Happy Holidays!

Thank you for bringing in all the treats! We had quite the spread at our class party! Below are a list of things to do over the holidays, if you have extra time visit the sites I've added on the sidebar (to the right)!

Homework for the Holidays:

1.) Book Talk assignment
-read a book and prepare for an oral book report when you return from the holidays
-follow the guidelines below (given out yesterday)

2.) Check the "Model Student Project" tab (at the top of this page) for details about our upcoming assignment

3.) Enjoy the snow!! Have a wonderful holiday with your friends and family... see you in 2014! :)

Book Talk Assignment

For this assignment, you will choose a book that is at least 70 pages long and appropriate to your personal reading level. You will read the book and prepare a Book Talk (oral book report) for the class.  This can be a book you are currently reading or just finished. 

Time

3 to 4 minutes

Requirements

Note cards (Needed for assistance, please do not read from them!)

Procedures

Your Book Talk should include the following:

1)      The title, author, publication date of your book. You should have the book with you to show to the class.

2)      Briefly summarize the book (don’t spend too long on this) by telling who the main characters are, what the central conflict/idea is, what the important events in the book are, and what you believe the author wants readers to take from the experience of reading the book. It’s best not to reveal too much or tell the ending, especially if you are ultimately recommending the book as a good read.

3)      Introduce and then read a passage from the book. This passage should be from a significant moment in the story that describes a main character in some way, illuminates the book’s theme or central idea, represents an important point in the plot, strikingly reflects the author’s style, or foreshadows something exciting.  In other words, choose a passage that excites the imagination!

4)      Finally, tell the audience if you would recommend the book or not, and explain your three main reasons why. Use the OREO format to persuade the class why they should read the book.

Opinion: tell how you feel about the book

Reason: tell 3 reasons to support your opinion

Examples: tell examples to support your reasons

Opinion: restate your opinion about the book with feeling)

***Remember to practice your book talk out loud before the due date!!!!***

Due Date

Book Talks will begin on Friday January 10, 2014

My Book Talk Presentation is on:______________________________

Winter Concert

Homework

1.) Holiday Concert tonight!
-it's the time to celebrate and sing! come to the gym by 6:15pm 
-wear either, red, white or green

2.) Book Talk book
-choose a book that you will be giving a presentation on in January
-it must be at least 70 pages, it must be a story that includes a beginning, middle, end as well as a problem and solution
-more details (ie. checklist and rubric) will be provided tomorrow

3.) Holiday Party tomorrow!
-please bring in a treat for our party tomorrow (nut-free!)

4.) Return vision check form
-if you got a pink form today, please have your parent sign and return the forms TOMORROW
-this is to indicate you need another appointment at Queen Alexandra, please have your parents take you there

Highlights

*We had a dress rehearsal for the Holiday Concert today. 
*We had our math retest.

***Tomorrow is our last day before the holidays! One more day!*** 

Vision Screening Today

Homework

1.) Math
-graphing retest tomorrow 
-graphing worksheet for practice

2.) Nelson Mandela 
-type/write out good copy

3.) Return all library books

4.) Pizza Lunch tomorrow for the top two table groups
-congrats to table group 3 and 4

Highlights

*We all had our eyes checked today, forms will be going home to students who need a follow-up appointment.

*We had a dress rehearsal for the Holiday Concert today.

***We are participating in the Holiday Concert tomorrow night, please arrive before 6:30pm!***

Let it Snow!

Homework

1.) Spelling
-write misspelled words from the test 10X each
-get your test signed

2.) Math
-practice graphing questions (on worksheet) for retest this week (Thurs.)

3.) Reading Response

Highlights

*We had our spelling retest today, most of us did very well!
*We began making our background art for our digestive system movies.
*We played in the snow! Remember to keep the snow on the ground: no snowball fights!

***Please note: Our class will be involved in the Holiday Concert on Wednesday, more details to come! Also, our class holiday party is on Thursday... please bring in treats for the class!***

#2 Class in Food Drive

Homework

1.) Math
-practice elapsed time online and play these games!
Grade 5 Elapsed Time Quiz
Practice Telling Time

2.) Spelling
-get your spelling test signed
-retest on Mon. 

