In math this week students continued to work on geometry skills. Students wrote a quiz on Tuesday that went home to be signed. We also watched a video on symmetry in Islamic art at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pg1NpMmPv48. Students then created their own designs using a compass and a ruler. Grade 6's also learned how to create triangles, given side lengths, using a compass.
In science the grade fives learned about the brain, while the grade sixes learned about biodiversity. In art students created watercolour paintings of birch trees in winter. In drama the grade 5's practised and presented the play version of "Gifts of the Magi," while the grade 6's presented, "A Christmas Carol."
Important Upcoming Dates:
Monday, Jan. 9: first day back to school
Homework
There will be no homework over the holidays. Students should continue to read a book independently every day for at least 20-30 minutes. Have a great holiday!
Friday, 23 December 2016
Friday, 16 December 2016
Dec. 12-16
In math this week students continued to work on geometry skills. Students identified, measured and created different types of angles. Students also learned how to classify triangles by their angles: acute angled, right angle or obtuse-angled. Students learned how to create triangles using a ruler and protractor, given specific side lengths and angles. Grade sixes also created different types of polygons, given their dimensions.
In language we continued with our unit on poetry. Students wrote a poem that used the poetic device, "onomatopoeia." We also looked at the work and style of e.e. cummings, then wrote a poem using his style. In addition, students wrote a reading letter to me about their understanding of the novel George, including connections and inferences.
In science the grade fives gave presentation on a human body system. The grade sixes are beginning to learn about biodiversity.
In art students evaluated their work of art that demonstrates an understanding of proportion, and depicts an emotion. They began to work on an illustration of one of their poems. In drama we began plays that the class will work on and present next week. Finally, in phys. ed. we continued with a unit on basketball, and focused on shooting skills.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Tuesday, Dec. 20: math quiz on geometry (types of angles, measuring and creating angles, and creating triangles)
Friday, Dec. 23: class party; last day of school before the holidays
Homework:
There will be no homework folder this week or over the holidays. Students should continue to read a book independently every night for at least 20-30 minutes.
In language we continued with our unit on poetry. Students wrote a poem that used the poetic device, "onomatopoeia." We also looked at the work and style of e.e. cummings, then wrote a poem using his style. In addition, students wrote a reading letter to me about their understanding of the novel George, including connections and inferences.
In science the grade fives gave presentation on a human body system. The grade sixes are beginning to learn about biodiversity.
In art students evaluated their work of art that demonstrates an understanding of proportion, and depicts an emotion. They began to work on an illustration of one of their poems. In drama we began plays that the class will work on and present next week. Finally, in phys. ed. we continued with a unit on basketball, and focused on shooting skills.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Tuesday, Dec. 20: math quiz on geometry (types of angles, measuring and creating angles, and creating triangles)
Friday, Dec. 23: class party; last day of school before the holidays
Homework:
There will be no homework folder this week or over the holidays. Students should continue to read a book independently every night for at least 20-30 minutes.
Friday, 9 December 2016
Dec. 5-9
In math this week students took home their quiz on data management to be signed and returned. We began a new unit on geometry. Students reviewed grade 4 and 5 geometry skills before moving onto identifying, measuring and creating different types of angles.
In language we continued with our unit on poetry. We took up students' answers to a poem called, "Carousel" by looking at level 1-4 exemplar answers. Students identified how to "bump up" their marks by doing specific things, like using examples from the text or clearly explaining their thinking. Students also identified similes and metaphors, then created a poem using either a simile or metaphor. We also finished our read aloud of the novel, George. Students will write a reading letter to me about their understanding of the novel, including connections and inferences. The novel brought about important conversations in our class, including the power of empathy, and how important it is to be your true self.
We also had a workshop this week on Residential Schools and the Truth and Reconciliation Committee. We watched the film, "The Secret Path," and had a very deep discussion during community circle on the topic of Residential schools. Students then used their knowledge to create a poem about a First Nations issue.
In science the grade fives worked on a presentation on a human body system. The grade sixes are beginning to learn about biodiversity. Grade sixes will be doing a number of online learning activities, including online discussions with each other. We will be developing success criteria together for online discussion, which I will then email to all grade 6 parents and students. HOMEWORK: Grade 6s need to do some research on Biodiversity within a species, OR Biodiversity within and ecosystem, OR biodiversity within a region, depending on the discussion group they are in. They have a worksheet to guide their research. For example, if they are researching biodiversity within an ecosystem, they would type into Google's search bar the sentence from the worksheet chart "Activities that can increase biodiversity in an ecosystem". They MUST complete the research in order to take part in the online discussion.
In art students evaluated their work of art that demonstrates an understanding of proportion, and depicts an emotion. They began to work on an illustration of one of their poems. Finally, in phys. ed. we began a unit on basketball, and focused on dribbling and passing skills.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Wednesday, Dec. 14: homework club
Thursday, Dec. 15: Secret Santa reveal, homework due, holiday concert
Homework:
1) Complete the math work on angles.
2) Complete the language homework on Residential Schools.
3) Continue to read a book independently every night for at least 20-30 minutes.
4) Grade 6's: Complete the biodiversity homework.
In language we continued with our unit on poetry. We took up students' answers to a poem called, "Carousel" by looking at level 1-4 exemplar answers. Students identified how to "bump up" their marks by doing specific things, like using examples from the text or clearly explaining their thinking. Students also identified similes and metaphors, then created a poem using either a simile or metaphor. We also finished our read aloud of the novel, George. Students will write a reading letter to me about their understanding of the novel, including connections and inferences. The novel brought about important conversations in our class, including the power of empathy, and how important it is to be your true self.
We also had a workshop this week on Residential Schools and the Truth and Reconciliation Committee. We watched the film, "The Secret Path," and had a very deep discussion during community circle on the topic of Residential schools. Students then used their knowledge to create a poem about a First Nations issue.
