2sday

Daily Physical Activity student group number one lead the class in a Chair Aerobics workout to get the day started. Group two is responsible for tomorrow's workout, and should remember to be fully prepared with their music and exercise sheets.

I taught a Problem Solving lesson today, to help students with their Problem of the Week.
The 4 step problem solving method consists of:

1. FIND OUT
-Look at the Problem
-Have you seen a similar problem before?
-If so, how is this problem similar? How is it different?
-What facts do you have?
-What do you know that is not stated in the problem?

2. CHOOSE A STRATEGY
-How have you solved similar problems in the past?
-What strategies do you know?
-Try a strategy that seems as if it will work.
-If it doesn't, it may lead you to one that will.

3. SOLVE IT
-Use the strategy you selected and work the problem.

4. LOOK BACK
-Reread the question.
-Did you answer the question asked?
-Is your answer in the correct units?
-Does your answer seem reasonable?

Students will have a lot of practise with this method over the year, and should be encouraged to use these problem solving skills at home.

I read chapter 13 of Tuck Everlasting to the class today, an ddiscussed the other 6 Literature Circle task requirements with the class. Students were asked to read chapter 14 on their own, and complete the Connector task sheet. This involves reading the text, and making connections to their own lives, other stories they have read or watched, or things that happen in the real world. Students should always be encouraged to make these types of connections everytime they read something new, in order to build their reading comprehension level. I also recommend that parents ask their children to make connections between what they watch on television or in movies, with their own lives or things that they are reading.

The Grade 5 and 6 students spent some more time with their Writing Folders today, and I began havign one-on-one Reading Conferences with students, in order to track what they are currently reading, and set goals with them individually as to how they can choose books that will help them improve their reading levels. We will be doing our CASI Reading Diagnostic testing this week, in order to get a baseline for each student as to what reading level they are currently at, so I can recommend books that will be appropriate for each student.

In Math, the Grade Fives and I took up their homework, and had to take time working with base-ten blocks in order to understand whole number place values. The Grade Sixes and I took up the Patterning chapter review questions, and went over the trickier ones that they will encounter on their unit test tomorrow. The Test Yourself pages of their workbook were assigned for studying purposes tonight.

TOMORROW is BLUE & WHITE DAY at Vradenburg. Students can wear blue & white clothing to support the Toronto Maple Leafs for their season opener against the dreaded Ottawa Senators. Maybe this year!!! For more information about the Leafs, visit: http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/
GO LEAFS GO!!!

Homework Assigned Tuseday October 2, 2007:
Grade 5
-Read 20 minutes, update log
-Read chapter 14 of Tuck Everlasting and complete Connector sheet
-Spelling Unit 4 due Friday
-Problem of the Week due Friday
-Music Written Tests with Ms. Lee October 9 and October 16
-October Book Order due Thursday

Grade 6
-Read 20 minutes, update log
-Read chapter 14 of Tuck Everlasting and complete Connector sheet
-Spelling Unit 4 due Friday
-Reading Response Journal due Tuesday
-Problem of the Week due Friday
-Math Unit Test tomorrow - Patterning (Study Workbook Test Yourself pages)
-Music Written Tests with Ms. Lee October 9 and October 16
-October Book Order due Thursday