Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Media Literacy - The Big Picture

Today we looked at how camera angle, lighting and composition can affect the visual message transmitted by an image.  Select one of the images below and save it into your Google Docs Visual Language document.  You can click on the images to enlarge them.  Click the more button to choose your image.  All of these images are from the Boston Globe’s Big Picture website.

Language for Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Fast Friday Faceoff (on Wednesday)

New challenge:  EACH student who manages to match or exceed my typing speed of 64 WPM (with 2 or fewer errors) will get lunch.  If we can get the class average up to 40 WPM, we will have some kind of celebration (not sure what yet – but I’m open to suggestions)

The Secret Knowledge of Grown Ups

Read Aloud

  • Out of my Mind (Only 3 chapters to go!  We’ll finish before the break!)

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Highview Junior Electives

The Highview Staff is pleased to offer students in Grades 4 – 6 an Elective program again this year. This year’s program will take place on Tuesday, February 7thth and Tuesday, February 28th 2012. (This conflicts with pizza lunch, so students are reminded to NOT order Pizza on these days).  Families are asked to select carefully as participants may attend the same elective or choose a different elective for each day. These activities will complement and extend our in-class programme. All electives will start and end within the school day.

Each activity has a maximum number of spaces. Student requests will be processed on a first come, first served basis. If a program is undersubscribed, it may be cancelled and students will be given their second or third choice.

The cost of each elective includes transportation. Please do not send any money with your registration form. Once registrations have been processed, a “Confirmation of Elective Selection” form will be sent home with instructions for payment and further information for each elective. Final elective costs will depend on the number of students who select each activity. Registration forms are to be returned by December 22, 2011. Confirmation notes will be available the week of January 9th, 2012 with full payment required by Wednesday, January 18th, 2012.

In order to speed up the selection and organization of electives, we have set up an online Elective Sign Up site that can be accessed from the Highview PS website (http://www.highview.ps.yrdsb.edu.on.ca) or from your child’s teacher’s website or blog.  Please complete the paper sign up belowonly  if you are unable to access the online sign up form. 

Click here for a direct link to the online sign up form.

We will require some parent volunteers to join in the fun and help with supervision. If you have an up-to-date York Regional Police Vulnerable Sector Screening on file with our school office, and wish to help out, please indicate this on the registration form.

Thank you from the Junior Division Teachers.

HIGHVIEW P.S.

WINTER ELECTIVES – FEB 2012

ELECTIVE

LOCATION

OPTION INFORMATION

APPROXIMATE

COST

Sports

Sportsdome, Aurora

Dodgeball, golf, soccer, flag sports, ultimate Frisbee

$28.00

Bowling and Gymnastics

Stellar Lanes,

Pulsar Gym,

Newmarket

Bowling shoes included

$34.00

Animal Life Toronto Zoo

Toronto, ON

Observe animals in their habitat,

Guided tour

$22.00

Dance

JCB Danceworks, Richmond Hill

Broadway jazz, contemporary, ballroom, hip hop (Take back a video of your dance routine.)

$42.00

Ontario Science Centre

Toronto, ON

Leonardo da Vinci’s Workshop

Liquid Nitrogen Extravaganza

Imax Film “Tornado Alley”

$35.00

Stop Motion Animation and Board Games

Highview P.S.

Create your own lego movie.

(BYOL – Bring your own Lego)

Free

Monday, December 19, 2011

Social Studies–Guest Post from Mrs. Landsberg

The Social Studies tests on First Nations went home today (Tuesday) and they should be signed and returned before the winter holidays.

Remember to hand in your maps on Canada and the World they are now due.

Math for Monday, December 19, 2011

  1. Take Up Show What You Know (Questions 1 – 10)
  2. Decimal Word Problem Worksheet
    • This must be finished and handed in BEFORE you try the decimal games below.
  3. Decimal Activities

Language for Monday, December 19, 2011

Bell Work:  Writing a lead to hook your reader.

The Secret Knowledge of Adults:

  • Writing Paragraphs
  • Example from Hamish X and the Cheese Pirates by Sean Cullen
  • Parts of a Paragraph (shared with you on Google Docs)
  • Set Learning Targets and Success Criteria (also shared with you on Google Docs)
  • Work on your secret explanation for your rule using the paragraph organizer provided (Google Docs)

Read Aloud:  Out of my Mind

  • Blog Posting:  Why do you think that her teammates still find it difficult to be genuine friends with Melody?  Even Rose seems to have some issues with Melody.  Why do you think that is?  What could Melody do or what should Rose and the other team members do to help this situation get better?

Friday, December 16, 2011

Math for Friday, December 16, 2011

  1. Take up practice questions from yesterday.
  2. Show What You Know
    1. Questions 1 – 10
  3. Complete this for Monday.  We will take it up to ensure you are ready for your test on Wednesday.

Talking Back Blog

http://talkmonahan.blogspot.com

Language for Friday, December 16, 2011

Fast Friday Faceoff

New challenge:  EACH student who manages to match or exceed my typing speed of 64 WPM (with 2 or fewer errors) will get lunch.  If we can get the class average up to 40 WPM, we will have some kind of celebration (not sure what yet – but I’m open to suggestions)

Open DNS Phishing Quiz

Reading

Talking Back Blog Question

  • Are the parents of these kids pushing their children too hard?  Are too many expectations being put on these children so that they can’t live normal lives?  Do we see the same things here in Canada with hockey or other sports?  Do you think it is fair to the children that their parents make these kinds of decisions?

The Secret Knowledge of Adults

  • Set Learning Targets and Success Criteria
  • Paragraphs
  • First Draft of Rule and Explanation

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Language for Thursday, December 15, 2011

  1. Bell Work:  Brainstorm a list of “rules” that apply to most people or specifically “kids”.
  2. Read Aloud:  The Secret Knowledge of Grown-Ups
    1. Brainstorming Examples
    2. Student Rule Examples
  3. Brainstorm some rules and reasons of your own.  Work with a partner to choose 1 rule that you will develop into a secret explanation such as those in “The Secret Knowledge of Adults”
  4. Use this organizer to plan your writing.
  5. If you finish, you can sketch a draft of an illustration that will accompany your final rule.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Math for Wednesday, December 14, 2011

  1. Today’s Lesson: Chapter 4, Lesson 6 - Adding and Subtracting Decimals (Pages 132-136)
  2. Learning Goals:
    • Addition and subtraction with decimals are extensions of addition and subtraction with whole numbers.
  3. Additional Resources:
  4. Classwork:  Practice Questions 1-12
    Hand in: 3, 5, 9, 11
  5. Homework Book:  Pages 54-55

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Social Studies Test Tomorrow

Don’t forget  your social studies test tomorrow (Wednesday).  We will have it during period 3 and 4 (between recess and lunch).