3.) Writing
-write or type out a good copy of the Nelson Mandela writing piece from earlier in the week
-this will be posted on the bulletin board

4.) Reading Response

Highlights

*We had a our last session of Project Engage today.
*We came in 2nd place with collecting 107 cans/boxes of food!! Thank you for your generosity!

***Have a wonderful weekend!***

iPads

Homework

1.) Spelling
-study words for tomorrow's test

2.) Science
-complete the storyboard with your digestive system creative story (yesterday's homework)
-we will be making an imovie tomorrow in class with it

Highlights

*We recorded our stories on the iPads today.
*We played on instruments in music. 

***FOOD DRIVE: We are in the lead in the junior division for collecting the most non-perishable foods, but there is still ONE MORE DAY to bring in food. Please remember to donate if you haven't already!!***

Food Drive Collection

Homework

1.) Math
-elapsed time sheet

2.) Spelling
-practice spelling words (Digestive and Nervous Systems)
-write a creative story pretending you are a tomato (or any other food) going through Mr. Crossdale's (or another person) digestive system! 
-the story should be written in your journal and at least 2 pages long

Highlight

*We learned more about the digestive system playing a game.
*We played on instruments in music. 

***Friday is the last day to bring in canned goods for our food drive!!***

Blended Learning Introduction

Homework:

1.) Spelling
-practice list of words given yesterday
-review digestive system words (go onto Blended Learning or kidshealth.org)

2.) Science
-go onto Blended Learning website (choose "Blended Learning Mok" course) or go to kidshealth.org if you cannot log on
-write 5 interesting facts about the brain that we have not already discussed in class in your journal

Highlights

*We logged into our new Blended Learning website.
 If you lost the instructions, visit this site: Blended Learning
 User name= your student number
 Password= melissa 
 Change the password to make a new password. 
 If you have followed all these steps and you cannot log in, please let me know tomorrow. 

*We were filmed by the TDSB Safe&Caring Schools representatives today. We did an excellent job speaking confidently in front of the camera! Good job Grade 5s! 

* We started a new unit in writing on persuasive writing. 

***FOOD DRIVE: We have until Friday to collect as many non-perishable foods!***

Tribute to Nelson Mandela

Homework

1.) Spelling
-nervous system: write an imaginary conversation between the brain parts (cerebrum, cerebellum, thalamus, brain stem) explaining the function between each part 
-1 page
-check out this link for the video we watched in class: How the Brain Works

2.) Journal
-answer the question in your journal with proper spelling and grammar (2-3 paragraphs)
-"Why is Nelson Mandela considered a hero?"
-check out this link for the video we watched in class: Nelson Mandela Biography
-check out this link for information about his life: Nelson Mandela Biography for Kids

Highlights

*We had a practice Restorative Circle with Ms. Baltazar for our filming tomorrow. 
*We will be learning about the Nervous System and the Digestive System this week.
*We discussed the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela.

Notes
***We will be filmed tomorrow morning for a TDSB Restorative Circles video. Look sharp!!***

Food Drive

Homework

1.) Reading response

2.) Science
-go to kidshealth.org (click on "How the Body Works")
-choose one body system (heart/circulatory, stomach/digestive, brain/nervous, bones/musculoskeletal)
-find 10 keywords related to the body system you chose
-write the definition for each word on a lined piece of paper

3.) Science Assignment 
-refer to Monday's post for more details
-due Monday

4.) Math
-Graphing Test tomorrow

5.) Social Studies
-retest on Monday 

Highlights

*We had our 3rd Project Engage session this morning.
*We researched body systems on the iPads.
*We had a special assembly and music in the afternoon. 

***Bring in canned goods and non-perishable foods for the FOOD DRIVE!!!****

Project Engage Tomorrow (instead of Friday)

Homework

1.) Math
-complete questions on pg. 196 #1-5 including "Reflect"
-reminder: Graphing Test is on FRI (correction)

2.) Writing
-complete final draft/good copy "Recount of Outside Learning Experiences" 
-due: TOMORROW

3.) Science
-assignment due on MON

4.) Social Studies
-retest on MON

Highlights

*We gave final peer edits to our recount assignment due tomorrow.
*We discussed different units of measure and focused on time (seconds and minutes). 
*We had gym and music in the afternoon. 

