Month: June 2017

Summer!!

I hope everyone has had a good year! I know I have enjoyed watching you make rumblebots, create projects with new technology, play at Science World, build towers, imagine playgrounds, mix up glitter jars, avoid hail at the watershed, and work hard while dragon boating and kayaking. You are all an amazing group of people! I hope you all have a lovely summer!

To my grade fours, we will see you on a September 5th! I look forward to another year with you….new units, new field trips, new thinking, and exciting learning.

To my grade fives, I will miss you!! You are the first group of students I have had for two years in a row. It has been my pleasure teaching you, and I will miss all of you for understanding Ms. D’s quirky sense of humour. 🙂 Make sure you drop in and say hello. Just because you are in grade six doesn’t mean you can ignore me! I know you will enjoy Mr. Gaitens, and I also hope to work with some of you again on Science Games, Float Your Boat, and new things that may come up next year. All the best to you!

Reports are handed out tomorrow. Please make sure you also take your beautiful masks home! Thank you for posting your poems or sending them to my Google account. Thank you for the laughs on those ads this afternoon. And congrats to everyone on their awards!

Have a good summer!

Ms. D

Great Job Today! Last week!

Congratulations, everybody, on a successful independent project presentation for 2017! And thank you to all of our guests who made this an exciting day by sharing in the learning!

Everyone should send Ms. D a copy of their website links, PPT presentations, etc. either by sending it to my main email address or by sharing it via google drive to the T05 account we always use. Thank you!

Also, congratulations to everyone on their peer-voted, MACC Awards! These are peer awards, and they are an opportunity to recognize the many types of strengths we have in our group. Please make sure you show your certificate at home. Thank you to everyone who participated in voting!

Next week, here’s what’s left!

Monday:
–Fill out the Independent Project Presentation Rubric, to reflect on how it went!
–Put felt and elastic on the masks so you can wear them!
–Finish our mask character poems
–Cardboard Mania: Your challenge will be to either complete the MACCadia games you started or to create something out of cardboard to use. More on this Monday.
–Read Aloud: Complete The Skeleton Tree
—Talk about advertising/fake news – Make Your Own Ad
–Water Park! Bring your suit, towel, sunscreen, water shoes to cool down end of day at the park.

Tuesday:
–Work on mask movement and poem read alouds
–Continue cardboard mania
–Recognition Assembly 9:15 AM
–Math Puzzles, Pickle Math
–Read Aloud: Complete The Skeleton Tree
—Talk about advertising/fake news

Wednesday:
–Grade 7 Graduation Assembly 9:15 AM
–Finish mask movement, read alouds
–Read Aloud: Complete The Skeleton Tree
—Cardboard Mania finish, free choice/play cardboard games
–Class Party, Sundaes

Thursday:
–Pick up report cards and say goodbye for the summer! One hour only!

Battle of the Books — Congratulations!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Today we had our BATTLE OF THE BOOKS! Students had been reading a selection of 11 books over the last two months, and today was the battle between our six teams!

Ms. D asked a series of questions that begin with, “In what book….” followed by some specific details from one of the eleven books. Then, teams had to guess which book and hold up the correct book sign within five seconds. We have some amazing readers, so it was a tight race! Our teams were: Book Geniuses; Cool Kids; Potato/Potato/Potato; Blanks; Savage & Salty Potatoes; and The Infernos. Congratulations to Cool Kids for winning the top prize!

It seemed everyone had a good time doing this competition, and Ms. D was glad to see it provided great incentive to read a wider selection of books. Maybe we can do this again next year! As a reminder, here are the books we read: 

  • The Secret of Platform 13
  • Wings of Fire
  • Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes
  • Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
  • Troubletwisters
  • A Year in the Life of a Total and Complete Genius
  • The Eight Keys
  • Island of the Blue Dolphins
  • 13 Treasures
  • Arthur, The Seeing Stone
  • Among the Hidden

Congratulations again to everyone for their participation! 

Reminder: Independent Project Presentation Tomorrow 12-2 PM

Hello Everyone!

Reminder that the Independent Project Presentation is tomorrow, June 23rd, Friday, from 12-2 PM in our classroom.

Please note that the emphasis for the projects is the research process, not necessarily the final product, so it will help to ask students about how they found their information.

Students need to have a printed bibliography. If you haven’t printed one, please do it in the morning.

If anyone has a handout still, then I can try to do last-minute copying at recess.

Lunch will be at 11:20 so we will be ready to go at Noon.

On Monday, we will be doing a sharing of projects with the 6/7 MACC class, as they are away tomorrow, and many students from our class missed seeing the science fair today as they finished up last-minute details on their projects. We will do this on Monday afternoon. Please leave all projects at school on Friday.