In science the grade fives worked on a presentation on a human body system. The grade sixes are beginning to learn about biodiversity. Grade sixes will be doing a number of online learning activities, including online discussions with each other. We will be developing success criteria together for online discussion, which I will then email to all grade 6 parents and students. HOMEWORK: Grade 6s need to do some research on Biodiversity within a species, OR Biodiversity within and ecosystem, OR biodiversity within a region, depending on the discussion group they are in. They have a worksheet to guide their research. For example, if they are researching biodiversity within an ecosystem, they would type into Google's search bar the sentence from the worksheet chart "Activities that can increase biodiversity in an ecosystem". They MUST complete the research in order to take part in the online discussion.
In art students evaluated their work of art that demonstrates an understanding of proportion, and depicts an emotion. They began to work on an illustration of one of their poems. Finally, in phys. ed. we began a unit on basketball, and focused on dribbling and passing skills.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Wednesday, Dec. 14: homework club
Thursday, Dec. 15: Secret Santa reveal, homework due, holiday concert
Homework:
1) Complete the math work on angles.
2) Complete the language homework on Residential Schools.
3) Continue to read a book independently every night for at least 20-30 minutes.
4) Grade 6's: Complete the biodiversity homework.
Thursday, 1 December 2016
Nov. 28- Dec. 2
In math this week students continued to work on solving problems that involved data management. Students learned how to detect bias in graphs, and learned why bias is used. Students also completed a mini project, which involved developing a survey question, surveying classmates, graphing the data and analyzing the data. There will be a quiz on data management next Tuesday. We will then move onto geometry.
In language we continued with our unit on poetry. Students cut up some lines from the poem, "Being Human," and rearranged the lines for maximum effectiveness. The purpose of this activity was to illustrate the importance of revising, and to learn about personification. Students applied their understanding of personification to their own, "I Wonder" poem. Students also learned about other poetic devices, such as repetition, similes and metaphors. We watched the poem, "Knock Knock" be presented and discussed the meaning and the use of repetition. Here is a link to that poem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTZrPVqR0D8 Students also identified and created similes and metaphors, which they will apply to a poem. Finally, students read a poem called, "Carousel" and answered several questions about it, which we will take up on Monday.
In social studies the grade fives continued to present their rants. They continued to work on a presentation on a human body system in science. They will make a song, rap, poem or skit to teach their body system to the class. The grade sixes finished presenting their NGO's and are beginning to learn about biodiversity.
In art students reviewed what they had learned about body proportions, and applied their knowledge using the sausage drawing technique. They then began to create a work of art that demonstrates an understanding of proportion, and depicts an emotion.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Friday, Dec. 2: PA day
Tuesday, Dec. 6: math quiz on data management
Wednesday, Dec. 7: homework club
Thursday, Dec. 8: homework due, First Nations issues workshop
Homework:
1) Complete the math work on graphing.
2) Complete the language homework on personification and parts of speech.
3) Continue to read a book independently every night for at least 20-30 minutes.
Friday, 25 November 2016
Nov. 21-25
In math this week students continued to work on solving problems that involved data management. Students learned how to create and interpret graphs. Students also learned how to interpret scatter plots as well as stem and leaf plots.
We also looked at an interesting graph and map, that I've shared below, on math success in various countries and provinces. After some reading and investigation, we discovered that the students in countries that do better than Ontario in math do so because 1) they practice basic skills more and 2) they persist longer with problems.
Following today's lesson I created this chart for the class:
In language we continued with our unit on poetry. Students read and created poems using a poet's eye. Some students shared their work in author's chair. Students also learned a reading strategy, called text coding. They applied this strategy to different poems, and will continue to practise this strategy for homework this week.
In social studies the grade fives continued to present their rants. They also began a presentation on a human body system in science. They will make a song, rap, poem or skit to teach their body system to the class. The grade sixes have been working on a slideshow that describes an NGO of their choice. Those slideshows are due on Monday.
In phys. ed. we concluded our unit on volleyball, and played with some of our new phys. ed. equipment, including the scooter boards. In art students learned about body proportions, and applied their knowledge using the coil drawing technique.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Wednesday, Nov. 30: homework club
Thursday, Dec. 1: homework due
Friday, Dec. 2: PA day
Homework:
1) Complete the math work on graphing.
2) Complete the language homework on text coding poetry.
3) Continue to read a book independently every night for at least 20-30 minutes.
Thursday, 17 November 2016
Nov. 14-18
In math this week students continued to work on solving problems that involved data management. Students learned how to create and interpret graphs. Students also learned how to create appropriate scales for graphs, based on the data.
In language we continued with our unit on poetry. Students read and created poems related to the theme of bullying. Students also read and created poems with the topic of an abstract noun. Some students shared their work in author's chair. Finally, we had a spoken word poetry workshop with poet Tanya Neumeyer. Students learned what spoken word poetry is and worked on creating their own work.
In social studies the grade fives began to present their rants. They also continued to research a human body system in science. The grade sixes joined Mr. Siefert to learn about Canada's Interactions within the Global Community and will also move onto science, learning about biodiversity.
In phys. ed. we continued our unit on volleyball, and all the volleyball skills. Finally, students finished preparing for their student- lead interview and began to lead their interviews. I've been so impressed with the interviews that students have lead so far!
Important Upcoming Dates:
Friday, Nov. 17th: PA day
Thursday, Nov. 24th: homework due
Homework:
1) Complete the math work on graphing.
2) Complete the language homework on poetry.
3) Continue to read a book independently every night for at least 20-30 minutes.
In language we continued with our unit on poetry. Students read and created poems related to the theme of bullying. Students also read and created poems with the topic of an abstract noun. Some students shared their work in author's chair. Finally, we had a spoken word poetry workshop with poet Tanya Neumeyer. Students learned what spoken word poetry is and worked on creating their own work.
