October 23, 2010                                                                    Good afternoon, parents of Grade 5 and Grade 6 Math class students.  This has been another busy week as we have been working on developing a stronger sense of number.  Grade 5 has been having fun with 1 000 000, as they have been writing, reading and expanding numbers, sometimes with the use of the calculator, which they have really enjoyed. They also are more aware of books, that are available, in the library, that are math geared, yet have a fun twist. One class was set aside for kids to read and to browse some of these books.  They also had a chance to share with a peer. During our tutoring time, the students worked on reinforcing strategies taught throughout the week.  It is refreshing to see the enthusiasm these kids put forward in this small group setting.  The practicing of these strategies is a must and students are encouraged to continue this as part of the homework.  One of our classes had the opportunity to visit the computer lab and to browse the website,  www.Math 5 Spy Guys. Grade 6 students have moved into factoring numbers.  They have been working with math tiles as they reinforce prime and composite numbers.  I am encouraging students to read over the meanings of the various math terminology we use,daily, as this will help to reinforce a better understanding of the concepts taught.   I I have appreciated the phone calls from both parents and students. I encourage this as it helps to keep learning three fold. A reminder that October 27th is another CI day and students will not be having classes.      The power of imagination makes us infinite.John Muir