Kerri Langer's Classroom News
About the Website
A little bit about the website.
I developed this website a number of years ago to provide information to parents about upcoming learning, special activities and student learning. I did this instead of a monthly news letter. Last year this website proved as an invaluable tool in student and parent learning and communication, links to videos, special presentations and to highlight student learning.
It is my plan to continue with this form of communication. You will find:
1. A parent page of schedules, contact information, research about learning and blog information.
2. At a Glance page - calendars, birthdays, Virtue program, new learning opportunities, small group learning (for online learning) news reports, Land Acknowledgement and student work.
3. Subjects - the remaining links are for specific curriculum expectations. Explanation of learning for missed work, links to videos, extra learning and learning goals and expectations. This will become for valuable if we need to return to an online learning platform but it is also there for parents to know what is happening in the class and learning expectations.
I developed this website a number of years ago to provide information to parents about upcoming learning, special activities and student learning. I did this instead of a monthly news letter. Last year this website proved as an invaluable tool in student and parent learning and communication, links to videos, special presentations and to highlight student learning.
It is my plan to continue with this form of communication. You will find:
1. A parent page of schedules, contact information, research about learning and blog information.
2. At a Glance page - calendars, birthdays, Virtue program, new learning opportunities, small group learning (for online learning) news reports, Land Acknowledgement and student work.
3. Subjects - the remaining links are for specific curriculum expectations. Explanation of learning for missed work, links to videos, extra learning and learning goals and expectations. This will become for valuable if we need to return to an online learning platform but it is also there for parents to know what is happening in the class and learning expectations.
Parent / Guardian Information
On this page you will find information that I think you might find useful as a parent / guardian in this new remote learning environment.
Also included on this page is...
* Daily and weekly learning schedule. This can change due to special activities or online learning opportunities. Parents will be notified of any changes through email. (In an online learning environment)
* My work email is [email protected] You are welcome to email me at anytime as I check my email throughout the day and night. I will be responding to emails between 8am and 4pm unless it is an emergency. My cell number is 905 376 1275
Also included on this page is...
* Daily and weekly learning schedule. This can change due to special activities or online learning opportunities. Parents will be notified of any changes through email. (In an online learning environment)
* My work email is [email protected] You are welcome to email me at anytime as I check my email throughout the day and night. I will be responding to emails between 8am and 4pm unless it is an emergency. My cell number is 905 376 1275
Schedule - June 20, 2022
Week of June 20
This will be another busy week. We wish some of our classmates and all of the students from St. Joseph’s that are participating in the baseball tournament at St. Mary’s in Grafton on the 21st all the best. We also say goodbye to Zain today and wish him a wonderful summer holiday.
Monday we will welcome back our teachers vs grade 8 students baseball tournament. This will be in the afternoon. I will keep the children in the shade but a sun hat might be a good idea as we will be outside at 12:30. Tuesday is National Indigenous Day. Children are to wear their regular clothes please. I have planned a full day of learning with Mrs. Harp for this day. I will have smudging for the children that wish to participate. There will be learning on Monday about this. Students are welcome to participate or they can just cross their hands over their chest and not participate. This is something you might want to discuss at home with your child. This is a link to a short video from Trent U if you would like to watch it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4UoIyHKExk If you have any questions please email me. Thursday will be our class trip to Victoria Beach. Students should wear walking shoes. We will walk there, but take the bus back to St. Joseph’s. Children will not be permitted to go to the water, swim in the lake etc. They will need to stay in the playground, water park area. They should bring a bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, hat and extra water and snacks. A pizza slice has been ordered for each child and will be delivered at 12 noon. Students can bring sand toys, but remember that we are walking there. Friday will be our last Forest School day. We have reserved this day for exploration only. Students are encouraged to bring their rubber boots if they want to explore the pond area. Today they discovered lots of new life. It was so very exciting.
As the year winds down I will attempt to keep the children in a proper routine of learning. I find that this works best for them. I will continue to send home materials from school as we clear out our classroom. Students are encouraged to not bring extra materials to school at this time.
Finally I have let the children know but I wanted to email parents that I will not be returning to St. Joseph’s next year. I have accepted a Vice Principal position at Good Shepherd in Courtice for September. I will enjoy my last few days as a classroom teacher with this amazing group of young people. I have been blessed this year with these wonderful children and I wish them and their families all the best.