Language for Tuesday, December 13, 2011

  1. Advertising Errors?
    • Read the article about Subaru’s ad at TeachingKidsNews.com.
    • As a class, discuss the writing/discussion prompt at the bottom of the article.
    • Look at the reading prompt.  It states that the article was written from a neutral point of view (doesn’t choose a side).  Use Google Docs or Open Office Writer to rewrite the article as it were written from the perspective of a truck driver or from someone who wrote the ad for Subaru Canada.
  2. If you finish, you can do the following:
    • Write a blog post on your personal blog that predicts what you think will happen to Melody in regard to the trivia challenge team and how that will help/hurt her.
    • Read quietly
    • Finish your Attawapiskat blog posting from the weekend.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Language for Monday, December 12, 2011

  1. Bell Work: Attawapiskat Letter
  2. Rewrite the text below to make this student’s point of view clear. Use strong adjectives to describe what the student is so mad about and specific details to make a stronger case for the government to do something about it.  We will share together.

    Dear Prime Minister,
    I am so mad about what is happening in Attawapiskat. I am mad that kids have to live like that. I am mad that their houses suck. I am mad that they don’t have running water and have to use a bucket as a toilet. I think you should do something about it.
    From,
    A mad student.

  3. Reading: Nobody Knows the Difference
    • In class reading response
  4. Read Aloud: Out of my Mind

Math for Monday, December 12, 2011

  1. Bell Work:  Rounding Decimals (To be done together – requires Shockwave Player)
  2. Today’s Lesson: Chapter 4, Lesson 4 - Rounding Decimals (Pages 126-128)
  3. Learning Goals:
    • We use rounded numbers when we estimate an answer or when an approximate measurement is sufficient.
    • A number line can be used to round decimals.
  4. Additional Resources:
  5. Classwork: Practice Questions 1-10
  6. Homework Book: Pages 50-51
  7. Hand back math tests  Oops – forgot them at home. 

Friday, December 9, 2011

Math for Friday, December 9, 2011

Today’s Lesson: Chapter 4, Lesson 3 - Comparing and Ordering Decimals (Pages 121-124)

Learning Goals:

  • Place value and number lines can be used to compare and order decimal numbers.

Classwork: Practice Questions 1-12

Homework Book: Pages 48-49

About Attiwapiskat

About Attiwapiskat

Language for Friday, December 9, 2011

Bell Work

New challenge:  EACH student who manages to match or exceed my typing speed of 64 WPM (with 2 or fewer errors) will get lunch.  If we can get the class average up to 40 WPM, we will have some kind of celebration (not sure what yet – but I’m open to suggestions)

Please ensure that you have the final draft of your TED Talk shared with me in Google Docs or that you have handed in a paper copy.

Reading

From Our Homes To Theirs – Responding To Attawapiskat

Grammar Feature: 5 Ws (interrogatives)
In newspaper articles, 5 main questions often are answered: who, what, when, why, where.  How is also a common question/answer.
Read this article carefully and fill in the 5 Ws (and an H) for this article.

Who: _____________________________________________

What: _____________________________________________

When: _____________________________________________

Why: _____________________________________________

Where: _____________________________________________

How: _____________________________________________

Writing

Use the Talking Back blog to share what you learned last night about Attawapiskat, how you feel about it, or what you think can be done about it.  Each person should write one new post and respond to at least 3 other people’s posts.

Read Aloud:  Out of my Mind

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Challenge Club Cancelled

No challenge club tonight as I need to leave early.  Sorry Sad smile

Thousandth Grid

Just in case you need a thousandth grid…

Language Homework

Watch the news, read a newspaper or check online news sources to find out more information about Attiwapiskat.

Brainstorm some questions and ideas for discussion in class tomorrow.

Math for Thursday, December 8, 2011

  1. Today’s Lesson: Chapter 4, Lesson 2 - Exploring Thousandths (Pages 117-120)
  2. Learning Goals:
    • Numbers with thousandths can be written as decimals or as fractions.
    • Decimals can be written in expanded form.
    • Equivalent decimals name the same amount.
  3. Additional Resources:
  4. Classwork: Practice Questions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10
  5. Homework Book: Pages 46-47

Language for Thursday, December 8, 2011

Bell Work:  Rewrite the example below.  Use specific and accurate words to show your reader exactly what you’re talking about  (Use an online dictionary if you need to) .  Try to:

  • help your reader see a picture in their head by using nouns and modifiers.
  • avoid words that might confuse the reader
  • try new words – but make sure you use them correctly
  • make sure you have used the best words that you can

My best friend is so nice.  She’s funny.  She’s really funny when we go to the mall and hang out together.  We like to do fun things that make us laugh a lot.  When we go out to eat we always order good things.

Reading

Attawapiskat:  Canada’s “Fourth-World” Community

Writing:  Mind Mapping – What to do about Attawapiskat (Prezi)

Read Aloud:  Out of my Mind

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

What a Great Day!




Thank you for sharing your ideas and being a respectful audience. it was fantastic to watch you think about the ideas shared and offer opinions of your own. Not every day in class will be like today, but it's good to share them once in a while.

Feedback on TEDx6

Please help me improve by filling out this form.  You can leave your name or complete it anonymously.  This is an opportunity to help future students and help me do a better job teaching you.

Feedback on TEDx6

Johnny Lee–Hacking the Wii Remote









I wish I had more time to do this kind of thing.  A couple of blogs that I follow are always coming up with great ideas for using things you have around the house to create really cool projects.  What kind of hacks have you seen that you thought were cool?

Talking Back Blog

This blog will be a place to share and discuss.  Today we will use it to discuss some of the professional presenters that we have watched.  Like all tools, I expect that you will be respectful in what you write on this blog.

Talking Back Blog

Welcome to TEDx6!

image

After each presentation please use the form linked below to give feedback to the presenter.  I will be able to see your name, but the presenters will not.

TEDx6 Feedback Form

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

TEDx6 Tomorrow!

  • Get a good sleep tonight!
  • Practice your TED talk!
  • Make sure you know when your slide transitions need to happen
  • Share your presentations and scripts with me on Google Docs or Prezi.
  • Feel great about yourselves!
  • Be enthusiastic!
  • Be awesome and inspiring!

The View out our window

Sometimes it's hard to focus on school . . .




Monday, December 5, 2011

Language for Monday, December 5, 2011

We took three periods today to work on our TED presentations.

  • Our TEDX6 mini conference is this Wednesday – all day.
  • You are expected to have your presentation ready to go.
    • Ensure each partner knows what they are saying.
    • Ensure that you know when your transitions will happen.
    • Your goal is to be between 3 and 8 minutes.
  • Your final draft of your transcript (speech) must be ready to hand in on Thursday morning during Language.
  • Please remember to check your work against the rubric (below).