Blue and red binders have been sent home. If anyone is going to be absent next week, please send an email to Ms. D. Thank you!

Have a great evening and all the best for tomorrow! 🙂

 

Update: Independent Project Presentation Coming Up!

Hello Everyone,

Quick post about some important things coming up!

Independent Projects:

Now we are into crunch time! I enjoyed watching many of you beginning to build dioramas, make handouts, create PowerPoints, make cartoons, write explanations, and more to display your information. Great work! 

PLEASE think about how your presentation will be interactive. On the day of presentations, you will be set up around the room and visitors will come through to look at all the tables. They may not have time to watch an entire PowerPoint! What visuals will be up around your station or attached to your table so you get their attention? Each of you will have a sign with a name and your topic, but the rest is up to you.

REMINDER: All handouts, brochures, zines, etc. that need to be photocopied must be to Ms. D by Thursday morning.

REMINDER: Your bibliography must be printed and visible at your station on presentation day.

INVITE: Tell your parents that we are doing the presentations from 12-2 on June 23rd, Friday, We will have lunch early, then set up, followed by clean up and free choice time to celebrate.

Deep Cove Kayaking Tuesday, June 20th:

We are off to Deep Cove on Tuesday! Yay! Please note the following to prepare for the trip:

Be on time, we leave at 9AM so we can go find parking, get settled, and check in for our 10:15 kayaking time.

Eat a breakfast with a protein and good carbs, so you are ready! We are on the water for two full hours from 10:15-12:15.

 

Bring a small snack you can have when we arrive, before we get in kayaks.

Bring a lunch to have afterwards, as well as something you can sit on, such as a towel or small blanket. No beach chairs or bulky items please. Make sure everything in your lunch is disposable. If you have cold items, don’t forget to put in a cold pack.

Don’t bring valuables please. Backpacks will be left in the hut at the beach, but I don’t want any valuables. No cameras or phones left behind in backpacks. If you have those items, we should probably lock them in the car. You won’t be able to take pictures while boating because you have a paddle in your hands. We will potentially get wet while boating.

Dress appropriately. We go rain or shine. Look at the weather report. Wear light shirts and jackets that can comfortably go under a life jacket. Shorter jackets are better because you sit down inside the kayak and you will be more comfortable. Do not wear heavy clothing such as jeans or bulky coats! 

Wear water resistant shoes! We will get our feet wet when getting into the boats because we enter from the beach. Water shoes that are snug on your feet are best, because flip flops often come off when trying to walk in the water. No runners.

Bring a change of clothes just in case: You may get wet and want to change.

Wear sunscreen, even if it is raining! The water creates a glare, so even when it is cloudy or raining you still need it. Put it on before you come to school.

Bring a hat and sunglasses that will stay ON. You don’t want to lose your hat or glasses out on the water, so make sure if you wear a hat that it is not uncomfortable, it is secured, and you can wear it the whole time, or don’t wear them. There’s not a place to put anything in the boat.

Partners: If your parent is coming with us, you are partnered with them. Otherwise, you are with an assigned partner, as we are all in double kayaks.

Bring water! — for both after the boating and for lunch.

After we boat: From 12:15-1:15, we will be having lunch and then, depending on how many parents are with us and how quickly you eat, having a small group go to the playground, another to go walking at the beach, and a small group that can go up the street for ice cream if they want. If you bring money, put it in a plastic sandwich bag and keep it in a pocket on you, not in your backpack. BUT, we all need to meet back at 1:15 to get ready to leave.

LEAVE AT 1:15! We will all meet at the grass area near the beach at 1:15 and leave no later than 1:30 from Deep Cove to return to school, just so we beat any traffic.

See you next week!

Ms. D

Independent Projects and Other Work

Hello all,

Thank you to those of you who submitted your work by the deadline. Well done! Kaloo Kalay!  ðŸ™‚

Please check your g-drive to see if your work went through. Some of you did not give permission to view your files, so I sent you a message asking for permission. I will let you know which projects I was able to see tomorrow.

I know you had a band interruption today, but everyone should still be able to complete what they need to by Wednesday. I will give you as much time as possible tomorrow, with iPads in the morning and laptops in the afternoon.

There are many of you who haven’t submitted your independent project items. I am not going to hunt you down, so it is up to you. You have had enough time to get the beginning parts done of bibliography, notes, Q&A, and primary research. If you don’t have it done by Wednesday, this affects your science, socials, and LA marks.

Same goes for Disasters and French presentations, which we hope to finish tomorrow.

