April has been a fun month with lots of interesting projects and activities.  We now have a guest for the next few weeks.  Mr. Riley Cronk is a student teacher from UVIC who will be with us for 5 weeks.  He will be observing and teaching the class math, PE and science.  We've had him at school this week and he has had a great time meeting the students and engaging actively with them.  Welcome to our class and school, Mr. Cronk!

 jlightfoot@sd64.org

 phone at 250-537-7711.

Check out some new photos below!

Class Photos

Bathing the guinea pigs

Subjects

Math:  In math Mr. Cronk will be working with the students teaching lessons on measurement.  

Reading:  Student's will be reading various stories and books over the next few weeks with a focus on reading for comprehension and learning about plot and characters.

Writing:   In writing we continue to work on poetry and we are working on a writing project with Ms. Lamarind for 5 weeks with a focus on nonfiction story writing and creating strong narratives with interesting beginnings and solid endings.
Tech: We have almost finished Scratch and I will be continuing with the blog and teaching students how to use microbits which is coding using small microprocessors.  

Social Studies: 
Science: Mr. Cronk will be teaching a science unit on ecosystems.

Art:   We are focusing on drawing the human body for art starting with proportion. 
PE:    In PE we continue doing fitness stations once a week (our focus is on jogging across Vancouver Island and we have jogged 700 km as of this Wednesday.  In dance we continue learning some line dances including Boot Scootin' Boogie and Lucy and Emme are teaching all of us some Irish jigs!

French:   In French students continue learning words and phrases about the family.  

   

Welcome back from spring break!  I hope you had a great time with your family.  Starting this week all grade 4 and 5 students at the school need to wear masks when they are in the school building.  They need to wear them at all times except when eating, drinking, or doing physical activities in the gym.  I know this may be a discomfort and awkward for some of the students, but all of us are expected to do our best to follow the health guidelines.  I will sent report cards home with the students this week. If you have any questions about anything please feel free to phone or email me. Happy Easter!

 jlightfoot@sd64.org

 phone at 250-537-7711.

Check out some new photos below!

Class Photos

Subjects

Math:  In math we are completing a study of division with practice of basic facts and use of strategies to solve problems.

Reading:  We continue with Reader's Theatre and drama and are going to be reading some scripts such as Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan. Students are really enjoying reading the scripts and learning how to change their voices for dramatic effect.
We are doing a novel study twice a week with a book called, "My Side of the Mountain." 
Several students receive reading support outside the classroom for an hour, 2 days a week. 

Writing:   In writing we have started a unit on poetry because April is poetry month! Students practice keyboarding online daily so that they can type their written work efficiently.  Here's a link to it:  https://www.typing.com/
Tech: We have almost finished Scratch and I will be starting to teach student how to create a blog soon.   This will be lots of fun for them!

Social Studies: We have almost finished our study of the gold rush in BC.  Soon students will be choosing activities and projects focused on building a business in 1864 Barkerville.  It will be lots of fun and very creative. 
Science: 

Art:   We are focusing on using water colours for the next few weeks. 
PE:    In PE we continue doing fitness stations once a week (our focus is on jogging across Vancouver Island) and we are continuing with our unit on basketball.  In dance we continue learning some folk and modern dances.

French:   In French students continue learning words and phrases about the family.  

  

Over the past few weeks students have been getting back to the routines of regular class work and making solid efforts to learn new concepts and ideas.  I've really been impressed with their art work this year and I'm hoping to make an art display in the school somewhere to show off their talents. 

Check out some new photos below!

Class Photos

At Pebble Beach on Feb.8

Subjects

Math:  In math we are studying geometry and are currently looking at types of angles. Next we'll investigate polygons and then solids.

Reading:  We continue to focus on read aloud/speaking strategies which we practice using Reader's Theatre and drama.  Students are really enjoying reading the scripts and learning how to change their voices for dramatic effect.
We continue doing weekly Word Sorts, which focuses on spelling patterns.  
Several students receive reading support outside the classroom for an hour, 2 days a week. 

Writing:   We have spent several writing lessons learning about dialogue and the use of quotation marks.  This has be somewhat challenging as there are so many punctuation and grammar details to think about, but I think they are finally getting a solid grasp on the topic. Students practice keyboarding online daily so that they can type their written work efficiently.  Here's a link to it:  https://www.typing.com/
Tech: Students are using Scratch to learn how to code and design the code for games and other activities.  Once this is completed I'll be teaching them how to create a blog.   This will be lots of fun for them!

Social Studies: Students are learning about the history of the Gold Rush in BC.  It's a fun project where they assume a character and take part in the gold rush that started in 1858.  They are keeping a diary and are really enjoying the adventure of living in the past.
Science:  In science I will be doing a unit on sound. 

