This week we focused on the vowel combination "ai" and practiced reading and using "ai" words daily in our shared reading and writing. Our focus words were: plain, pail, sail, train, and chair.

We have been checking in on our eggs periodically (placing them over a light to get a glimpse at their development). We noticed some veins but no real structure as of yet. The eggs typically hatch after around 28 days so we have a way's to go yet! We are at Day 11 today.

We have been learning many interesting facts about ducks by reading books, watching videos, and consulting various websites. You may want to ask your child to tell you 2 or more facts they find interesting.

All of the students planted a bean seed today which they will observe over the next few weeks. We will also be planting a variety of vegetable seeds in our classroom's garden boxes and will be learning all about how seeds grow and the life cycle of plants.

In Math, we have been learning about balancing equations this week. This is when you have to come up with two equations that give the same sum or difference. For example, students will be given the problem 4+3 = 2+___.  Most students are now able to confidently balance equations but some are still finding this to be a challenging concept. Practicing this skill with your child at home would serve as good practice if you are able. :)

We listened to the Children's Treaty 7 Land Acknowledgment again this week - the students had been introduced to it back in the Fall. (Please see the link below). We then created our own classroom Land Acknowledgment. Having recently celebrated both the Spring Equinox and Earth Day, it seemed appropriate to spend time considering the land we live on, to show gratitude for the beautiful spaces, and to make promises to the natural world about how we will look after it for ourselves and all other living things. See our land acknowledgment below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VXhTLS9aS4

Today, we had a lot of fun with our Grade 4 buddies when we went outside and did a variety of relay races with our older friends. It was fantastic to get out into the warm, fresh air and enjoy exercising with them!

Please watch for forms being sent home on Monday regarding our upcoming zoo field trip. I am still in need of two volunteers. Please email me at jllarmer@cbe.ab.ca if you can join us. Thank you in advance!

A message from Mr. van Sluys:

Starting next week, every Thursday is going to be a Walk or Ride Day.  Each Thursday everyone at MTS is encouraged to get to school in an active way.  This could include walking, biking, scootering, skateboarding, anything to get to school in an active way!  Students can store their bikes or scooters at the bike racks at the front of the school.  Hopefully they are nice and full this Thursday!

A friendly reminder that there is no school next Friday due to a Professional Development Day nor the following Monday due to the May long weekend.

I hope all of you moms enjoy a wonderful Mother's Day and that everyone has a great weekend enjoying this fantastic weather.