I always feel nervous on report card day- so much work has gone into creating and preparing them and it is one of those situations where you're hanged if you do and you're hanged if you don't make an effort to tell the truth about student progress and achievement as you see it. It is one part of the job that is essential but not always pleasant. When one of the students left class tonight and said "Thank-you", I was blown away in a pleasant way :) "Thank-you" students for all your work.
No homework tonight!
I did find out that I need to be more consistent with teaching study skills. Approximately 10 did well on the algebra quiz and the other 19 need more practice AND need to take the study part of studying much more seriously. An idea I have is to send two equations home a night and cover them the following day so I can see who is and is not following through.
The whole homework question is in debate right now nationally. I have heard a couple of schools and school districts in Ontario are 'banning' homework. Proponents say at the elementary level it is pointless busy work and that students often do homework incorrectly. On the other hand some who favour some homework say that it gives the students a chance to practice skills they learn in the classroom and sets routine for their high school career. Interesting. It was on the Roundup on CBC yesterday and there were some passionate calls for both sides of the debate.
I think I'll ask the students what they think- I hear a debate coming on!!!
General Day
Study for spelling Unit 9 (first unit of Term 2)
SRA reading kit cards started today
Group seating is set until Christmas break now :) I went with a teacher/students request in the end!!
Music with Mrs. McPhee (am)
Math test Algebra writing and solving equations (or a mathcross for studnts who wrote it Friday)
DEAR time - independent reading
Personal Planning- organization desks, binders and bins- much needed clear out of Term 1 assignments to start afresh for Term 2 (this was more complicated than it sounds and we haven't quite finished!!) Discussed teaching study skills more formally.
Computers 20 minutes free time
Report cards were issued tonight for sharing at home
Reminders
2pm dimissal Wednesday and Thursday Nov. 25th and 26th for Parent-Teacher interviews. Please make an appointment at the office for either of these evenings. Thanks.
See you Tuesday :)
Mrs. J.
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