May Curriculum
Language
This month we will further explore descriptive writing by making interesting sentences using adjectives. We will complete our "monster descriptive writing" by describing the monsters we made. We will also focus on describing people (personality and appearance). This month we will continue to practise using different types of punctuation to end a sentence (periods, question marks, exclamation marks), and when to use each one. We will also focus on writing in the proper tense (present, past, or future). Example: when writing about our weekend, we use "I went to the beach" instead of "I go to the beach." Every week our class does a shared reading of a new Poem of the Week. Each student has a poem book at school. If you would like to practise reading our Poem of the Week at home, you can find links on the Homework tab. We will continue with our Word Study homework each week. Keep up the great work! For a fun way to practise Word Study spelling words at home, check out: Spelling City (type in spelling words and click on the free activities below, such as "spelling test" or "play a game") ... you will need functioning computer speakers to make the most of these activities! Character Education
This month at CIS, we are focusing on the Character Education trait of peacemaking. Peacemaking means working out problems peacefully, using words and not fighting. A peacemaker helps other people to get along and does not encourage fighting.
. Social Studies
Unit 2: The Local Community
This month we will be doing our culminating task for this unit. Each student will construct a community building (example: hospital, grocery store, school, etc.) out of recycled materials. We will also do a writing assignment about the project by answering key questions (example: Who works in this building? What tools do they use to do their job? Why is this building important in the community? etc.) The Arts
In art class, we will be preparing more art for the CIS Art 4 Action evening, to be held at the end of May. Look out for some 1C art on display!
In drama class, we will explore role playing with connections to Character Education (peacemaking) and Health (bullying). This month we will also be learning some dances. The students will focus on controlling their bodies to move with the music. We will explore music and dancing from various cultures. Mr. John is teaching our class music this year. Students have been enjoying learning new sounds and moving around to various types of music. |
Math
Unit 10: Measuring Time
At the beginning of May, we will be finishing up our previous unit on telling time. By the end of the unit, students should be able to tell time to the hour and half hour using standard and digital clocks. We have also practised drawing hands on blank clocks and relating time to our daily school schedule. Unit 11: 2-D Measurement and Geometry We will focus on measuring the surface area 2-D shapes using non-standard units (example: we can cover the square surface of the desk using 20 post-it notes). We will also focus on symmetry (identifying the line of symmetry, and identifying symmetry in nature and the world around us). We will create symmetrical designs and pictures using concrete materials. Unit 12: Probability Students will focus on describing the likelihood that everyday events will occur, using mathematical language (example: impossible, likely, unlikely, certain, sometimes, always, never). At home, your child can also get more math practice at: http://www.ixl.com/math/grade-1 http://www.turtlediary.com/grade-1-games.html http://www.sumdog.com (Use individual user name/password stapled into each student planner) Science
Unit 4: Daily and Seasonal Changes
We will begin our final science unit of the year, focusing on how changes occur in daily and seasonal cycles. We will talk about the impact of daily and seasonal changes on human activities, how people prepare for and respond to these changes, and how the seasons in Vietnam compare to those in Canada and other countries of the world. For some interesting science videos, check out a free trial at: http://brainpop.com (Science videos) Health and Physical Education
Students will be learning some dances during PE class. Dance is a great way to exercise and stay healthy, and it's fun! We will be learning the dance moves to a few line dances. Please remember to bring reusable water bottles to gym class every Monday.
Swimming is an important part of the Physical Education program, and students will receive an individual mark on their report card for swimming. Please make sure your child is ready for swimming class every Wednesday. If your child is unable to go swimming, please provide a doctor's note. Ms. Heather is our swimming teacher this year. In health class, we will discuss how to stay safe and avoid injuries while out in the community. Example: crossing the road safely, being safe at the playground, wearing helmets when bike riding, protecting ourselves from the sun by wearing sun screen, etc. Ms. Glicy, our school nurse, will be visiting our class again in the new year to discuss topics such as Hand Foot and Mouth disease, healthy eating, personal hygiene, and avoiding germs by washing hands, covering mouth when sneezing/coughing, etc. |