Dear Students,
Today we will be saying goodbye to our 55 Chum salmon fry that we raised in our pod and will release them at Byrne Creek. They need to be in a river to eat and grow into smolt as they swim to the ocean and then return one day to spawn.
Please share your thoughts about the salmon release today. How do you feel about releasing our salmon into the creek? Why do we need to do this? Please make connections.
Sincerely,
Ms. Sim
Posted in Class News, Field Trips, Science
Student Blogging Guidelines
Publishing thoughts and ideas on the internet is a very public activity. Publishing as part of a blog is a classroom activity so you should not write anything that you would not say or write in your regular classroom.
Five Blogging Rules
1. Be safe
•Anyone can access the Internet and view what you write on a blog. Your page is ‘protected’ but there is nothing to stop people from copying your material and placing it elsewhere on the web.
•Protect your privacy. Use your given username and do not post pictures of yourself.
•Keep all personal information to yourself.
2. Be mindful of what you say
•You are responsible for anything that is posted in your username.
•Use appropriate language (e.g. limit your use of text speak or netlingo).
•Follow writing conventions including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
•Try not to generalize your sentences. Avoid the use of “All” and “Everyone”.
•How you say something is as important as what you say.
•Could you be misunderstood? Be clear in the message you are trying to convey.
•Images inserted into a blog must be related to the context of the message and follow copyright rules.
3. Be respectful to others
•Blogs are about ideas – agree or disagree with an idea, NOT the person. Freedom of speech does not give you the right to be rude.
•When responding, try giving two stars and a wish (two positive comments and one thing you think could improve).
•Use evidence to support your position and make sure what you write is fair and accurate.
4. Be informative
•Write about and present what you know. Make sure you get your facts straight and ask for advice if you are not sure.
•Linking to web sites from your blog or blog comments in support of your argument is an excellent idea. You are responsible for checking the accuracy of the information you post online.
•Respect copyright. It’s customary in the blogosphere to cite sources by linking to them within blog posts, and it’s recommended that you do so.
5. Be interesting
•One way to do this is to expand on others ideas. You can quote other people’s work, link back to it and add your own thoughts or opinions to their ideas.
•Make it interesting and fun so that you will encourage your readers and listeners to come back for more. There’s no point in blogging if people don’t read or listen to what you say.
Posted in Class News
Dear students,
Today we watched a video made BC Hydro and had a very interesting classroom discussion about people and salmon. Our lives are connected. The Sockeye spawners trip up the river was delayed due to the building of a dam. Many of the salmon didn’t make in time to the river where they were hatched and were not able to spawn.
What did you find interesting about this video? Please share your questions or comments.
Sincerely, Ms Sim
PS: When they build dams nowadays they try and keep the salmon in mind and build fish ladders. This is what a fish ladder looks like.
Posted in Science
Dear students,
Today we talked about how as learners we are all thinkers. Thank you for participating in our classroom discussion about what a thinker looks like.
As a thinker I can
Please share how you are a thinker? What are some things that you do that show that you are thinker.
Sincerely, Ms. Sim
Posted in Class News, Technology, Writing
Marimba Mazuva performing
Dear students,
We had a visit from an amazing group of musicians called Marimba Mazuva. Their instruments were handmade by themselves or from Africa. They even used their boots as instruments! I enjoyed their music, dancing and the story that they shared with us called, “Kombi and the White Lion.”
Did you enjoy today’s performance? What was your favourite part of the show? If you could make an instrument what would you make? What could you use to make one with materials that you have around the house?
Sincerely, Ms. Sim
Posted in Art, Class News
Dear Students,
We are ALL learners and today we discussed how we are communicators.
As communicators,
How are you a good communicator? What are some activities or ways that show that you are a good communicator?
Please start your sentence with I can.
Sincerely, Ms. Sim
We were so lucky to get a visit from Kieran’s mom! She shared her Beanie Baby collection with us and every student received a special and different stuffie! Thank you so much Ms Chung. The students have been using their imagination to write about and make a home for their Beanie Baby!
Dear Students,
Please feel free to say thank you to Ms. Chung. You can also share the name and an interesting fact about your Beanie Baby.
Sincerely, Ms. Sim
Posted in Art, Class News, Writing