Math for Monday, December 5, 2011

Friday, December 2, 2011

Holiday Help

Language for Friday, December 2, 2011

Bell Work:  Savvygram

Spelling:  This is your last day to complete your spelling assignments!

TEDX6

  • Mini conferences with Mr. Monahan
  • Writing your transcript
  • Working on your audio-visual presentation

If time permits:  Out of my Mind

Thursday, December 1, 2011

First Nations Test

The First Nations Test will be Wednesday, December 14, 2011.  Good luck! 

Math for Thursday, December 1, 2011

It’s time to start a new unit!  Unit four is all about decimals. You will learn how large numbers can be represented using decimals (Ex.  Sidney Crosby earns about 8.75 million dollars per year) and how decimals can be used to represent parts of whole numbers (Ex.  $8.64 is 8 whole dollars and 64 hundredths of a dollar – or cents). 

Tip:  What I would suggest if you have trouble with decimals is that you think of the decimal you are looking at as if it was money.  If I owed you 8.87 cents, you wouldn’t let me give you just $5.95 would you?

Take some time to consider the unit introduction on pages 112 and 113.  Check out the Learning Goals on the bottom left of the page.  Make sure you understand what each expectation means and the language used.  The information on page 113 might be more familiar to you if you think of computer memory.

Power

Memory (approximate)

1 kW = 1000 Watts 1 kb (kilobyte) = 1000 bytes
1 MW = 1 000 000 Watts 1 Mb (megabyte) = 1 000 000 bytes
1 GW = 1 000 000 000 Watts 1 Gb (gigabyte) = 1 000 000 000 bytes
  1 Tb (terabyte) = 1 000 000 000 000 bytes

Pre-assessment:  Try this short quiz to see how much you already know about decimals.

Language for Thursday, December 1, 2011

When writing  the transcript of your TED talk, make sure that you pay attention to writing paragraphs properly.  This is expected in all your writing, but it is one of the areas of focus for your assessment on this task.  Writing your paragraphs properly will also help with the pace when you deliver your talk to the class.  It will help you take a “break” between big ideas.

Guidelines for Paragraphs

  • You should start a new paragraph when:
    • When you begin a new idea or point. New ideas should always start in new paragraphs. If you have an extended idea that spans multiple paragraphs, each new point within that idea should have its own paragraph.
    • To contrast information or ideas. Separate paragraphs can serve to contrast sides in a debate, different points in an argument, or any other difference.
    • When your readers need a pause. Breaks in paragraphs function as a short "break" for your readers—adding these in will help your writing more readable. You would create a break if the paragraph becomes too long or the information is complex.
    • When you are ending your introduction or starting your conclusion. Your introduction and conclusion should always be in a new paragraph. Some introductions and conclusions have multiple paragraphs depending on their content, length, and the writer's purpose.
    • When there is dialogue (speech) from a new speaker. If you have dialogue or speech between two or more different individuals in your writing, you should start a new paragraph for each speaker.
  • Other Paragraph Guidelines
    • Put only one main idea per paragraph.
    • Aim for three to five or more sentences per paragraph.
    • Separate paragraphs with a “hard carriage return” – looks like one space between paragraphs.
  • Example from our class blog.  The first paragraph below talks about the times that I planned to be available for Parent-Teacher Interview.  When I began writing about the fact that the times might not fit everyone’s schedules, I began a new paragraph that also included instructions for what to do if that was the case.

Requests for Parent Teacher interview times have been sent home and many students have already returned their forms.  I will be available  between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm and from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Thursday, November 24.  I will also be available on Friday, November 25th between 8:00 am and 11:30 am.  I will not be available on Friday afternoon.

If these times don’t fit your schedule, please contact me and let me know so that we can set up a different time.  Confirmation of times will be sent home with your child’s progress report on November 23rd, but if the time you have selected doesn’t work I will contact you as soon as I see a conflict (so far, everyone has been accommodated).

Language for Thursday, December 1, 2011

Bell Work

Rewrite the examples correctly below on paper so that you can use the document camera to share them.

  • some insects travel south in winter monarch butterflys will go 4000 km for warmth they now exactly when to turn around and hed north agin
  • don’t open the gate mr rogers dogs will get out and run away

Out of My Mind

I would like a few (3 – 5) volunteers to share their blog responses to yesterday’s reading.  You were asked:

Imagine that you were in Melody’s position (i.e. couldn’t speak or use sign language) and you received a computer that allowed you to talk. What is the first paragraph that you would write to your parents? What is the first paragraph that you would write to your classmates?


Spelling City

Many of you are not yet complete the two lists that are due on Friday! 

Many of you will also recall that this was discussed during your parent-teacher interview.  There are two reasons to be working on this task:

  1. It will help improve your spelling – if you actually do the practice and complete the activities to build your vocabulary.  If you don’t work at it, there’s no improvement.
  2. It shows that you can take initiative and be responsible for your own learning.  You’ve had two weeks to get to it!

SO GET TO IT!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Language for Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Bell Work

  • Typing Test:  10 Fast Fingers
  • Typing Practice: Dance Mat Typing
  • Please let Mrs. Sheardown know what your score was on the typing test and she will record it to update our class scores.

TEDX6

  • Please work on your TED talk.
  • You should be moving from your brainstorming to writing the transcript.
  • I need several examples to share on Thursday with our visitors so make sure that you share your writing with me on Google Docs.  (Prezi’s don’t need to be shared).

Out of my Mind

  • After reading chapter 14 and 15 post a response on your blog to the following question: Imagine that you were in Melody’s position (i.e. couldn’t speak or use sign language) and you received a computer that allowed you to talk. What is the first paragraph that you would write to your parents? What is the first paragraph that you would write to your classmates?

If by chance you run out of things to do, you can always check your spelling lists on Spelling City!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Language and Math for Monday, November 28, 2011

Language

  • We selected groups and topics for TEDX6
  • Students began brainstorming and mind mapping what their ideas and supporting details might be (using Prezi).
  • Asked to have a couple of paragraphs ready for Wednesday.
  • Students who were not finished their re-write of chapter 13 (assigned Thursday) were asked to be prepared to share for Wednesday.

Math

  • Took up Show What You Know to prepare for Geometry test on Wednesday.
  • I suggest you check out the BBC Review of Shapes in order to be fully prepared for the test Wednesday.

Friday, November 25, 2011

TEDx6 Tentative Rubric

Tentative means that this is the suggested rubric for our TED Talks.  Although it looks relatively long, if you choose your target (Level 3 or Level 4) and read through, I think the expectations are reasonable.  We will go through the rubric on Monday during class time and you will have the opportunity to suggest changes.

