What do we do all day in FDK? We play a lot! We play inside, outside, in the gymnasium, in the sink, with the blocks, with the science equipment, with the art supplies, in centres, on the playground, on the climber, in the sandbox, in the grass, on the trikes, in the forest, in the conservation area, and even at many local parks. We play together, alone, in pairs, beside one another, and even with the teachers and learning buddies (Mr. Devenny's grade 5/6's). Most areas are all open for free exploration all day long!
Our school schedule is set out in three blocks with two nutrition breaks. We often divide our group of 26 students into two groups. These groups are put together with care and are mixed-ages. A JK student is with their SK buddy, who is always eager to help them alone when needed.
Generally speaking, during the first block have of the group begins outside, while the other half starts their day in the classroom. Half why through this block, the groups switch and remain with the teacher that they started with. Group A will start outside for the first week. Group B will start outside the following week. It is the teachers who will flip between starting inside or outside during the week. We use this method for a week cycle.
This cycle allows for more focused learning in small intimate groups, as well as a better opportunity for the teachers to interact with the children. Although most of our learning is through cross-curricular teaching, we do use this block to focus on numeracy and literacy skills. Mme McMillan teaches implicit math instructions, while Mme Tipler focussing on literacy skills. We always centre the learning around the needs and interests of the children.
Our second block is devoted to discovery learning. This is where the children can engage in any activities, remembering to tidy up before moving on. Again, we may split the group and one of us may take children who are interested in exploring outside. During the week, we also have two periods of gym at this time.
During the first half of last block, our focus is on the sciences, the arts, health, and once a week we get together with our Learning Buddies (Les grands copins). The last half of the block if when a new teacher joins Mme McMillan and they learn more mathematical skills with Mme Brown (3 days/week)or work in the library with Mme Burkhart (2 days/week).
Over the past two weeks we have been getting to know our amazing new students and reacquainting ourselves with our returning students. Routines are already well established and great learning has begun! Thank you for sending in all of your forms. It is wonderful to have everyone's walking form so we can start to venture in the forest and into the conversation area where great learning occurs.
Curriculum Focus:
Social and Emotional: Learning to continue to use positive words with our friends, how to make and keep friends, use simple strategies to solve social concerns, self-reliance, express their thoughts and ideas
Mathematical: Patterning, two-dimensional shapes, three-dimensional figures, investigate numbers through counting, graphing, sorting, probability
Language: Acquiring and using new French words, printing name, letter skills, reading, journal writing, songs, poems, follow one- and two-step instructions, use language to talk about their thinking, to reflect, and to solve problems
Science: State problems and pose questions before and during investigations, communicate results and findings through investigation
We have noticed a big interest in things that move and have been focussing on objects that can transport, how things move, 3d figures and what makes them move and not move so well, and the shapes and textures of vehicle tires.
Visual Arts: Explore difference elements of design: (Colour - mixing, hue, value, tint, and saturation), (Line-drawing, painting), (Form - designing with various materials)
Dramatic Arts: Using our faces to show expression (sad, happy, angry, scared), use problem-solving skills and their imagination in their play
Music: explore a variety of tools and materials to create music, explore beat, speed, and volume,
Physical Education: Understand the importance of healthy living (nutritious meals and physical activity), big body movements, safety in the gym and outside
Assessment and evaluations are ongoing. We document your child's learning through various ways: pictures, anecdotal notes, group and one-on-one interactions, conferencing, and assignments.
Thank you very much for providing your child with nutritious and litterless lunches. The Boomerang Lunch Program is a great success. The custodial staff has noticed a huge reduction in our waste baskets. Merci !
Thank you too for ensuring that your child is properly dress for the weather.
I will be organizing the Friendship List as quickly as possible as well as the Volunteer Schedule.
To make learning centres unique and engaging, we welcome all donations: craft supplies, material, wood pieces, nails, nuts and bolts, locks with keys, letter and number beads, recyclable items, science, or art supplies of any kind. Merci !!!
We are very excited to have such an exceptional class again this year! At the end of the day, although me may be a little tired at times, we are having so much fun with your children. Thank you for allowing us to be with them during one of their most crucial learning periods. We love them like they are our own!
As always, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Have a super weekend!
Upcoming:
Please send in photos (5-10) of your child that we may use for an "All About Me" project. Please send in a family photo too please with the names of each family member. Merci !
September 25th - Franco-Ontarian day. Please dress your child in green and white (vert et blanc) on this day.
September 29th - Picture Day
October 30th - We will celebrate Halloween. Please allow your child to come to school dressed for Halloween. Please send a change of clothing in case they would like to change. Non-violent costumes only please.
As you know, teachers are currently in strike action. Unfortunately, it looks as though the next steps in our job action will take place on Monday. If this does occur, we will not be able to update you through this website nor through newsletters. Thank you for your understanding.