about area today. They had to estimate the area of three different newspaper photos and then check how many tiles actually fit on each paper.

Scroll down for a funny moment in music.

Here's Il Volo's recent appearance on Good Day LA. If the awkward instrumental opening isn't funny enough, wait until you get to the 3:20 mark of the lip synched performance. Hilarious.

Hey, you have to laugh sometimes.

This Week in Room 108

Hello there,

Here's what we're working on this week:

Language - Reading: shared and guided reading will continue to focus on non-fiction and report writing.

- Writing/Science: We will carry on researching animals for report writing. Students had a week or two to choose an animal. Now we will begin how to find information and how to make simple notes. Last week students wrote about the best part of themselves. Ask you child about this. We'll have a new bulletin board display coming to showcase their work.

Math: - We will wrap up money this week with a few more activities and assessment tasks. I began teaching area last week. Students had a lot of fun with this. We will carry on with area either this week or next.

Science: Materials & Simple Machines cont. Last week, students made cars out of junk to learn about wheel and axels.

Social Studies: The tradition of Easter. Who celebrates Easter and why? I hope to sneak in a craft either this week or next.

* Please note that this Friday is Earth Hour Day at Clairlea. The photocopiers will be shut off for the day. I will only be doing hands-on activities and activities that use junk, or used paper. Please remind your child that the spelling quiz will be on Thursday this week, since it involves our spelling quiz/word study photocopied sheet.

Erin Hawkins

Lunches & Snacks

Hello there,

It's great to see so many students bringing in healthy lunches and snacks. We have spent a great deal of time learning about the different food groups and why it's important to eat a balanced meal.

One day this week, students ate lunch in our classroom due to a rainy lunch hour. I noticed that some children were eating treats and not the more nutritious part of their lunch. Normally, I don't see what or how children eat. Talk to your child each day and ask them what they ate and when. Look to see what they're bringing home and if you notice that the wholesome food you sent is coming back home, perhaps consider not sending in cookies, pudding, etc. We are a gold-level eco school and we are strongly encouraging students to use reusable containers for their lunches and snacks. We are also trying to get students to take their litter home.

Often at the end of the day, I'll find little baggies of mini carrots, or whole apples at the bottom of our class lunch bin. Apples can be salvaged, but other foods can begin to perish within a few hours, especially as the weather gets warmer.

A friend of mine ordered a Planet Box for her daughter. They are very expensive, but quite ingenious. I thought I'd share the link just so families could check it out in case you're looking for a different lunch bag solution.

Have a great weekend.

Click on the title of this post to access the video, if it is not loading properly.

Scenes From A Busy Classroom

Why is this boy mugging for the camera? Ask you child about "the best part of me." Soon all will be revealed.

Here's a cool song to listen to as you scroll down the screen.

I brought my camera to work this week. Here's what it captured...

Here we see children going crazy for addition and subtraction as they play Domino Addition & Subtraction. Thanks to Mme. Angelevski for sharing the activity with us. I owe you a cup of sugar.


Below are our guided reading groups from this week. Each group was given a different non-fiction text to discuss and write about.




Below are scenes from math centres that connected to place value and money.

Students added amounts of money and played store, making change for items found in the classroom.

Here we see students stamping money and adding up quarters, dimes, and nickels.



Below you'll see students sketching simple machines.





Lastly, yesterday, students tackled money problems. There were plenty of a-ha moments during math congress when pairs of students shared their work with the class. I am pushing students to show their work and use different strategies when solving problems. This skill will serve them well throughout their time in public school.

This Week in Room 108

Kick up your heels. School is back!

Hello there,

I hope everyone had the best week ever last week. The weather was so wonderful, it was hard not to step out onto the porch and start singing show tune songs. I cycled the Don, biked out to Guildwood Village, worked on a story I'm writing, took numerous photographs, checked out some museums and galleries, visited High Park Zoo, saw my folks, cleaned the bathroom, and had lot's of fun with my son and husband. Life is swell and I'm grateful for it. With batteries recharged, I'm looking forward to working with your wonderful children once again.

Here are some things we'll be working on this week:

Reading & Writing: Report Writing - We made some small steps previewing report writing before the holiday, mainly talking about facts vs. opinion. This week, students will continue planning their animal report, which will be written in class. In guided reading, we will be reading reports and other non-fiction texts. We do a lot of writing in class these days in our Writing Journals. Most students are blown away by the progress they have made when they compare their present writing to what they were doing at the beginning of the school year. Way to go!

Math: As mentioned in the homework letter, we will work on money, adding, and subtracting for another two weeks. I will be using a number of assessment strategies to determine understanding of money.

Science: We will continue exploring materials. Grade 1s will begin building a strong house or bridge and grade 2s will begin learning about simple machines. Depending on how smoothly things go, I may do both with each grade.

I think that's it for now. Have a happy week.

Erin Hawkins

March Break Activities & Camps

Hello there,

Here's an email I received from City of Toronto Museums. Smart kids don't get bored!