In social studies the grade fives began to present their rants. They also continued to research a human body system in science. The grade sixes joined Mr. Siefert to learn about Canada's Interactions within the Global Community and will also move onto science, learning about biodiversity.
In phys. ed. we continued our unit on volleyball, and all the volleyball skills. Finally, students finished preparing for their student- lead interview and began to lead their interviews. I've been so impressed with the interviews that students have lead so far!
Important Upcoming Dates:
Friday, Nov. 17th: PA day
Thursday, Nov. 24th: homework due
Homework:
1) Complete the math work on graphing.
2) Complete the language homework on poetry.
3) Continue to read a book independently every night for at least 20-30 minutes.
Friday, 11 November 2016
Nov. 7-11
In math this week students worked on solving problems that involved data management. Students learned how to create and interpret graphs. Students also learned how to find the mean, median and mode of a set of data. Patterning tests went home on Tuesday to be signed and returned.
In language we began a new unit on poetry. Students learned the "rules" of poetry, which are that there are really no rules! Students wrote a poem about those "rules." We also co-created success criteria for poetry and read and presented some Remembrance day poems, using choral reading. Students finished their literature circles this week and presented their projects to each other, in a celebration of learning and reading. I was very impressed with their creativity!
In social studies the grade fives signed up to present their rant. They also began a new unit in science, on the human body. The grade sixes joined Mr. Siefert to learn about Canada's Interactions within the Global Community and will also move onto science.
In phys. ed. we continued our unit on volleyball, and practised forearm passes, serves and spikes.
Finally, students continued to prepare for their student- lead interview by reflecting on their strengths, needs and strategies for improvement.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Monday, Nov. 14th: Ottawa information night 6PM, room 8
Tuesday, Nov. 15th: progress reports go home
Wed-Friday: student-lead interviews
Thursday, Nov. 16th: homework due
Friday, Nov. 17th: PA day
Homework:
1) Complete the math work on mean, median and mode.
2) Complete the language homework in which you will find a poem that you like. Be ready to discuss it on Thursday.
3) Find a new book to read for independent reading, (unless you already have!) Bring it next Monday.
In language we began a new unit on poetry. Students learned the "rules" of poetry, which are that there are really no rules! Students wrote a poem about those "rules." We also co-created success criteria for poetry and read and presented some Remembrance day poems, using choral reading. Students finished their literature circles this week and presented their projects to each other, in a celebration of learning and reading. I was very impressed with their creativity!
In social studies the grade fives signed up to present their rant. They also began a new unit in science, on the human body. The grade sixes joined Mr. Siefert to learn about Canada's Interactions within the Global Community and will also move onto science.
In phys. ed. we continued our unit on volleyball, and practised forearm passes, serves and spikes.
Finally, students continued to prepare for their student- lead interview by reflecting on their strengths, needs and strategies for improvement.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Monday, Nov. 14th: Ottawa information night 6PM, room 8
Tuesday, Nov. 15th: progress reports go home
Wed-Friday: student-lead interviews
Thursday, Nov. 16th: homework due
Friday, Nov. 17th: PA day
Homework:
1) Complete the math work on mean, median and mode.
2) Complete the language homework in which you will find a poem that you like. Be ready to discuss it on Thursday.
3) Find a new book to read for independent reading, (unless you already have!) Bring it next Monday.
Friday, 4 November 2016
Oct. 31- Nov. 4
What a busy and exciting week this was at Rosedale, from Halloween to spirit week to our 125th assembly and scavenger hunt! Also, our student teacher, Ms. Bates joined us this week. She'll be teaching room 9 for a month.
In math this week students worked on solving problems that involve patterning, and used different strategies to solve open ended patterning problems. Students wrote a patterning quiz on Friday, which will be returned to be signed next week. We will start a new unit on data management next week.
In writing students finished their narrative writing and independent writing. Students also wrote a reading quiz on narratives that will be returned next week. In oral communication, students delivered their book chat.. Finally, we continued literature circles this week. Next week will be the final 2 meetings for literature circles. On Thursday students will share their literature circle homework project, in a celebration of learning and reading.
In social studies the grade fives continued to work on a project on a social justice or environmental issue in Canada. They are researching their topic, then writing and performing a rant on the topic. The grade sixes joined Mr. Siefert to learn about Canada's Interactions within the Global Community.
In phys. ed. we began a unit on volleyball. Students worked on defending open space and volleying.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Tues, Nov. 8: literature circle meeting #5
Thurs, Nov. 10: homework due, literature circle meeting #6, literature circle project due
Homework:
1) Complete the math work on data.
2) Read your literature circle book, only up to the point that your group decided on. Don't read ahead! Complete your role sheet for Tuesday's and Thursday's meeting.
3) Continue to work on your literature circle culminating task. Remember that this will be due on Nov. 10. On that day you will share your work with the class and reflect on how it helped you grow as a reader.
In math this week students worked on solving problems that involve patterning, and used different strategies to solve open ended patterning problems. Students wrote a patterning quiz on Friday, which will be returned to be signed next week. We will start a new unit on data management next week.
In writing students finished their narrative writing and independent writing. Students also wrote a reading quiz on narratives that will be returned next week. In oral communication, students delivered their book chat.. Finally, we continued literature circles this week. Next week will be the final 2 meetings for literature circles. On Thursday students will share their literature circle homework project, in a celebration of learning and reading.
In social studies the grade fives continued to work on a project on a social justice or environmental issue in Canada. They are researching their topic, then writing and performing a rant on the topic. The grade sixes joined Mr. Siefert to learn about Canada's Interactions within the Global Community.
In phys. ed. we began a unit on volleyball. Students worked on defending open space and volleying.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Tues, Nov. 8: literature circle meeting #5
Thurs, Nov. 10: homework due, literature circle meeting #6, literature circle project due
Homework:
1) Complete the math work on data.
