Monday, September 24, 2012

Flying Creek Comic Strip Assignment


Task:
  • Using the Flying Creek photos, create a comic strip (using Comic Life) that represents the diversity of life you observed at Flying Creek.  Your goal is to use the comic strip to demonstrate what you learned during the day, including at least one living thing for each ecosystem and six or more living things overall.  Make sure that you include the appropriate titles for each ecosystem (grasslands, woodlands, riparian, aquatic).  To show deep understanding, also include the categories for organisms (producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, scavengers/decomposers).


Must Haves: 
  • There is a title.
  • There are captions for each photo describing the learning.
  • Each ecosystem is represented in the comic strip, and there are at least 6 living things shown overall.

Criteria:
  • The writing on the comic strip is free of spelling and grammatical errors.  It is well-written and shows proof of editing.
  • The layout of the comic strip is a creative, well-thought out design.
  • The comic strip shows deep understanding of the diversity of life in ecosystems at Flying Creek.

You can find photos to use for your comic strip here.




Friday, September 21, 2012

My Photo of the Week...

(What caption might you give this photo?)
This is "My Photo of the Week" because I think it speaks very well about the character of this group of students.  Here's a little homework assignment for you: come up with a caption for this photo and leave a comment on this post.  What might you title this photo?

Flying Creek Adventures


What an awesome day we enjoyed at Flying Creek! Perfect weather, beautiful scenery, great memories, fantastic learning!  Sounds like a good recipe for a successful field trip!  Big thanks to Mrs. Shoobert and Mr. Markusson for joining in our special day.  Click on the image to enlarge.

Monday, September 17, 2012

A Monday Update!


Hello, everyone!  Here’s a quick update for our week:

  • Field Trip- We are going to Flying Creek tomorrow! It looks like it will be a beautiful fall day!  Please remember to send a solid lunch, snacks and lots of water with your child.  Please ensure that they have long pants, a sweater or jacket for the morning, and good runners or hikers.  Looking forward to a great day- and thanks in advance to Mrs. Shoobert and Mr. Markusson who are joining us tomorrow! J Pictures to follow...
  • Math- We are about halfway through Unit 1.  I have attached the Extra Practice sheets for Unit 1 to this email, for optional practice at home. 
  • Reading- We are also halfway through our novel, The Breadwinner!  The plot is thickening…
  • Reading/Writing- By the end of this week, we will have “launched” the first three elements of the “Daily 5”- “Read to Self”, “Read to Someone”, and “Work on Writing”.  Students are working hard to build independence and stamina in each of these three areas.
  • Art- Students are working on a personal collage assignment with Mrs. McCrea.  They are welcome to bring old magazines or personal photos that would help represent their identity.
  •  School Photos- Wednesday!
  • Gym Blast- Friday.  This is a fun-filled, team-building activity for students in Gr. 6-8.  Students have been broken up into four color groups and they are encouraged to dress in their team colors on Friday for the big event!

Have a great week!



Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Meeting Our Buddies...

On Monday, we met our new Reading Buddies for the first time!  We enjoyed a beautiful walk around the lake together.  I was so impressed with the students' willingness to lead their buddies in great "get to know you" conversations!  We have a class of well-mannered, friendly students!!  We meet with our Grade 3 Buddies from Ms. Dale's class every Day 5.  It is a great chance for students to develop positive mentorship skills and new friendships with younger students in our school!

Flying Creek Field Trip: Coming Up!

Today Mr. Conway, our field trip guide (and Miss M's Grade 6 teacher!), came to help us prepare for our field trip to Flying Creek.  Students will bring home a letter and waiver form today.  Thanks, parents, for returning these waivers along with $4.50 for the bus, as well as $3 for our three upcoming swimming dates ($1/per swim).

If you are interested in joining us for the day, we would be thrilled to have you along for the adventure!  Just send an email or note in your child's agenda to let me know if you are interested and available.

Looking forward to seeing many of you tomorrow!

Shalwar Kameez Fashion Show...

Last week we had a mini-fashion show, inspired by The Breadwinner!  Here are three of us in our "shalwar kameez" outfits!

Thursday, September 6, 2012

The First Week...

We are off to a great start in Room 301!  Both Mrs. McCrea and I have been impressed with the students' effort and enthusiasm- I think we are going to have an awesome year!

We have our noses deep in a great book called "The Breadwinner", by Deborah Ellis.  It is a story set in Afghanistan during the rule of the Taliban.  Today many students had their first taste of "naan" bread...I think it was a hit!  Many were asking for recipes, but I must confess that you can find this lovely naan just down Prince of Wales. :)  I will post pictures just as soon as I receive the Media Release forms, which are going home today!

In Math, we have started our study of Patterns and Equations.  Once I have received the majority of parents' email addresses, I will send out some Extra Practice Sheets, which complement our work in class, lesson by lesson.  These are just for added, optional support.  We are also spending daily time reviewing our multiplication facts.  Some students would benefit from extra practice at home, and one way to do this is by checking out Miss M's Links on the sidebar.  There a number of sites that will help your son or daughter practice their basic math skills online.

Please also check the sidebar for upcoming dates and homework reminders.  Have an excellent Thursday!


Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Welcome back Grade 6!

Welcome back grade 6!  My name is Mrs. McCrea and I will be interning with Miss. McMillan this fall until the end of December.  Hope your summer holidays were great!  I am excited to be able to join Miss. McMillan's classroom and excited to meet all of you!