Thank you everyone!

Ms. D

 

Monday, June 12th Update – Submit Independent Project Stuff!

Hello Everyone,

Priorities for tomorrow:

  1. Submit independent project bibliography, notes, primary research, and Q&A. Use this link to provide a copy to Ms. D  It is due end of day Monday, June 12th.
  2. Finish Math Units — I have photocopied more tests for you. If you were working from the marking booklets before, please use a photocopy now. If your booklet or test is not there, then do not do those units. Units counted for report card are due June 14th, Wednesday.
  3. Finish and edit your report card reflection on the e-port. Must be done by Wednesday June 14th.
  4. Begin Mask Poem — Instructions to come tomorrow on how to do this and a rough, rough draft should be done for Wednesday EOD. But, priorities 1-3 are more important if you haven’t finished them yet.
  5. Work on Independent Project Presentation. Make a list, at least, of what supplies you may need from me to help you finish. Post information about your primary research or what you have learned in your Q&A on your e-port for Mom and Dad to see.

Thank you and have a good Monday!

Ms. D

End of Year Projects Q&A — June 8th

Hello everyone! Sports Day tomorrow, with 1:30 PM dismissal! Don’t forget to wear your colours, sunscreen, hat, etc. and bring water and snacks! The school also has a new phone number posted on the school’s website!

Here is a Q&A to help as we get down to the last-minute details of the final weeks!

When is the self-reflection for report cards that we put on the E-Portfolio due?

Please finish self-reflections, edit, and add detail before Wednesday June 14th.

When will we do the BOB Competition?

Originally it was for June 12th, but we are going to re-schedule to give you more time to work, as many of you will need it given how you say you are doing to present. So, we will have the BOB competition on Friday, June 16th. Please make sure you have read a minimum four books by Wednesday, though, so I can document your reading.

Where do I submit my Independent Project stuff?

Your typed bibliography, questions and answers, primary research notes, and any research that you have in digital format should be submitted to this link. Please put your name on the files. Make sure you give Ms. D permission to view. Let me know you have posted it. 

What HAS to be typed up for the independent project?

Your bibliography, questions and answers, and primary research interviews/labs/observations need to be typed. If you don’t have your notes typed, that is okay, but make sure they go in the INBOX.

When is the independent project due?

Independent project bibliography, questions and answers, primary research, and notes are due by end of day Monday, June 12th. Presentation due Friday, June 23rd.

Can I start working on my presentation for the independent project?

You bet! As soon as you have submitted the items due June 12th, then go for it! Make sure you tell Ms. D what your presentation format will be. If you need supplies, please let me know. 

When is the independent project presentation?

June 23rd, Friday, 12:00 – 2:00 PM. Parents and family, members of our community, and some administrators will attend at some point during that time.

Will I get more class time?

Yes! We will focus on independent project presentation prep, finishing math, and our masks project over the next two weeks. You will have time Mon-Fri the week of June 12th, and then Monday, Wednesday, Thursday the week of June 19th. Some time may have to be spent at home if you don’t use class time well, though.

What if I have a handout or brochure I want to pass out to people at the presentation?

Fantastic! Can you make sure to get it to Ms. D by Thursday morning June 22nd so I can photocopy it for you? Otherwise it may not be ready for the Friday presentation.

Can I have more than one type of presentation format?

You can do it any way you want, but be realistic. You only have so much time. For example, if you are planning a comic, keep it simple as that is a lot of drawing. If you are planning a website, keep it simple as it takes a lot of time. Please make good decisions.

What needs to be on my E-Portfolio?

You should be putting some notes, thoughts, reflections, and/or pictures about your independent project on the e-port. Thank you to everyone who has already! You also need to document your mask process, so make sure to take pictures and describe what we are doing!

When we will continue working on masks?

Tuesday: Finish sanding and paint base coat. Wednesday-Friday: some time to do painting. Tuesday June 21st fit masks on and begin to wrap it up! 

When are all math tests due?

Whatever you finish by Wed. June 14th is what I will use for report cards; however, you are welcome to continue if you like. 

When will we finish presentations for Disasters and French?

No problem. We are almost done with Disasters and will do four more presentations on Tuesday June 13th. Then we will do French and hopefully finish by EOD Wednesday.

What are we doing for our end of year party?

On June 28th, we will have ice cream sundaes and playing games. Everyone has volunteered to bring things. We have also decided to work on MACCadia and other free-choice activities the last week. Please have a swimsuit/towel handy in case we need a water park break.

When do we get certificates?