Please think about your TED talk topic this weekend.  Remember, it should be an idea worth spreading and it should be something that you are passionate about.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Remember–Math Test Next Wednesday!

Geometry math test will be next Wednesday!

TED Conference

image

Our TED conference will be held on Wednesday, December 7, 2011. 

As we decided in class today:

  • You may work individually or with a partner.
  • Your talk should be between 4 and 8 minutes long.
  • You must have visuals to accompany your talk (Prezi, PowerPoint, etc.)

We looked at the curriculum expectations today and I will have a tentative rubric posted some time this weekend.  We will discuss and modify it on Monday.

Math for Thursday, November 24, 2011

  • Show What You Know
  • Homework Check: Pages 42-43
  • Today’s Lesson: Chapter 3, Lesson Show What You Know (Pages 106-107)
  • Learning Goals: Unit Review
  • Additional Resources:
  • Classwork: Practice Questions 1-8, Hand in # 5, 7, 8
  • Homework Book: Pages NA

Language for Thursday, November 24, 2011

Bell Work:

Prezi

TEDX6

Out of my Mind – Homework!

After reading the rest of chapter 13, rewrite the incident at the aquarium.  Write from a different perspective than Melody’s.  Consider writing from Rose’s or Mrs. Valencia’s point of view, or even Clair or Molly.  Write both the action and the thoughts that might go through your mind.  You may use BitStrips for School.  Be prepared to share Monday morning!

Summary

  • Rose visits the aquarium with Melody, her family, and Mrs. Valencia
  • They have a good time until running into Clair and Melody
  • Clair and Melody make fun of Rose for going with Melody to the aquarium
  • Mrs. V. calls them on it and reminds them that their braces will help them.
  • Rose returns to Melody and her family.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Math for Tuesday, November 23, 2011

  1. Today’s Lesson: Chapter 3, Lesson 6 - Illustrating Objects (Pages 102-105)
  2. Learning Goals:
    • Objects can be represented as isometric drawings and as top/front/side views.
  3. Tip:  When using the isometric drawing paper, turn it sideways (landscape).  It’s easier to visualize your solids this way.
  4. Additional Resources:
  5. Classwork: Practice Questions 1-7
  6. Homework Book: Pages 42-43

Isometric Dot Paper (print and turn sideways)

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Getting Ready for TEDx6





Language for Wednesday, November 23

Bell Work:

Revise the example below using the questions below to guide your writing.

  • Did I try to use words that sound “just right”?
  • Did I try hyphenating several shorter words to make an interesting-sounding new word?
  • Did I try putting words with the same sound together (slippery, super, sonic, etc.)
  • Did I read my piece aloud to find at least one or two moments that I love?

My little brother makes a bad sound when he eats bananas. I think it is bad that he chews with his mouth open, because you can see the bananas. No matter how much I tell him not to, he does it anyway.


TED6:  Ideas Worth Spreading

Yesterday we came up with some thoughts about what might make an idea worth spreading.

  • Have a point (don’t just say this is why)
  • Motivating
  • Personal (to presenter and audience)
  • Interesting
  • Can affect a lot of people
  • Something that comes from experience
  • Opportunity to make a personal choice
  • Important to the community or the world

Here are some ideas that we came up with that might be worth spreading.

  • Be an everyday superhero
  • Examine your food (take people through the ingredient list for a food item)
  • Think about how brand choice and marketing affects you and others
  • Conserve more energy
  • Make eco-friendly choices

In groups of 3 or 4, you looked at each other’s Prezis to see who had the best start to “What is a good idea?”  Today I would like you to continue to work in groups together to improve your presentations so that on Thursday we can see several versions of what makes a good idea.  Start with the best presentation from among your group, and build on it.  Consider:

  • how are you explaining what makes a good idea?
  • are you using examples to illustrate your point?
  • does your presentation contain the points we developed above (ideas worth spreading)?
  • does your presentation contain more points or examples than the ones we came up with as a group?
  • is your presentation visually engaging (colour, movement, fonts, frames, path, orientation/angle of text)?
  • have you added images to support your thoughts?

Be ready to share (as a group) your work on Thursday.


Spelling

I have added new spelling lists for each group on Spelling City.  I have also added a geometry spelling list for everyone.  These spelling lists are due December 2.  Remember to click on the My Teacher’s Page and scroll down to look at the Vocabulary and Spelling Lists.

image


Out of my Mind

After reading the rest of chapter 13, rewrite the incident at the aquarium.  Write from a different perspective than Melody’s.  Consider writing from Rose’s or Mrs. Valencia’s point of view, or even Clair or Molly.  Write both the action and the thoughts that might go through your mind.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Parent-Teacher Interview Forms

Hello Parents,

I sent home notes with interview times (and the confirmation for the receipt of the report card – which doesn’t actually come out until Wednesday) with each student today.

If the time I selected doesn’t work for you (or the time doesn’t arrive home), please contact me at the school.  You don’t have to send back the official confirmation yet.  I just figured that it would be better to let you know before Wednesday.

Math for Monday, November 21, 2011

Bell Work:  Constructing Figures
Test:  Next Wednesday
Today’s Lesson: Chapter 3, Lesson 5 - Nets of Objects (Pages 98-101)
Learning Goals:
A net shows the faces of an object. The net can be cut out and folded to make the object
Additional Resources:
http://www.senteacher.org/wk/3dshape.php
http://amathsdictionaryforkids.com/dictionary.html
Classwork:  Practice Questions 1-7 (Hand in #4 - 2 shapes, 2 ways and 5)
Homework Book:  Pages 40-41

Getting Started Mind Mapping with Prezi

Today we will get Prezi educational accounts to allow us to do some mind mapping and make interesting presentations.

When you sign up you will need to use your “@collaborativeschools.net” email address.  I suggest copying and pasting it from below so you don’t make any spelling errors.  You will also need to use the school website address which you can also copy and paste.

www.highview.ps.yrdsb.edu.on.ca

@collaborativeschools.net

Your initial question to brainstorm is “What is a good idea?”  Try and approach the question from the perspective of “What makes a good idea?” instead of “What is a good idea that I have (i.e. like gym class every day!)?”

If you are stuck on your good ideas, expand your mind map to explain why those ideas are good ones.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Language and Math for Friday, November 18, 2011

Language

Bell work:  The results of the classes speed typing test is below.  I was impressed with the number of students who can already type at speeds of over 40 words per minute.  That was the speed that I needed to get a B grade in Grade 9 typing (back in the day).  For students who aren’t in the 30 – 40 word per minute range yet, you should try to develop your typing skills using some of the tools suggested on the Study Tools page.  Try to use all of your fingers and develop the ability to type without looking at them.  I’ll buy lunch for the first student who can beat me (64 wpm with 2 mistakes).

image

Awesome – The Three A’s of Awesome

  • We watched Neil Pasricha’s inspiring TED talk about how his Book of Awesome came to be and began working on a class list of awesome things.
  • We crashed most of our computers and the online document because too many of us were working on it at the same time, so our homework is now to come up with a list of 10 awesome things, along with short explanations of why those things are awesome.
  • We will be working toward “TED” style talks of our own.

