June 1st already!

Well, that was the first day of June- gone in 60 seconds!!

Just finished with a staff meeting and heading home for the BIG game (Go Canucks) Of course, we've had some 'taunters' this week coming to class with their Boston jerseys on trying to get a rise. There's always a few in every crowd :)
May the best team win !

Homework
actually nothing new
I would really like the students to take home the fractions booklets to practise adding BUT I know that it is a pipe-dream tonight!!
Reminder
We need to confirm camp numbers with Evans lake tomorrow morning so to my four holdouts Samantha, Lexie, Lucas and Saleena- bring in the permission forms tomorrow- thank to the remaining 22 who managed to do the reponsible thing and get the forms and payment in today- merci

General Day
Language Arts-we had a number of started activities that needed time for completion
1. The story grammar identification worksheet for the story, On the Sidewalk Bleeding
2. The poem Dumb and Dumber and
3. the Bio-Poem started the other afternoon (information about them personally presented in a poem type format)
For those who were up to date and completed the activities during the 'catch-up' time, I introduced (read to the class one of my favourite poems by Canadian poet Alden Nowlan. It is a very simple poem called Greatness. It uses a format to introduce three very simple images and it leaves a powerful 'vision' of the scene he creates.
I would be the greatest poet the world has ever known
if only I could make you see
here on the page
sunlight
a sparrow
three kernels of popcorn
spilled on the snow         Alden Nowlan

We used this as a format to create our own "greatness" poems- I had some from former students that I was able to share and to provide some inspiration....here's a student version (former- as I haven't asked permission to post anyone's poem yet)

I would be the greatest poet the world has ever known
 if only I could make you see
here in this wood
a family sitting by a roaring campfire
roasting marshmallows
to the hoot of an unseen owl              Grade 7 student 2009

The images are so simple and yet so powerful. Don't you agree? I am looking forward to posting a few more when I ask permission from my students.

Before snack we organized for math so we could get a quicker start before computer time...

Mrs. Paxton visited to encourage the sevens to really create a fun and successful sports day for the younger students without any 'egos' getting in the way. The students responded positively :) They seem excited.

Math more practice with adding fractions with like and unlike denominators- needed for fractions: multiplication and division skills (mastery would be nice) I have suggested that this summer the students should try to set aside some time for working on basic skills and mental math- I'd like to think they would because they know it would be helpful but I am a realist and I know that for the most part it won't happen.
I know more paractice will improve their ability to solve the fraction examples thay have BUT what do I do with those that have decided it is too difficult and therefore won't even try? When they become a management issue it is difficult to sustain a positive learning atmosphere in class.
Did a half hour of math today- need to re-think the learning/istruction arrangement and try the learning 'pods' that I mentioned yesterday- they say that students learn more efficiently from peer teaching but that's only if there are peers who feel confident enough to take it on (I do have a handful). More later

Computer time- travelogue (Greek Trip) I have individually spoken to all students who have not submitted any work for this socials activity (so they know and I know!) We worked today on completing Day 6 and starting Day 7. One travel day left- the activity is due on Friday.

It is funny-weird the kind of reception you get from this age level of student when you tell them something they don't want to hear (everything from eye-rolling to nasty names!!). I do my best to remain even-keeled about their reactions knowing that they are putting up a good defence but I have to say that I truly understand why some parents just don't go there although in the big picture it doesn't really help their children who think the rules are for everybody else!

DEAR time- winner of the May draw is Tamara- congratulations- chose a free pick from the June Scholastic flyer :)
FYI only half of the class kept a complete record of their reading although all were expected to!!
I will not be expecting a June reading record.

Socials to complete Day 7 slides and information about the ancient site of King Agamennon at Mycenae. Then straight to the computer lab (2nd time today) to provide more time for the assignment (travelogue)and to encourage immediate recall of facts for the day.
Most students worked dilligently- there are always a few that either push the boundaries and waste their time- what do I do? I pick my battles! It is said that, " Discretion is the greater part of valour" (Thanks William Shakespeare)

Phys. Ed. to finish the day. A rousing game of European Handball. I had the whistle but there seemed to be 10 referees and once they were all said and done with their opinions (10 minutes total - 5 each shift!!), we actually got 20 minutes play time!!!
It is a bit late in the year for them to 'get it'--- I'd better warn the junior high although I think with separate gender phys. Ed. it might ber much more manageable!! Who knows. LOL

3pm Dismissal
Enjoy the hockey game if you are watching :)
Until Thursday

Mrs. J.