Hi all- it seems like an age since I last posted.
I thought about it over the long weekend but it didn't amount to more than a thought.
I'd like to back up to our Pro-D day on Friday (May 21st). Barbara Mathieson presented a workshop which I wish all my parents were there to hear because it was both parent and teacher oriented in its message. Her presentation was called What's the Rush? and it was essentially about how we (parents and teachers) are rushing children along the way to 'growing up' and how the media feeds us and children as a growing (forgive the pun) market to be exploited. How the media and marketers instill fear in us parents is also a mind blower. Her message about increasing the amount of unstructured free play time for children was timely,
very worthwhile and interesting (if not a little scary).
Barbara recommended a set of short videos on You Tube called Consuming Kids. The seven parts are cut into 7 x 10 minute videos which are cleverly cut to encourage watchers to continue into the next section (like a good novel, it leaves a cliffhanger!)
I had the opportunity to watch them this weekend and found the information both disturbing and eye-opening. I recommend the series the next time you have 10 minutes to browse on the Internet and will guarantee you that you will not be able to stop at one (:)) Is that good advertising or what???
We have a new computer program called Insight in our lab now thanks to the PAC endorsement. It allows teachers to monitor and control what the students are doing both on the Internet and when whole class computer-based lessons are scheduled. The students are so much more computer savvy than we are and always manage to find ways to tinker around on the computer while they are supposed to be engrossed in an activity!! I am looking forward to using it to enhance our learning experience in the computer lab.
Today was one of those strange first days back after a holiday- there was a vibe in my class that was like a pot of soup bubbling but not yet boiling over!! Some students complained of headaches and one went home feeling ill. Perhaps it's the weather!! Another short week and lots to do...
Homework
read the class novel, Milkweed
complete the questions for Raoul Wallenberg (assigned last Monday)
if absent on Thursday last week - study for the math unit review (geometry)
posters for French ( a la table and aime faire)
reminder that the mythology performances and written stories are due this week
General Day
I shared results from the math review test assessed this weekend and discussed the implications of nearly half of the class doing well and the other half needing to redo it- is it the teaching? Yes. Is it the studying (or lack thereof)? Yes. Is it the fact that some students aren't completing the practice provided? Yes. So, what to do in the coming six weeks left? Interesting discussion.
We completed the 'H' words for the Vocab-U-Lous activity that we have been working on as a group effort. Good job was done by all this morning. Great to see them using a dictionary (the Oxford) and figuring out the context of the sentences.
Last week we started but did not complete a Science worksheet on density and volume- time was provided to get this done this morning before an early snack
Family groups next- we split the group and the boys played as a group of six together- a couple of them learning for the first time how to play a card game. The girls and I split into a couple of groups so we could teach 'go fish', 'crazy 8's' and 'snap'. Patience- I need more patience.
back to the science work- we read the next (and last) section of chapter 4 on physical and chemical changes in matter before continuing the written work.
Lunch (track and field- running events)
Physical Education with Mr. Parker
DEAR time - took a while to get everyone settled but it is quiet time much needed for brains to function and reading to happen. Promoting the novel for students who haven't completed it and getting some resistance!!!!
We took a class vote after examining a list of all the curricular activities and assignments that are underway. The students chose to take some art time in the half hour that was left so they worked a bit more on their posters for French and the creative 'dream houses' that we started last week.
after dismissal there was a bike meet (reminder about the race tomorrow)
Other reminders:
Hoodies $25
Track and Field permission slips- Thursday is the Meet in Whistler
Science Olympics this Friday
Phew, busy, busy, busy
Have a good evening
Mrs. J.
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