Math

We continued working on the math from yesterday as students did not have enough time to finish it and were having trouble with constructing some of the figures. 

  1. Today’s Lesson: Chapter 3, Lesson 4 – Constructing Figures (Pages 92-95)
  2. Learning Goals:
    • Figures can be combined to create other figures.
    • A figure can be constructed using a protractor and a ruler, or a compass and a ruler, given the lengths of its sides and the measures of its angles.
  3. Additional Resources:
  4. Classwork: Practice Questions 1, 2, 4, & 6-9
  5. Homework Book: Pages 38-39  (Please have complete on Monday for a homework check).

Bell Work

Typing Test:  10 Fast Fingers

Typing Practice: Dance Mat Typing

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Math for Thursday, November 17, 2011

  1. Today’s Lesson: Chapter 3, Lesson 4 - Constructing Figures (Pages 92-95)
  2. Learning Goals:
    • Figures can be combined to create other figures.
    • A figure can be constructed using a protractor and a ruler, or a compass and a ruler, given the lengths of its sides and the measures of its angles.
  3. Additional Resources:
  4. Classwork: Practice Questions 1-4 & 6-9
  5. Homework Book: Pages 38-39

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Language for Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Bell Work:image

  • Look at the picture.
  • Come up with two open ended questions about the photo.
  • What are two open ended questions that you could ask the firefighters?
  • Please share on Google Docs 

Life Lessons from a Volunteer Firefighter

  • Watch the video (together)
  • Discuss

Responding to Interview Questions

  • Imagine that you are being interviewed by George Strombolopolous because you’ve been inspiring
    students all over Canada to become heroes.
  • He has just asked you the
    following questions, “Kids all over Canada are busier than ever. Why do you think it is so important that they try and be heroes? What do you think they should do to become heroes?” and leaned in to listen attentively to your answer.
  • Answer George’s questions. Think about how to make your answer sound like you are having a conversation and include an anecdote (short story) in your answer. Post your answer to your blog. Be prepared to share!

Yearbook Orders

Don’t miss the early bird special!
Up until November 30th: $22

Order your yearbook now!
You don’t want to miss this fabulous 72 page, full colour book of Highview memories for 2011 – 2012.(The price will increase to $30 on December 1st)
Order online at www.jostensyearbooks.ca

Please note:  There is no large surplus of books ordered so it will not be
possible to request a yearbook in June. 

Monday, November 14, 2011

Math for Monday, November 14, 2011 (Afternoon)

  1. Today’s Lesson: Chapter 3, Lesson 2 - Classifying Figures (Pages 86-89)
  2. Learning Goals:
    • Figures can be identified, described, compared, and classified in different ways.
  3. Additional Resources:
    • A Math Dictionary for Kids: This is a great resource to learn about any math term, shape, etc.
    • How to Use a Venn Diagram
    • Terms you should know (check with the math dictionary above if you come across anything else you aren’t familiar with)
      • Regular Shapes: Polygons with all sides equal in length and all angles equal
      • Irregular Shapes: Any shape which is not regular
      • Triangle: A three sided shape
      • Quadrilateral: A four sided shape
      • Pentagon: A five sided shape
      • Hexagon: A six sided shape
      • Acute Angle: Angle less than 90º
      • Right Angle: Angle equal to 90º
      • Obtuse Angle: Angle between 90º and 180º
      • Reflex Angle: Angle between 180º and 360º
      • Parallel Sides: Lines that are the same distance apart (like straight railway tracks)
      • Equal Sides: Sides that are equal in length
  4. Classwork: Practice Questions 1-5
  5. Homework Book: Pages 36-37

Math for Monday, November 14, 2011 (Morning)

  1. Today’s Lesson: Chapter 3, Lesson 1 - Investigating Angles (Pages 82-85)
  2. Learning Goals:
    • Angles can be named and sorted according to their measures.
    • Angles can be measured and constructed using a protractor.
  3. Additional Resources:
  4. Classwork: Practice Questions 1-6
  5. Homework Book: Pages 34-35

Language, Bell Work

Try this quiz to determine the main idea from short paragraphs.  Click here.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Remembrance Day

Asking Open Ended Questions

Take some time to read through Canada Remembers Times or The Canadian Letters and Images Project.   Choose one person from an article or who you have read a letter from and come up with three great open ended questions related to their experiences with the Canadian Forces.  Be prepared to share which article or person you based your question on and what your questions are.

  • Open Ended Questions are questions that require a detailed answer (not a simple yes/no or one word/short phrase response).
  • You don’t have to have answers (real or imagined for these questions)

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Math and Language for November 9, 2011

Today in Math we reviewed the answers to “Show What You Know” in preparation for the test tomorrow.  This afternoon, we began the new Geometry unit and practiced measuring angles with a protractor.

In language, we wrote introductions to celebrity interviews, completed our self assessments of our first interview and did some goal setting.  We used the rest of the time to complete book reports.  Book reports are due on Friday.

OWA–Self Assessment

Once you have finished your self assessment using the OWA rubric, complete the online self assessment and goal setting activity that is here.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Math for Monday, November 7, 2011

  1. Today’s Lesson: Chapter 1, Lesson Show What You Know - Show What You Know (Pages 26-27)
  2. Learning Goals:
    1. Work in an organized way so that your solutions show how you solve problems.
  3. Classwork: Practice Questions 1-6,10-12

Remember:  Math test is on Thursday (during the language block)

Challenge Club

On Tuesday and Thursday after school I will be hosting a challenge club for those students who need to challenge themselves a little more in order to achieve their expectations.  It will be a chance to review homework/projects/etc. and get a little extra help.  All students are welcome, those I will ask certain students who I perceive could use the extra assistance to stay behind.  Students who would like to help other students (learn be teaching others) are welcome as well.  Challenge club will run between 3:05 and and 3:25 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from now until the Christmas break, at which time we will evaluate its effectiveness.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Requests for Parent Teacher interview times have been sent home and many students have already returned their forms.  I will be available  between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm and from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Thursday, November 24.  I will also be available on Friday, November 25th between 8:00 am and 11:30 am.  I will not be available on Friday afternoon.

If these times don’t fit your schedule, please contact me and let me know so that we can set up a different time.  Confirmation of times will be sent home with your child’s progress report on November 23rd, but if the time you have selected doesn’t work I will contact you as soon as I see a conflict (so far, everyone has been accommodated). 