2) Read your literature circle book, only up to the point that your group decided on. Don't read ahead! Complete your role sheet for Tuesday's and Thursday's meeting.
3) Continue to work on your literature circle culminating task. Remember that this will be due on Nov. 10. On that day you will share your work with the class and reflect on how it helped you grow as a reader.
Thursday, 27 October 2016
In math this week students worked on solving problems that involve patterning, and used different strategies to solve open ended patterning problems. There will be a quiz on patterning next Friday, Nov. 4th.
In writing we continued our work on narrative texts. Students read some example narrative texts from the EQAO exemplar answers, and marked them. We reflected on why each narrative received each mark, and learned that narratives at levels 3 and 4 have lots of detail, a well-developed plot, strong vocabulary and good transitions. In oral communication, several students delivered their book chat, and the remainder of the class will present next week. Finally, we continued literature circles this week. Each student is part of a literature circle group, which is like a book club. Groups will meet every Tuesday and Thursday to discuss their book. Students are expected to keep up with the group's reading goals, and to be prepared for each meeting by completing their role sheet.
In social studies the grade fives began a project on a social justice or environmental issue in Canada. They will research their topic, then write and perform a rant on the topic. The grade sixes joined Mr. Siefert to learn about Canada's Interactions within the Global Community.
In phys. ed. we continued a unit on striking and hitting. Students worked on throwing, catching, and batting. Perhaps the funniest moment of phys. ed. this week was playing a made up game of indoor tball that involved a pool noodle as a bat.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Monday, Oct. 31: Halloween parade, class party in the afternoon
Tues, Nov. 1: literature circle meeting #2
Wed. Nov. 2: grade 6 social studies work due
Thurs, Nov. 3: homework due, literature circle meeting #4
Friday, Nov. 4: math quiz on patterning
Homework:
1) Complete the math work on patterning.
2) Read your literature circle book, only up to the point that your group decided on. Don't read ahead! Complete your role sheet for Tuesday's meeting.
3) Continue to work on your literature circle culminating task. Remember that this will be due on Nov. 10. On that day you will share your work with the class and reflect on how it helped you grow as a reader.
In writing we continued our work on narrative texts. Students read some example narrative texts from the EQAO exemplar answers, and marked them. We reflected on why each narrative received each mark, and learned that narratives at levels 3 and 4 have lots of detail, a well-developed plot, strong vocabulary and good transitions. In oral communication, several students delivered their book chat, and the remainder of the class will present next week. Finally, we continued literature circles this week. Each student is part of a literature circle group, which is like a book club. Groups will meet every Tuesday and Thursday to discuss their book. Students are expected to keep up with the group's reading goals, and to be prepared for each meeting by completing their role sheet.
In social studies the grade fives began a project on a social justice or environmental issue in Canada. They will research their topic, then write and perform a rant on the topic. The grade sixes joined Mr. Siefert to learn about Canada's Interactions within the Global Community.
In phys. ed. we continued a unit on striking and hitting. Students worked on throwing, catching, and batting. Perhaps the funniest moment of phys. ed. this week was playing a made up game of indoor tball that involved a pool noodle as a bat.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Monday, Oct. 31: Halloween parade, class party in the afternoon
Tues, Nov. 1: literature circle meeting #2
Wed. Nov. 2: grade 6 social studies work due
Thurs, Nov. 3: homework due, literature circle meeting #4
Friday, Nov. 4: math quiz on patterning
Homework:
1) Complete the math work on patterning.
2) Read your literature circle book, only up to the point that your group decided on. Don't read ahead! Complete your role sheet for Tuesday's meeting.
3) Continue to work on your literature circle culminating task. Remember that this will be due on Nov. 10. On that day you will share your work with the class and reflect on how it helped you grow as a reader.
Friday, 21 October 2016
Oct. 17-21
In math this week students worked on some extension activities involving number sense, including exponents for the grade 6's and integers for both grades. Students took home their test on number sense, which we took up on Thursday. We also started a unit on patterning, and used different strategies to solve open ended patterning problems.
In writing we continued our work on narrative texts. Students have been exposed to several examples of narratives in order to develop an understanding of the key features, or characteristics, of narrative writing. Students began to plan their own narrative using a story map, or outline. In oral communication, several students delivered their book chat, and the remainder of the class will present next week. In addition, students handed in their reading letters to me, which are about the book that they are currently reading at school and at home. Finally, we began literature circles this week! Each student is part of a literature circle group, which is like a book club. Groups will meet every Tuesday and Thursday to discuss their book. Students are expected to keep up with the group's reading goals, and to be prepared for each meeting by completing their role sheet.
In social studies the grade fives finished their Webquest on issues in Canada, including child poverty, The Far North Act, and Great Lakes management. Some students even chose another topic to explore as an extension. The grade sixes joined Mr. Siefert to learn about Canada's Interactions within the Global Community
In phys. ed. we began a unit on striking and hitting. Students worked on throwing, catching, and batting. Perhaps the funniest moment of phys. ed. this week was Mr. Hunter witnessing our batting practice, using badminton racquets and bean bags. We also played a couple of great games of soccer baseball.
In art students finished their one point perspective drawings that included a horizon line and a vanishing point. We had a gallery walk to celebrate our accomplishments and students evaluated their own work.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Tues, Oct. 25: visiting author at 10:35, literature circle meeting #1
Wed. Oct. 26th: Halloween Hullaballoo
Thurs., Oct. 27 homework due, literature circle meeting #2
Homework:
1) Complete the math work on patterning.
2) Read your literature circle book, only up to the point that your group decided on. Don't read ahead! Complete your role sheet for Tuesday's meeting.
3) Begin to work on your literature circle culminating task. Remember that this will be due on Nov. 10. On that day you will share your work with the class and reflect on how it helped you grow as a reader.
