Remember, students need to be reading for 20 minutes everyday! This is the most important homework they have. Reading every day strengthens reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. It also improves writing ability, spelling and grammar. More importantly, reading nurtures imagination, creativity and empathy. It allows us to understand different points of view, different cultures, as well as historical events and unique perspectives. It truly broadens their horizons!
It's important to let your child choose what they want to read. It's not about reading the most challenging book about there; it's about cultivating a love of reading so they become lifelong readers. Picture books and graphic novels are just as helpful as chapter books; in fact they help to build strong inferential skills. Check out the graph below to see one of the reasons reading is so important. Last week, students worked with Mrs. G and special guests in Physical Education on baseball skills! They worked on pitching, passing, and batting skills, then finished off the week by playing the game! They had so much fun, and their baseball skills really improved! Perhaps some of them will make it to the major leagues one day!
Last Thursday, students in room 6 shared experiences and knowledge of Canada. After writing them on a sticky note, they placed them on a map. Next, students will be working on making their own map of Canada, before learning about Alberta's regions. Students also had a chance last week to explore the Makespace for the first time. Their only challenge was to work together and build something- anything! Room 6 students took on that challenge with enthusiasm, collaborating and making to their hearts' content! |
AuthorMs. McIntosh is a grade 4 teacher at Le Roi Daniels School in Calgary, Alberta. This is my sixth year teaching grade 4. I'm also a student studying learning commons, literacy and technology at the University of Alberta. Archives
May 2017
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