Gr. 4V Social Studies: Critical Challenge - “Alberta’s First Nations”

During this Critical Challenge, we explored Alberta’s First Nations’ groups. Specifically, we examined where Alberta’s First Nations’ groups lived, their relationship with the land and how it shaped various aspects of their culture. Students had the opportunity of choosing from the following First Nations groups:

Dene Tha’	Plains Cree
Dunne-Za	Tsuu T’ina
Woodland Cree	Siksika
Dene Suline	Piikani
Nakoda	Kainai

After doing research based on readings from the text and internet links, the students’ task was select one of the First Nations’ groups mentioned above to explore the following aspects:

Where did this First Nation group live in Alberta?

• What was the land like?
• How did the land and its environment shape their culture relative to the following considerations?

Ø traditional food
Ø traditional clothing
Ø art, music & dance
Ø spiritual celebrations

 The students had the choice of creating Poster, Newspaper Article, Information Brochure, Power-Point Presentation, Prezi or Pic Collage that highlights the required information explored with each First Nations group. The following are examples of some of the student work that was created.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gr. 4V Religion: “My Big Rocks“ Project

 

Last month the students were exploring the broad concept regarding “Big Rocks” during one of their units in Religion.  To each of us, the “Big Rocks” mean something different, but at the core, the big rocks are those things in your life which are most important... The question for them to consider meant for each student to explore what the big rocks are in their lives.  This entails one keeping in mind the Covey ideal of “putting the first things first”!

Individually, each student had the option of creating a poster or Google Slide presentation complete with a variety of imagery and illustrations which depict what their “Big Rocks” are. They began by brainstorming a list of at least 5 to 10 key things, people and values in their lives. The next task was to incorporate these items into the design of the project. The following is a picture of the bulletin board as well as examples of some of the student work that was created.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

CTF Interest Group: Art – Painting / Collage

The students on my CTF interest group during the last session created mixed-media collages on canvas board based on a theme of their choice. In the time allotted, students had opportunities to experiment, create and showcase their knowledge and skill in this art style. 

 

The art projects created by the students were basically a collage of shapes, images and text (words & phrases) glued to 9” X 12” canvas boards.  The background was painted or consisted of a collage of tissue paper glued to the surface. The selection of the images, cutouts, shapes and colour choice of the background was dependent upon the individual’s personality or preference. 

 

Below are some pictures of some of the students’ work that was created.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Student Led Conferences - March 15th & 16th

 

 

In conjunction with the recent reporting period, St. Clare hosted Student Led Conferences on March 15^th and 16^th.

The students had the opportunity to show their parents what they know and are learning in school.  Parents were enlightened through a “Gallery Walk” of many of the activities that their child were engaged in throughout the term. Parents were able to talk with their children with regards to their work displayed throughout the room.  Chromebooks were also available for students to showcase their work in Religion, Social Studies and Science that incorporated technology.  Also highlighted were the French dialogue videos on the Smartboard.

 

 

We were so pleased to have such a great turnout for this wonderful “Celebration of Learning”.  Below are some pictures of some of the students’ work on the displays from the “Gallery Walk”.  

 

 

 

 

Gr. 4V Religion: “Our Lenten Journey Project”

The season of Lent is also a time for spiritual growth and renewal. At this time, we are called to commemorate and reflect on the Lord’s passion through spiritual preparation, conversion, and penance.  Since the beginning of March in 4V Religion, we have been examining content relating to the season of Lent.  Lent is the period in which we prepare for the death and resurrection of our saviour Jesus Christ. 

 

Leading up to their project, the students explored the various symbols of the Lenten season and their significance. The students’ task was to create an illustrative collage or scene which clearly illustrates the meaning of the journey that Catholics travel during the sacred season of Lent. 

 

The following are examples of some of the wonderful and creative work that was created by the students.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Lenten Food & Toiletry Item Drive

 

 

 

This year, our Lenten Social Justice project has been to collect food and toiletry items with all proceeds going to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.  This organization is affiliated with Ascension Parish: the primary goal of the society is to ensure all Catholic families in our school area get the assistance they need. 

The campaign began Monday, March 6 and continued until Wednesday, March 22, 2017.  This Lenten collection has been very successful as a large amount of food and toiletry items has been collected for redistribution to very deserving less fortunate families in our parish community.  We are moved and inspired by the generous response from our students, parents and staff to assist these families in need.

Below are some pictures of the collection in the glass display cases in the “Crossing”. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4V Science - Light and Shadows Unit Test

  

 

Dear Parents,

The children will be having their next unit test this year in Science on Friday, February 10, 2017. It will be on the Light and Shadows Unit.  I would like them to continue to develop some effective study strategies this year, and need your help. As much as possible, I will try to give the children at least 3-4 days notice of tests, and some indication of what will be on it.  At times this will be in the form of a multi-day in-class review of content.  At other times I will give them a list, either in handout form or as notes, and sometimes orally). I will also introduce them to various study strategies throughout the year. 

Here’s how you can help:

• set up a time and place for study
• help your child set up a schedule for the 3-4 days they have to study, and help them to break the material up into manageable chunks
• encourage your child to use several of the strategies and help them decide what seems to work best for them. Studying is very individual, and we all need to develop our own style.
• talk about test taking skills  ie: what to do if you’re stuck on a question, answering questions as completely as you can, not worrying too much, etc.
• Below is an outline of the test as well as a study guide of recommended material for students to review: 

LIGHT & SHADOWS UNIT TEST OUTLINE

A.     Fill in the Blanks: (18 MARKS)

B.      Answer the Following:

 

-   Short Answer Questions / Charts (15 MARKS)

-   True or False (15 MARKS)

 

C.      Vocabulary Matching: (12 MARKS)

Light and Shadow Unit Test Study Guide

·         All the vocabulary terms

-   Review glossary / vocabulary activity

-   Additional terms: Law of Reflection, primary colours of light, filter, focal point, eclipse, mirage, “Northern Lights / Aurora Borealis”

·         Power-Point Presentation Handout / Fill in the Blank Notes

·         Light & Shadow Activity Booklet (including content about transparent, translucent & opaque objects; light safety page;  

·         Eduguide: Questions, Notes & Experiments:

·         Sources of light activity(natural and artificial)

Thanks for your help at home. If there is anything I can do to help in the study process please let me know.