Blog Archives

Happy Holidays! I'll see everyone on January 3rd.

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes

Math:
- Practice 4x, 8x, 9x, 3x, 6x, or 12x tables

Health:
- PEAK Basketball (Tuesday, January 3rd)

Alien In-Line Skating Family Night (January 4th)
Tech & Trades Academy- Mondays (3:00-4:00 pm)
Grade 5/6 Guitar Club - Thursdays (2:45-3:45 pm)
CG Recyclers - Day 1 (lunch recess) and Day 4 (lunch)

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Really short post tonight. See you at the Christmas Concert!

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes
- Book Talk (tomorrow!)

Math:
- Practice 4x, 8x, 9x, 3x, 6x, or 12x tables

Health:
- PEAK Basketball (Thursday)

Spirit Week: December 12-16th - Thursday, Secret Santa (NutriGrain Bars)
Winter Concert - December 14th @ 6:00 pm (doors open @ 5:30 pm)
Tech & Trades Academy- Mondays (3:00-4:00 pm)
Grade 5/6 Guitar Club - Thursdays (2:45-3:45 pm)
CG Recyclers - Day 1 (lunch recess) and Day 4 (lunch)

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Short post tonight, sorry! Just a quick summary of our day:

- Today we practiced multiplication by creating some multiplication spirals for our door. Remember, we have a multiplication quiz in the morning!

- We completed the above Directed Drawing video, "How to Draw a Snowman." You can see our artwork hanging in the gym during our concert tomorrow night.

- Students worked on creating: multiplication spirals, toilet paper roll figures, and scrap paper Christmas trees for our door.

- We had Phys. Ed. in our classroom today, as Timberlea's rehearsal for their concert was in the gym and Miss Gates is sick. Students worked HARD. We completed a fitness video that had us moving! We also had some fun singing some "Moose Tube" songs from our GoNoodle channel when we needed a break.

- We had a makeup French class today with Madame Wells; we missed French last week when she was away. We learned some new Christmas/Holiday vocabulary and how to use Google translate.

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes
- Book Talk (December 15th)

Math:
- Practice 4x, 8x, 9x, or 3x tables

Health:
- PEAK Basketball (Thursday)

Rcycling Needed for Door: Cereal Boxes, Pop/Water Bottles, Toilet Paper Rolls
Spirit Week: December 12-16th - Wednesday, Holiday Colours (Apple Sauce)
Popcorn Sale: Tomorrow, $1/bag of popcorn (fundraiser for Grade 6 Trip)
Winter Concert - December 14th @ 6:00 pm (doors open @ 5:30 pm)
Tech & Trades Academy- Mondays (3:00-4:00 pm)
Grade 5/6 Guitar Club - Thursdays (2:45-3:45 pm)
CG Recyclers - Day 1 (lunch recess) and Day 4 (lunch)

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In Math today, the students continued to practice how to represent numbers up to one million. We are focusing on using a place-value chart, using expanded form, and using standard form. We also learned how to play a new Math game today called "Amazing Addition." In this game, students are given 9 cards from numbers 1-9. Students build two 3-digit numbers with their cards. Then, they attempt to build the answer with the remaining 3 cards. Can you do it? If so, students get a point. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins. Remember, you can find this and many other games on our "Fact Practice" page.

Students also completed their "Weather Watch" unit test today. Look for the tests to be returned to students by the end of the week.

We also started working on our door today. We are decorating our door as part of Spirit Week. We are all about using recycling in our class. We are looking specifically for: cereal boxes, toilet paper rolls, and pop/water bottles, but any recycling that is clean can be sent to school for students to get creative with this week. Today we used some paper from the photocopy room (remember, we're recycling) to start to make some Christmas bulbs for the tree we are building on the door. These bulbs are also a fun way to practice our multiplication facts:

Each multiplication family makes it's own unique design and pattern. I can't wait to finish these tomorrow and to keep working on this project together.

