Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

Challenging day today for many reasons!!

Having issues with approximately half of the class not being responsible for completing and returning homework! I know Christmas is upon us but I am not letting up until the end of next week... perhaps!
I also had a bit of a rant today about the constant eating in class. I find it especially distracting when students are eating their lunches at 9:05am!
A third (hope that's it over now... 3's a charm) issue is the amount of physicality among the students. We discussed all of these issues after I had had a chance to vent and most of the students are in agreement that things need to change (which is good :) It is not any use if I just whine and the students don't understand the problem. I'll keep you posted.

FYI a new female student is arriving tomorrow and will be welcomed into our class. That makes 30 students.

Homework
Spelling test tomorrow Unit 11 (redo Unit 10)
overdue- there are 14 students who did not do last night's math homework
the Mathcross #11 Due Monday is also overdue

Reminders
still have to get 3 goal sheets, 3 report card confirmations, Quadra Island forms, library books (5) items for Christmas Community Care (51 items to go) and $1 for the gift for Cassandra G.

General Day
I tried math this morning right after my morning vent and it went well once we settled into it. Students are finding the plotting of point on the Cartesian coordinate plane easier as we have more practice. Most are mastering the concept and I was happy today to see students helping one another. I think I will be trying that again and maybe make math twice a week in the morning. Mrs. Kubin helped generally in class with individual assistance.

Next we did a journal writing assignment in which the students had to give a 'virtual' $1000 to charity- we discussed what kind of local and provincial programs were in need of financial assistance. Great discussion- although some did start to get a little silly for entertainment. I asked the students to write about where and why they would spend the money. Then they were given $1000 virtual dollars to spend on themselves- if any parents out there want Christmas ideas just contact me and I'll share the entry. LOL

I distributed and started the first chapter of a new novel today called, Dragon Keeper, which is set in ancient China.

DEAR time was next- many had difficulty settling today! Took 10 minutes to study spelling. I get frustrated when time is given for study and students do not use it wisely.

Science Chapter 8.1 rock weathering and the various and growing methods of pollution- we completed and marked the work booklet together.

Art- started a project called hearth and home- poster which depicts a scene inside a house of comfort and coziness which can have a Christmas theme but not necessarily.
Dismissal after planners and homework organization.

Cassandra visited near the end of the day which caused some excitement. The students who went to the math arcade seemed to enjoy themselves. will see everyone Thursday.
Mrs J.