This week, we will be starting a new unit on multiplication. Students will be exploring a variety of strategies to solve multiplication problems (e.g., skip counting on number lines, using repeated addition (e.g., 3 x 5 is the same as 5 + 5 + 5), grouping items into equal groups, using arrays, etc.). As part of the homework this week, I will be sending home some basic multiplication math fact work for practice. There will also be MAD MINUTES given at random and a score recorded. Please try to find some time to work on drilling your child at home with these number facts. Understanding the different strategies to solve multiplication problems, as well as memorizing the basic math facts up to 7×7, are both very important for the grade 3 student and are stated in the Ontario Curriculum. Throughout this unit, your child is also encouraged to check out some of the multiplication math links on the right hand side of this blog. There are several multiplication games that your child can play to help increase speed of recall of the basic multiplication facts and have fun doing it at the same time! Arcademic Skill Builders is a particularly good site! In addition, you and your child may also do some activities at home such as:

• Looking around the house to find things that come in groups, such as packages of food or household items (e.g., juice boxes, eggs, batteries, scouring pads). Make a list of the items and the size of each group.
• Looking through grocery store flyers for items sold in groups, recording the items, the size of the groups, and its price.
• If your family has a cat or a dog, your child can figure out the age of your pet in “human” years. Every year a cat lives, it ages 5 human years. Every year a dog lives, it ages 7 human years.

During the month of February your child will have the chance to partake in an exciting Yoga opportunity. Being mindful and physically active enhances focus and well being.

We will be inviting into our school the renowned Kim Mansfield a RYT 200 Yoga Alliance Certified and a Little Feet Level One Yoga graduate among many other credentials. Kim has taught mindfulness and yoga to students, summer campers, competitive gymnasts and children with ASD. Kim has a B.Sc. in Nursing and a M.Sc. in Kinesiology.

Through movement and focus games, participants will experience basic yoga postures and practise tuning into their bodies and breath. Children will explore using their breath to calm fidgety bodies and busy, anxious minds.

The cost of this activity is $2.00 for two sessions and is integrated into our Physical Education periods. Payment will be due no later than February 5th.

Please have your child dress in loose, active wear.