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes
- Book Talk (December 15th)

Math:
- Practice 4x, 8x, 9x, or 3x tables
- pgs. 45-46 #4, 6-8, 10, 12

Health:
- PEAK Basketball (Tuesday)

Rcycling Needed for Door: Cereal Boxes, Pop/Water Bottles, Toilet Paper Rolls
Spirit Week: December 12-16th - Tuesday, Hat/Sweater Day (granola bars)
Winter Concert - December 14th @ 6:00 pm (doors open @ 5:30 pm)
Tech & Trades Academy- Mondays (3:00-4:00 pm)
Grade 5/6 Guitar Club - Thursdays (2:45-3:45 pm)
CG Recyclers - Day 1 (lunch recess) and Day 4 (lunch)

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Sorry to be behind by a day! In Math today students began discussing different ways that we can represent large numbers. Today we looked at: using a place value chart, expanded form, and standard form. Students are already comfortable using place value charts from our previous lessons:

Expanded form involves breaking a number apart using the place value places:

Finally, the standard for is the toughest of all... just kidding! The standard form is the "standard" way we write numbers:

Students also learned to play a new Math game today: "Make the Greater Number." Remember, all review games can be viewed and played at home. Just visit the "Fact Practice" page under "Math."

We have been working on writing a reply to our pen pals in Sexsmith, Alberta. They send us new letters late last week. They also made us some popsicle stick reindeer that are really cute! We are going to use these reindeer as part of our door for the door decorating contest. We'll bring them home next week once the doors have been judged by the Lighthouse Team.

We also reviewed for our Science test today. Students are all bringing home a review sheet with the concepts that they need to understand for their Unit Test on Monday. Make sure that students take the time to complete and review this sheet this weekend. All of the answers can be found in students' notes in the Science section of their binders. All the notes are also saved on the "Weather Watch" page of our "Science" page.

Today there was a students vs. teachers volleyball game. It was really fun playing against our Grade 5/6 boys and girls' volleyball teams. The students won in a very close game. Thanks for letting me play against you! I haven't played volleyball in a LONG time and it was fun. Also, thanks for not making fun of me when we lost.

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes
- Book Talk (December 15th)

Math:
- Practice 2x, 4x, 8x, or 9x tables
- pgs. 45 #1-3 (NOT HOMEWORK)

Health:
- PEAK Basketball (Tuesday)

Science:
- Weather Watch Unit Test (Monday)

Spirit Week: December 12-16th - Monday, Door Decorating (mini wheats)
Winter Concert - December 14th @ 6:00 pm (doors open @ 5:30 pm)
Tech & Trades Academy- Mondays (3:00-4:00 pm)
Grade 5/6 Guitar Club - Thursdays (2:45-3:45 pm)
CG Recyclers - Day 1 (lunch recess) and Day 4 (lunch)

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Today in Math, we continued to explore the relationships between larger numbers to 1 000 000. Today students practiced. For example:

If you spend $1000 a day, how many days would it take for you to spend $1 000 000?

"Well....
I could use multiplication to help me...
I know this because I could add up by 1000 until I reached 1 000 000. When you repeatedly add up by the same number, you are multiplying.
So...
1000 x = 1 000 000
I can use the zeroes to help me... I need 3 more zeroes to get from 1000 to 1 000 000.
So...
1000 x 1000 = 1 000 000
So, it would take me 1000 days to spend $1 000 000 if I only spent $1000 each day."

OR

"Well...
I could use division to help me...
I know this because if you split 1 000 000 into groups of 1000, you can count the groups. When you divide something into equal groups, you are dividing.
So...
1 000 000 / 1000 =
I can use the zeroes to help me... I need to take 3 zeroes away from 1 000 000 to divide it by 1000.
So...
1 000 000 / 1000 = 1000
So, it would take me 1000 days to spend $1 000 000 if I only spent $1000 each day."

OR

"I know that there are 10 thousands in 10 000.
I know that there are 10 ten thousands in 100 000.
I know that there are 10 hundred thousands in 1 000 000.
So...
To get 1 000 000 is (10x10x10) times bigger than 1000.
10 x 10 x 10 = 1000
So, it would take me 1000 days to spend $1 000 000 if I only spent $1000 each day."

Keep practicing at home! We will be reviewing this concept throughout the unit.

In Science today, students completed a "Research Rounup" on the Greenhouse Effect. In this type of activity, students work together to skim and scan various non-fiction sources for specific information. Today the students were looking for information on the Greenhouse Effect or global warming. Afterwards, students compared their research and summarized their learning on the Greenhouse Effect. We also together discussed the postives and negatives of the Greenhouse Effect:

Positives? Well, the Greenhouse Effect is actually beneficially to Earth and naturally occuring. When solar radiation passes through Earth's atmosphere, the Earth is heated. This is a good thing for us and is part of why there is life on Earth. When the heat from the Earth tries to escape back into space, some is able to do so while some is absorbed or "trapped" by the atmosphere. Again, this keeps Earth warm. Negatives? The problem occurs when there is a lot of pollution. The more air pollution there is, the more greenhouse gases there are. This means that more and more heat gets trapped or absorbed by the atmosphere. This increases global warming. How can we help? Students had lots of good suggestions today such as: don't idle vehicles, ride or walk places when possible, etc.

