Wednesday Oct 5th

Happy World Teacher's Day Oct 5th!

Some days are for the birds and I want to fly south to Florida with them !!
It was one of those days that are nose to the grindstone the whole day- thank goodness not every day is so taxing!!

Homework & Reminders
FYI One important reminder that we took time for today was to explain why we expect planners to be used - and why I go over the expected work at the end of each day (on the board, on the Blog and verbally)! It is an on-going battle with this age group!
Spelling Test #2 tomorrow morning and redo for anyone who wants to improve Test #1
Novel Chapter 5 work which was started in class Tuesday- complete
Math 7 there will be a redo of the Rounding quiz tomorrow and review of the assignments from pp.57-58 in text Mathlinks 7 (multiplying by multiple of 10 worksheet?)
Math 6 complete any incomplete t-charts
French Posters - don't forget the French weather phrases, I have had to hand a few back for completion
Reminders
popcorn $1 this Friday
Spirit Day Next Friday Twins day Oct 14th
forms for volunteers for carnival (Oct 20th) will be sent home tomorrow as will information about Oct 20th picture day
Be kind to Mrs. Johnston day tomorrow Thursday Oct 6th (kidding- kind of...)lol

General Day
Spelling study- a how to (and a nag about how a little bit of study will make a big difference especially for those who struggle) with spelling. Adaptations can be made (like concentrate on a certain number of the words say 6 or 7of the words instead of 12 or a separate list of basic spelling demons) but I'd like to see how everyone fares for the first couple of lists.

Novel - time was provided for Chapter 5 assignment and I read chapter 6 which was short- we discussed the concept of an activity called Reader Response which asks the students to react personally to a novel's plot and characters rather than answer a raft of boring questions every chapter! We will follow that up with a handout and time to start it Thursday.

Band

Math 7 text work- multiplying decimals and multiplying by multiples of ten
It is a difficult concept for some students to see the pattern for multiplying decimals
For whole numbers, the decimal point moves to the right the same number of places as zeros 10,100,1000
For decimal numbers, the decimal point moves to the left the same number of places after the decimal point
0.1, 0.01, 0.01
Students started a worksheet in class which I asked them to make an effort to complete but I have also asked that those who want a redo STUDY the work from last week- so I'll be happy if something is done for math!!! :)

Silent Reading- record info. sheet was distributed today- I ask the students to record their reading and track how much fiction versus non-fiction they are reading.

Physical Education follow up to the activity yesterday and looked at Phys. Ed rubrics and Learning Outcomes. I word-processed the students input and we are well on our way to streamlining Phys.Ed. classes and expectations. Still need to ensure a fair split up of both boys and girls and grade 6 and grade 7 so we are not inadvertently (or on purpose!!) creating power house teams!!
Gym time Volleyball skills - good session - today I looked at understanding of positioning on court and the concept of height of volleys OVER the 'virtual' net (no net yet!!)
Students seemed to enjoy it and behaviour is definitely improving.

Back in class we took the time to discuss (actually it wasn't a discussion!! It was me 'nagging' them about homework and responsibility to provide moms and dads with information about the work they are doing or completing for class/homework.)
 I told them that I tell parents on the Blog to ask them about their work so they had better be able to show or have some of the work that's posted on the Blog at home OR write in their planner that the work was completed in class.
If it is not- take it home !!! Be proud of it and show parents what you're doing- they love to see what you are working on.
We did planners, prep for end of day and dismissal and then I realized that I had forgotten to distribute some info. for home- tomorrow's another day!
Have a nice evening,
Mrs. J.
Yes, my team won our first curling game but not because we were fabulous- we just capitalized on some errors of play. It felt weird to be back on the ice.