Sorry for the late post! My laptop died at home over the weekend, and I can't log on without the CBE network :(
Last week was another great week! We continued our focus on Model Parliament and experiencing democracy first hand. Students finished up the Second Reading of the Bill, demonstrating respect and decorum during the debates. They then prepared a next set of amendments for the Committee Meeting and Third Reading. We studied the solar system. We started the week off by building a scale model in the hall, that stretched right out the door. We continued our exploration by looking at some interesting facts about all 8 planets, determined the difference between a planet and a dwarf and came up with a ton of inquiry questions about our solar system. We started learning about fractions in a very hands on way. Students were offered both paper lines and pattern blocks to investigate and demonstrate basic fractions, which we will continue to build upon this week. During Story Writing 101 we focused on figurative language, ending the week investigating popular songs and determining the figurative language used in the lyrics. Students have been tasked with finding a song (with the help of their parents) that demonstrates figurative language, with the extra bonus of finding a song not from this decade. We will be playing the songs on Friday before dismissal, during our Model Parliament wrap up celebration. I hope everyone had a restful weekend! We had another great week! Some highlights include:
We had our Second Reading of Model Parliament. Students are becoming familiar with the roles, and responsibilities of each position, and how democratic decisions are made in Parliament. We are using an official script, so students are using the same rules and decorum that the House of Commons uses, and making democratic decision. The three parties created speeches about our Classroom Charter of Rights and Freedoms and decided upon amendments. We have voted on two amendments, and one passed. We have started analyzing the components of narrative writing, starting with descriptive writing. Students were challenged to think of synonyms of commonly used words such as good, bad, ugly and pretty. We then brainstormed words to describe a picture using all of our senses, which helped us write a small descriptive paragraph as a class. We ended our week with a visit from an Illustrator, who talked about the important components of illustration to get us ready for our Picture Book writing in a few weeks. We have continued multiplication and division, and tried solving problems in different ways using manipulatives, number lines, and a variety of strategies. I think students are discovering what works for them, and are encouraged to keep trying new strategies to further their conceptual understanding. We finished up our Tree Ring Project, and started our exploration of space. The Tree Ring projects were due today. We started with the moon and students participated in a demo to understand how the different phases of the moon occur. Our Check-In today was primarily multiple choice questions taken from a previous PAT. I really want the students to be comfortable with the format before June, and because unfortunately multiple choice questions will follow them throughout their education. During university, most of my exams were multiple choice, so I am hoping to pass on my critical thinking strategies to help them do their best! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! P.S. Super big congratulations to the students that were in the band performance last night! You did a great job and should be very proud! P.P.S. You can now email me. You can find my email on the DGS website. Please keep in mind that if you have a concern, I would prefer to converse over the phone or in person, so I will call you back instead of an email if possible. Otherwise, I think this is a great way to let me know about doctor appointments and vacations, or even sending a cool video or news article that has to do with something we are doing in class!
This is a quick update about the water damage DGS experienced over the holidays. While pipes did not burst in our room, the water did flow down the hall from the portables into the two science rooms. Crews have worked hard to repair the damage, and we thankfully will be remaining in our room. They are still doing some minor repairs, such as painting the new dry wall, so students are asked to be supportive and helpful setting up and taking down the classroom for the rest of the week, as the rest of the repairs will be completed in the evenings.
I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow! Get a good night sleep! Happy New Years!
My apologies for being so silent online. I promptly got sick just after Christmas, and have been very sick ever since. Today I am feeling better, just in time to start preparing for school. I would like to say a special Thank You to all the families- I was spoiled by all the wonderful and thoughtful cards and presents. I appreciate your generosity! I am gearing up for a great rest of the year. To get students excited about the return to class, here is a preview: January 9-19 Model Parliament January 9-12 Tree Ring Mini-Project January 15-19 Phases of the Moon Project (Variety of options! Including Stop Motion) January 22- Starting to read the Illiad or Odyssey January 14- Starting Story Writing 101 A complete overview, with expected dates and project outlines, will be sent home in a package on the 9th! Reminder: Classes resume January 9th. See you all soon! |