Art:   Our theme continues to be colour!  Students will be completing several more projects using different media (paint, markers, pencil) to show use of colour.
PE:    In PE we continue doing fitness stations once a week (our focus is on jogging across Vancouver Island) and we are continuing with our unit on basketball.  In dance we continue learning some folk and modern dances.

French:   In French students will be learning words and phrases about the family.  

 

Welcome to 2021!  I hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable Christmas break.  I'm looking forward to the new year and have lots of projects and activities planned for the class.  We have a new student added to the class and her name is Ava Johnston.  We all welcome her to the class and I think she has already made some friends in the first couple of days.  We do have a great bunch of kids!

Subjects

Math:  We are now practicing multiplication patterns with single and 2-digit multiplication.  "Math is the science of patterns."

Reading:  This term I'm starting to focus on read aloud and speaking strategies which we practice using Reader's Theatre and drama.
We continue doing weekly Word Sorts, which is a spelling program the focuses on spelling patterns.  
 Several students receive reading support outside the classroom for an hour, 2 days a week. 

Writing:   Our focus for the next few weeks is paragraph development as well as looking at how to use dialogue in writing.  It's often very difficult because of the technical aspects of quotation marks.  Students will be doing a research topic on a favourite place in the world and they will be presenting the information using a slide show.  They can email it to you when it's finishedStudents practice keyboarding online daily so that they can type their written work efficiently.  Here's a link to it:  https://www.typing.com/
Tech: We will starting coding with Scratch soon and I would also like to teach the class how to create a blog.  This will be lots of fun for them!

Social Studies: I am teaching students how to use a compass and we'll be looking at maps of Saltspring.
Science:  In science I will be starting a unit on sound. 

Art:   Our theme for this term is colour!  I'm starting by looking at the colour wheel and students will be experimenting using and mixing colours.
PE:    In PE we continue doing fitness stations once a week and we are also starting a unit on basketball.  In dance we continue learning some folk and modern dances.

French:   In French students will be learning the weather, counting numbers to 30, and the family.  

  

Nov. 17, 2020


Everyone probably knows that our class has two pet guinea pigs, Peaches and Cinnamon.  They are very cute and cuddly.  Students take turns in class holding them and taking care of them.  Some students are asking about taking the guinea pigs home for the weekend and we've done it twice already.  If you are interested please contact me either in person or via email and we can arrange for a "Guinea Pig Vacation."  We have homes up til Christmas break so far and we can continue to add names for the new year.  

Peaches

Cinnamon

It's been a really wet week.   A reminder that students are outside everyday and should have proper gear and shoes/boots for the outdoors.  They also need inside shoes for the classroom and PE. 

If you have any comments or questions please email me or give me a call (250-537-7711).

Here is a link to class photos.    Class Photos


Subjects

Math:  In math we are studying addition and subtraction.  "Math is the science of patterns."

Reading:  The class is reading short stories and learning to read for details and main ideas.  We continue to focus on reading fluency, reading aloud for clarity, fluency, and expression.
We continue doing weekly Word Sorts, which is a spelling program the focuses on spelling patterns.  
 Several students receive reading support outside the classroom for an hour, 2 days a week. 

Writing:   Students are working on developing their sentences by focusing on sentence structure (nouns, verbs), punctuation, and grammar.  Students will be doing a research topic and presenting the information using a slide show.  Students practice keyboarding online daily so that they can type their written work efficiently.  Here's a link to it:  https://www.typing.com/
Tech: We are nearly finished with the online program  "coding.org" that helps students develop their coding skills.  They are really enjoying it! Next we will starting coding with Scratch.

Social Studies: We are studying mapping, in particular Canada and the Provinces/Territories.
Science:  I am focusing on Social Studies topics for now. 

Art:   We continue to look at patterns in Art. We sometimes use a great online art tutoring app called how2drawanimals.  
PE:    In PE we have started a weekly fitness program using fitness stations.  In dance we will are learning some folk and modern dances.

French:   In French students are learning greetings, numbers, and days of the week.  

 

Oct, 2020


Welcome to the class blog.  The blog will share information about upcoming events, topics of study in each subject, and other items and pictures of interest.  I will update the blog every couple of weeks with new information.  If you have any comments or questions please email me or give me a call (250-537-7711).

Below is a video we watched at school about plate tectonics and how the earth's continents have changed.

Subjects

Math:  In math we are studying numeracy and place value.  "Math is the science of patterns."