Thank you again.
Kerri Langer
This will be another busy week. We wish some of our classmates and all of the students from St. Joseph’s that are participating in the baseball tournament at St. Mary’s in Grafton on the 21st all the best. We also say goodbye to Zain today and wish him a wonderful summer holiday.
Monday we will welcome back our teachers vs grade 8 students baseball tournament. This will be in the afternoon. I will keep the children in the shade but a sun hat might be a good idea as we will be outside at 12:30. Tuesday is National Indigenous Day. Children are to wear their regular clothes please. I have planned a full day of learning with Mrs. Harp for this day. I will have smudging for the children that wish to participate. There will be learning on Monday about this. Students are welcome to participate or they can just cross their hands over their chest and not participate. This is something you might want to discuss at home with your child. This is a link to a short video from Trent U if you would like to watch it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4UoIyHKExk If you have any questions please email me. Thursday will be our class trip to Victoria Beach. Students should wear walking shoes. We will walk there, but take the bus back to St. Joseph’s. Children will not be permitted to go to the water, swim in the lake etc. They will need to stay in the playground, water park area. They should bring a bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, hat and extra water and snacks. A pizza slice has been ordered for each child and will be delivered at 12 noon. Students can bring sand toys, but remember that we are walking there. Friday will be our last Forest School day. We have reserved this day for exploration only. Students are encouraged to bring their rubber boots if they want to explore the pond area. Today they discovered lots of new life. It was so very exciting.
As the year winds down I will attempt to keep the children in a proper routine of learning. I find that this works best for them. I will continue to send home materials from school as we clear out our classroom. Students are encouraged to not bring extra materials to school at this time.
Finally I have let the children know but I wanted to email parents that I will not be returning to St. Joseph’s next year. I have accepted a Vice Principal position at Good Shepherd in Courtice for September. I will enjoy my last few days as a classroom teacher with this amazing group of young people. I have been blessed this year with these wonderful children and I wish them and their families all the best.
Thank you again.
Kerri Langer
Daily Schedule - 2021-22
Dear Parents;
The outdoor classroom is starting to take shape. The children have been working hard on planting trees and preparing for planting our Indigenous plants. This coming week depending on delivery the construction of the classroom will really start to take shape. Children should come to school prepared to be digging in the dirt. If they have garden gloves they can bring them as well as a sun hat. I will apologize now for their dirty knees and nails but they are having a lot of fun.
This week we will be presenting our habitat projects to Mrs. Harps class. The children have been working on research of an global animal and their habitat and the effects of global warming. They have created a Google Slide presentation and a diorama. Thank you to those parents that sent in shoe boxes, (a special shout out to Isaac) and supplies.
Liam has also been working hard on his candy store. Students in the class have been earning money for a variety of tasks and Liam has been keeping track. Students will have this money to spend at the store on June 2 and again next week.
We are in the process of practicing for Track and Field June 7th at St. Mary’s High School. The grade 4’s will participate in running activities and standing long jump. We will all go as a class for the day and the grade 3’s will have an opportunity to make signs and cheer on their classmates. I am also thinking it is a good mental break from EQAO that is on June 6 and 9th. If you would like to come and watch your son or daughter you are welcome to join us there.
This week in math we will move on to mean and mode. Students can continue and are encouraged to continue practicing long division questions at home to develop this skill. In religion we are reading and discussing the importance of family and family love and will move into the development of a baby for grade 4’s only. I will make arrangements for the grade 3’s to move into another room. If you have any questions or concerns about this learning expectation please contact me by email or cell phone. In language we continue to work on our novel study and incorporate reading from our social studies units.
Thank you
Kerri Langer
The outdoor classroom is starting to take shape. The children have been working hard on planting trees and preparing for planting our Indigenous plants. This coming week depending on delivery the construction of the classroom will really start to take shape. Children should come to school prepared to be digging in the dirt. If they have garden gloves they can bring them as well as a sun hat. I will apologize now for their dirty knees and nails but they are having a lot of fun.
This week we will be presenting our habitat projects to Mrs. Harps class. The children have been working on research of an global animal and their habitat and the effects of global warming. They have created a Google Slide presentation and a diorama. Thank you to those parents that sent in shoe boxes, (a special shout out to Isaac) and supplies.