Volleyball Tryouts

The final tryout for the junior co-ed volleyball team will be Tuesday morning at 7:15 am.  You can find a list of invited students posted outside the gym doors.

Interviews

The notes below are the ones we collaborated on during George Strombolopolous’s interview with Kermit the Frog.  It was a model that can help you improve your own interviews.  You received copies of your Interview with a Star, and tomorrow, we will use the rubric provided and some exemplars from Grade 6 students to self-evaluate our interviews.

Strong Interview Introductions

  • Showed a couple of clips of Kermit
  • Mentioned what he has been in.
  • Described Kermit before he entered the show
  • Strong intro will make the audience be more interested in learning about the guest

In my interview introduction

  • Acknowledge the crowd
  • Have the crowd involved
  • Greet the guest and ask how they are?
  • Make sure you give some background.

George

Kermit

  • Asked lots of questions
  • Good questions that make you want to pay attention
  • Sometimes used sentences to start conversations rather than a direct question.
  • Asked about people things that were more broad (the audience would know about)
  • Some serious questions mixed in.
  • Acknowledge the crowd
  • Kept the conversation going by not giving one sentence answers.
  • Gave examples (anecdote) – short stories to illustrate his point
  • Used humour to engage the audience

Out of my Mind–Teachers ***Homework

After we complete the read aloud, answer the following questions on your blog.

  1. Contrast (or compare) Mrs. V. With Melody’s other teachers.
  2. Why do you think that Melody’s teachers were so bad at their jobs?
  3. Do you think it was their fault? Explain why or why not.

I expect that your response will be a few paragraphs in length.  They are difficult questions to answer and you are allowed to sit on the fence (i.e. say it was the teachers’ fault that they were bad and explain with reasons, and say in some ways how it wasn’t their fault and explain with reasons).

Friday, November 4, 2011

Math for Friday, November 4, 2011

We took up a few lessons from the homework book and had a quick introduction to integers.  Integers are not a required topic until grade 7 and our purpose here was only to introduce them.  They will not be on the unit test.

There is no math homework over the weekend, though students could practice the patterning skills we have been working on so far.

Language

Today we worked on our book reports.  Most students are progressing well and all students doing newspaper book reports were successful in downloading a template to create their final copy with.  Students should continue to work in Google Docs and copy and paste their final drafts into the template in Open Office writer when they are finished.

We also read aloud from a chapter of “Out of my Mind” and had group discussions about the challenges Melody faces in attending school.

Out of my Mind

In a small group, discuss the following questions.  Then write a blog post that shares your own opinions.

  • In a world that doesn’t work for her, what seems to cause the biggest frustration for Melody?
  • How does Melody feel about school?
  • How does she fit in with her classmates and what makes her different from the rest of the children in H-5? 
  • What do you think would be the ideal school situation for Melody?
  • What do you think of Melody’s teachers?
  • What does this tell you about the attitudes at her school about teaching children with special needs?

French Rubric Due

You must bring in your french rubric nov.4

OR ELSE.....

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Math for Thursday, November 3, 2011

Warm-Up: http://goo.gl/Wm9xf (Balancing Equations)

  1. Today’s Lesson: Chapter 1, Lesson 4 - Solving Equations (Pages 16-18)
  2. Learning Goals:
    • A simple equation can be solved using a variety of strategies, including guess and check.
    • The solution to an equation is the number that makes the two sides of the equation equal.
  3. Additional Resources:
  4. Classwork: Practice Questions 1-6
    • Hand in #4 solved using GRASS method!
  5. Homework Book: Pages 8-9

Math Test: Thursday, November 10, 2011

Just a reminder that we will have a math test on Unit 1, next Thursday, November 10.  The main focus will be on using input/output machines, recursive patterns, and balancing equations (Lessons 1, 2, and 4).  We will do the Show What You Know on Monday or Tuesday next week.

Newspaper Template

If you are doing a newspaper style book report, this is a template that you can use.  Copy and paste your own text over the made up language that is already there.

Math Warm-Up

Try this challenge to get ready for math today.

A Smelly Solution

Determining Importance

Complete the two-column organizer to find the important ideas in the article A Smelly Solution from Time for Kids.

If you would like to use an electronic copy of the two column organizer, you can find one in Google Docs.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Calculators

I need to stress again that it is very important that all grade 6 students have their own personal calculator.  We need to be able to complete multiplication and division tasks quickly and try different strategies to solve problems without getting bogged down in multiple division steps etc.

Interview Format

If you’re looking for an example of an interview, check out this Time for Kids interview with author Brian Selznick.

Notice how the questions are separated and how some of Mr. Selznick’s responses are multiple paragraphs.

Photo Orders due Tomorrow

Just a reminder that school photo orders are due tomorrow!

Language

The main focus today was a self-assessment and individual mini-conference with each student to review their progress on their book reports.  Students completed a checklist and I was able to meet with all of the students doing interviews, and some of the students doing newspaper book reports.

We also worked on improving our focus in writing and read aloud from “Out of My Mind.”

Math for Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Today we had two periods of math.  During the first period we reviewed the strategies for solving problems involving input/output machines and recursive patterns.

For input/output machines, make sure that you find the difference in the output numbers.  If it is increasing by the same amount each time, this is a clue that the input numbers are being multiplied by the amount that they are increasing by each time (this is because multiplying is a shortcut for repeated addition, i.e. if the output number increases by 4 each time, it means that the input number is being multiplied by 4). 

Input Output Difference Test Test –> Input
1 5   1 x 3 = 3 3 +2 = 5
2 8 +3 2 x 3 = 6 6 + 2 = 8
3 11 +3 3 x 3 = 9 9 + 2 = 11
4 14 +3 4 x 3 = 12 12 +2 = 14
5 17 +3 5 x 3 = 15 15 +2 = 17
6 20 +3 6 x 3 = 18 18 + 2 = 20
    Means
first operation is X3
Multiplying by 3 along won’t make the output numbers The second operation must be +2

So the input/output machine that created this pattern must have the following operations  (x3) and (+2).

One you’ve found what the input numbers are being multiplied by, test your solution.  Multiply the input number by the number the output numbers are increasing by.  Do you get your output number?  If not, consider what you might need to add or subtract in order to get to the output number.

For recursive patterns, the first step is again to find the difference between each of the numbers in the pattern.  Sometimes the difference is increasing by a multiple (ie. First difference is 4, next difference is 12, next difference is 36, next difference is 108).  If you can figure out what this multiple is, that will tell you the first part of the recursive pattern.  In the example below, the change doubles each time, telling us that the recursive pattern involves doubling.  We then need to follow up to figure out how we get each number in the pattern.  In this case, after doubling, add 1 each time.