***FOOD DRIVE: Bring in canned goods for the food drive! We can win a prize if we bring in the most cans!!***

Ms. Mok away in the PM

Homework

1.) Reading Response

2.) Rough draft of "Outside Classroom Experiences" recount
-due tomorrow so we can peer edit
-good copy will be written in class after it has been peer edited

3.) Social Studies test corrections
-write correct answers for each answer in a different coloured pencil or pen
-due tomorrow (it will be collected)
-retest date to be decided 

4.) Science Assignment 
-due next Mon. 

Highlights

*We practiced reading thermometers and calculating elapsed time in math.
*We began our rough draft of the recount in language.

Officer Lynn Visit

Homework

1.) Reading Response

2.) Study for Graphing Test (on FRI)

3.) Science Assignment (due MON.)

Submit your completed work, along with your classmates' comments, to your teacher.

1. Write a response to the following four statements: stating whether or not your agree with them and why or why not.
   
   Air pollution and smog have a serious effect on your health.
   
   Advertisers never care about people's health.
   
   Technology is helping us to become healthier.
   
   Factories and businesses are careful not to hurt the environment and take care of the people who work for them.
2. Exchange your paper with two classmates. Do you disagree with anything? If yes, why? Do you have any questions or comments? Can you add anything? Sign your name beside your comments.

Important. When your teacher returns your work, keep it as you will use it again 

Highlights

*We met Officer Lynn today and talked about internet safety. 

***Note: I will be away in the afternoon tomorrow for a workshop.***

Project Engage 2nd Week

Homework

1.) Write or type out a good copy of the Project Engage Recount
-due MON.

2.) Reading Response

3.) Sleep Log

4.) My Learning Reflections (green sheet)
-get your parents to sign it
-hand in on MON.

Highlights

*We had our social studies test this morning.
*We had our 2nd Project Engage session. 
*We didn't have French today.

***Have a wonderful weekend!***

Social Studies Test Tomorrow

Homework

1.) Study for test tomorrow
-make sure you practice answering the creative writing questions, ONE will be on the test tomorrow

2.) Reading Response

Highlights

*We practiced peer editing recounts this morning, we are getting very good at it!

*We had music in the afternoon. 

Wednesday

Homework

1.) Reading Response

2.) Study for Social Studies Test on FRI

Highlights

*We had a supply teacher in the morning and completed all the work assigned! Good job, class! For that, we each earned 3 points each on Class Dojo for working hard, participating and staying on-task. 

Success Criteria

Homework

1.) Spelling
-make corrections/write sentences and hand-in if you have not done so already

2.) Reflection (in your journal)
-answer in full sentences "What do I need to improve on to 'bump-up' my mark with my recount writing?"

3.) Study for Social Studies Test (on FRI)
-answer all questions (#1-8)
-answer either #1 OR #2 to hand-in tomorrow

Highlights

*We collaborated on a success criteria for recount writing and listed all the requirements that make a recount a level 3 or 4. 
*We organized and reviewed our notes on First Contact of Early Europeans and First Nations People. 

***I will be away in the morning for a workshop and will be returning in the afternoon. See you then!!***

Book Bank

Homework

1.) Spelling
-make corrections to misspelled words from your test (write them out 10 times each)
-write a sentence to show the meaning of the following words:
          (environment, survival, respect, quest, wigwams, farmers)

2.) Good copy of Recount of Project Engage
-you can type out your good copy on the computer or write it out
-if you have not had your writing peer edited, do so using the checklist
-it will be collected and marked tomorrow

3.) Sleep Log
-complete this sleep log everyday this week

Highlights

*We began our Human Body unit today, and learned about the benefits of fitness for our heart. 
*We learned to take our pulse. 
*We practiced how to give descriptive feedback for peer editing.
*We went to the Book Bank.
*We discussed the importance of getting a good night's rest. Get to bed early tonight!!

Project Engage

Homework

1.) Recount of Project Engage
-use the recount checklist to help you
-due on Monday

2.) Math
-write a reflection in your math notebook about "What I need to improve on with graphing?" 

