Week 12 Update

Bats and Owls
On Monday morning we took in a presentation on bats and owls by Lori Milligan from the Outdoor Environmental Education Department. We learned about different types of bats and owls including their senses, hunting adaptations, behavior, hibernation, food and environmental issues.  The students even got to meet Albert, a real little brown bat!

We've Got Rider Pride!
Our class is very excited about the Grey Cup! This week we teamed up with the Kindergarten and grade 1 classes to show off our Rider pride and create our own "Rider Nation".  Each class helped decorate their own pod area.

On Friday afternoon we toured the school to see what the other classrooms came up with.  The students at Jack MacKenzie are very creative!

Mindfulness: Living in the Present Moment
On Friday, our class welcomed a special guest, Trina Markusson, into our classroom to share some Mindfulness techniques that we can use everyday.

What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness involves purposely focusing our attention and observing what is going on around us, including our thoughts and feelings. Sometimes our thoughts wander to focus on past events ("I should have...") or future thoughts ("What if...) which can make us feel anxious. Being mindful involves focusing on the present moment.We practice letting our thoughts "go" or settle in our minds,  and focus on daily activities  and experiences as they are happening. We also practice deep breathing techniques (or as the students call it, "belly breaths").   Research shows mindfulness training has the potential to improve attention and focus, self-management skills and lower anxiety and stress levels. We will continue to practice mindfulness in our classroom daily.

Report Cards and Conferences:
Report cards were sent on home on Friday, November 22. Conferences are on Friday, November 29th. You will find your scheduled conference time within the report card envelope. Please sign the conference slip and return it to school to confirm your interview time. Students will take their completed work home with them on the day of the conferences. I look forward to sitting down with you and your child to celebrate their successes, and discuss new goals.

Mystery Reader:

Our Mystery Reader this week was Kaitlyn's mom, Jennifer. The students learned about perspective as Jennifer read The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka. This version of the Three Little Pigs is told from the Wolf's point of view.  The students also enjoyed some "Three Little Pig" inspired cupcakes! Thanks Jennifer!

Important Dates and Reminders:
Friday, November 22:    Term 1 report cards are sent home.
Monday, November 25: Boston Pizza special lunch order forms are due
Friday, November 29:    Conferences
Monday, December 2:    Raising Media-Smart Kids in a Digital World Parent Night

* Please note the date for the Raising Media-Smart Kids has been changed to Monday, December 2, 2013*

Keep warm, cheer loud and have a fantastic Grey Cup weekend!
Ms. Cameron