Liam has also been working hard on his candy store. Students in the class have been earning money for a variety of tasks and Liam has been keeping track. Students will have this money to spend at the store on June 2 and again next week.
We are in the process of practicing for Track and Field June 7th at St. Mary’s High School. The grade 4’s will participate in running activities and standing long jump. We will all go as a class for the day and the grade 3’s will have an opportunity to make signs and cheer on their classmates. I am also thinking it is a good mental break from EQAO that is on June 6 and 9th. If you would like to come and watch your son or daughter you are welcome to join us there.
This week in math we will move on to mean and mode. Students can continue and are encouraged to continue practicing long division questions at home to develop this skill. In religion we are reading and discussing the importance of family and family love and will move into the development of a baby for grade 4’s only. I will make arrangements for the grade 3’s to move into another room. If you have any questions or concerns about this learning expectation please contact me by email or cell phone. In language we continue to work on our novel study and incorporate reading from our social studies units.
Thank you
Kerri Langer
Creating a at home workspace...
![Picture](/uploads/5/4/0/8/54081033/published/at-home-work-space.png?1610455941)
CREATING A COMFORTABLE AT-HOME WORKSPACE FOR KIDSThis year, “back-to-school” looks significantly different. Learning online presents challenges for educators, parents, and students alike, but we can do our best to make it a positive and productive experience. Start by following these tips for setting up an at-home workspace for kids!
CHOOSE A SPACEFirst, find a space that works well for your child. Consistently working in the same space creates structure, which feels safe for children and increases productivity. Sitting at a table or desk with a chair also “feels” more like school than sprawling on a bed.
If your child will need a lot of support, you may want their workspace to be in a communal area. Older children will likely want to work at a desk in their own room.
Other considerations include your child’s preferences about noise level and lighting, as well as the amount of space they’ll require. For instance, young children with many materials and projects may need more desk space to spread out, in comparison to older kids working mostly from laptops.
REMOVE CLUTTERClutter is distracting and can even negatively impact stress levels. Once you choose a workspace, clean and organize the immediate area. Get rid of clutter and any other potential distractions.
If some of the clutter can’t be removed entirely, consider alternative ways to store or organize it.
MAKE IT COMFORTABLEA great at-home workspace for kids should feel welcoming and cozy. After all, they’ll be spending a significant amount of time there! You want them to enjoy the space, rather than dreading the time they spend there. Choose a chair that’s both supportive and comfortable. If your child misses their friends add a few small photos to their workspace can also make it a more comfortable and enjoyable learning area.
ADD ESSENTIAL MATERIALSWhat materials does your child need on a daily (or almost daily) basis for school? Equip their workspace with these materials so your child doesn’t need to constantly get up, disrupting their workflow. (Review 'Week at a Glance" and have your child organize materials for the week) Essential materials may include pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, colored pencils/markers/crayons, folders, Post-It notes, and whiteboard. A trash can or recycling bin near the workspace will allow your child to throw away papers quickly and easily as needed. Plus, it may encourage your child to keep the area nice and neat!
ADJUST LIGHTINGBright spaces, especially those with natural lighting, are ideal for learning. If natural lighting isn’t an option for the workspace, make sure the area is well-lit.
CREATE A VISUAL SCHEDULE encourage your child to create a visual calendar to help with routine and predictability. This will help your child feel balanced and focused. Visuals are especially helpful for young children, who process images more easily than words.
After writing out the schedule, add pictures. Ideally, these will be pictures of your child completing the activities on the schedule (e.g., a picture of your child logging into their laptop to start the day and a picture of your child eating lunch). Feel free to use drawings or clip art if that works better for you.
GET ORGANIZED In addition to removing clutter in the immediate area, make sure to organize the workspace itself. Use containers, supply caddies, desk organizers, and labels to create a tidy space that makes it easy for your child to focus. Talk to your child about developing a useful organization system.
Dry erase boards and pin, cork, and magnetic boards are helpful for reminders. Older children will benefit from a calendar to record important dates and deadlines.
I found this article in a blog and thought I would share. Retrieved from https://www.kirstenskaboodle.com/how-to-set-up-an-at-home-workspace-for-kids/
CHOOSE A SPACEFirst, find a space that works well for your child. Consistently working in the same space creates structure, which feels safe for children and increases productivity. Sitting at a table or desk with a chair also “feels” more like school than sprawling on a bed.