3.) Reading Response
-to be collected on Monday

Highlights

*We had an awards assembly in the morning, and a separate one in our classroom at the end of the day to recognize our various strengths.

*We had our first Project Engage session today which was a lot of fun!

*We had a very co-operative and insightful Restorative Circle with Ms. Baltazar. 


***Have a wonderful weekend! We will be going to the book bank together on Monday!***

Pop Quiz Today

Homework

1.) Recount
-use the peer evaluations/descriptive feedback to make changes to your recount
-write a good copy to hand-in tomorrow

2.) Reading Response

3.) Graphing Pop Quiz
-make corrections and have it signed by your parents

4.) Study for Spelling Test tomorrow!

Highlights

*We learned about how to give descriptive feedback when peer editing our writing. 
*We had a pop quiz on graphing today.
*We practiced sketching with leaves. 
*We played on instruments and sang in music. 

Class Dojo

Homework

1.) Recount of Film Festival
   -use the "recount planner" and "recount checklist" to write out your ideas in full sentences and paragraphs (on a separate piece of lined paper)

2.) Complete all graphing homework and assignments
   -the following questions should be completed:
            pg. 180 #3,4,reflect
            pg. 185 #3
            pg. 184 #1, 2
            pg. 174-175 #1,2
            pg. 162

3.) Spelling Assignment
   -complete all questions carefully and neatly
   -make sure sentences show the meaning of each word (not the definition)
   -study for test on FRI. 

Highlights

*We reviewed graphing in math and took up our quiz.
*We peer evaluated our recount ideas.
*We practiced volleying and bumping skills in gym. 
*We played on instruments in music. 
*We continued with our Class Dojo! Some of us earned many points today, check your score on the Class Dojo site! 

Workshop Tomorrow

Homework

1.) Math
     pg. 180 #3, 4, reflect (answer all questions in your math notebook)
     graphing assignment: must be handed in by tomorrow (it was due today)

2.) Spelling Assignment due Wed.
     complete the sheet given in class today
     match the words to its definition (correct answers will be taken up tomorrow)
     finish TWO of the homework options on the assignment sheet 

3.) Reading Response

Highlights

*We received our Graphing quiz today, and learned what our areas of need are. 
*We began writing a recount of the film festival with a focus on using time connectives.
*We learned about value and shading with pencil in art. 
*We each got a Class Dojo avatar today, please show your parents/ask your child how to log onto the parent account! Use the account/password on the sheet given in class today. Click on the "Class Dojo" tab at the top of the page for more information.

***Notes: I will be away tomorrow for a workshop, see you on Wednesday!***

Pizza Party

(This message was not posted properly yesterday, if you would like to check yesterday's homework assignment they are as follows)

My apologies for the late post, I will accept the homework if the journal is not complete today.


Homework

1.) Math
    Read pg. 182-183 
    Answer pg. 184 #1 and 2

2.) Reading Response
     read one chapter of your book and complete the back of the inferring "Talking/Thinking        Bubble" page

3.) Journal
      visit http://regentparkfilmfestival.com/program/school-program-grades-4-6-2013/
      read about the different short films we will see
      write a response about "Which film is the most interesting/most looking forward to seeing"

Highlights

*Groups 2 and 5 including five other hard-working students were invited to our first Pizza Party we were joined by Mr. Marks and Ms. Bennett
*We had the iPads today
*We played on instruments in music again today 

***We are going to the Regent Park Film Festival TOMORROW! Please make sure you are at school by 9:00am, we will be leaving shortly after attendance is taken. ****

Interviews

Homework

1.) Math
     complete the graphing assignment given out in class today
     find a graph (bar, line, pie/circle, pictograph etc.) either in a newspaper (free newspapers     like "The Grid) or online
     cut it out/print it out and glue onto the sheet and write down the information you learned from         the graph and inferences you can make
     visit these websites for graphs online (to be updated with more sites)

The Weather Network
http://www.theweathernetwork.com/?extcmp=sem_web_googleen_text&cref=brand&gclid=CMPx7prG5boCFYhcMgodwmoAjA

