We are beginning to get busier- now comes the true test for students (and teacher!!) to keep up to speed with the comings and goings, the to-ings and fro-ings of life and assignments.
I have provided several avenues for students who need assistance with getting themselves organized.
I have explained my expectations which are posted in the room for visual reminder. I have a 'mail centre' hanging file which has a pocket for every student- any missed work
or lost items are 'posted' directly to them.
Another method I have established is if a student has been absent, a form called "Sorry you were away today..." is filled out so that students can get caught up with missed work and see what was missed on a given day at school. Often there are things that are very difficult to 'make up' in the traditional sense. The forms are kept together in a binder at the front of the class and are available to all students.
There is a class Blog- you are reading it now!! :) and the planner is filled out in class every day. I expect students to have it with them and to use it as expected. I have been doing spot checks but as you can imagine it is difficult to keep up with 29 different students so if you are concerned about what your child is or is not doing do not hesitate to call, e-mail or even comment in this Blog. Thanks.
Today I distributed a plastic homework folder for the students to put their homework sheets into so they do not get crushed and 'lost' in their packs. I would like to encourage them to use the folder on a daily basis which means bring it EVERY day with their planners.
On a daily basis, the last 10 minutes of class are spent ensuring that students know what is expected and is meant to be a time when they gather the things they need to complete any work or incomplete assignments. I find that some students have a difficult time focussing on the routine at the end of the day and as a result leave important items behind. We will be working on personal responsibility and once routine is established, I expect to have to remind them less about the homework expectations. When they finally leave our nest and fly to high school, no-one is going to hover over them with daily reminders so this is the year to get it together.
Today we completed the computation section of the CAT tests. We are getting very close to being finished with them :) They do take up a chunk of time but the results are helpful and worth the time invested. There approx. 2 more tests to do in the booklet. We may complete them tomorrow but I am very conscious of not overloading the test taking during the day. So the last one may be Monday next week- it depends on how tomorrow shapes up time-wise.
I introduced the concept of writing a Reader's Response to our novel. Today we discussed the novel plot so far and the students were asked to take the information booklet about hte Response assignment home tonight and look over it so they familiarize themself with what is expected tomorrow for writing their response to the first five chapters tomorrow in class.
I have requested that they read to the end of chapter 5- some students are already there others will have to complete the reading tonight. A reading response is their opinion and 'response' to the story, it is not a summary. I understand it will take a bit of time to adjust but the more we do the easier it will become.
Music this morning and Phys. Ed. this afternoon seemed to be enjoyable. The French title pages were checked (just a few still to be completed) and the CD covers have been very creative- both these assignments are expected to be completed tomorrow if not yet submitted.
Approx. 20 minutes at the end of the day was dedicated to some art. There are some very talented artists in this class. I introduced the idea of working on a Manga art project and the building of a portfolio. This needs a bit more time to develop but many students were enthusiastic about it. :) Manga art is the form used in Japanese anime which seems to be popular among the students.
Homework
Read novel to end chapter 5
familiarize youself (review) with Reader's Response
French title page and CD covers (last day tomorrow)
Milk Program form sent home.
That's all for now folks- Friday tomorrow... yeah...
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