March 20

Dear Parents and students, 

This has be the most unusual start to spring we have ever had at Ken Taylor School. Quiet classrooms, empty hallways and a vacant playground. Everyone at KDT hopes your family is  adjusting to this unprecedented time and remaining healthy and safe. Below is some important information from CBE, Kenneth D. Taylor School, and your classroom teachers.

1)      At this time, we are waiting to hear from the system level what the next steps will be in regards to future programming for our students. Information will be communicated as soon as we know more from the Calgary Board of Education. This is a new situation for everyone and we want to assure you that the school will be communicating this information to our families as soon as we have a plan and procedures in place. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

2)      In the meantime, the CBE has put together some resources until a long range plan is in place.  To access the resources, please click on the link: 
https://www.cbe.ab.ca/programs/curriculum/learning-at-home/Pages/k-6.aspx

K-6 Parent Supports - Learning at Home - CBE Off line Activities Go for a wonder walk down your street or in a naturalized area along the way you can: Go for a nature scavenger hunt, how many plants, birds, trees, winter berries, animals, manmade or natural items can you find? www.cbe.ab.ca

3)   Below are some activities/websites that your child can work at to continue some of the work we have been doing in class:

A) Mathematics: Three-digit subtraction and Telling Time

•       IXL Math:  Grade 3: Subtraction: D.1 to D.5 . and Time T.1 to T.15
•       https://www.abcya.com/games/ducky_race_subtraction\
•       https://www.abcya.com/games/guess_the_number
•      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nku3jVLbPBw
•      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGRbmZdCkbs

B) Science: Building and Testing Materials

• http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/lab/index.html
• https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/educator/act_columns_ho.html     
• ask your parents to help you try the columns experiment
• https://www.youtube.com/playlistlist=PLet8DHqvJflq5eQKkhslIH4hTwnwNzF_9
•     try to build some of the structures shown in the videos and see how strong they are.

C) Social Studies

• We have been learning about India in Class, these websites have some different information on India as well as other countries. 

• Kids World Travel Guide                                       https://www.kids-world-travelguide.com

• Cool Kid Facts       https://www.coolkidfacts.com

D) Language Arts

Reading

• students can access their Raz-Kids accounts and continue to read at their personalized level 
• Tumblebooks can be accessed through the Public Library website 
• https://calgarylibrary.ca/read-learn-and-explore/digital-library/tumblebook-library/
• Story Line- www.storylineonline.net 

Writing

• Free Writing
• Paragraph Writing- Beginning, 3 Supporting sentences and an Ending/Conclusion 
• Journalling- I see, I think, I wonder, I feel (can be used for all sorts of topics)

4)      We will be in contact with you after spring break to provide further updates and information.

One way we can stay connected is by sharing pictures with one another showing what we have been doing while schools are closed. Feel free to email Mr. Straiton a picture of you or your family with a note about what you have been doing and I will post them to the blog. Mr. Straiton's email is rwstraiton@cbe.ab.ca.

My family has been keeping busy making art, reading books and playing in our back yard. Yesterday Callum made a book called "The Very Hungry Garbage Truck." Today he is making a giant silly face to put on his bedroom window to say hello our neighbours across the street. 

A note from Mrs. Shaw

Dear students, I just wanted to write you a quick note as today is my last day of work. My doctor has decided that I should stay home until the baby comes. I will make sure to let you know once my little guy shows up and will share some pictures. 

I miss you all and hope that you are adjusting to your time at home. Make sure to check the blog on a regular basis for learning ideas. Even though I won't be here Mr.Straiton and a new teacher will be keeping the blog updated.