Monday September 21st

Busy and hot Monday today but once again a productive and interesting day.
word of the week: patience

This morning before the stduents arrived I set up the groups of students so we could try a new seating plan. I took home student requests this weekend and set about trying to give all students at least one 'friend' request in their group. It proved to be a particularly difficult task but 75% of the students are seated with at least one request. Of course I had to take into account parent requests and my own needs for teaching so all in all I would say that no one seemed to be devastated by the groupings (5 groups of 5 and one group of 4) and we had a pretty decent day in our new 'homes'.

We began today with a review of the spelling list for this Thurday's spelling test- a puzzle for the words will be introduced tomorrow. Unit 1 spelling test is on Thursday 24th and is 15 words form the list. The students were issued another spelling list to keep in class and were encouraged to keep the other at home.

After I collected the first reader's response (homework assignment), I read Chapter 6 of the novel and have asked the students to read chapters 7-10 for this Thursday for a second response which they will start in class and complete over the weekend (three days this week).
I was rather disappointed when I only received half of the expected work today but thanked the students who have done a great job both completing it and getting it in on time. The other students will have until tomorrow to do it and then I am afraid we will be moving on!!
One thing that needs to be practised this year is to make every effort to meet deadlines- I promise NOT to overload the work.
I have 'challenged' the students with a reward- the first Monday to Thursday that every student brings in his or her homework, I will buy the class a pizza lunch on the Friday!!!!
I'll let you know.

In French today we listened to a song which helps with the proper phonetic sounds of the l'alphabet francais. The students have a booklet to complete- most did it in class.
Music with Mrs. McPhee was next from 10:45-11:30am. That gave me a chance to catch up with what I call my WANTED poster of missing items and assignments. If a student has something owing it will be a visual reminder in class.

We completed the textbook scavenger hunt and started into some basic review of decimals and whole number activities using magic squares and similar puzzles.

We shared blueberries during lunch from the fresh fruit and vegetable program. Luckily not too many landed on the floor!! They like to roll- the blueberries I mean!!

After lunch we completed (YEAH) the final section of the CAT tests - the Math concept section which completes the tests for this year. I still have some students who have sections to complete but the majority are now finished.

After math we needed an 'energizer'- a brain break- it was difficult for some students to focus on a group activity- a juggling game with koosh balls but we managed and we learned that even though it is a work break we still needed cooperation, listening, teamwork and basic safety rules!!
I find the group very chatty - we need to work on more effective transitions and getting to the activities a bit faster without all the drama.

We finished the day with a quick look at continental land mass and will complete the maps and assignment tomorrow.

Getting planners ready to record homework took a while as not everyone was on the same schedule- again an area we need to improve

Homework and Reminders
14 students need to complete their reader's response #1
Read novel chapters 7-10 for Thursday
Thursday Spelling Test Unit 1
Assignments now overdue: CD covers (art) French title pages, bringing reading material for silent reading
Milk program is due if you are interested $20
Other payments which are ongoing: $10 for planners, $25 for Camp Summit
Meet the Teachers Potluck in the school gym Thurday 24th
District Pro-D day Friday - school is not in session Friday.