In writing we continued our work on narrative texts. Students have been exposed to several examples of narratives in order to develop an understanding of the key features, or characteristics, of narrative writing. Students began to plan their own narrative using a story map, or outline. In oral communication, several students delivered their book chat, and the remainder of the class will present next week. In addition, students handed in their reading letters to me, which are about the book that they are currently reading at school and at home. Finally, we began literature circles this week! Each student is part of a literature circle group, which is like a book club. Groups will meet every Tuesday and Thursday to discuss their book. Students are expected to keep up with the group's reading goals, and to be prepared for each meeting by completing their role sheet.
In social studies the grade fives finished their Webquest on issues in Canada, including child poverty, The Far North Act, and Great Lakes management. Some students even chose another topic to explore as an extension. The grade sixes joined Mr. Siefert to learn about Canada's Interactions within the Global Community
In phys. ed. we began a unit on striking and hitting. Students worked on throwing, catching, and batting. Perhaps the funniest moment of phys. ed. this week was Mr. Hunter witnessing our batting practice, using badminton racquets and bean bags. We also played a couple of great games of soccer baseball.
In art students finished their one point perspective drawings that included a horizon line and a vanishing point. We had a gallery walk to celebrate our accomplishments and students evaluated their own work.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Tues, Oct. 25: visiting author at 10:35, literature circle meeting #1
Wed. Oct. 26th: Halloween Hullaballoo
Thurs., Oct. 27 homework due, literature circle meeting #2
Homework:
1) Complete the math work on patterning.
2) Read your literature circle book, only up to the point that your group decided on. Don't read ahead! Complete your role sheet for Tuesday's meeting.
3) Begin to work on your literature circle culminating task. Remember that this will be due on Nov. 10. On that day you will share your work with the class and reflect on how it helped you grow as a reader.
Friday, 14 October 2016
Oct. 11-14
We've had another jam-packed short week here in room 9. In math this week students solved problems involving many steps and different operations. Grade 5's learned to multiply by 10, 100 and 1000, while grade 6's continued to work on solving problems using the order of operations. Students wrote a math quiz on Friday that will be returned early next week.
In language we continued our work on narrative texts. Students have been exposed to several examples of narratives in order to develop an understanding of the key features, or characteristics, of narrative writing. Each student is also working on a book chat, which they will deliver within the next 2 weeks. In addition, students continue to work on reading letters to me. They are writing about the book that they are currently reading at school and at home.
In social studies the grade fives did a Webquest on issues in Canada, including child poverty, The Far North Act, and Great Lakes management. The grade sixes joined Mr. Siefert to learn about Canada's Interactions within the Global Community. They learned about NGO's, and thought about their own effect on the world.
In phys. ed. we concluded a unit on football. Students evaluated themselves on the unit, taking into account the four areas in phys. ed. that are evaluated: social skills, active participation, safety and movement skills. They also decided on next steps for self-improvement in our next unit, which is striking and fielding games, like baseball.
In art students worked hard one point perspective drawings that included a horizon line and a vanishing point. Students learned that lines converge at the vanishing point in one point perspective, and that objects are larger near the bottom of the page, and smaller as they get closer to the vanishing point.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Wed. Oct. 19: cross country South Conference finals
Thursday, Oct. 20: homework due
Wed. Oct. 26th: Halloween Hullaballoo
Homework:
1) Complete the math work on problem solving.
2) Read the narrative text and answer the questions. Also, write down the main idea. (Remember that in a narrative the main idea is the author's message or the moral.)
3) Complete the spelling and writing work called "Sound-Alike Choices."
4) GRADE 6 ONLY - You should be able to briefly explain ONE NGO - the NGO name, what it does, where it operates (Due on Day 5, which is Wednesday)
In language we continued our work on narrative texts. Students have been exposed to several examples of narratives in order to develop an understanding of the key features, or characteristics, of narrative writing. Each student is also working on a book chat, which they will deliver within the next 2 weeks. In addition, students continue to work on reading letters to me. They are writing about the book that they are currently reading at school and at home.
In social studies the grade fives did a Webquest on issues in Canada, including child poverty, The Far North Act, and Great Lakes management. The grade sixes joined Mr. Siefert to learn about Canada's Interactions within the Global Community. They learned about NGO's, and thought about their own effect on the world.
In phys. ed. we concluded a unit on football. Students evaluated themselves on the unit, taking into account the four areas in phys. ed. that are evaluated: social skills, active participation, safety and movement skills. They also decided on next steps for self-improvement in our next unit, which is striking and fielding games, like baseball.
In art students worked hard one point perspective drawings that included a horizon line and a vanishing point. Students learned that lines converge at the vanishing point in one point perspective, and that objects are larger near the bottom of the page, and smaller as they get closer to the vanishing point.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Wed. Oct. 19: cross country South Conference finals
Thursday, Oct. 20: homework due
Wed. Oct. 26th: Halloween Hullaballoo
Homework:
1) Complete the math work on problem solving.
2) Read the narrative text and answer the questions. Also, write down the main idea. (Remember that in a narrative the main idea is the author's message or the moral.)
3) Complete the spelling and writing work called "Sound-Alike Choices."
4) GRADE 6 ONLY - You should be able to briefly explain ONE NGO - the NGO name, what it does, where it operates (Due on Day 5, which is Wednesday)
Thursday, 6 October 2016
Oct. 3-7
We've had a short but exciting week in room 9. In math this week students learned how to do long division. Grade 5's learned how to divide by one digit number, while grade 6's learned how to divide by a double digit number. Grade 6's also learned how to solve questions using the order of operations. We're using the mnemonic device, "BEDMAS" to help remember the order. Next Friday there will be a quiz on number sense that will include place value, adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing and BEDMAS for grade 6's.
In language students handed in their reading letters to me. We also continued our work on narrative texts. Students have been exposed to several examples of narratives in order to develop an understanding of the key features, or characteristics, of narrative writing. Take a minute to ask your child about these features.
