Thursday November 5th, 2009

I told the students about our customs in Scotland around Guy Fawkes Day (Remember, Remember, the fifth of November) I think they thought it was pretty cool that the children made 'guys' and dress them up then run the 'guy' around town in a wheelbarrow to get money for their efforts before pitching the 'guys' into the local bonfire to burn. In Scotland, Guy Fawkes Day is bigger than Halloween and on the evening of Nov. 5th many community bonfires and fireworks displays are well attended events.

I asked the students today and we had an interesting discussion about what we love most about this time of year. Their answers- getting wet and muddy (quadding, mountain bike riding, off roading in the rain!!), the fact that it is building 'excitement' to Christmas- many said 'it's nearly winter' (10), the colours of the trees and leaves, getting more sleep, keeping 'cosy' and bundling up all made the list. It was interesting to share although the process of actually listening to others without interrupting or making comments is a skill we need to work on as a community.

Homework
see previous posts as the assignments due are the same
socials- about eight students still have the socials paragraph(s) to hand in
French the Haunted Houses are now overdue
science - most booklets, How Rocks Are Made, are in and tomorrow is the chapter 7 review test (open book)
novel assignments are all due for the independent project this coming Monday Nov. 9th

Reminders
if you have been away ill, their is an extension of time- ask me
School Newsletters and date magnets went home today
Photographs will be distributed tomorrow

General Day

• Started with Unit 7 spelling test and a chapter of our read aloud novel
• discussed our favourite things about Fall
• music with Mrs McPhee
• Pre-algebra introduction to the vocabulary and method of solving algebraic equations in math today- it is interesting how many students have a difficult time attending to instruction!!
• Phys.Ed. with Mr.Parker pm (volleyball)
• DEAR / novel activity time
• Art Landscapes and some are preparing Remembrance Day posters for competition.
• Boys had a home volleyball game tonight against the Brackendale team and won all three games- congratulations to them :)

I am excited that my classroom order of boks has arrived as I have purchased lots of new reads both fiction and non-fiction to fill out our classroom library. It is like early Christmas.

Have a warm and toasty evening. See everyone tomorrow.

Mrs. J.