Math and Science Tests: I am pretty sure you were aware of the math and science tests that the class took part in last week. Happy to report that the class as a group did a great job preparing and writing both. In Science we will be moving on to a building project for both grades 4 and 5 around the past units Rocks and Minerals and The Human Body and the upcoming States of Matter and Pulley's and Gears.
Spelling Protocols: Hi Folks, just wanted to review spelling protocols as a few people seem confused. Pre-test is always day 1 with 2 assigned questions. Students write the pretest and identify their errors, write them out 3 times correctly and have them signed by Mr. Graham. Once signed the words are correct and students can begin to study for the Day 5 final test. Day 3 we take up the spelling exercises and go over any thing that may be a problem. Final test is Day 5 and students need to take their language notebooks home to study. Hope this clarifies things for some and be aware that the student is responsible to remember to bring their book home but...they are also writing in their planner every night that a spelling test is coming day 5 so if the planners are being checked and signed it will be evident when the test is scheduled.
As always, send me an email if you have concerns. (james.graham2@tdsb.on.ca)
Really Big Social Studies Integrated Subject Project!: Our update this week focuses on materials for the project. It seems there has been an issue with printing out work for the display boards. At school I do not have access to a printer that is colour and I believe the expectations are that students print project based materials at home. This can be the only disconnect when working with Google Docs as students are arriving at school with great info but it is not printed and cannot be added to their 3 panel boards.
Update for the Really Big Social Studies Integrated Subject Project! Students will be coming to you asking for a 3 paned display board for their group. Please co-ordinate with the entire group to come to a consensus as to who is purchasing this item so it does not become a multiple buy.
Intro to the Really Big Social Studies Integrated Subject Project. If you haven't heard yet we will be doing a 1 month project based around a Federal Election and Canada's physical regions. Grade 4 students have been assigned a region of Canada. The 4's job is to be the tourist information centre for that area and to attract visitors. The 5's are the MP for that region. The5's job is to secure funding and support for various projects in real time within the province. MP's will take part in a speech campaign, a debate and an election. All will take part in our massive Canada On Display fair in mid November. The project will integrate math, science, social studies, language and media literacy.
I have asked the students to begin to collect information and there will be time allotted for the project in class. As some of the project will be completed at home I will be giving a parent/guardian mark. This is something I started a few years ago that the students love as I know some of you love to get involved. It is sometimes a great way to connect with your child in a different context. I have also told the students that the project's written components will be done on Google Docs which will allow them to work collaboratively without having to be with each other. Avoids the complicated matter of getting three students together in the same space. More information and rubrics will be introduced in small chunks so as not to cause insane panic and anxiety.
The Pink Slip: A new introduction as of Oct 8, 2019. We will be starting our Pink Slip Program. If students are having difficulty on a regular basis with specific rules or routines a pink slip will be filled out by me and sent home. If you could review the expectations and send the slip back signed that would be appreciated.
Reading Material for Class: Please assist in the acquisition of reading material for class. It is expected that every student come with something each day. Remember that these can be graphic novels, newspapers, comic books, novels, fiction and non fiction print. At present about 70 percent of the class is arriving with their material which makes it tough to drop everything and read!
All Parents:
Summary writing continues as we are formulating our final copies. All students have conferenced with me and the writing in most cases is fantastic!
Student Voice:
Note: The next segment of student voice involves students joining one of the many committees within the structure. I will be running the Athletics Committee and the students in my group will be organizing and running extra curricular activities for the primary grades
Thea (Gr 4) and Garett (Gr 5) Delivered a message to the students about joining specific committees to assist the junior and primary grades in various ways. A form will be sent home Tuesday and due on Friday the 27th of September which will allow students to sign up for their 3 top choices. Have your student tell you about the various opportunities.
A huge shout out to our grade parents for 2019/2020, Theresa David, Regina Bucker and Jill Colter. The students had a blast at the Halloween Party planned by the above folks and supplied by many of the parents.
Students are reminded to bring something to read each and every day. Hopefully they can vary the content bringing magazines, newspapers, novels, graphic novels and other types of media.
Students are doing exceptionally well at remembering all their materials for class. I congratulate them on some great organizational skills.