2.) Reading Response
     complete "questioning" pages (front and back)

3.) Film Critic
     write down 2-3 sentences about each film we saw at the Regent Park Film Festival today
     (write your ideas on the "Be a Film Critic" paper given out) 
     we will be writing a recount together next week based on your ideas

Highlights

*We went to the RPFF today at the Daniels Spectrum, the films were extraordinary and sparked many conversations afterwards
*We had a Restorative Circle to discuss classroom issues like "How do you feel when someone is angry? What can you do to help that person?" 
*We played volleyball in gym 

Thank you to the parents who have met with me already, I look forward to meeting with all of you. Please let me know if you were not able to schedule an interview this week and would still like to meet, we can arrange another time.

***NO SCHOOL TOMORROW! Have a wonderful long weekend!***

Progress Reports

Homework

1.) Study for math quiz (tomorrow)
     -mean/mode
     -line/bar graphs
     -parts of a graph

2.) Reading Response (visualizing)

3.) Complete any unfinished work
     -learning skills paragraphs
     -agility challenge recount 

4.) Ask your parents about interview time

5.) Trip on Thursday- we need a parent volunteer to come with us! 

Highlights

*We surveyed primary and junior students on various ideas to improve the school
*We started a new unit in gym- volleyball! 
*We played on instruments in music
*We received our progress reports today!

Remembrance Day

Homework

1.) Math graphing sheet 
     Quiz on WED! 

2.) If you have not yet completed the following, it is due TOMORROW. 
     
      *Recount of Agility Challenge (gym workshop)
      *Learning Goals (your strengths, improvements, and things you are proud of) 
      *"Scream" artwork 

3.) Ask you parents about preferred interview time

Highlights

*We watched a slideshow at the Remembrance Day assembly which was very powerful and reminded us to be grateful of the sacrifices soldiers and veterans made 

Veteran Guest Speaker

Homework

1.) Recount of veteran guest speaker's presentation (3 paragraphs)
      -use the graphic organizer copied in class to help you 

2.)  Complete graphing math sheet 
     -notes: a dozen=12, noon= 12pm
    -pop quiz next week!

3.) Complete "My Weekly Reflection" 

Highlights

*We met veteran Coporal D. who has been to Afghanistan and various other countries
*We determined the winners of next week's pizza party (on WED) as well as our 3 Best Students of the Week
*We talked about our first field trip scheduled for next Thursday Nov. 14- we will need 2 parent volunteers to come along with us....admission is free!
*We said our goodbyes to Rhashari who will be going to a different school. We will miss you!


Have a great weekend! :)

Parent Teacher Interviews

Homework

1.) Complete "Scream" art

2.) Finish any math homework from the week- there will be a graphing quiz coming up soon!

3.) Read for at least 30 min

Highlights

*PALS workshop today: we have many budding leaders in our class who were training to organize co-operative games with younger students today

*We discussed why we celebrate Remembrance Day and the sacrifices veterans and soldiers  made for us 

*Tomorrow a veteran will come to visit our class

NOTE TO PARENTS:

Parent-Teacher Interviews are taking place next week on Wednesday and Thursday in the evening, and Friday during the day. Interviews are 15 minutes long. Please make a note in your child's agenda about what day and time you can schedule a meeting with me. I will send a confirmation on Monday. 

These are the available times:
Wed. 3:45 pm-7 pm
Thurs. 3:45 pm-7 pm
Fri. 9am-12pm

We can also meet on another day if none of these times work for your schedule. Please email me to arrange a time. 

Special Assembly

Homework:

1.) Math
-complete pg. 174-175 (#1 and 2)

2.) Language
-complete "My Learning Skills Goals" response
-reading response "Reading/Thinking Voice"

Highlights:
*special gym and health assembly 

 

Happy Friday!

Homework:

1.) Math:
Pg. 162 (Math Makes Sense textbook)
including a line-graph of #4 (graph the field goals, free throws, games played)
bring a calculator
study the Graphing Unit key words....Quiz next week

2.) Language:
List and explain 3 different reading strategies you used when you read the next chapter of your book (ie. Visualization, Questioning, Inferring) 

3.) Social Studies:
Study the key characteristics of the Iroquois and Algonquian tribes...Quiz next week 

Highlights:
*Discussed bullying
*Self-Evaluation for the Week 
*Best Students Raffle

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! 

