Feb. 28-Mar. 6

As March break quickly approaches we are working hard in room 21!  In math we've continued our work on fractions, comparing and ordering fractions by converting mixed to improper fractions, finding common denominators and using fractions strips. Have your child explain these concepts to you to help strengthen his/her understanding. This week's homework is on comparing and ordering fractions. There will be a quiz on fractions next Wednesday, March 5th. 

In language we continued to work on the correct use of "I" and "me." I hear students self-correcting, which is great! We've also continued our study of level 4 exemplars for reading and writing. This week we looked at some EQAO exemplars and I was impressed that the students were able to identify why the pieces of writing were a level 1, vs. a level 4. We began this week's writing homework, entitled "Principal for a Day" by brainstorming point form notes and putting them in order. For homework they will write their ideas in paragraph form, using the level 4 exemplar provided as a guide. We are almost finished our read aloud of the novel Wonder, which has been very engaging.

In science the grade 5's finished building bridges and completed their science notes, while the grade 6's began work on a power point presentation for Steven Harper (me), to convince the government to invest in what the students believe is the best form of energy for the future.

In art we began to study how to use one point perspective. Next week the students will apply their knowledge to a piece of art featuring one point perspective.


This week's homework, which is due Thursday, March 6th:

1) Review the times tables. This is so important for fraction and upcoming decimal work!
2) Read for at least 20 minutes each day and talk about what you read. 
3) Complete the math work on comparing and ordering fractions. 
4) Complete a Bitstrip cartoon on fractions in everyday life.
5) Complete the "Principal for the Day" writing assignment. 

Important dates:

Wed, March 5th: pool and library
Thurs, March 6th: homework due; the last day before March Break; tropical day spirit day
Friday, March 7th: no school

March 10-14th: March Break

Best,
Bronwyn Davidson

by James E.

Feb. 21-28

We've had a short but productive week! In math we've continued our work on fractions, converting mixed to improper fractions and back again, as well as finding equivalent fractions. Have your child explain these concepts to you to help strengthen his/her understanding. This week's homework is on equivalent fractions.

In language we viewed the students' rants using the Aurasma app. The rants were very well done, and demonstrated great passion and thinking! We also created graphic organizers, called Venn diagrams, that the students will use to complete this week's reading homework. In grammar we will focus on the use of the pronouns I and me, which will be applied to the reading homework. (The students will tell you that the incorrect use of these two words is a pet peeve of mine!) :-)

In science the grade 5's continued building bridges, while the grade 6's researched different types of sources of electricity and their advantages and disadvantages. They will present their findings next week.

In art the students finished mixed media works inspired by Paul Klee, and explained which elements and principles of design were most important in their work. They turned out to be very beautiful works of art! The students also created posters for the Olympics, which are hung in our room.

Finally, we have begun our third inquiry unit, on the topic of balancing our needs with others. We've begun to ask questions like, "How do we balance our needs with those of others?" and "How do we balance our needs with those of the planet?" We will use these questions to guide our thinking in all areas of the curriculum, including language, science and social studies.

This week's homework, which is due Thursday, Feb. 27th:

1) Review the times tables. This is so important for fraction and upcoming decimal work!
2) Read for at least 20 minutes each day and talk about what you read. 
3) Complete the assignments on Bitstrips that were started in computer lab. 
4) Complete the math work on equivalent fractions. 
5) Complete the character comparison:
Using your Venn diagram ideas, compare your personality traits with those of a character from a the book that you are currently reading. Choose at least two traits that are similar and two that are different. Be sure to include specific examples from the text. Also, be careful to use pronouns correctly and use compare/contrast transition words, such as also, similarly, both, but, on the other hand, whereas, however,  and while. 

Important dates:

Wed, Feb. 26th: pool and library
Thurs, Feb. 27th: homework due
Friday, Feb. 28th: junior ski trip to Dagmar

Best,
Bronwyn Davidson

Feb 14-21

This week we began a unit on fractions. You can help your child at home by asking him/her to explain what he/she understands about fractions and by using fractions in everyday life, like cooking. Students also completed their rants, which will we view using the Aurasma app next week. If you have a chance to come up to room 21 to see them, please do! Grade 5's have continued their work on forces, building bridges, while the grade 6's have been learning about electricity.

Congratulations to our character award winners, Rebecca, Cassidy, Justin, Josie and Rachel!

Homework for this week:

1) math: fractions (mixed fractions and improper)
2) Update your personal spelling list using the corrections from last week's work.
3) Read the exemplars provided entitled "A Person I Admire," which are level 4 examples of work for grade 5. Write your own "A Person I Admire" about someone that you admire.
4) Read for at least 20 minutes each day and talk about what you read.
5) Review the timestables. (It's important to know them well for fraction work!)

Important dates:
Monday, Feb 17: Family Day
Wed, Feb 19: swimming and library
Friday, Feb 28th: ski trip (Please hand in forms ASAP)

Best,
Bronwyn Davidson

Feb. 7-14

This week's homework:

- fractions review (This is not new work, but a review from last year and the year before.)
- start a personal spelling list from last week's work in the notebook provided
- write a book review of the book that you're currently reading ( details below)

Book Review
You are a book reviewer for a magazine. Describe  the plot, setting and characters of a story or novel that you are reading. Write a persuasive paragraph that critically analyzes the novel or story.

Important Dates:
Tuesday: pool; report cards go home

Thursday: interviews in the evening, homework due, winter Olympics in the AM (Bring all snow gear.)

Friday: recognition assembly 9AM-10AM in the Glen Ames gym ( Five students in room 21 will be recognized for receiving a character award. I will email those parents. Also, Friday is Valentine's Day. Students are welcome to bring Valentines for the whole class.

Best,
Bronwyn Davidson