March 28th-April 4th

We've had a great week of learning in room 21. In math the students learned how to round, add and subtract decimal numbers. We will have a math quiz next week on these concepts and comparing decimals to fractions. In language the students met with their literature circle groups to discuss their chosen novel. We also finished the novel Wonder and discussed the main messages from the book. This week's homework will relate to Wonder. In art the students created a piece of work based on Paul Klee's "Cat and Bird," but using an idea that we got from Wonder. In the novel the main character created a piece of work depicting himself as an animal. The students did the same, using the medium of chalk pastel. Next week we'll write about them. In science the grade 6's presented power point presentations to me (Steven Harper), and tried to convince me to invest in their chosen source of energy. I was impressed by the presentations, as well as the debate that followed- the students showed high level thinking! The grade 5's just finished a series of centres where they explored different types of energy and are moving on to the transformation of energy. We will begin a social studies project shortly; details to follow.

This week's homework:

1) Continue to practise times tables.
2) Complete the math homework on decimals.
3) Update your spelling list and study your words. 
4) Read your literature circle novel and be prepared with your completed role sheet for both meetings. 
5) In your language notebook, answer the following 2 questions in paragraph form. You will need to write 2 separate paragraphs. 

1) What do you think is the main message of Wonder? What was the author trying to teach us? Use your own ideas and examples from the text to explain.

2) I have given you a copy of Mr. Browne's precepts and the precepts of all the characters from Wonder. What is your personal precept? Explain why it is important to you. I want to hear your voice as a writer. Use my example as a model to help you.

Important dates:

Tuesday, April 1st: math quiz on decimals- not an April Fool's Day joke!

Wed, April 2nd: literature circle meeting

Thursday, April 3rd: homework due, library, pool

Friday, April 4th: literature circle meeting

Best,

Bronwyn Davidson