Great Presentations, Beginning Debates, Tuesday Update

Hello Everyone,

Today, we continued our presentations on machines and started our debates about video games. Not only did students show some excellent thinking, they also did a good job presenting in front of the class. After each presentation, the group had an opportunity to give positive feedback and constructive criticism, thinking about what kind of feedback and words they would like to hear if someone commented on their own presentations. Overall, everyone was very generative and helpful with their comments.

Some students need to take greater care with time management and homework, as there were still some students who did not have their presentations, speeches, or math done today. I had them conference with me briefly, and I asked each of them to think about what would help. Is it the amount of activities at home? Is it the way they use their time in class? What words and questions could have been used to communicate that homework was too difficult or help was needed? I have left a brief note in agendas if there was something not quite done today so you can all have a discussion at home about what would work best.

We continued with our FSA Practice, and all grade four students have done a practice eFSA field test for both reading comprehension and numeracy. On Thursday morning, starting at 9AM, they will do the live test in the computer lab.

Students had time to practice the Caribou Test if they are participating, and we will do the live competition tomorrow morning in the computer lab from 9-10:30 AM. If anyone misses that time, then a make up can be arranged, but the test must be taken, without exception, at the school, before 3PM on Thursday. It has to be done at Suncrest, as the Caribou organization reads the IP address registered for our school.

We also worked on our zentangle tree project, which I hope will result in a quality piece of art in watercolour and fine liner, with an emphasis on line, shape/form, and watercolour wash.

Finally, we continued working on skyscrapers in math, marking homework through page 9 and then giving time in class to work on pages 10-13. We are working on how to evaluate and choose the best site for our skyscraper using math skills of area, perimeter, coordinates, and more. Anything from pp. 10-13 not completed is the homework for tonight.

Have a great night! PAC meeting on January 13th, and a white notice went home about this today. Pizza orders are due on January 15th, Friday.