End of a great first week!

Thank you everyone for a great first week! We completed a variety of activities designed to build community and explore our strengths.

Wednesday, students built fantastic marble roller coasters out of foam tubes (insulation tubes for pipes from Rona split in half), masking tape and items from the classroom. After a quick lesson on roller coaster physics, our classroom space became a giant display of 8 different roller coaster designs. I was impressed with everyone’s creating thinking and group work skills!

On Thursday, we worked on paper rockets! Each student used paper, tape and critical thinking to build tube rockets, each one labeled with their WISH for what they hope to get out of MACC for the year. We then went outside and launched them using the power of air and Ms. DeTerra’s PVC rocket launcher tube, designed with the help of MAKE Magazine.

On both days, we had opportunities to get to know students in other classes, both younger buddies in grades one and two, as well as peers in grades four and five. With the younger students, we participated in the whole school brainstorm around what it means to be CARING of self, school, environment and others. We also learned how to make ORIGAMI CRANES. We did this in honour of the 70th Anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Ms. DeTerra explained the legend of Sadako and the Thousand Cranes, which is related to the bombing and an ancient Japanese legend. Please look for it at the library, as it is an excellent book to read at the grade 4/5 level. Ms. DeTerra was impressed with how many origami experts we have in MACC 4/5 and appreciated their help with teaching other students. Perhaps we should have an origami club this year? With peers in grades four and five, we also played open games such as chess, blokus, chinese checkers and more to make new friends.

On Friday, we did some abstract art around our names, mainly designed to let Ms. DeTerra know something about our critical and creative thinking skills. These are now posted in the classroom, and we look forward to having more art to build our classroom community and decorate our learning environment. Students were introduced to our year-long MACC reading program Reading Around the World, and they were asked to bring home their green folders for parents to see and sign for the weekend. Finally, there was a giant Capture the Flag game between all grades 5-7 out on the fields.

Already, MACC students are making new friends, which is wonderful to see. Ms. DeTerra sent each student a personal letter during the week, and they responded on Friday with their own letters, which will give Ms. D more information about their learning styles, likes and dislikes, and personalities.

Just a reminder!!! If you have not turned in the parent questionnaire, please do get it in as soon as possible. If any child has not turned in their personal letter or brought their supplies, please do so on Monday. Next week, we will discuss more about our first UNIT of the year, and we will also receive agendas to take home. Thank you for a great week!!