If your child will need a lot of support, you may want their workspace to be in a communal area. Older children will likely want to work at a desk in their own room.
Other considerations include your child’s preferences about noise level and lighting, as well as the amount of space they’ll require. For instance, young children with many materials and projects may need more desk space to spread out, in comparison to older kids working mostly from laptops.
REMOVE CLUTTERClutter is distracting and can even negatively impact stress levels. Once you choose a workspace, clean and organize the immediate area. Get rid of clutter and any other potential distractions.
If some of the clutter can’t be removed entirely, consider alternative ways to store or organize it.
MAKE IT COMFORTABLEA great at-home workspace for kids should feel welcoming and cozy. After all, they’ll be spending a significant amount of time there! You want them to enjoy the space, rather than dreading the time they spend there. Choose a chair that’s both supportive and comfortable. If your child misses their friends add a few small photos to their workspace can also make it a more comfortable and enjoyable learning area.
ADD ESSENTIAL MATERIALSWhat materials does your child need on a daily (or almost daily) basis for school? Equip their workspace with these materials so your child doesn’t need to constantly get up, disrupting their workflow. (Review 'Week at a Glance" and have your child organize materials for the week) Essential materials may include pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, colored pencils/markers/crayons, folders, Post-It notes, and whiteboard. A trash can or recycling bin near the workspace will allow your child to throw away papers quickly and easily as needed. Plus, it may encourage your child to keep the area nice and neat!
ADJUST LIGHTINGBright spaces, especially those with natural lighting, are ideal for learning. If natural lighting isn’t an option for the workspace, make sure the area is well-lit.
CREATE A VISUAL SCHEDULE encourage your child to create a visual calendar to help with routine and predictability. This will help your child feel balanced and focused. Visuals are especially helpful for young children, who process images more easily than words.
After writing out the schedule, add pictures. Ideally, these will be pictures of your child completing the activities on the schedule (e.g., a picture of your child logging into their laptop to start the day and a picture of your child eating lunch). Feel free to use drawings or clip art if that works better for you.
GET ORGANIZED In addition to removing clutter in the immediate area, make sure to organize the workspace itself. Use containers, supply caddies, desk organizers, and labels to create a tidy space that makes it easy for your child to focus. Talk to your child about developing a useful organization system.
Dry erase boards and pin, cork, and magnetic boards are helpful for reminders. Older children will benefit from a calendar to record important dates and deadlines.
I found this article in a blog and thought I would share. Retrieved from https://www.kirstenskaboodle.com/how-to-set-up-an-at-home-workspace-for-kids/
Coding for Kids - New Math Curriculum.
Link to new math curriculum.
Grade 3 - C.3 - coding www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/curriculum/elementary-mathematics/grades/g3-math/strands
Grade 4 - C.# coding www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/curriculum/elementary-mathematics/grades/g4-math/strands
Grade 3 - C.3 - coding www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/curriculum/elementary-mathematics/grades/g3-math/strands
Grade 4 - C.# coding www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/curriculum/elementary-mathematics/grades/g4-math/strands
Why Teach Coding...
Why Teach Kids to Code?
Coding teaches kids that finding a solution to a problem often involves a logical sequence of steps or actions. It helps to develop problem solving skills such as perseverance, trial and error and understanding of cause and effect, analytical thinking and reasoning skills, as well as math and language skills. It also challenges children to think creatively and to pursue innovative ideas and solutions.
Coding teaches kids that finding a solution to a problem often involves a logical sequence of steps or actions. It helps to develop problem solving skills such as perseverance, trial and error and understanding of cause and effect, analytical thinking and reasoning skills, as well as math and language skills. It also challenges children to think creatively and to pursue innovative ideas and solutions.
Link to the article above can be found at www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/inspire/research/Computer_Coding_K8_en.pdf
A Little Bit About our French and Integrated Arts Teacher
![Picture](/uploads/5/4/0/8/54081033/mme-hilt.png?250)
We welcome Mme Hilt's to our classroom to teach the children French. In split grade 3/4 classroom all the children learn French.
Mme. Hilt will also be teaching your child their Integrated Arts program which is Music and Drama. This will be taught the last period of the day on day 5.
If you have any questions you can contact Mme. Hilts directly or I am happy to relay any messages.
Mrs. Langer
Mme. Hilt will also be teaching your child their Integrated Arts program which is Music and Drama. This will be taught the last period of the day on day 5.
