October 17th, 2015

Today in Math, students had their first test on their "Statistics and Probability" unit. Students worked hard to complete their test. I am really proud of everyone for persevering through the first test of the year. It isn't easy to write a test! Well done everyone. 

In Language Arts today, we continued to work on "Predicting" as a reading strategy. Students were reminded that readers who make strong predictions rely on information from the text AND information from their schema. This might include information based on other books students have read, or similar characters they have seen in a movie, or even a similar experience they have had in their own lives. Today we practiced making predictions using a favourite story of mine, "Strega Nona" by Tomie de Paola. We watched a few minutes of this story, then quickly recorded a prediction about what we thought would happen. Students were then encouraged to pair up and share their predictions, and then to share their predictions with the class. We watched a little bit more, and repeated the activity above. This time we focused on making changes to our predictions. Now that we have more information from the text, we should be able to make a stronger prediction. Students did a wonderful job of using both the text and their schema to make their predictions. Finally we finished the story. At the end, students recorded if they were right/wrong and how they felt about the ending of the story. Everyone worked hard throughout this activity. Students also practiced making prediction in small groups today. Students worked in groups of 2-3 students and selected one of our October picture books. Students examined the covers of these stories closely and then made their first prediction using only information from the cover and their schemas. Finally, they were able to read the story and record whether they were right/wrong. Well done everyone! Next up, "Connecting!" 

​In Science today, we reviewed our water cycle experiment. Students were able to reexamine their plastic bags and record their observations. Tomorrow we will be adding other forms of precipitation and then clouds to our knowledge of the water cycle. Don't forget, you can follow our learning by selecting "Weather Watch" under Science. It is a good idea to review what we have already completed throughout the unit, to keep everyone fresh in your mind. 

In Health today, the students and I worked on selecting a mindfulness activity that we could share with our ECDP Buddies tomorrow. Students have selected the "Wiggleflop" (see video above). This video is a wonderful way to get smaller students started with practicing mindfulness. It turns sitting still into a small game and only has students sitting still for short periods of time. Try it out at home. Remember, take time to enjoy your "flop" and to enjoy being still and quiet. 

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes

Math:
- Review 3x and 6x tables (Kahoot quiz on Wednesday)

Health:
- PEAK Basketball on Wednesday

Tech and Trades - Mondays (3:00-4:00 pm)
Grade 5/6 Volleyball - Mondays, Wednesdays (2:45-3:45 pm)
Grade 5/6 Guitar Club - Thursdays (2:45-3:45 pm)
Running Club - Thursdays (2:45-3:45 pm)
Recycling Leaders - Thursdays (lunch recess)

Popcorn Sale for United Way - Thursday ($1 - email Ms. B if you can help!)

Halloween Family Dance - October 27th (6:00-8:00 pm)