Tuesday September 17th

Today was one of those days that disappeared fast and was over too soon...ihope things slow down a bit as we get into the year but somehow I don't think that will happen without better planning on my part as the days can be so busy with transitions and information coming at us from all angles. The start up of the school year is always hectic so  I just need a little patience for things to settle into place...they will.

Reminders
Tomorrow the grade sixes will be asked to bring home consent notices for immunizations which will be carried out this year by VCH [in the Interior of BC we are experiencing an outbreak of preventable infectious disease in children who have not had basic immunizations]. Please return the forms as as soon as possible. VCH would like them by Friday!

Phys Ed. class tomorrow- please bring proper shoes and a change of clothing

Math 7 quiz on Friday on the basic procedures for multiplying and dividing [quizzes generally have 5 or 6 examples from class and students can prepare by going over the procedures at home or on a math website]

Our Day
Band class first thing this morning

Novel Touching Spirit Bear Ch 2
we analyzed the structure of a story using a plot graph and identifying the parts of story 'grammar' that make a story engaging and memorable. I used the structure of Harry Potter novels and it was interesting to hear the students discuss their perceptions of the story parts as if we were discussing real people. I told them the story of The Bridges of Madison County and how readers had actually gone as far as calling the National Geographic to find out who the photographer in the story was and if they could contact him and see his other photographic work! He did not exist except in that story!! That folks is the power of a good story (of course it helped that it was a romantic plot!)
I asked the students to 'respond' personally to the first two chapters of our novel and we plan on following this up at the computer lab in the afternoon.

Math 7
organization takes time and I admit to getting frustrated with the chatter and time it took to transition today! We reviewed in detail the Divisibility worksheet which was rather difficult for some to follow- it did not help that I too made some errors in giving directions that were incorrect!
The students have an easier set of divisibility tests to try tonight.
A list of websites was distributed for them to find some on-line practice. I will be encouraging them to take their learning beyond the classroom- that will prove to be beneficial in the future. I will post some on-line for your information in the coming weeks.

Read to self and record progress

We discussed the inappropriate play-fighting sessions that we have been worried about over the last couple of days at lunch and recess times. I have asked my students to set a better example of play that is safe and friendly for our younger students. Remember I mentioned MMA (mixed martial arts) yesterday as an influence on our Phys Ed. session - guess what? Yes, it is showing up on our playground and is not safe. Please help us find a substitute for pretend fighting by discussing this at home! Thanks.

Computer Lab
Paragraph response to the first two chapters of the novel. I encourage the students to respond to the story on a 'gut' level telling what they think, like, don't like etc
Everyone in class completed the activity and had about 10 minutes free time.
Our session was longer than planned today but it was productive.

back in class the only curricular area not yet addressed is Health and Career (formally Personal Planning) I had a few minutes to explain to the students what we will be addressing and learning this year: making good decisions, nutrition and health, adolesence and sexual health and goal setting/planning for successful learning.

there was no time for Word Nerd today - sorry guys (they were a little miffed)
Promise another chapter tomorrow- I am so happy that they enjoy it- there is noting quite like a read aloud story for entertainment! I remember hanging on the read aloud stories that my teacher read when I was still in a desk! Ahhhh, memories of a simpler time!

planners and dismissal
I have to work on the planner part as the end of the day seems a little too rushed for proper checking- bear with me while I figure out the best fit for this class.

Have a wonderful evening
Mrs. J.
P.S. forgive the typos- still cannot go back and edit yet and my students aren't sure what I have done!

P.P.S. I didn't even use any body part words and the giggles started anyway!