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes
- Book Talk (December 15th)

Math:
- Practice 2x, 4x, 8x, or 9x tables
- pgs. 41-42 #2, 5-9

Health:
- PEAK Basketball (Friday)

Science:
- Weather Watch Unit Test (Friday)

Spirit Week: December 12-16th - Monday, Door Decorating (mini wheats)
Angel Tree Donations - due December 9th (ask Ms. B for a tag)
Winter Concert - December 14th @ 6:00 pm (doors open @ 5:30 pm)
Tech & Trades Academy- Mondays (3:00-4:00 pm)
Grade 5/6 Guitar Club - Thursdays (2:45-3:45 pm)
CG Recyclers - Day 1 (lunch recess) and Day 4 (lunch)

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Brrrrrrrr!!! This morning started off a little chilly in our classroom. Luckily, we just had to move to the Leadership Den for the morning. It was actually fun being able to work with the Christmas lights on.

Today we started exploring Non-Fiction texts. So far this year, we have really focused on using Fiction texts to explore text features and to practice reading strategies. This month we are going to be using some Non-Fiction books. The books we used today were all about Canada! We have 1-2 copies of each book for all the provinces and territories in Canada. Students today were conducting a text-features scavenger hunt. Using there book, students had to find examples of the index, keywords, text boxes, captions, headings, etc. It was interesting to see how many text features students already knew and which ones were new to each group. Students also had to define why these text features are important. Why does an author or publisher choose to use a chart/graph? An illustration? A glossary? How can these text features help you to better understand the text?

In Science today we conducted our very last experiment of our Weather Watch unit. Students were hypothesizing and then testing different types of fabrics. We were trying to determine which of our jackets was the most waterproof. Overall, we found that polyester seemed to be a waterproof fabric. Even more so if they had an acryllic or harder/plastic-like coating overtop to block out the water. Then we made inferences with this information. What jacket would be best for a sunny spring day or a rainy fall day? Looking closely at the fabrics gives students lots of helpful real-world applications for the information we have been studying. We might not all grow up to be meteorologists, but we all have to buy a good winter jacket!

Since we are finished this unit, students will have a Unit Test this upcoming Friday. Today students had a "binder check" and all students have all the required notes to help them to prepare. Students/parents can also use the "Weather Watch" page under "Science" to help them to begin to review this unit at home. We will have an in-class study day this upcoming Thursday.

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes
- Book Talk (December 15th)

Math:
- Practice 2x, 4x, or 8x tables

Health:
- PEAK Basketball (Wednesday)

Science:
- Weather Watch Unit Test (Friday)

Angel Tree Donations - due December 9th (ask Ms. B for a tag)
Winter Concert - December 14th @ 6:00 pm (doors open @ 5:30 pm)
Tech & Trades Academy- Mondays (3:00-4:00 pm)
Grade 5/6 Guitar Club - Thursdays (2:45-3:45 pm)
CG Recyclers - Day 1 (lunch recess) and Day 4 (lunch)

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Today in Math, students started by learning a new Math game that has been added to our bin. This game is called "Aim for 1000." You can find this game along with many others on our "Fact Practice" page. There is a Math Games slideshow that will continue to grow throughout the year. Students are encouraged to play these or other games at home to continue to develop and build their knowledge of basic Math Facts. This will greatly increase speed, accuracy, and fluency in all other areas of Math this year. Today we also explored our newest addition to the place-value chart.... one million! Today we examined the relationship between 1 000 000 and 1; focusing on considering how big 1 000 000 is. We will continue to explore one million tomorrow and in upcoming classes. Students also worked together to try and answer the following: "Have you been alive one million hours? One million minutes?" What do you think? C an you answer this question at home?

Today we had an Hour of Code in celebration of Computer Science Week. Today students were asked to use their existing Tynker accounts and to explore some of the "Beginner" Hour of Code Activities. This is because we are going to help Grade 1 and Grade 3 with their Hour of Code later this week. I'm excited for us to be leaders and to share what we have been learning with the rest of the school. I will also let students have some more time to explore the Hour of Code activities later this week so that students can try some of the "Intermediate" and "Advanced" activities if they so choose. We will also explore another resource that teaches block-style coding... Code.org.