In social studies the grade fives from Mr. Siefert's room joined the grade fives in room 9 to continue our unit on Canadian Government. The grade fives learned about the various responsibilities of the different levels of government. The grade sixes joined Mr. Siefert to learn about Canada's Interactions within the Global Community. They read fast facts about NATO and the UN and assessed their efficacy.
In phys. ed. we continued a unit on football, and played several lead-up games that teach the skills needed to play football. We also participated in the Terry Fox run.
On Wednesday many students from room 9 participated in the cross country meet at Ashbridges Bay. Congratulations to all runners for their hard work and dedication!
Finally, we finished our 7 day program on mindfulness. We will continue to have 3 minutes of mindfulness between French and independent reading daily. Students can choose to participate or read. I'm hoping that students will begin to understand how they can use mindfulness as a powerful tool.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Friday, Oct. 7: PA day
Monday, Oct. 10: Thanksgiving
Friday, Oct. 14: math quiz on number sense
Wed. Oct. 26th: Halloween Hullaballoo
Homework:
There will be no homework folder this week because of the Thanksgiving holiday. Students are encouraged to review for the math quiz and to continue to read daily.
In language students handed in their reading letters to me. We also continued our work on narrative texts. Students have been exposed to several examples of narratives in order to develop an understanding of the key features, or characteristics, of narrative writing. Take a minute to ask your child about these features.
In social studies the grade fives from Mr. Siefert's room joined the grade fives in room 9 to continue our unit on Canadian Government. The grade fives learned about the various responsibilities of the different levels of government. The grade sixes joined Mr. Siefert to learn about Canada's Interactions within the Global Community. They read fast facts about NATO and the UN and assessed their efficacy.
In phys. ed. we continued a unit on football, and played several lead-up games that teach the skills needed to play football. We also participated in the Terry Fox run.
On Wednesday many students from room 9 participated in the cross country meet at Ashbridges Bay. Congratulations to all runners for their hard work and dedication!
Finally, we finished our 7 day program on mindfulness. We will continue to have 3 minutes of mindfulness between French and independent reading daily. Students can choose to participate or read. I'm hoping that students will begin to understand how they can use mindfulness as a powerful tool.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Friday, Oct. 7: PA day
Monday, Oct. 10: Thanksgiving
Friday, Oct. 14: math quiz on number sense
Wed. Oct. 26th: Halloween Hullaballoo
Homework:
There will be no homework folder this week because of the Thanksgiving holiday. Students are encouraged to review for the math quiz and to continue to read daily.
Friday, 30 September 2016
We've had great week of learning in room 9. In math this week students learned how to multiply 2 and 3 digit numbers. We reviewed the traditional method of multiplication, and I taught the class how to multiply using the place value method as well as lattice multiplication. Students can choose whichever method they prefer to solve multiplication problems.
In language we took up the CASI reading test. Students put their marks in their agendas. We also looked at level 1, 2, 3, and 4 exemplar answers in order to determine how to improve our reading responses. We also continued our read aloud of the novel George. Take a minute to ask your child to retell what has happened so far in the story. Students continued to work on their independent writing, which is due this week. Students also began to write their reading letters to me. These will be written weekly about a book that they are currently reading. Finally, we began a unit on narrative texts. We did a shared reading of a narrative and annotated the text together, finding the key features of a narrative.
In social studies the grade fives from Mr. Siefert's room joined the grade fives in room 9 to continue our unit on Canadian Government. The grade fives learned about the different levels of government in Canada. The grade sixes joined Mr. Siefert to learn about Canada's Interactions within the Global Community. They watched a video about NATO, NAFTA and the UN, and learned the roles of each.
In phys. ed. we began a unit on football, and learned how to throw and catch a football properly. We also started a health unit on substance abuse. Students developed questions about the unit that they would like answered throughout the unit. In art we began a unit on one point perspective. In drama we began to explore how to do tableaux and how to use the creative process to improve our work.
On Thursday we took up homework and celebrated Terry Fox. We watched a short video on Terry and talked in community circle about who we will run for during the Terry Fox run.
Finally, we continued our action research this week around mindfulness. The students in room 9 are participating in a 7 day program on mindfulness. We've completed 6 days now. Although it's still a challenge, it's getting easier for us to slow down and focus for a few minutes each day.
Come to think of it, we've been really busy!
Important Upcoming Dates
Thursday, Oct. 6: homework folder due
Friday, Oct. 7: PA day
Monday, Oct. 10: Thanksgiving
Wed. Oct. 26th: Halloween Hullaballoo
Homework:
1) Read for 20-30 minutes each day.
2) Complete the math work on multiplication.
Extension, which is optional: Create your own math problem that involves multiplication to share with the class.
3) Read the narrative text, "Lost." Answer the questions and annotate the text.
4) Practise your 4 times tables.
In language we took up the CASI reading test. Students put their marks in their agendas. We also looked at level 1, 2, 3, and 4 exemplar answers in order to determine how to improve our reading responses. We also continued our read aloud of the novel George. Take a minute to ask your child to retell what has happened so far in the story. Students continued to work on their independent writing, which is due this week. Students also began to write their reading letters to me. These will be written weekly about a book that they are currently reading. Finally, we began a unit on narrative texts. We did a shared reading of a narrative and annotated the text together, finding the key features of a narrative.
In social studies the grade fives from Mr. Siefert's room joined the grade fives in room 9 to continue our unit on Canadian Government. The grade fives learned about the different levels of government in Canada. The grade sixes joined Mr. Siefert to learn about Canada's Interactions within the Global Community. They watched a video about NATO, NAFTA and the UN, and learned the roles of each.
In phys. ed. we began a unit on football, and learned how to throw and catch a football properly. We also started a health unit on substance abuse. Students developed questions about the unit that they would like answered throughout the unit. In art we began a unit on one point perspective. In drama we began to explore how to do tableaux and how to use the creative process to improve our work.
