Mrs. Phelan

 This week in grade 4!  We're working on procedural or how-to writing! Students chose something that they are experts on doing, created a material list and started to draft their steps this week. We used sticky notes so we could re-arrange and add steps if we needed to.  In math we've been connecting decimals, percentages and fractions. We learned how to convert between these forms and solved problems involving percentages.  We are learning about the fur trade and the voyageurs. This week we looked at the  Métis sash and learned about the different ways that voyageurs used their sashes. We also learned about the colours and what they symbolize. Then, we tried traditional finger weaving to make mini sashes.  Looking ahead!  There is no school tomorrow for a PD Day. There is also no school on Monday, May 18 for Victoria Day. Have a lovely long weekend!  Swimming starts on Tuesday! We swim first thing in the morning so please be on time for school th...

This week in grade 4:  In Social Studies we are learning about the fur trade! We played the fur trade game and started to learn about voyageurs!  In writing we are diving into procedural writing or "how-to" writing. We've picked a topic we are experts at and are creating a piece of writing with a material list and a step-by-step procedure. We're working on using specific vocabulary, action words and transitions!  Coming Up!  We've been going outside for gym on Thursday and this week many students found kick ball challenging in their crocs! Please wear proper running shoes on Thursday!  There is no school on Friday, May 15 because it is a PD Day!  Finish Up!  We've been talking about personal responsibility in grade four this week and many students are making great choices like asking for help when they need it and using class time wisely. Some students are bringing home Finish Up this week. In grade four students can be responsible for completing work ...

This week in Grade four:  This week we created dioramas to represent our favourite scene from the chapter book Odder. Students chose a significant scene and then created the background and elements all from paper. During this study we learned otters as a keystone species, researched and wrote poetry.  We are learning about the fur trade in Social Studies. This week we talked about the origins of the fur trade and the different groups of people involved.  Coming Up!  We're going to McKenzie Highlands for a tour on Wednesday, May 6! I am still missing a few permission forms. Please return your forms ASAP!  Finish Up!  Addition and Subtraction, Lesson 3: Adding and Subtracting Decimals  Addition and Subtraction, Lesson 4: Adding and Subtracting Money Addition and Subtraction, Lesson 5: Addition and Subtraction Problem Solving Taco Tuesday: adding and subtracting decimals  Let's Be Detectives: Compare and Contrast Thank you for completing and returnin...

  This week in grade four:  We wrote concrete poetry this week! Students chose a favourite activity and created a poem in the shape of the activity! We also wrote Free Verse Earth Day poems.  In Science we've started our new unit on Animal and Plant structures. We learned about the characteristics of living things and have started classifying organisms by their different structures.  Coming Up!  We'll be having our Canada's History Assessment on Monday.  We're planning on going on a Community Walk on Tuesday, April 28 if the weather permits! Please dress for the weather.  Some students have not returned their Science notebooks yet. Please send them to school next week!  Please return your Human Sexuality and Swimming forms.  Finish Up!  There is no Finish Up this week! 

 This week in grade four:  We're learning about the 13 Moons! In conjunction with our work in Science about lunar and solar calendars we are exploring Indigenous ways of keeping track of time and are learning about the moon calendar. This calendar is based on seasonal changes that have been observed over time. We're creating our own illustrated version in our visual journals.  In math we are working on adding and subtracting decimals. We are working with numbers in the hundredths place with up to 6 digits. It's been a fantastic review of regrouping and borrowing. We wrote our own word problems that included a situation, an addition or subtraction context and then solved our problems!  Please check your child's backpacks for the materials and assessment for our recent Decimal Place Value Unit.  Coming Up!  Please return your Human Sexuality forms. Thank you for returning your child's Science Notebook to school! Please send any that may still be lurking at ho...

This week in Grade Four:   Did you know that it is Poetry Month? We're exploring poetry and poetic writing. We've reveiwed the figures of speech similes and metaphors and have experimented with haiku.  In Social Studies we learned about the Great Migration and the Underground Railroad. We read a book called "Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt" and learned that some quilt squares were used as a secret code to support slaves who were making their way to Canada. We chose one of the designs and are creating our own quilt squares.  Looking Ahead!  Students have brought their science notebooks home to review for a Space assessment. We'll be completing the assessment on Thursday, April 16. Please return your child's notebook by then.  One of our talented students won the yearbook cover contest!  To order go to:   https://ybpay.lifetouch.ca/ Use Yearbook ID code:   10614126 Early Bird Pricing: $29 (Now until April 17, 2026) Regular Pricing: $34 (...