If you have any questions you can contact Mme. Hilts directly or I am happy to relay any messages.
Mrs. Langer
Welcome - A bit about the teacher...
Welcome Students and Parents to a wonderful year of discovery learning.
Hello my name is Kerri Langer and I have been working with the board for 20 years in a variety of positions. I received my
B. Ed from UOIT (University of Ontario Institute of Technology) in 2010. In 2017 I completed my M.Ed, also at UOIT in the area of digital literacy. I have a B.A. from Trent University in Psychology and Native Studies with a teachable in English. I have additional qualifications with OCT (Ontario College of Teachers) in FDK, Senior Social Science, Intermediate English, Religion and Special Education. I also have my Principal qualifications certification and leadership certification with the board. I am a member of the Indigenous Advisory Committee for the PVNCCDSB and a teacher mentor coach for the Ontario Ministry of Education with STAO (Science Teachers Association of Ontario) as well as with PVNCCDSB.
In the past I have taught kindergarten to grade 7. I have taught a robotics coding program to children 9-16 at UOIT and with our board. I have also facilitated in student learning through the teaching of an environmental technology program and an Indigenous program and hope to bring some of this technology to our new online learning environment and in our classroom. In 2015- 2019 I was part of a Ministry of Education resource writing team in the creation of teacher resources in Inquiry Based Learning connections between Western science and Indigenous perspectives. My interest in robotics and coding allowed me to participate in a Ministry / University of Waterloo research project 2017. Last year I took time from my teaching position at St. Joseph's to work full time for the St. Thomas Aquinas Virtual School as a grade 3/4 teacher.
I am a mother of five children ages 33 - 25. Karl, my oldest is in the Canadian Air Force and lives with his wife Kasia
(educational nurse, NHH), in Cobourg and they have a son named Olson(2) and a baby due in November. Alina works in marketing in Halifax where she lives with her husband Lee and their 2 year old son Carson and his older sister Camila (3.5), Elisa is the village manager of Blue Mountain Village in Collingwood. Marcus is a Fire Fighter and works for the Havelock Fire Station and Just in time Sanitation. He has 2 children Benson (4) and Lochlan (2). He lives in Norwood with his wife Melody and my youngest child Austin works in Peterborough and is a student at Trent University studying the classics. My husband Guido takes care of our family business.
I will be your child's grade 3 / 4 teacher and look forward to this opportunity to share in their learning and to provide them with an interactive and positive learning environment. Technology and hands on collaborative exploration will be strongly used within the program. Inquiry based learning will be the focus of our educational style. I feel that this type of environment allows children to explore learning in a student initiated, interactive and engaging manner as they develop their own personal learning style. This hands on / authentic learning develops critical thinking and problem solving skills as your child questions the world around them. Emphasis will be placed on strong literacy and mathematical development as children explores and make connections to a variety of authentic learning opportunities. Many of these skills will be interwoven into a variety of learning platforms and will be connected to primary / junior classroom environment.
I look forward to seeing where their creative thinking takes us.
Sincerely; Kerri Langer
![Picture](/uploads/5/4/0/8/54081033/published/family.png?1504529920)
My Children... Karl, Elisa, Marcus, Austin and Alina.
![Picture](/uploads/5/4/0/8/54081033/published/img-4437.jpg?250)
This is a picture of myself and my husband Guido at our daughters wedding in Halifax.
Back to School Prayer...
Prayer for the Start of the School Year
Loving God, Our creator, our savior, our companion, bless this journey of a new school year that we undertake today. Refresh our souls and renew our spirits as we embrace the beautiful ministry you have called us to. We welcome those who are new to this community and ask that you strengthen them to share the wonderful gifts you have given them. Lord, make our hearts pure as we prepare for the return to our new school, St. Thomas Aquinas Virtal School, and may you guide us to return with open hearts and minds eager to learn. We ask this in Your name, Amen
Loving God, Our creator, our savior, our companion, bless this journey of a new school year that we undertake today. Refresh our souls and renew our spirits as we embrace the beautiful ministry you have called us to. We welcome those who are new to this community and ask that you strengthen them to share the wonderful gifts you have given them. Lord, make our hearts pure as we prepare for the return to our new school, St. Thomas Aquinas Virtal School, and may you guide us to return with open hearts and minds eager to learn. We ask this in Your name, Amen