Tuesday Oct 13th, 2009

The weather is changing and today was the first day students complained of the cold especially at recess and lunch break outside!! Word to the wise- dress for the weather- I asked my students not to think about being so 'cool' that they freeze!!

Today was like a speeding train!! It was over before we really got ourselves started!!

I had invited a couple of former students who are very talented graphic artists using the manga style of drawing to come and give some proportion instruction during art today. I learned a great deal about proper body alignment and everyone (well, most everyone!) tried the step by step instruction and made some good progress. Their lesson went pretty much to the end of the day so I confess to not having a proper time to complete planners. I'll make it up tomorrow!

Homework
Overdue assignments: still waiting for a number of students to complete them (see last blog post). Just a reminder that they will now be encouraged to concentrate on current assignments and accept no assessment for those that are over three weeks overdue. Can't wait any longer- have to move on.
New work (not new for those who did it this weekend)
Reader's Response #4 just a rough copy would be acceptable as time to do a good copy will be given in class.
Read novel chapters 22-26 for Thursday
Spelling test #4 test will be Friday (due to the Monday holiday)

Reminders to send in T-shirt orders, photograph packages (Oct 22nd), carnival volunteer sheets and any payments that are still outstanding.

In general

• students are managing well on the spelling tests (improvement is noted)
• the writing on the reader's responses has been generally good quality
• organizationally we need to spend some time getting papers and desks sorted out and look at a new seating group plan
• students are enjoying P.Ed. with Mr. Parker :)
• Family groups session #2 went well- very smoothly and we are getting to know one another better
• we are switching the novel assignment to a comprehension based group activity which I have challenged the students to as a group (not individual although there will be individual assessment too) for the next set of chapters 21-26
• by November 16th I have to have the Term 1 reports written - I have let the students know and will be sharing the Term 1 learning outcome statements with them next week so they are aware of the assessment criteria for all curricular areas for Term 1

See everyone tomorrow.

Mrs. J.