Sara's First Snow

Today was a magical day. Why? Because Sara is new to Canada and she saw snow falling from the sky for the first time today. I'm not sure if any of us remember the first snow that we saw when we were little or when we first came to Canada but it was delightful watching one of our students see it for the first time. What I loved most was that Sara was just awestruck and all of us were really enjoying watching her marvel at the white stuff that we've all come to love or hate. A special thanks goes out to Ms. Wright who volunteered to take Sara outside to experience the snow falling down and to catch some of those beautiful delicate snowflakes. I have attached a link to YouTube where you can see some other people's reactions to their first snow experience. It made me smile, I hope it has the same effect on you.

Today I met with all of the History research groups and helped to guide either their research or to follow-up on what they have so far. Most groups are well on their way to success and I was fortunate to see that the groups who were lagging behind realized today that they had better get on the ball. There will be a double period tomorrow morning dedicated to group work again so I am anticipating that you ALL will have your work with you ready to go! I was talking about the Confederation rap I saw on YouTube the other night...here it is!

The Art project launch happened today and many students had some great ideas about what they might do. I have posted a picture of the assignment below and anyone who was away today can get a copy tomorrow.

We did some cooperative math this morning involving integer chips and subtracting integers. Most teams did well, we have decided that the number line was the most useful for people to use if they got confused. Many students said that they could draw out their results to clarify their thinking too. Math homework tonight is p. 359 #1-12 and p.360 #13. We will attack subtraction word problems on Friday in our Math teams.

Tomorrow is Thursday! I can't believe it! I will be at a workshop in the AM so you will have a supply teacher. Please make sure that you take advantage of working on your History projects when you are given some time...please don't waste the morning! See you tomorrow!

Sara by the window trying to catch snowflakes in her hand

Art Assignment

The sunset, just before I went in to pick up Lucy from her daycare...the sky was all beautiful and pink as I was driving down the road.

Rain, rain go Away!

Indoor recess, pouring rain, crazy behaviour...it was a challenge today but we got through it.  What a day for rain! Will it ever stop?!!

Math Games continued today with Bory, Terry, Mhogan and Martina's group taking the lead.  I was impressed with the competitive spirit in the room and there was a genuine feeling of teamwork, so I was proud of what we accomplished today.  Close seconds are : Dennis, Dylan, Will and Tommy's group, the SLT group including Renis, Fatima, Christian and George and of course the dark horse of the competition C.G., Angela, Rachelle and Sara!  Good work everyone. Math homework tonight is p.354 #12-17, it will be checked for completion so get your work done.

On a happy note, Ms. Nieto paid me a compliment about our class today!  She was impressed with the professionalism of our class' work on character development and said we are the best class in the school (of course confirming my opinion).  As Grandma Gibbs says "It's always good to hear the good news!", which made me proud.  So a pat on the back to all of you...I think we've officially topped off the points for this time around...and it's time to plan a reward session.

We read through the upcoming Science experiment on Weight and Mass, and I am looking forward to doing the experiment on Friday morning.  Groups will be responsible for observing one of the following fluids: corn syrup, distilled water or salt water and then charting the results.  We will debrief before typing up this detailed lab report and students will be given notes from which to glean their answers.  All will be posted on the blog and due next week.  Please if you haven't already get your Science in, the investigation was done last week and I want to move on from this topic.

At the end of the day students were given the rest of the period to work in their History groups.  I will be circulating tomorrow to see how it's all going in each of the groups.  Please be honest and get your work done, and bring in your research to get organized!


Tomorrow we will: Be introduced to the new art project, return to the math games and start subtracting integers, and for art you will be introduced to different methods of getting a message across using one object.

Keep your fingers crossed that Lucy sleeps the night through...and the fever stays away.  See you tomorrow. :)

Read this about Earl Beatty: http://m.ctv.ca/topstories/20111129/toronto-school-hard-ball-ban-111129.html

http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/11/28/for-some-recess-is-the-hardest-subject-teacher-says-at-meeting-on-schools-ball-ban/

Here is the famous photo of Grandpa Ray and Marilyn Munroe...sorry it is so late.  Grandpa Ray is my husband's grandfather and this is his claim to fame!