Happy Halloween

No Homework tonight! Enjoy :)

Highlights:
*We learned to calculate mean (average) and mode in math
*We discussed the famous Edvard Munch painting "The Scream" 
*We had a mini-party in the afternoon! Thanks to those who brought in treats! 

Reminder for tomorrow:
Please keep your candy at home! 

Wednesday

Homework:

1.) Math: 
draw a broken-line graph of the weather forecast for the next 7 days (average temperature) of one Canadian city. Check the forecast here: theweathernetwork.ca 

2.) Language:
finish the cloze activity from today 
in your journal, write a reflection about "How do inferences help you understand your book better? Tell me."

3.) Spelling:
make spelling corrections of misspelled words from your test (write them 5 times)
write a proper sentence for each word to show its' meaning (not the definition) 
ex. Would you go swimming in a river? 

Highlights:

*We used the iPads today in math and language today
*We had an extra period of gym outside

Tomorrow is Halloween! The students are welcome to come to school in a costume, or in orange/black colours. (Please remember to keep any toy-weapons at home.) We will be having a mini-party at the end of the day, feel free to send snacks or treats to school! 

Monday Monday...

Hello Parents and Students! 

I was absent from school today because of a cold, hopefully the class was on their best behaviour!  The supply teacher should have given the following for homework:

Homework:

1.) Math Sheet (graphing data)

2.) Inferring (Facts/Questions/Inferences) reading response for one chapter of the book you are currently reading

I will also be away tomorrow for a workshop! We will have the same supply teacher, Mr. Mills. 

Have a great weekend!

Homework

1.) Graphing
     -Project Engage (2nd and 3rd choices)
     -survey from today

2.) Summary
     -use the key words.... (Someone, Wanted, But, So, Then)
     -summarize one chapter of the book you are reading

3.) Post a comment on the blog about the Mi'maq video we saw today
    -"What are 3 things you learned from watching this video?"
   -click on "Mi'maq Family" tab on the very top of this page (next to HOME)

4.) Get the "My Learning This Week" (green sheet) signed by MONDAY

5.) Some people have a math re-quiz on Monday


Highlights

*discussed classroom community problems during our Restorative Circle (ex. How do you feel when our classroom supplies are being wasted?")

*discussed the consequences of gossiping in the book "Name Calling" by Canadian author Itah Sadu 

*surveyed our classmates with questions we designed 

Spelling Test Tomorrow!

Homework for today:
-graphing our Project Engage choices (2nd and 3rd choices) due Mon. 
-summary of one chapter of the book your are currently reading (write on Summary Organizer)
-study for spelling test tomorrow

Highlights
-practiced dribbling with soccer ball in gym
-discussed "invisible buckets" that we have (empathy) it will fill up, as well as the buckets of others, when we show we care by helping other people and encouraging them 
-learned about value of colours (light/dark) 

Next week:
-requiz of Division/Multiplication (for some students)
-quiz on graphing
-Ms. Mok will be away on Tuesday Oct. 29 for a workshop
-Rhashari's bday on Tuesday Oct. 29
-Marwa's belated bday on Tuesday Oct. 22
-Halloween on Thursday Oct. 31

Welcome to our blog!

Many parents have been contacting me about homework assignments. On this site, you will find what has been given for homework that day and on previous days as well as highlights with what we covered that day. 

For students: check this website at home or at the library to ensure you've completed all homework assignments. Also, click on the links on the side bar (on the right) to practice your mental math, or to read up on our Social Studies unit on First Nations and Early European Contact (under "First Nations"). 

Yesterday the homework was as followed:

1.) Math Sheet ("Hop to It" Division with Remainders Practice)

2.) Study "Algonquin Tribes" Words (word search on the front of page) 

*Spelling Test of "Algonquin Tribes" Word List on FRIDAY*

Highlights of the Day:
*Introduced new math unit on Data Management/Graphing 
*Continued practicing reading strategy of inferring (making inferences about the texts we read) 
*Completed questions about Algonquin Tribe