Recursive pattern:  3, 7, 15, 31, 63, 190

Values Change   Test Test 2
3        
7 +4   3 x 2 =6 6 + 1 = 7
15 +8 4 x 2 = 8 7 x 2 = 14 14 + 1 = 15
31 +16 8 x 2 = 16 15 x2 = 30 30 + 1 = 31
63 +32 16 x 2 = 32 31 x 2 = 62 62 + 1 = 63
127 +64 32 x 2 = 64 63 x 2 = 126 126 + 1 = 127
    This tells us that our recursive pattern involves doubling (or multiplying by 2 each time)   This tells us that after doubling, we must add 1 each time.

During the second math period, we learned about divisibility rules.

  • Today’s Lesson: Chapter 1, Lesson 3 - Patterns in Division (Pages 13-15)
    • Learning Goals:
      • Use patterns to explore divisibility rules
    • Additional Resources:
    • Classwork: Practice Questions 1-7
    • Homework Book: Pages 6-7

Science Tests

Science Tests on Air and Flight need to be signed by the parents and returned to class. 

Out of my Mind

In a world that does not work for her, what seems to cause the biggest frustrations for Melody?

How can you show empathy for the frustration felt by a person in Melody’s shoes?

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Out of my Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Why do you think the author chose the title “Out of my mind” for this book?

Think about a typical day for you. Make a list of the challenges you would face if you couldn’t speak. How would you feel?

500+ High Frequency Words

I’m sure that some of you may have lost your list of high frequency words, so I found a copy of it online.  These are the words that must be spelled correctly in your book report.

500+ High Frequency Words

Monday, October 31, 2011

Math for Monday, October 31, 2011

  1. Today’s Lesson: Chapter 1, Lesson 2 - Number Patterns (Pages 10-12)
  2. Learning Goals:
    • A number pattern may be described recursively. That is, the pattern rule is applied successively to each term, rather than to input numbers.
  3. Classwork: Practice Questions 1 – 6 (3 a,c, 4 a,b, 5 Hand in)
  4. Homework Book: Pages 4-5 (Due on Wednesday!)

A Ghost Story for Halloween

Thad, The Ghost, and Me by Margaret Peterson Haddix is a short story from the Guys Read anthology (ed. Jon Scieszka).  As I read the story, you can use the polling service below to ask questions and make connections to the story.  The questions will appear in (almost) real-time behind me.

What questions are going through your mind about this text and/or what connections can you make (to self/other texts/the world)?

Friday, October 28, 2011

Language for Friday, November 28, 2011

Today we completed an assessment on determining importance related to an article about how watching TV can affect your lifespan.

Then we worked on our spelling assignments and book reports.  Spelling list two and First Nations list 1 are due today!

Math for Friday, October 28, 2011

  1. Today’s Lesson: Chapter 1, Lesson 1 - Input/Output Machines (Pages 6-9)
  2. Learning Goals:
    • A pattern rule can be illustrated with an Input/Output Machine
    • The input and output can be recorded in a table. This table can be used to illustrate two types of pattern rules.
  3. Classwork: Practice Questions 1-7
  4. Homework Book: Pages 2-3

Bell Work–Word Grid

image

  1. Go through the tutorial to understand how the game works.
  2. Play the timed game. 
  3. At the end of 2 rounds (10 minutes) we will check to see who has the high score.

Word Grid

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Book Report Rubrics

Newspaper Book Report Rubric

Interview Book Report Rubric

Math and Language for Thursday, October 27, 2011

In Language, we worked on our book reports by developing the rubric that each group will use. They will be posted online later this evening or tomorrow. Students received a paper copy in class.

In math, yesterday's tests were handed back and we took them up, before starting Unit 1. Luckily (for students), there was not enough time to get fully into the lesson and no new work was assigned today.



Wednesday, October 26, 2011

AMD Mathletics 2011

This may be of interest for some of you  Smile.  You will have to sign up individually.

Click here to read the brochure.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

School Pictures

Proofs are in and were handed out this afternoon.  Packages with order form and payment are due back to the school on or before November 3, 2011.

Reminder: Math Test Tomorrow (Wednesday)

We took the language period today and used it as a math review period (since I only see you once today). 
Tomorrow’s math test will cover:

  • Order of Operations (BEDMAS)
  • Adding and Subtracting 3 and 4 digit numbers
  • Multiplying by 2 digit numbers
  • Dividing by 2 digit numbers
  • Prime numbers (again!)

You will need to be able to do some problem solving using the above skills.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Math Test Review

Mrs. Sheardown left some notes that many students were having difficulty with the Order of Operations and Prime and Composite Numbers.  Please ensure that you review these areas before the math test on Wednesday.

Order of Operations:

Prime and Composite Numbers

Science Test–Air and Flight Tomorrow

Just a reminder of your science test tomorrow.  You will be writing it first thing in the morning during the Language block to allow you up to two periods to finish.  Don’t forget to bring a book for if you finish early.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Language for Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Today in Language we worked on strategies for determining importance as a group and individually.  We then began working on the spelling activities (new colour group lists and First Nation lists) that are due next Friday.  Remember to go to the Teacher Page, then list before trying the activities and practice spelling tests.  You only get one shot at the “real” spelling test.

Math for Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Today we worked on Show What You Know (page 76 and 77) in the text book.  There is no associated work in the homework book BUT many students need to continue practicing basic operations (adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing).  We will continue working on the Show What You Know work tomorrow in preparation for our math text next Wednesday.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Math Tests

The first math test for unit 2 went home today.  You may find that it is scored a little differently.  I have tried to score the students using a rubric that reflects their progress along a continuum instead of just converting a raw score into a percent and into a grade.  I think that this is more accurate, in that it eliminates wild changes in marks because a student do well on a certain section of the test.  It also eliminates un-realistically high marks (i.e. students who get perfect on topics like knowing how to use place value properly may be level 4 students, but aren’t necessarily perfect).  Taken together with marks for questions assigned in class and projects, I believe that they will accurately reflect each child’s progress. 

At the back of the test you will see a rubric with levels in Knowledge and Understanding, Thinking, Application, and Communication.  Each area is scored based on the student’s achievement on the corresponding section of the test and there is an overall level. 

Levels roughly correspond with the following marks.
 
Level Percent Score Letter Grade
4+ 90% and higher A+
4 80 – 89% A
3 70 – 79 % B
2 60 – 69% C
1 50 – 59% D
R Below 50% R

Please ensure that you sign your child’s math test indicating that you have seen it.  If you or your child have any questions about the test, I encourage you to have them ask me directly, because I think that is a good skill for students to develop, and I think I’m open to listening to their concerns and taking the time to explain.  You are also welcome to contact me.

We will have a second math test with and emphasis on Lessons 2.7 through 2.11 (Order of Operations – Division), next Wednesday, October 26.

