Hello everyone!!!

It has been a very busy few days here in the Primary Language Class. 

So, it is official! We have moved! 

Our new classroom is up and running and we are settling in really well. Monday was our first full day in the class and the kids did really well. I know change can be difficult, especially after routines and structures have been set in place, but the kids were champions and I am really proud of them. We will spend some times this week reviewing the basics: where we line up, where the washrooms and water fountains are and how to get to the office from our new spot!

Last week, we read the book, "Have You Filled a Bucket Today". This book talks about how being considerate and conscientious of others really makes a difference, and how one small and simple act of kindness can turn someone’s day around!  We brainstormed and discussed ways in which we could be kind, be good friends and fill each other’s buckets. I am so thrilled to say that all of the students were FULL of ideas! It made my heart smile! What a kind bunch! 

As you know, the weather has been unseasonably HOT! While it is so nice to have this late summer weather, it does make for some pretty hot days at school. We have been encouraging the students to drink lots of water and find the shade at recess and we will keep it as cool as we can in the classroom. Please make sure your children are wearing lightweight clothing and send in a water bottle if you can. Thank you!

Today at St, John the Apostle, it was picture day! The students showed off their best smiles as we took our class photo and they had individual pictures taken. Each student will be having their individual picture taken at both schools, so if you are looking to purchase pictures, you will have two to choose from. 

We will be participating in our annual Terry Fox walk on Thursday. We will talk about the impact that Terry Fox had on us as a nation and look at how his contributions to cancer research started something bigger than he could have imagined. 

Today I will send home some Word Wall Words with your child. On the cover of the Word Wall Book there are some instructions.  Basically, the book is there for you to practice the words with your child.  There are no specific activities or timelines! All I ask is that the book be returned by Friday so I can put the new words in for the following week. We work on the words in class throughout the week. Practice at home is a great way to reinforce the learning that is happening at school! However, I understand how busy life gets and that sometimes homework takes a back seat to everything else in your day.  I also understand that there are so many more valuable things that you can be doing with the little time you have with your children at the end of the day. So, please do what you can, even if it is just talking about the words. Thank you so much for your help!

Here are of our words for this week:  

Group 1: a, see

Group 2: a, go, like

Group 3: I, the, is, can, like

I have also sent home a Snuggle Book.  For the new families, the concept of the Snuggle Book is that I send home a book for you to snuggle up and read with your child.  While I am sure you have tons of books at home, this is a book that I have chosen to be at your child's reading level.  The idea is that you read the book with your child a few times until they can read it to you independently.  This may be right away or it may take a few days. However long it takes.....noproblem! Please keep the book until your child feels comfortable reading it on their own, then you can return it for a new book. In the folder there is a place for you to write whether the book was too easy, too hard or just right.  Please let me know so I can continue to choose appropriate books for each child! 

This week, we will be learning about words in the _an word family.  Talk to your child about what words belong in this word family (i.e., pan, can, ran).  

We have also begun learning about the vowels and the sounds they make.  Vowel identification is an important part of learning to read!  Ask your child about the different sounds that the vowels make!

Have a great week everyone. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions!

Welcome Back!

Mrs. Faloon

Primary Language Class

Hello and welcome to a new school year! I hope that everyone had a wonderful and relaxing summer! I know I enjoyed my time with my family!

I was so thrilled to see my returning students and I am very excited to get to know my new students.

We certainly have had an exciting start to our new school year.  It has been a very busy week. We have started some getting-to- know-you activities, discussed school and classroom rules and procedures, and began to establish routines within the classroom. We are off to a great start and I know it is going to be a wonderful school year!!

I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to the St. John the Apostle Program Evening. Please see the handout for more details and information!

In the next few weeks we will dive right into our learning. I will be teaching the students about reading and writing strategies and we will be working on our oral language skills daily. We will begin weekly word wall words shortly. The students will complete activities within the classroom to practice and learn their words. The words will be sent home each week for you to practice with your children. I will write the students words in a book each week and you can review them with your children. There is no specific activity that will be required of them, the words are sent home for reinforcement and to keep you in the loop about what your children are learning. Feel free to read the words with your children, write the words with them or simply bring them up in conversation and talk about their spelling.

We will begin learning about our Daily Five work stations. This is valuable learning time that we use to focus on each child’s individual goals. The stations are set out with each child’s individual learning needs in mind. It gives them time to work on skills at their level!

Also in the next few weeks we will be learning some new games to help with our learning. We love to make learning feel like playing!

The students are working hard and I am really proud of them.  It is a lot of work coming to two different schools!  I would like to thank you for your dedication to your child's learning. Our little class can be best described as a family. We take care of each other and learn from one another. Our situation is unique and beautiful. I feel so fortunate to be in a class where I can focus on each child, assisting each one to meet their goals. I am looking forward to learning with them throughout this school year. I know it will be amazing!

Here are just a few little reminders:

Have you checked us out on Twitter yet?

@MrsFaloonPLC

There are tons of pictures and snippets of what we do everyday!

Also, remember that our blog is mrsfaloonplc.blogspot.ca!.

Transportation: If your child is absent from our Primary Language Class, it is very important that you call the transportation office to cancel the STS drivers (arrival and departure).  The phone number is 613-723- 9677.

Does your child have indoor shoes at St. John the Apostle Catholic

School?   We are requesting that each student brings an extra pair of shoes that could be left in our classroom. The shoes should be shoes he/she can put on easily on their own (i.e. without laces if you child is unable to tie his/her shoes yet).  This will help keep the class floors neat and tidy.  Please be sure to write your child’s name in the shoes clearly.

Please label your child’s belongings. It is very helpful to have your child’s name in their coats, sweaters, lunch bags, backpacks, shoes and boots!

IEP’s

Your child’s Individual Education Plan is developed in collaboration between the homeschool team, you the parents, and me. The homeschool will send home a draft copy of the IEP in October.  Please take the time to read it carefully.  I would be very happy to arrange a time to sit and discuss the IEP with you. I can also set up a time to talk to you by telephone if that is preferable. Please remember your input

is very important. Please note that Rosalind McGuire, a teacher at St.

John the Apostle, will be reporting on the Social Studies curriculum for our students.  

Have a great weekend! Please remember that I am happy to help if you have any questions or concerns.

Sarah Faloon