Reading:   Students have been reading short story selections from a program called Reading A to Z.  I have been assessing their reading skills and helping them find their "just right" reading level.  We are beginning to focus on reading fluency which means reading aloud for clarity, fluency, and expression.
We are doing weekly Word Sorts, which is a spelling program the focuses on spelling patterns.  
 Several students receive reading support outside the classroom for an hour 2 days a week. 

Writing:   Students are working on developing their sentences by focusing on sentence structure (nouns, verbs), punctuation, and grammar.They are also making a second slide show using Google Slides with a topic they choose.  Students practice keyboarding online daily so that they can type their written work efficiently.  Here's a link to it:  https://www.typing.com/
Tech: We are using an online program at  "coding.org" that helps students develop their coding skills.  They are really enjoying it! 

Social Studies: I am focusing on Science topics for now. 
Science: We are looking at earth cycles including the water and rock cycle.  We are spending a bit of time looking at rocks and minerals.

Art:   Our focus this term is on patterns in Art and using different media to show them. We sometimes use a great online art tutoring app called how2drawanimals.  
PE:    In PE we are focusing on fitness and learning some game skills.  In dance we will are learning some folk dances and I am starting to teach students how to the dance Thriller.  

French:   In French students are learning greetings, numbers, and days of the week.  

Feb. 24, 2020

On Thursday we have the Showcase with students presenting songs, dances, and displaying their art, hobbies, and baking.  It will be a great time for everyone.  In class we have been doing drama activities for a couple of weeks with students taking turns reading Readers' Theatre scripts and a couple of play scripts.  We will continue to do this for a while until we are ready to choose a play to perform for the end of the year.  We choose the play collaboratively based on different aspects of the play that the students enjoy and feel comfortable with.  We narrow down the plays to two choices and then we all vote.  I hope to have the play chosen before spring break and I'll certainly let you know when what we've decided to perform. 


Below is a link to a folder of class photos I'm taking and updating throughout the year. 

 class photos 2019

Subjects

Math:  We are nearly finished multiplication.  Ask your child how to do lattice multiplication, it's something you've probably never seen before.   "Math is the science of patterns."

Reading:   We are reading Readers' theatre scripts as well as longer plays to practice reading aloud and learning how to read scripts.  One of the plays will be one we will perform later in the year.
We continue weekly Word Sorts, a spelling program the focuses on spelling patterns.  
 Several students receive reading support outside the classroom for an hour 3 days a week. 

Writing:   Students are working on developing their sentences structure by learning how to combine sentences and make them more complex.  They are also making a second slide show using Google Slides with a topic they choose.  They continue  practicing keyboarding online daily so that they can type their written work efficiently.  Here's a link to it:  https://www.typing.com/
Tech: We continue using coding.org.  Students are working on Tinkercad to learn how to design in 3d and then print their creations.  We've printed some student names and next we'll be working on creative designs and ideas to print.  Students are becoming quite good using Tinkercad but it does take some practice using 3D design on line.  

Social Studies:  We will be starting a unit on immigration in this week.  
Science: We are ready to wrap up our unit on skeletons and we'll be focussing on social studies for the next few weeks.  

Art:   The classroom is looking great with hanging tropical fish and lots of colourful art work.  We are looking at the colour wheel and will spend some time using water colours. We will continue using a great online art tutoring app called how2drawanimals.  
PE:    In PE we are focusing on fitness and learning some basketball skills.  In dance we will continue to practice folk and I am starting to teach students how to jive.  

French:   In French students are learning greetings, numbers, and days of the week.  Plus they are learning French watching a fun video series called "Telefrancais". 

Jan. 20, 2020

I hope everyone was OK during the week of bad weather.  We had a lot of students away during the week so I didn't start any new subject themes or activities.  A reminder that we will be going to GISS on Tuesday to participate in a Maker day where students in our class will be partnered with students from Mr. MacPhee's class from Fernwood.  Groups will be receiving kits and given a project to build, the them is to create a model of functional furniture for the classroom.  It will be lots of fun and very hands on and creative.  Afterwards we will have lunch together and then go swimming at the pool.  We'll be back on the last bus and get back to school at 2:50 in time to go home.  Students should bring lots of snacks, lunch and something to drink, plus their swim gear. 


Below is a link to a folder of class photos I'm taking and updating throughout the year. 

 class photos 2019

Subjects

Math:  We are now working on a unit in multiplication.   "Math is the science of patterns."

Reading:   We are still reading short stories to help with vocabulary development and comprehension.  
We continue weekly Word Sorts, a spelling program the focuses on spelling patterns.  
 Several students receive reading support outside the classroom for an hour 3 days a week. 

