Monday, January 16th

Sorry- I was playing with the new technology (loading software) and visiting (my dad came by to say hello and I was able to give him a brief ('cos that's all I know so far) 'tour' of the new digital overhead)- my father went to school in Scotland in the 1930's so as you can imagine how it's all very new and amazing to him. I'm amazed enough!

Welcome back to TJ. It was good to have him back in class. His friends were 'TJ deprived' and enjoyed time to chat with him.

Homework /stuff for Home (some habits die hard!)
I received 5 complete socials projects today (Thank-you)
For those still piecing their projects together (some needed to print and organize today) I have extended the 'delivery' until Wednesday morning SO main focus tonight is getting it completed and organized for 'delivery'
[I nearly wrote deliverance! but that would be the assessment lol]

Reminders- busy week
hot lunch forms home tomorrow (I forgot tonight!)
socials project due
spelling test list 5 words for Thursday morning
Honour Band Thursday lunch
6th annual spelling bee Thursday 1pm Canspell
Friday Crazy Hair Day and a 1pm performance in the gym from Buzz Brass - a history of music
IEP meetings will also be taking place on Friday- envelopes and invitations to those meetings have been sent home with the students in question

General Day
didn't do daily French as we were messing around with the overhead!!

Spelling analysis of the week's list 5 words and what makes them spelling 'demons'
return List 4 words - class average improved from 9/15 last week to 12/15 this week. Good job, everyone- you met the challenge.

Writing/ language
returned the 'Unified' paragraph activity and started writing out the paragraph we started (discussed) on Thursday last week (about Toronto)

Band

Math 7
We used the majority of class to go over the 4 point problem solve sample. It was a chart kind of question that needed to keep track of 'free' CD purchases. The question asked for the best combinations to take advantage of a  Buy 2 get 1 free offer spending $40. In a question like that the  solver needs to keep track of combinations of the spending of $40 and the number of free Cds.
The CD's were priced at either $5, $10 or $20 so creating a chart that begins with 8x $5 Cd's would provide the buyer with 4 free (good deal!). Using a pattern of 'diminishing returns' there are nine different combinations that allow the buyer to receive anywhere from 1 free to 4 free Cd's.
For a few it was all too much!! One of the frustrating things about teaching this age group (or any) is keeping them 'caring' about the method and the outcome or answer. I know there were a couple of students who really didn't make any effort to even pretend to try (care) and I wonder if a similar question was to be introduced to them if they would retain any of the solving method!! Sometimes it is not the answer that is the most important thing but the 'getting there' or the 'how to'.
I have asked students to complete the last page of the subtracting integers booklet and those who either had it completed or managed today, have some 'Extra Practice'.
There will be a review test on adding and subtracting integers either Wed or Thurs this week (students have to decide!) I'll let you know when I do :)
We were able to use our digital overhead to bring up some numeracy sample of the white board. It is very neat to be able to do this in the classroom and not wait for a computer session :) Love it.

Shortened Silent Reading today due to the classroom version of the Canspell Spelling Bee

Spelling Bee
10 students participated in our class Bee: Congratulations to students who had the confidence and skills to take part: Brody, Jack, Roshni, Nic, Teresa, Harjot, Manpreet, George, Keanan and Gurpreet :)

Our top three going through to the Thursday afternoon Spelling Bee are Nic, Harjot and Teresa congratulations. The class winner today was Nic who gets bragging rights as the Grand Master Speller for our Division. Good luck to all three on Thursday. STUDY

Computers: Well, I said no more time for socials but some students needed the computers to print and get their work organized- how can I refuse?
So at our computer session today, students completed socials, science power points and familiarized themselves with the animation program recently acquired in the lab 'Sticky'.

Back in class I read the continuation of one of the longest chapters in our class novel, Word Nerd.
Ambrose has found a way to participate in the Scrabble Tournament with Cosmo and Amanda because his mother is preoccupied with a cooking class (a kind of date). However, his mom has not given her permission and Ambrose forged her signature on the permission. Stay tuned for the unravelling of this drama!
The students are already predicting the trouble that might be coming!

Clean up, homework review, prep for Dismissal.
Have a warm evening.
Mrs. J.