In Art today, students were finishing up our ongoing art study of the Path Makers exhibit from the Art Gallery of Alberta. I am so impressed with students resolve and perseverence to finish these projects. We have had to take many breaks from them (eg. Remembrance Day Art, assemblies, FRIENDS, etc.) but each time we work on them, students truly are taking the time to work carefully on their projects. They are turning out wonderfully! Students were inspired by the pieces but have truly begun to make them their own.

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes
- Book Talk (December 15th)

Math:
- Practice 2x, 4x, or 8x tables

Health:
- PEAK Basketball (Wednesday)

Angel Tree Donations - due December 9th (ask Ms. B for a tag)
Winter Concert - December 14th @ 6:00 pm (doors open @ 5:30 pm)
Tech & Trades Academy- Mondays (3:00-4:00 pm)
Grade 5/6 Guitar Club - Thursdays (2:45-3:45 pm)
CG Recyclers - Day 1 (lunch recess) and Day 4 (lunch)

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In Language Arts today, we finished discussing making connections as a reading strategy. Students have been practicing making connections using picture books. We used Mercer Mayer's Little Critter books one week and then we used Robert Munsch books another week. Today, students cut up all of their connections from the previous weeks. Then, students practiced sorting each others' connections. You had to draw another students connection from the bin and then find the student, ask the student about their connection and then correctly label it a "text-to-self," "text-to-text," or "text-to-world" connection. Students did a great job with this activity overall. You can see from the images below that we are much more comfortable making text-to-self connections. A good indication to me that we will have to continue to review and practice text-to-text and text-to-world connections throughout the year. Our next reading strategy is comparing! This will help us with those text-to-text connections for sure.

In Social Studies today we completed a review activity summarizing our learning in Term 1. Students were asked to explain the following mapping terms and features: distance, scale, direction, compass, cardinal directions, intermediate directions, latitude, longitude, and legend. Students were allowed to use words, pictures, or diagrams to help them. They were also allowed to work in small groups and to review these concepts together. We will continue to work on our ongoing regions project next week. I'm looking forward to seeing the result and to each having our own "textbook" on the regions of Canada. Want to get ahead? You can read about the regions using our Social Studies page. We are looking at the Arctic Region, Cordillera Region, Interior Plains Region, Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Region (sometimes called the St. Lawrence Lowlands), Atlantic Region (sometimes called the Appalachians), and the Canadian Shield Region.

We have completed Level 2 on our Classroom Leaderboard! This means that collectively we have earned 150 House Points. As a result, next week we are going to be having a reward day. The students today voted to have a Bottle Flip tournament. I'll be providing the water bottles so that we can all have the same ones to be fair. Make sure you practice!

Today's pictures include some Throw Back Thursday pictures! Some are from our Language Arts lesson and some are from the School Board Meeting last night. The students already know that I was presented with a TAFI Award. This stands for Twitter, Apps, Facebook, and Instagram. It is presented to Fort McMurray Public School District staff who actively promote FMPSD using social media. Some of the School Board members were a little confused as to why our Instagram handle is @bobfrogm. Who doesn't know about Bob!?! Someone else very special was honoured at the School Board Meeting last night - Chloe Tagg! Ashton's older sister Chloe is a very talented artist. She drew the winning design that is going to be featured on FMPSD's Christmas card this year. The #TBT pictures are of when Chloe was in my Grade 5 class a few years ago. Even then, she was a creative student who took on lots of leadership roles at school, such as volunteering during Family Nights. While looking through my old photos to find one of Chloe, I also coincidentally stumbled upon one of Ashton! Did you know that Ashton's Kindergarten or Grade 1 class (I can't tell which) was our Reading Buddies class a few years ago? I didn't remember either until I saw this cute photo!

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes
- Book Talk (December 15th)

Math:
- Practice 2x, 4x, or 8x tables

Health:
- PEAK Basketball (Monday)

Angel Tree Donations - due December 9th (ask Ms. B for a tag)
Winter Concert - December 14th @ 6:00 pm (doors open @ 5:30 pm)
Tech & Trades Academy- Mondays (3:00-4:00 pm)
Grade 5/6 Guitar Club - Thursdays (2:45-3:45 pm)
CG Recyclers - Day 1 (lunch recess) and Day 4 (lunch)