Today was the one, the only, PICTURE DAY !!!
All the kids dressed fabulously nice. Even though it took 1 hour, we got it done. It took 1 hour because it was so busy, but mostly because the power kept failing. All the classes had to do it on the same day. Man it was tough!! Gosh we got really tired, but luckily, we had to do no work when we got back, since it was so close to lunch! We are sure we will all look wonderful when we get our pictures!
by Student bloggers
Wednesday 19 October 2011
Monday 17 October 2011
September and October curriculum
During the month of September, we spent a lot of time getting to know one another, establishing routines, and doing some testing to determine students' strengths and needs.
In Language, we have been discussing narratives (ask your child what this means), doing the CASI assessment (students will be writing down their scores in their agendas, but I keep their tests on file), adding words to their vocabulary, learning about adverbs, participating in guided reading groups with me, and beginning our Writer's Notebooks programme. Coming up: novel study, book talks, editing, biography.
For Math, we focussed on reading, writing, representing, and ordering big numbers, addition and subtraction of large numbers, 2-digit by 2-digit multiplication, and long division. Students have recently completed a test, and should be receiving these back this week to be brought home and signed. Coming up: patterning and graphing.
During Social Studies, we looked at the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, responsibilities, voting and elections, and we had our own mock election after studying some of the issues and what local politicians had to say. We even wrote songs/chants/cheers about the politicians. Coming up: citizenship, levels of government.
In French, we completed a unit on sports, and students did writing and presentations to express their like or dislike of certain sports. We studied the verb "aimer" (to like), and put sentences together both orally and in writing. Next, our Queen's teacher candidate is teaching a unit on clothing.
In Visual Arts, we have been having fun with lines. Ask your child about our Bugs on Rugs, and our Bedhead art. Next: colour.
It's been a busy time!
In Language, we have been discussing narratives (ask your child what this means), doing the CASI assessment (students will be writing down their scores in their agendas, but I keep their tests on file), adding words to their vocabulary, learning about adverbs, participating in guided reading groups with me, and beginning our Writer's Notebooks programme. Coming up: novel study, book talks, editing, biography.
For Math, we focussed on reading, writing, representing, and ordering big numbers, addition and subtraction of large numbers, 2-digit by 2-digit multiplication, and long division. Students have recently completed a test, and should be receiving these back this week to be brought home and signed. Coming up: patterning and graphing.
During Social Studies, we looked at the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, responsibilities, voting and elections, and we had our own mock election after studying some of the issues and what local politicians had to say. We even wrote songs/chants/cheers about the politicians. Coming up: citizenship, levels of government.
In French, we completed a unit on sports, and students did writing and presentations to express their like or dislike of certain sports. We studied the verb "aimer" (to like), and put sentences together both orally and in writing. Next, our Queen's teacher candidate is teaching a unit on clothing.
In Visual Arts, we have been having fun with lines. Ask your child about our Bugs on Rugs, and our Bedhead art. Next: colour.
It's been a busy time!
Reading
Students should be reading at home for at lease 30 minutes a night. Right now, I have asked the students to be reading a novel (chapter book) that is an appropriate level for them. This novel should be finished by October 31. During that week, we will be doing book talks where they will be sharing their book with classmates by discussing setting, characters, problems, solutions, and giving a recommendation.
Happy Reading!
Ms. B
Happy Reading!
Ms. B
Writer's Notebooks
Hey Parents!
You should have noticed that your children are bringing home hard-covered notebooks that we call "Writer's Notebooks". This year students are becoming "real" writers, and keeping their thoughts, ideas, and drafts in a writer's notebooks. This is an integral part of their homework. They should be writing at least 3 different entries in their notebooks during the week, and handing it in on a specific day (the day is written on the inside cover of their book).
Sometimes I give them a topic, but sometimes they must write independently. They can share their writing with you, but PLEASE do not help them, change their work, or edit their work. These are all things we will do in class, as part of the programme.
There are two sections in the book: an "I" section where they do writing about themselves, and the other section where they would write about the outside world. They have created a web in each section to help them in choosing topics about which to write.
The most important aspect of this programme is for them to read the feedback I give them when I read their writing each week. I tell them what they are doing well, what they need to improve and how they can do that, and perhaps I will suggest topics for them.
Students who follow the programme properly (writing 3 times a week, handing in their book, using teacher feedback), improve their writing significantly over the course of the year.
Happy Writing!
Ms. B
You should have noticed that your children are bringing home hard-covered notebooks that we call "Writer's Notebooks". This year students are becoming "real" writers, and keeping their thoughts, ideas, and drafts in a writer's notebooks. This is an integral part of their homework. They should be writing at least 3 different entries in their notebooks during the week, and handing it in on a specific day (the day is written on the inside cover of their book).
Sometimes I give them a topic, but sometimes they must write independently. They can share their writing with you, but PLEASE do not help them, change their work, or edit their work. These are all things we will do in class, as part of the programme.
There are two sections in the book: an "I" section where they do writing about themselves, and the other section where they would write about the outside world. They have created a web in each section to help them in choosing topics about which to write.
The most important aspect of this programme is for them to read the feedback I give them when I read their writing each week. I tell them what they are doing well, what they need to improve and how they can do that, and perhaps I will suggest topics for them.
Students who follow the programme properly (writing 3 times a week, handing in their book, using teacher feedback), improve their writing significantly over the course of the year.
Happy Writing!
Ms. B
Friday 14 October 2011
Science Centre
The Science Centre: it was an amazing feild trip, except for the part where we had to walk there and back, plus the hour- long speech. It could have taken one person to say it was fire prevention week kickoff. But all in all it was a fun trip. We got to look at all different exhibits. Then we got free pizza and apple juice.We couldn't get seconds, although one class got seconds. Man they were lucky! We got these slappy bands and fire hats. We kept snapping the bands, until our teacher went berserk.
Thursday 13 October 2011
Voting in our class
Voting, you would think it's only for adults, but boy you would be wrong. Kids can vote too. Voting is everywhere: people vote for work, roles in movies etc. Our class had our own election. We were voting for some of the real candidates like Kathleen Wynne, Ahmed Khalid , and Andrea Mandel-Campbell. The winner was Kathleen Wynne by a huge lanslide, both in our class and in the real provinicial election.
Friday 7 October 2011
Sep. gone Oct. comes
In September, on the first day of school, we played the Name Game so we would get to know each other well. Everybody was pretty nervous. Everyone thought that this is probably the day I should've stayed home instead of going to school. But by the end of the week, we all were familiar with each other and no longer nervous. That is if all the girls and the boys separated from each other.
Oct. I have one word to say about the Science Centre.Wow!
Student written post
Oct. I have one word to say about the Science Centre.Wow!
Student written post
Monday 3 October 2011
Welcome!
Hi students and parents from Portable 13.
This blog has been set up so we can tell others about what's happening in our classroom. Every few days, students will get a chance to practise their writing skills by posting on our blog.
We will tell you about upcoming events, assignments, homework, and what exciting activities we have been doing in class. Join the journey that is Grade 5.
This blog has been set up so we can tell others about what's happening in our classroom. Every few days, students will get a chance to practise their writing skills by posting on our blog.
We will tell you about upcoming events, assignments, homework, and what exciting activities we have been doing in class. Join the journey that is Grade 5.
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