Thursday, September 20, 2007

Thursday's Thoughts

Today we read chapter 7 of Tuck Everlasting, and discussed some of the students' answers to their homework question about this novel. Students were also given 20 minutes of Drop Everything And Read (D.E.A.R.) time, to independently read a book of their choice. Grade 6 students also spent some time working on their writing folders.

In Math, Grade 5 students began their Patterning chapter review for their test on Monday. They completed six review questions of their choosing in class, so they could focus on the types of questions giving them difficulty. I was happy to see many students using the hands-on manipulatives at the front of the class (linking blocks and counters), to help them solve the questions they were working on. I also assigned 4 specific review questions for homework, which will help students to practice the types of questions that they will find on the unit test. Grade 6 students and I went over their homework questions, and received a new lesson to continue their Patterning unit.

In Art class, we began working on Tessellation Patterns (repeating designs). Students made their own designs using a square piece of bristol board, and traced it again and again onto different coloured pieces of construction paper. These colourful pieces are then glued onto a large piece of white paper. Students who take this art technique and make it their own by adding their unique and creative twists, will be demonstrating the artistic process appropriate for their grade level.


The final Soccer tryout for the Junior team took place today after school. The final list of students who made the team this year will be posted by Mr. Stone before lunch. Good luck to everyone who went out there and gave it their best! Remember, if you do not get selected for this team, houseleague soccer is still here for you to participate in, and there are several other teams you will be able to tryout for throughout the rest of the year. I am proud of all of my students who go out there and give it their best, no matter what.

Homework Assigned Thursday September 20, 2007:
Grade 5
-Read 20 minutes, update log
-Spelling Unit 2 due tomorrow, and Spelling test tomorrow
-Math: Textbook page 20-21, #3, 5, 6, 9, and Math test Monday
-Science: Sponge experiment due Tuesday

Grade 6
-Read 20 minutes, update log
-Spelling Unit 2 due tomorrow, and Spelling test tomorrow
-Math: Textbook page 23, #3, 4

-Reading Response Journal entry due Monday
-Science: Papaer Airplane experiment due Tuesday

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Workload Wednesday...

Today we started in the Computer Lab, and worked on Patterning problems using spreadsheets. Students examined different cells on the spreadsheet, and found patterns in the cell formula bar at the top of the screen. During Math class this afternoon, students continued the written component of this lesson, which was assigned as homework if not completed during class time.

We continued reading Chapter 6 of Tuck Everlasting, and a Novel Study written assignment is due tomorrow. Students must write 6 paragraphs weighing the positive and negative aspects of drinking the magic spring water that gave the Tuck family eternal life. They must also consider the consequences if the secret of this spring water gets out. Students who go one step further and consider additional factors, such as the age a person gets stuck at forever when they drink the spring water, and any other interesting ideas, will be demonstrating the quality of reading reflection skills appropriate for their grade level.

For Science today we went outside, as our experiments required it. The Grade 5 students performed an experiment to examine solids, liquids and gases, by wetting a sponge, tying it to a metre stick, and hanging the metre stick so that it balanced level. Students then observed the changes that occurred every 5 minutes, as the sponge began to dry in the sun. The Grade 6 students had made various forms of paper airplanes yesterday, and put them to the test today. Students ran 4 different experiments using their planes, examining air and the properties of flight. They threw the planes and recorded the distance travelled, accuracy in hitting a target, length of time it remained in the air, and stunts the plane could perform. Students who took the experiments one step further and ran each of these tests twice, manipulating the variable of wind, will have demonstrated the application of their knowledge appropriate for their grade level.

Our Kilometre Club efforts are bringing tremendous results! As of this morning, it looks as though room 201 has run over 80 more laps than our friendly rivals in room 206. I have also run 2 more laps than Ms. Schwartz for our side-competition. I hope she likes blueberry pie! I am very proud of all of my students for their participation in keeping active and on the move!
2-0-1! 2-0-1! 2-0-1!

I will be running a Comic Book Art Club starting next Tuesday September 25, 2007, and meeting every Tuesday from 3:30pm to 4:00pm until December 18, 2007. This club will focus on learning various drawing techniques used not only in comic book art, but in all types of drawing. Students will learn how to use drawing pencils of different leads (lighter and darker) to transform lines, shapes, and shading into detailed pictures of comic book characters. I held an information session about this club today at recess, and permission forms were sent home, due back tomorrow. Space is limited, but I will do my best to accomodate all students who are interested.

Homework Assigned Wednesday September 19, 2007:
Grade 5
-Read 20 minutes, update reading log (I will be checking this week)
-Novel Study writing assignment (6 paragraphs answering questions) due tomorrow.
-Spelling Unit 2 due Friday, Spelling Test Friday
-Math: Finish spreadsheet questions from handout/text
-Science: Sponge experiment due next Tuesday

Grade 6
-Read 20 minutes, update reading log (I will be checking this week)
-Novel Study writing assignment (6 paragraphs answering questions) due tomorrow.
-Reading Response Journal entry due Monday

-Spelling Unit 2 due Friday, Spelling Test Friday
-Math: Finish spreadsheet questions from handout/text
-Science: Paper Airplane experiment due next Tuesday

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Monday & Tuesday Blogs

Hi everyone,

Okay, I missed a blog yesterday, as I had intended to write it at home, but my internet connection was down last night. So, I have combined both days into this blog.

So far this week, we have done some drama exercises with words, sounds and motions. This will help students when they have to play a role, as they will remember not to simply stand still and say their lines. Acting also involves movement to onvey meaning and emotion, and keep things interesting for the audience.

Writing folders were given to all of my students. These folders will be used during class time each day, to provide students with time to write independently about topics they choose, using any genre they would like. I will be monitoring their progress as students develop their Writing Ideas into Explore Drafts (first stage), Edited Drafts (second stage), and their final Published Drafts (third stage). Writing folders will not be sent home for homework, however, students may wish to type up their finished works on home computers. Students will continue to receive writing homework in the form of their Reading Response Journal entries, and several assignments for other curriculum subject areas.

Our Computer Lab time consisted of an online information scavenger hunt. Students started at the Library homepage, and I asked them to find different things - pictures of vikings, information about Natalie Babbitt (the author of Tuck Everlasting, which we are reading for our novel study), and math/science activities dealing with variables. It always amazes me just how knowledgeable children are at using the internet to find information. I wish the world wide web was around when I was in elementary school, as it is such a fantastic tool for students.

In Math, we are continuing our units on Patterning, with each new lesson building on the previous one. We should be moving onto the Numeration unit for Grade 5 and 6 next week.

In Science, the Grade 5 students are examining the different characteristics of the states of matter (solids, liquids, and gases). Grade 6 students are designing paper airplanes in order to determine what variables they can change on it in order to affect its properties of flight.

What is in store for my students for the rest of this week? Stay tuned.

Homework assigned Tuesday September 18, 2007:
Grade 5
-Read 20 minutes, update reading log
-Spelling Unit 2 due Friday
-Math Workbook page 4

Grade 6
-Read 20 minutes, update reading log

-Spelling Unit 2 due Friday
-Reading Response Journal entry due Monday
-Math Workbook page 4