Friday May 4th

Good news, the spelling test challenge issued to my students earlier this week has resulted in an improvement from an average of 68% (C+)  in Unit 4 to this week's Unit 5 average 79% (B). 5 students re-wrote the Unit 4 test and all improved their original grades. What's not to like?
I had to grade the spelling papers last night as I too was very curious to see what they are capable of when they are 'rallied'.

More later, I was just excited about sharing the results.

Homework
Nothing new BUT...
I still have to collect 10 biography posters and 15 French clothing activity (wardrobes)
other than that some are taking home a science activity that was not completed in class with the intention of having it done over the weekend (chapter 4 review)
Reminders
Hot lunch orders (Wed.)
Camp permission and medical (Thursday)
Re: Camp- I seem to be having some commitment issues with 14 students saying they are 'not sure' about whether or not they will be joining us at Evans Lake. If there are enough students attending from Mr. Parker's class the students from my class who have signed up can join him and the other Gr 6/7 and I will stay at school and have a regular day. I am up to the sacrifice!
But seriously who would not be interested in a day at the Lake building shelters, making fire, canoeing, archery, fishing and playing large group games? Lunch is provided too. It is always fun. Please help me to promote the day.
We'd rather not have to cancel a day at the lake as we'd lose a big deposit.

This week was Rail Safety week- a booklet was provided but many students left it behind. Remind them not to play 'chicken' with the trains!


General Day
returned spelling tests earlier than usual :)

Science review of the Properties of Matter in text- open book cloze activiy using the key words and concepts
Crossword puzzle using the chapter vocabulary
Students worked very diligently for the science activity helping each other and searching the wording of the book for answers and review. The reading in a science or socials text needs a different set of reading and inferencing skills than fiction. Content area reading demands focus and use of clues to comlplete activities.

Computer session on-line chapter 4 multiple choice quizzes for each section 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3
Students completed quizzes and had a bit of free time if they had no other activity that they needed to complete or continue work on.

Math today just for something a little bit different, I introduced the project called Spend a  Million. I showed examples of the work done in other years but I find the project morphs a little every year. The concept is that students have to find a 'virtual' part time job (or conceptualize a possible business) and they are granted a million dollars (virtually of course).With that million they must find a place to live (roomates okay but no more than one for now!), transportation, furnishings and accessories (entertainment) and consider a place to invest or bank some money for some kind of future investment. When the students find out how much it costs to buy real estate or pay rent or own a car their rather extravagant tastes turn a corner.
There's no need to spend $650 000 on a Ferrari that you can't live in, can't afford to insure, gas up or buy parts for easily! Look in the local Classified Ads and find a reliable 'runner'. Buy a bike!
After explaining if they want to build a house they must first secure a lot and then cost the building supplies, contractor and costs for all the little extras like landscaping or security features, some students decided they'd rather find a place already in existence. Lots of work, huh?

They had lots of ideas but they are all very 'nebulous' as yet. Lots of thinking and researching and discussion to happen for this activity. The students will produce a presentation at the end of the project outlining their dispersion of their money and if they are still virtually 'solvent' or in need of a virtual bailout.
One student asked if he could skip finding a job because he was certain his parents would provide him with any money he needed.
No. find a virtual part-time job- what can you see yourself doing to make some money? Be realistic.

Another said he was going to be an intern in a big company. Great! What company? Intern for what specifically- is this a paid internship? How long will you be there?

11:30-noon a handful of volunteers helped Ms. Sorban in music with the primary class and the others played chess, monopoly and some even asked for some extra math or if they could work on their ideas for the project. apparently they are planning a Bhangra (East Indian dance) Club for our small town- a business venture.

1-2pm
I joined them as a guest today for an extra band practice for the Tuesday performance with the local high school. They were a little rough to begin with on Pirates of the Caribbean but Ms. Sorban had them work at it and actually watch her direction until it started to sound 'together'. Good job on La bamba and Bandissimo


Art happened a midst a fire alarm practice which was unexpected (and false) but we did the right thing and exited the building. That allowed them 10 minutes after the 'drill' to run around like puppies playing a not very well adhered to games of tag!

Art the deconstruction activity is underway and many have managed to complete some unique pieces others are a little nonplussed by it and look at me as if I am speaking  another language- I do have an accent but you'd think by now...
So I offered the back up plan of creating a depiction of a Greek hero, monster, god or goddess of Greek mythology and that seemed to be something they could relate to!! Then a student asked if he could draw Superman- that would be a "No" unless you can relate and connect Superman to one of the Greek heroes and make a connection with Superman in one corner and who in the other from Greek mythology- I got that look again. It must be Friday.
Did any of the Greek stories have a Kryptonite connection?
Go see The Avengers and get it out of your system!

New seating probably next week. I have asked the students for their input but most were non-committal leaving the choice up to me. Oh joy. You see, then they can blame me if it isn't suitable. I wonder if you can get an advanced degree in seating plans and furniture placement management?

Dismissal happened apparently- I am home now- it is 7pm.
Have a good weekend
Mrs. J.