Sept. 21

Due to current job action, this blog will not be updated until further notice.

Sept. 18-25

This week in math students compared numbers to 100 000 for grade 5s and numbers to 1 000 000 for grade 6s. We also reviewed addition and subtraction of large numbers. There will be a quiz on these concepts, plus place value next Tuesday. 

In language we read the book, "The Best Parts of Me," and worked on creating our own photographs and pieces of writing. These are being displayed outside room 21. The learning goals were related to writing, art and learning to have appreciation for others by appreciating ourselves. 

In social studies we learned about the levels of government in Canada, and the major political parties. Students put themselves on a political line regarding their opinions about issues in Canada and the world, in order to better understand the stance of our political parties. 

Homework for this week:

1) Read for at least 20 minutes every day.

2) Complete the math work on addition and subtraction.

3) Complete the cursive practice. If you would like to be exempt from cursive practice, write me a letter, in cursive, explaining why you don't need practice. 

4) Read the article on Syria and answer the questions. 

Important upcoming dates:

Tuesday, September 22nd: pool, math quiz

Thursday, September 24th: homework due

Best,

Bronwyn Davidson

September 11-18

The first week of school has flown by! Despite the heat and roofing, we've had a great first week together. We began our week by learning the classroom routines, including our community agreements. The classroom agreements are based on the Tribes method. They are as follows:
1) mutual respect
2) attentive listening
3) appreciation/ no put-downs
4) the right to pass and participate
5) safety first
Please ask your child about these agreements and how they help a classroom function well. 

Even though the week has been short, we've packed a lot in! This week in math students worked in groups to create calendars that will be displayed throughout the school year. We also developed success criteria for working together with others. We reviewed place value from previous years and focussed on numbers to 100 000 for grade 5s and numbers to 1 000 000 for grade 6s. Students expressed their understanding of numbers by placing them in place value charts, and by writing them in expanded form, standard form and in words. You can help your child with these concepts by writing down large numbers, like 345 609, and having them say the number in words. 

In language we established our classroom routines for independent reading and discussed how readers choose books. We also discussed how to choose a "just right" book, in order to progress as readers. Students wrote letters to their future selves, which they will read again in June. We also wrote down all our "I Can'ts" and had a funeral for them. We've changed our "I Can'ts" to "I'm learning to," and "I'd like to improve upon." 

We began our first inquiry, which is "What is Empathy?" We will be discussing this question and those related to it, like, "How can empathy create change?" and "What happens when there is lack of empathy?" over the next few months. We read books together on the topic, including, "Is There Really a Human Race?" and "My Teacher is a Monster!"

Finally, many thanks to Maggie and her dad Patrick for our surprise learning experience this week. Patrick brought in baby chicks for us to see and hold. We learned that you can put a chick to sleep by rubbing its stomach. Who knew?! I was impressed with the level of empathy that the students showed the chicks, in their great care of them. 

Important upcoming dates:

Monday, September 14th: announcement about Mono Cliffs for grade 6s

Tuesday, September 15th: pool

Tuesday, September 22nd: welcome back BBQ

Homework for this week:

There is no homework folder homework for this week, as the grade 6s may be away next week. Students need to continue to read daily for at least 20 minutes each day. Any unfinished work will also go home to be completed for the next day. 

Best,

Bronwyn Davidson

Welcome to the 2015-16 school year!

Sept. 8th, 2015

Dear Parent,

I hope that you had a wonderful summer. I look forward to a working together to help your child achieve success and grow. My teaching philosophy is based on the Tribes method, which emphasizes mutual respect in order to create a safe, caring environment in which everyone can succeed.

I believe that parents and teachers must work as a team in order for students to be successful. As such, I ask you to please email me directly with any questions, concerns or information at msbronwyndavidson@gmail.com. Please email me this week so that I can compile a class email list. I use this online blog as a communication tool, and I ask you to read it weekly. I update it every Friday and put all important dates and homework on it. You can subscribe to the site and receive automatic updates by clicking on the link “subscribe via email,” and adding your email address. (As a busy parent, I find this easier, as emails get sent to my inbox.) I’m also available to discuss more pressing issues over the phone, or in person. The school’s phone number is 416 393-1740. I believe that any problem can be solved by communicating and working together.

I ask you to provide your child with the following items this week:

·       *     pencils, an eraser, a highlighter and markers

·         *              memory stick (USB)

Here are a few other details:

·     *             Students should bring or wear running shoes to school every day for phys. ed., DPA (daily physical activity) and dance.

·     *            I have included the schedule for room 21. If it helps with family organization to send swimsuits and towels on Mondays, please do.

I look forward to a great year together!

Best,

Bronwyn Davidson