April 27th - May 1st

 Looking back on learning.......

Phonics:

This week in phonics, we explored the suffixes -er and -est. Students learned that adding -er to a word means “more than,” while -est means “the most.” We practiced applying these endings to compare people, places, and things.

We also focused on important spelling rules. When a word ends in e, we drop the e before adding -er or -est (for example, nice → nicer, nicest). When a word ends in y, we change the y to an i before adding the suffix (for example, happy → happier, happiest).

Science:

This week in science was filled with so much excitement as we welcomed our baby chicks! Our first chick began hatching on Sunday, and by Wednesday, seven chicks had arrived. It was an incredible experience to observe the full hatching process.

We learned how chicks use their beaks to begin pipping, creating a small hole in the egg. They continue to pip around the shell until it breaks open. When the chicks first emerge, they are very wet and wobbly. We discovered that they need time in the warmth of the incubator to dry off and become fluffy. We also learned that chicks absorb nutrients from their egg, so they do not need food right away.

Throughout the week, we spent time gently holding the chicks, watching them walk around, and observing how they interact with one another. We even made predictions and think we may have one male and six females! It has been such a special hands-on learning experience. Our chicks will be returning to the farm this weekend, and we will miss them very much.

Math:

This week in math, we explored measurement in more depth. We began by using classroom items to measure objects with non-standard units, helping us build a strong understanding of comparing lengths. We then learned about standard units by exploring the size of a centimetre and practiced using rulers to measure different items around the classroom.

Students focused on measuring carefully from the very beginning of an object to the end, while keeping their measuring tool straight for accuracy. We also connected our learning to our previous unit on fractions by recording some of our measurements with greater precision.

In addition, we worked on subtraction with regrouping using the traditional algorithm. We started by using base ten blocks to visually understand how we borrow from the tens and hundreds places. This helped students build a strong foundation before moving toward more abstract methods. We will continue practicing this important concept next week as we strengthen our understanding.

Buddies:

We wrapped up our Friday with our Grade 3 buddies by making the most of the beautiful weather and heading outside to learn together on the land. Students paired up across grades, creating meaningful opportunities for connection and collaboration. Our Grade 2 students had the chance to read to their Grade 3 partners, and then the Grade 3s reciprocated, making it a shared and supportive literacy experience for everyone.