Math for Monday, October 17, 2011

Tools for practicing long division:

Lessons

Today we did two sets of math questions in class.

  • Today’s Lesson: Chapter 2, Lesson 11 - Dividing by a 2-digit Number (Pages 68-71)
  • Mnemonic – Dracula Must Suck Blood, Daddy, Mommy, Sister, Brother
    • Divide, Multiply, Subtract, Check, Bring Down
  • Learning Goals:
    • Different strategies can be used to divide by a 2-digit number.
    • Multiplication and division are inverse operations.
    • Multiplication can be used to check division.
  • Additional Resources:
  • Classwork: Practice Questions 3, 5, 7, 8, 10
  • Homework Book: Pages 30-31

 

  • Today’s Lesson: Chapter 2, Lesson 12 - Another Method for Dividing (Pages 73-76)
  • Learning Goals:
    • The standard division algorithm is based on place-value concepts.
    • A quotient can be estimated by thinking multiplication.
    • In a division problem involving metric measures, the remainder is reported as a decimal fraction of a unit
  • Classwork: Practice Questions 3, 5 , 7, 9, 11, 13
  • Homework Book: Pages 32-33

All math homework is due on Wednesday!

link

http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/2011/06/changing-climate-alters-fish-behavior/

Language for Monday, October 17, 2011

  1. Bell Work:  Our focus for the next little while will be narrowing the focus of your writing.  This can apply to whole stories or essays as well as paragraphs.  When you complete the examples in class, think of the questions below:
    • ◦Have I chosen a topic that I really like?
    • ◦Do I have something new to say about this topic?
    • ◦Am I writing about what I know and care about?
    • ◦Have I gathered enough information so that I’m ready to write?
  2. Please hand in your Unlikely Diary Keepers projects.  Mark the four dates you would like me to pay attention to by circling/highlighting/starring the date.
  3. DRA – There are 5 students who need to complete the written portion of their DRA.  Please complete this now.
  4. Reading Strategies:  Determining Importance
    • Climate Change
    • You will be placed in groups and each given 3 sticky notes.
    • We will read a non-fiction text about chocolate.
    • You will use the sticky notes to mark the most important ideas about the article.
    • You will discuss your choices in your group.
  5. Time for reading your book or working on your book report.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Language for Friday, October 14, 2011

Today we worked on APE answers and spent some time working on Diary Entries.

Math for Friday, October 14, 2011

Today we practiced 2-digit x 3-digit multiplication and dividing by 2-digit numbers.  You should continue to practice these skills for those times when you don’t have a calculator to help you out.

If you want practice problems and worksheets you can check out the links below:

You can also check out a video and do some practice with long division here.

Language Bell Work–Letter Scramble

Click here to play Letter Scramble

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Language for Thursday, October 13, 2011

Please spend some time working on your diary assignment.  I have extended the due date until Monday, October 16.

Math for Thursday, October 13, 2011

Math homework book:  Page 30 only  (three questions)

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Class Photos Preempted Math

Sorry folks.  No math homework today.  Sad smile

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Math for Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Today’s Lesson: Chapter 2, Lesson 10 - Multiplying Whole Numbers (Pages 64-67)  (Use your YRDSB username/password to log into Moodle)

Learning Goals:

  • Multiplication of whole numbers is based on place-value concepts.
  • Multiplication and division are inverse operations. Division can be used to check multiplication.

Classwork: Practice Questions 1-12  Hand in #11

Homework Book: Pages 28-29

Picture Day Tomorrow

A last reminder that tomorrow (Wednesday) is picture day!

Friday, October 7, 2011

Picture Day–Wednesday, October 12

Just a quick reminder that picture day for our Grade 6 class is this coming Wednesday, October 12!

Tuesday, Oct. 11 will be a Monday Timetable

With our new Monday to Friday timetable, next Tuesday will be an odd day where we follow a Monday timetable.



Thursday, October 6, 2011

Math for Thursday

Today’s Lesson: Chapter 2, Lesson 9 - Adding and Subtracting Whole Numbers (Pages 60-63)

Learning Goals:
Addition and subtraction of whole numbers are based on place-value concepts.
Estimation can be used to check the reasonableness of sums and differences.
Addition and subtraction are inverse operations.
Estimation can be used to check the reasonableness of sums and differences.

Additional Resources:
Subtraction Tutorial: http://goo.gl/5iAHr
Addition and Subtraction Review: http://goo.gl/2DW17

Classwork: Practice Questions 1-10 (Work on these in class. Hand in 7, 9, and

Homework Book - pages 26 & 27



Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Due Date for Unlikely Diary Keepers

Your diary entries for your Unlikely Diary Keeper assignment is due next Friday, October 14, 2011.

I will give you feedback online through Google Docs as you work instead of handing in a rough draft this time.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Reminder! Math Test Tomorrow

Just a friendly reminder that we have a math test tomorrow on lessons 2.1 through 2.7.  Practice tonight!

Study Tools Page

At the top of the blog you will find a link to a new page called Study Tools.  On this page, I will put links to tools and games that can help you with some of the things we may not have time to cover in class or that you might need to review (from previous years).

For example, many students really need to practice their multiplication facts, so I have links to a couple of sites with tonnes of multiplication games.  Also, several parents noted that their child needed more typing practice, so I added links to a few typing lessons and games.  I also put my scores on a couple of typing speed test sites so you have a target to aim for.  Who can be the first student to get a higher speed (in words per minute) than me?

Language for Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Most Embarrassing Moment



  • Final drafts and rubrics were handed back along with feedback today.

    • Overall Feedback for the Class

      • Generally significant improvement between 1st and final draft
      • Don’t write 3 or 4 identical drafts (especially by hand)
      • Read out loud
      • Move big chunks
      • First draft shouldn’t look like final draft (or graphic organizers)
      • Double check words that I circled as spelling errors in a dictionary or online

Unlikely Diary Keepers

  • Handed out rubric


Reading Time

We will go to the library for some silent reading time and/or to choose a book if you haven’t got one.  Please consider a book that you would like to complete a book report on.  The two options for October’s book report are below:
  • Interview a character from your book. Write at least ten questions that will give the character the opportunity to discuss his/her thoughts and feelings about his/her role in the story. However you choose to present your interview is up to you.

  • Create a newspaper for your book. Summarize the plot in one article, cover the weather in another, do a feature story on one of the more interesting characters in another. Include an editorial and a collection of ads that would be pertinent to the story.

For today (and as homework), please write a response to the questions below on your blog or on paper.

  • What book are you thinking of doing a book report on?  (It can/should be one that you have already begun so that you have time to finish it and work on the report)
  • Why did you choose this book to read?  (Minimum 3 sentence answer!)
  • At this point, what is the book about?
  • Why do you think this book is a good choice for a book report?