E. Hawkins

Your City of Toronto Museums host both

MARCH BREAK DAY CAMPS and SUMMER DAY CAMPS

Visit www.toronto.ca/camps for details.

MARCH BREAK FAMILY DROP-INS

At Colborne Lodge in High Park
Have an Outing in High Park – Start at Colborne Lodge
March 10 to 18, 12:30 to 4 p.m.
Drop in for a tour of the historic house and a children’s activity based on early life at Colborne Lodge. Make it a day in High Park for you and your family! The Lodge is located close to both the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground and the Animal Paddocks. Adults $5.71, Seniors & Students $2.62, Children $2.38 (plus tax).

At Fort York National Historic Site
March Through Time
March 12 to 16, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Children will love to dress up, march like a soldier, cook in the historic kitchen, play music, and much more! Enjoy all kinds of fun activities related to Fort York and Toronto's history. Adults $7.62, Seniors & Youths $3.81, Children $2.86 (plus tax). Children under 3 are free. Parking is available at the main entrance.

At Gibson House
Family Discovery Tours
March 12 to 16, 12 to 4:30 p.m.
Take a discovery tour of the historic house, explore a different theme each day. Experience hands-on activities in our Discovery Gallery and make a craft to take home. Themes: Maple Monday, Toy Tuesday, Woolly Wednesday, Thready Thursday and Fireside Friday. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults $5.48; Seniors/Youth $3.10; Children $2.61 (plus tax)

At Mackenzie House
March 'Musements
March 10 to 18
Monday to Friday: 12 to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Drop in for some Victorian fun! Monday, Wednesday, Friday: Create your own three-dimensional image & make a relief print. Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesday & Thursday: Illustrations and Aquatints! Print your own picture on the 1845 press & watercolour it! Adults $5.71, Seniors & Youths $2.62, Children: $2.38
(plus tax).

At Montgomery's Inn
Drop in during March Break
Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 1 to 5 p.m.
Montgomery’s Inn welcomes locals and travelers, just as it did long ago. Drop in for a tour of the restored Inn and view the Golden Age Academy Art exhibit in the tearoom while you enjoy a cup of tea and a plate of sweets. Tea with either sweet plate or cheese and crackers: $5 plus tax.
Admission is Adults: $5.71, Seniors (65 +): $2.86, Youth (13-18 yrs.): $2.86, and Children (12 and under): $1.90 (plus tax).

At Scarborough Museum
Drop in during March Break
Tuesdays: Noon to 8 p.m.; Wednesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m; Saturday & Sunday Noon to 4 p.m.
Experience early life in rural Scarborough. Enjoy a visit to an oasis of the past nestled in beautiful Thomson Memorial Park. Admission by donation during March Break.

At Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens
March Mystery Madness
March 10 to 18, 12 to 5 p.m.
The whole family is invited to solve the case of the missing jewelry, engage in 1920s-themed crafts and participate in kitchen activities. Adults $7.62, Seniors & Youth $4.76, Children $3.81 (plus tax).

At Todmorden Mills Heritage Site
March Mania in the Valley
March 10 to 18, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Drop in to explore our historic homes and sample tasty treats prepared on the open hearth. Learn about life in 19th-century Toronto. Create a unique take-home craft. Make sure you take a tour of our Wildflower Preserve during your visit. Adults $5.24, Seniors/Youths:$2.14, Children $1.43 (plus tax)

MARCH BREAK AT CASA LOMA

Pirates & Princesses
Monday March 12 to Saturday March 17
Make this March Break an enchanted family event with Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Prince Charming,
Snow White and Captain Jack Albatross!
Admission: Adults $20.55, Seniors/Youth $14.63, Children $11.32. All prices include tax.

Dreams and Wishes
LIBRARY SHOW
Show Times: 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
(Show length 20 minutes)
Cinderella and the Little Mermaid…put them together and what have you got? A bibbidi-bobbidi beautiful time! This enchanting musical performance of their favorite songs will delight the princess in your family.
Be a part of their world after each show and meet Cinderella and the Little Mermaid in their castle.
Please note: A $1.00 + HST surcharge applies to the Dreams and Wishes show. Limited availability.
Bench or floor seating only.

Prince Charming and the Pirate Prince
IN THE GREAT HALL
Show Times: 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
(Show length 15 minutes)
Prince Charming’s long lost twin brother Captain Jack Albatross returns to challenge Charming’s claim
to being the most handsome prince in the kingdom. Last year, Charming won the fair hand of the Lady Katherine. This year Captain Jack has a few tricks up his puffy sleeve to win the hand of a new princess who has raised the stakes!

IN THE CONSERVATORY
Show Times: 11:40 a.m., 1:10 p.m. and 2:40 p.m.
Join Snow White for a sing-a-long version of her classic fairy tale.

To contact and visit any of our museums www.toronto.ca/museums/locations

To find our events online www.toronto.ca/museum-events