Writing:   Students continue with a research study of an unusual animal.  Students will gather information and then they will be making a slide show for presentation.  They continue  practicing keyboarding online daily so that they can type their written work efficiently.  Here's a link to it:  https://www.typing.com/
Tech: We continue using coding.org.  Students will be also be working together with lego robots on a project in groups.  This will be lots of fun for them!  Also we have just received a 3d printer last week and I am trying to learn how to use it so students can start working on Tinkercad to learn how to design in 3d and then print their creations.  Students will be thrilled to work with 3d design. 

Social Studies:  We will be starting a unit on immigration in the next week.  
Science: We continue looking at the human skeleton and comparing it to other animals.  We will also be dissecting owl pellets to look at the skeletons of the animals they have eaten.  

Art:   We will be starting a unit on colour using a variety of media including pastels, crayons, and paints.  This week we are making giant tropical fish to hang in the classroom!  We will continue using a great online art tutoring app called how2drawanimals.  
PE:    In PE we are focusing on fitness and learning some volleyball skills.  In dance we will continue to practice folk and square dance.  

French:   In French students are learning greetings, numbers, and days of the week.  

Jan. 6, 2020

Welcome to the new year, 2020!  I hope everyone had a great holiday season and that you had a wonderful time with your families.  The start of the year is always an exciting one for me.  I have lots of interesting and engaging activities and studies for the students including new science and social studies units, creative activities with coding and robots, and a new theme for art--colour!  I look forward to more fun and creative work with your children.  As usual let me know if you have any ideas or suggestions for the class.


Below is a link to a folder of class photos I'm taking and updating throughout the year. 

 class photos 2019

Subjects

Math:  We will be finishing our study of adding and subtracting in the next couple of weeks.   "Math is the science of patterns."

Reading:   We will be starting to read a series of short stories to help with vocabulary development and comprehension.  
We continue weekly Word Sorts, a spelling program the focuses on spelling patterns.  
 Several students receive reading support outside the classroom for an hour 3 days a week. 

Writing:   Students will be starting to do a research study of an unusual animal.  Then after gathering information they will be making a slide show for presentation.  They continue  practicing keyboarding online daily so that they can type their written work efficiently.  Here's a link to it:  https://www.typing.com/
Tech: We continue using coding.org.  Students will be also be working together with lego robots on a project in groups.  This will be lots of fun for them!

Social Studies:  We will be starting a unit on immigration in the next week.  
Science: We will be looking at the human skeleton and comparing it to other animals.  We will also be dissecting owl pellets to look at the skeletons of the animals they have eaten.  

Art:   We will be starting a unit on colour using a variety of media including pastels, crayons, and paints.  We will continue using a great online art tutoring app called how2drawanimals.  
PE:    In PE we are focusing on fitness and learning some volleyball skills.  In dance we will continue to practice folk and square dance.  

French:   In French students are learning greetings, numbers, and days of the week.  

December 2, 2019

This week we will be spending a lot of time with our buddy class the Kindergartens.  On Monday morning we will be meeting for some activities and snack time.  Then on Wednesday morning we will be walking with them to the tree farm to pick a Christmas tree for the school.  We will carry it back to the school and decorate it.  On Thursday morning I'm planning to have baked potatoes with fixin's for the class for a snack.  Something warm and filling for the cold days we've been having.  We're starting to get ready for the Christmas concert.  Our class will be performing a short skit called "Santa TV".  We start practicing it this week.  The class really likes it and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.  

Below is a link to a folder of class photos I'm taking and updating throughout the year. 

 class photos 2019

Subjects

Math:  We are just finishing practice of rounding numbers and next we'll be starting a unit on adding and subtracting.  I do both skills together.  "Math is the science of patterns."

Reading:   We continue reading "Owls in the Family" and the students are enjoying the humour and nature themes in the story. 
We continue weekly Word Sorts, a spelling program the focuses on spelling patterns.  
 Several students receive reading support outside the classroom for an hour 3 days a week. 

Writing:   Students continue  practicing keyboarding online daily so that they can type their written work efficiently.  Here's a link to it:  https://www.typing.com/
Students are now writing a story about a Christmas memory.  We've done a first draft and they will type it in the lab this week.  I'll get them to share it with you when they're done.
Tech: We've started coding using coding.org.  Students are learning to use GAFE (Google apps for education.)  This involves word processing, tables, and powerpoints.  I plan to teach them lessons in these areas for the next few weeks.  

Social Studies:  Our map study is almost completed for now.  We'll take a break and continue with some mapping in the new year.

Art:   We continue to explore patterns but we will also be starting to look at specific drawing skills using pencils. We're using a great online art tutoring app called how2drawanimals.  Students are loving it!
PE:    In PE we are focusing on fitness and coordination.  In dance we have learned the Virginia Reel and we will be doing some other square dance songs.  

French:   In French students are learning greetings, numbers, and days of the week.