On Thursday we took up homework and celebrated Terry Fox. We watched a short video on Terry and talked in community circle about who we will run for during the Terry Fox run.
Finally, we continued our action research this week around mindfulness. The students in room 9 are participating in a 7 day program on mindfulness. We've completed 6 days now. Although it's still a challenge, it's getting easier for us to slow down and focus for a few minutes each day.
Come to think of it, we've been really busy!
Important Upcoming Dates
Thursday, Oct. 6: homework folder due
Friday, Oct. 7: PA day
Monday, Oct. 10: Thanksgiving
Wed. Oct. 26th: Halloween Hullaballoo
Homework:
1) Read for 20-30 minutes each day.
2) Complete the math work on multiplication.
Extension, which is optional: Create your own math problem that involves multiplication to share with the class.
3) Read the narrative text, "Lost." Answer the questions and annotate the text.
4) Practise your 4 times tables.
Friday, 23 September 2016
Sept. 19-23
We've had another busy week in room 9. In math this week students learned how to identify prime and composite numbers. Students also learned how to write numbers in expanded form from words or from standard form. ( ex. 2435 is 2000 + 400+ 30+ 5) Students worked in math partners to solve a multi-step word problem involving large numbers. Students also started to graph their times table progress, beginning with the 3 times tables. Finally, we reviewed how to add large numbers. Next week we will review how to subtract, multiply and divide large numbers.
In language students wrote the CASI reading test. We also began a read aloud of the novel George. Take a minute to ask your child to retell what has happened so far in the story. Students continued to work on their independent writing, which is due next week. Finally, students participated in reading lessons, like "How to talk about your reading," and "Why readers abandon books." These lessons are from the "First 20 Days" from Fountas and Pinnell, and are used to establish a strong base in reading in the first month of school.
In social studies the grade fives from Mr. Siefert's room joined the grade fives in room 9 to begin our unit on Canadian Government. The grade sixes joined Mr. Siefert to learn about Canada's Interactions within the Global Community.
We also began our first inquiry unit this week, which is on freedom, diversity and their relationship. Students worked hard in groups to define, compare, and find relationships between these concepts. We will continue to explore these ideas in language, drama, social studies and visual art.
In phys. ed. we continued our unit on cooperative games, focusing on working collaboratively and safely while participating actively.
Finally, we began some action research this week around mindfulness. The students in room 9 are participating in a 7 day program on mindfulness. We've completed 3 days so far. I would like to see if the students find any benefit to taking a few minutes each day to slow down and meditate. In our fast paced world I think that there could be enormous benefits to concentration, focus and stress reduction. We all agree that slowing down and focusing is difficult, but we're getting better each day! If you would like to see the program that we're using, go to calm.com.
Important Upcoming Dates
Thursday, Sept 29th: homework folder due
Wed. Oct. 26th: Halloween Hullaballoo
Homework:
1) Read for 20-30 minutes each day.
2) Complete the math work on addition.
Extension, which is optional: Create your own math problem that involves addition to share with the class.
3) Read the article on Terry Fox and answer the questions. Be prepared to discuss this article on Thursday.
Extension, which is optional: If you would like to do further research about Terry Fox, you could find an interesting article, book, or video about Terry to read or watch. If you find something that you would like to share with the class, please bring it on Thursday. If you feel inspired to write a poem about Terry, please bring it in to share.
4) Continue to practise your 3 times tables.
In language students wrote the CASI reading test. We also began a read aloud of the novel George. Take a minute to ask your child to retell what has happened so far in the story. Students continued to work on their independent writing, which is due next week. Finally, students participated in reading lessons, like "How to talk about your reading," and "Why readers abandon books." These lessons are from the "First 20 Days" from Fountas and Pinnell, and are used to establish a strong base in reading in the first month of school.
In social studies the grade fives from Mr. Siefert's room joined the grade fives in room 9 to begin our unit on Canadian Government. The grade sixes joined Mr. Siefert to learn about Canada's Interactions within the Global Community.
We also began our first inquiry unit this week, which is on freedom, diversity and their relationship. Students worked hard in groups to define, compare, and find relationships between these concepts. We will continue to explore these ideas in language, drama, social studies and visual art.
In phys. ed. we continued our unit on cooperative games, focusing on working collaboratively and safely while participating actively.
Finally, we began some action research this week around mindfulness. The students in room 9 are participating in a 7 day program on mindfulness. We've completed 3 days so far. I would like to see if the students find any benefit to taking a few minutes each day to slow down and meditate. In our fast paced world I think that there could be enormous benefits to concentration, focus and stress reduction. We all agree that slowing down and focusing is difficult, but we're getting better each day! If you would like to see the program that we're using, go to calm.com.
Important Upcoming Dates
Thursday, Sept 29th: homework folder due
Wed. Oct. 26th: Halloween Hullaballoo
Homework:
1) Read for 20-30 minutes each day.
2) Complete the math work on addition.
Extension, which is optional: Create your own math problem that involves addition to share with the class.
3) Read the article on Terry Fox and answer the questions. Be prepared to discuss this article on Thursday.
Extension, which is optional: If you would like to do further research about Terry Fox, you could find an interesting article, book, or video about Terry to read or watch. If you find something that you would like to share with the class, please bring it on Thursday. If you feel inspired to write a poem about Terry, please bring it in to share.
4) Continue to practise your 3 times tables.
Friday, 16 September 2016
Sept. 12-16
We've had another great week in room 9 of getting to know each other and learning! In math this week we use the YouCubed series of inspirational math lessons from Stanford University. Students learned important math lessons, like, "Believe in Yourself," and "Mistakes are Powerful," as they worked through some challenging problems. If you would like to see the videos that we watched, here is the link: https://www.youcubed.org/week-of-inspirational-math-2/.