At the Recognition Assembly on Tuesday, June 27th, 9:15 AM. Parents can attend. 
Grade 7 Leaving Assembly is Wednesday, June 28th, 9:15 AM.

When do we get report cards?

June 29th on the last day of school. Please only come 9-10 AM.

And if I have more questions?

Put them in the comments and I will answer!

🙂  Ms. D

 

Getting Beyond the Poster and Trifold….

Hello Everyone!

Tonight’s tasks: Finish your report card reflection, work on Math if you need to, remember to bring any library books you still have, and dress in red for tomorrow’s Sports Day Spirit Colour. Get any French quizzes and Math Tests completed signed by Mom and Dad.

Independent Project — Time to Think About Presentations:  

Many of you are starting to finish up your research. Reminder that your questions, answers to the questions, bibliography, notes, and primary research are all due on June 12th, Monday.

Start thinking about how you will present, as the key thing we will work on for the next two weeks is your presentation! Remember our student-led conferences? We talked about what made that interesting, and the key word is: INTERACTIVE. When guests are walking around and talking to you and your classmates, they will probably not read an entire essay or watch a whole PowerPoint. They want to hear from you!

So, think of all the interactive ways you could display your information! I know we all feel comfortable doing posters, trifolds, and PowerPoints, but there are other options to consider. Remember that the best learning happens when you step outside of your comfort zone a bit and do something different!

Here are some ideas you talked about in class, and each of these can be used to display the awesome information you found and serve as a talking point for you!:

  • Diagrams, Charts, and Graphs
  • Website
  • Comic
  • Puppet Show
  • Song (recorded and then have earphones for people to listen to it)
  • Drama Skit or Dance (videotaped or in person)
  • Diorama or a Model (in a box, on a cardboard platform, with clay, out of paper, using toys, etc.)
  • Doing an Experiment, live, so people can see it!
  • Making a game people can play (like a marble maze that can be played, but involves learning about your topic OR a handout that has a game people can play to find out more information.)
  • Having things people can touch and/or sample
  • Brochures and Handouts (Ms. D can photocopy, you just have to make one and then fold the photocopies!)
  • Stop Motion Video using iPad
  • Book Creator Brochure on iPad
  • Puppet Pals Presentation on iPad
  • Having something people can build or do at your station
  • iMovie
  • Art (Painting, Drawings, Sculptures, Poetry)
  • Business Cards to hand out (with the address for your website, or some key facts you learned)
  • Decorative items for your station related to your topic (a sign, brochures you found while you did research, a plant, toys from home)

Along with your presentation, your station will have a white cardboard label with your name and topic, and you will need a printed copy of your bibliography where people can see it. It can be a good idea to print it out then glue it to a colourful piece of paper.

June 9th SPORTS DAY! Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and bring lots of water for Sports Day on Friday!

Thank you,

Ms. D

Ultimate, Masks, Projects, and Reflection!

Hello Everyone,

Great work today during ULTIMATE! We had a great time out in the sun! Thank you to Ari, my past student, who volunteered to do a free outreach program with the kids. He is the co-owner of a business called Elevate Academy. They have summer ultimate camps at Champlain Community Centre nearby if anyone is interested. Ari said he will send me a flyer for class. He gave everyone wristbands, too! Thank you for your participation today.

Please finish up some math! Work on the “Show What You Know” assignments and unit tests, so you finish a minimum of two units this term for your report cards! For many of you, this means pretty much finishing the grade-level book so you are ready to move on to new material next year. If you are in grade five, I will be communicating your level and what you have finished to Mr. Gaitens. Those continuing with me, I will be doing a fall assessment and we will then figure out where to start you next year, as the math activities will be different from your first year to avoid repetition.

MASKS are coming along! Many of you did the spackle today, and hopefully will have time to sand either tomorrow or Monday. If you are still working on plaster, you are behind and need to get going to catch up, as spackle can’t be put on until all the plaster is finished. Consider simplifying your design if it is not working out the way you planned, so you can meet the time deadlines. This is fine and is part of the design process! Finishing within a certain timeframe is part of the design process, too!

REFLECTIONS — Please do the self-reflections I sent home today ON PAPER, then show it to me and we will be doing our final reflection for the E-Portfolio and Report Cards. Do not get any help at home, thank you, as this is your own personal reflection piece. You can wait and do the “I CAN” statements in class, as I have the posters for it.

LIBRARY BOOKS: All personal library books are due. If you have books for your project, then that is okay and Ms. Ho has extended the deadline for you.

Have a great day! Stay cool, wear sunscreen, get hydrated, take breaks in the shade, and wear appropriate clothing so you don’t overheat!

Ms. D

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