Happy Tuesday, Parents and Campers!

As you noticed, Progress reports went home yesterday.  I have gone over these reports and goals with your child using child-friendlly language to explain the learning skills to them.  Nothing was a surprise to anyone, lol, as it shouldn't be.  Interviews are scheduled tomorrow night, Wednesday, November 15th from 4:00pm until 7:00pm.  Each interview is set for 10 minutes, yes, only ten minutes each, so please come prepared with specific questions you may have regarding the progress report.  I have said everything that I needed to say on the report, so this is a time for YOU to talk.  I am excited to meet with all of you. PLEASE be on time for your scheduled interview.  I will also so my best to stay on track with 10 minutes / child.

Math Tests:  Also, last night our Patterning with Numbers tests came home to be reviewed and signed.   Students who achieved a low level are expected for review these skills at home.  I have already gone over the answers to the test in class and met with some key campers one to one. I am able to assist students who request additional help at recess if needed.  Encourage your child to advocate for themselves by requesting an appointment to meet with me if needed.  I am available most recesses.
    Our next unit in Math is Measurement.  It will be made up of two parts; Time/Temperature/Calendar and Mass/Capacity.  I will have two tests and combine the marks for one overall achievement level.


SOCIAL STUDIES:  We have begun our launch to our first Social Studies unit on First Nations and Early Settlers of the late 1700s and early 1800s with a visit to John R. Park Homestead.  We will start by exploring the lives of the First Nation peoples, how they lived, hunted, socialized and learned. Then we will learn through a series of journals written by the point of view of First  Nation children and early settlers how the relationship between the two developed over time.  This is actually a very engaging unit and we get to do a bunch of cool CRAFTIVITIES as we learn!


MUSIC:   Yes, as you may have already heard (lol), we are in full force learning how to play the recorder!  I use an awesome app I downloaded on my iPad called Learn & Play Recorder (you can see what the app looks like on the right).  All of the music is accompanied by other instruments which makes it sound really great!  Feel free to download it if you like, but it isn't necessary.  I will be sending home a Music book with your child tonight so that they can practise 10 mins a night.  I had my students highlight the number of the songs that they are supposed to be practising each night.  Feel free to move ahead and try more challenging songs if your child feels ready!  Practise makes perfect!  I call their recorders 'Back Pack Recorders" because they are supposed to be in their backpacks at all times when not in use.  That way, when we practise, students are always prepared with their instruments.  Those who do  not bring their recorders, use a stick, so that they can still practise along with the class focussed on proper fingering.  Three times of no recorder WILL result in a lower level of achievement.  I will keep you posted as to the number of times your child has forgotten in his/her agenda.

Let the songs begin!

That's enough for now,

Counsellor Wilson

SECRET QUESTION:  What notes did we learn how to play on the recorder so far?