In language students continued to work on their independent writing. We reviewed the writing process, as well as how to revise and edit our own and others' work. We also continued to learn about ourselves as readers. Students learned how readers choose books, how to find a "just right" book, and how to talk about our reading with others. The class is doing a great job of reading silently during independent reading so we can all do our best thinking.
In addition, the students finished their "I Am" poems, combined in a mixed media piece of art. This will be displayed in the hall. Students also learned about the creative process, and worked collaboratively in groups to create drama skits about how respect looks, sounds and feels. Respect is the character trait for September.
Finally, in phys. ed. we also worked on collaborative skills through games. The students learned that a significant part of their phys. ed. mark comes from cooperation skills, participating actively and from participating safely. We created success criteria for these skills and posted them in the gym as a reminder. The other part of the students' marks for phys. ed. comes from movement skills, such as throwing, which will be taught throughout the year.
Homework:
1) Read daily for at least 20-30 minutes.
2) Practise your 3 times tables. We will start "Mad math minutes" next week, focusing on the 3 times tables.
Important Dates:
Mon, Sept 19 and 20: Students will write CASI, a standardized reading test.
Thurs., Sept. 22: Curriculum night
Wed., Oct. 26: Halloween Hullaballoo Save the date!
In language students continued to work on their independent writing. We reviewed the writing process, as well as how to revise and edit our own and others' work. We also continued to learn about ourselves as readers. Students learned how readers choose books, how to find a "just right" book, and how to talk about our reading with others. The class is doing a great job of reading silently during independent reading so we can all do our best thinking.
In addition, the students finished their "I Am" poems, combined in a mixed media piece of art. This will be displayed in the hall. Students also learned about the creative process, and worked collaboratively in groups to create drama skits about how respect looks, sounds and feels. Respect is the character trait for September.
Finally, in phys. ed. we also worked on collaborative skills through games. The students learned that a significant part of their phys. ed. mark comes from cooperation skills, participating actively and from participating safely. We created success criteria for these skills and posted them in the gym as a reminder. The other part of the students' marks for phys. ed. comes from movement skills, such as throwing, which will be taught throughout the year.
Homework:
1) Read daily for at least 20-30 minutes.
2) Practise your 3 times tables. We will start "Mad math minutes" next week, focusing on the 3 times tables.
Important Dates:
Mon, Sept 19 and 20: Students will write CASI, a standardized reading test.
Thurs., Sept. 22: Curriculum night
Wed., Oct. 26: Halloween Hullaballoo Save the date!
Friday, 9 September 2016
September 6-9
This week in room 9 we've had a great first week of getting to know each other and establishing class norms and routines! I've enjoyed getting to know all my students and their unique strengths and interests.
On our first day students learned the Tribes Community Agreements, which are:
1) Attentive Listening
2) Mutual Respect
3) Appreciation, No Put-Downs
4) The Right to Participate
5) Safety First
I find that using these agreements is a powerful tool to help create a positive and safe atmosphere within the class.
This week the students also wrote letters to their future selves, which they will get back to read at the end of June. Students made predictions about the year, and asked questions to their future selves. In addition, we had a funeral for our "I Can'ts", putting to rest our feelings that we can't do certain things, and changing those statements to, "I am learning to."
We also began our work on independent reading, writing and math this week, and established norms and routines. I emphasize quiet during independent reading periods so that everyone can think, as reading is thinking! I also emphasize collaboration during math, so that students can learn from each other as well as from me. In writing students are beginning to brainstorm about their first piece of writing.
Finally, we began an "I Am poem" mixed media project. Students used positive adjectives to describe themselves in a poem, and created a mixed media piece of art using glue lines and watercolour paint. The final products will be complete next week. We also watched the movie McFarlane as a group team building activity, as well as to learn and establish class norms. The class learned that students in other parts of the world struggle to get an education, and also that to succeed one has to set goals and work hard!
Homework:
1) Read for 20-30 minutes daily. This will be daily homework all year long. Homework folders will begin after Curriculum night.
Important Dates:
Thursday, Sept. 22: Curriculum Night
On our first day students learned the Tribes Community Agreements, which are:
1) Attentive Listening
2) Mutual Respect
3) Appreciation, No Put-Downs
4) The Right to Participate
5) Safety First
I find that using these agreements is a powerful tool to help create a positive and safe atmosphere within the class.
This week the students also wrote letters to their future selves, which they will get back to read at the end of June. Students made predictions about the year, and asked questions to their future selves. In addition, we had a funeral for our "I Can'ts", putting to rest our feelings that we can't do certain things, and changing those statements to, "I am learning to."
We also began our work on independent reading, writing and math this week, and established norms and routines. I emphasize quiet during independent reading periods so that everyone can think, as reading is thinking! I also emphasize collaboration during math, so that students can learn from each other as well as from me. In writing students are beginning to brainstorm about their first piece of writing.
Finally, we began an "I Am poem" mixed media project. Students used positive adjectives to describe themselves in a poem, and created a mixed media piece of art using glue lines and watercolour paint. The final products will be complete next week. We also watched the movie McFarlane as a group team building activity, as well as to learn and establish class norms. The class learned that students in other parts of the world struggle to get an education, and also that to succeed one has to set goals and work hard!
Homework:
1) Read for 20-30 minutes daily. This will be daily homework all year long. Homework folders will begin after Curriculum night.
Important Dates:
Thursday, Sept. 22: Curriculum Night
Tuesday, 6 September 2016
Welcome!
Welcome to our class blog! I look forward to a wonderful year together. I'll update this blog weekly, sharing information about learning, as well as important dates and homework. You can receive automatic emails when the blog gets updated by clicking on the "Subscribe via Email" link. Parents, please send me a quick email at msbronwyndavidson@gmail.com so that I can create a class email list.
Best,
Bronwyn Davidson
Best,
Bronwyn Davidson
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