November 2020

November 6th, 2020

This week, the Grade 5s had the opportunity to record the first of our new Sloane Announcements. It was amazing to see how well our first duo did in recording and then editing their videos, using Adobe Spark. Today, they also added a reel of bloopers and it was an incredible way to end the week. Even more incredible was the collaboration in that this week's pair was excited to teach the next set of students who will be doing the announcements next week. We've had rave reviews as the 5s lead the way. I'm so proud of them and look forward to a new duo every week, sharing what's going on at Sloane and the world around us.

In Language this week, we listened to the final episode of season 2 and it was mind-blowing! Oliver Pruitt is Mars' dad! Some saw this coming but others definitely did not. Students concluded their work around summaries and also answered discussion questions. We will be listening to season 3 shortly. 

While discussing the events of the last episode, text-to-text connections were being made. This led to a discussion of connections we make from texts: text-to-text, text-to-self, and text-to-world. From here, we started discussions on book choices and how long students have been reading at home. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of texts and find texts that are of interest to them. In order to do this,  we discussed several online sources that are available in the TDSB's Virtual Library. We also took some time to read during class and students are encouraged to read for at least 20 minutes every evening. Further to our conversation around connections, we spoke about texts as windows or mirrors. As they read, students are encouraged to consider whether a text might be a mirror or window. A mirror is a story that reflects your own culture and experiences, while helping you build your identity. A window is a text that offers you a view into someone else’s experience. 

In Math, students had the opportunity to practice solving word problems involving addition, subtraction and multiplication, based on everyday situations. Through games and online activities, students were tasked with practicing their skills collaboratively. Today, students had a "quiz" where they solved problems based on vendors at a fair with a partner. Prior to working on the problems, we created a KWC chart which allowed for students to consider: what they know from the question; what they want to know; and the conditions needed to solve the problem. This will be a strategy that we will continue to use as we work to solve word problems. 

In Social Studies, students continued to learn about Treaties and continued to work on creating their infographics.

This week in Science, students completed their storyboards and we had the opportunity to get feedback through critiques. Students offered 2 stars (2 things that they liked about a person's solution) and 1 wish (something that they wished the person added) to the work of peers as they learned about giving feedback that is specific, helpful, and kind. Based on the feedback, students have started to create plans for their prototypes and we hope to start building sometime next week.

In Physical Education, the weather was beautiful and we got outside to continue co-operative games. A reminder to students that during our games, collaboration, participation, safety, and sportspersonship are the things that demonstrate success. 

In Music we had our first Orff lesson and it was a lot of fun learning new ways to warm up and to create music. We were so excited to create after our lesson that we spent some time using the Chrome Music Lab. Next week we will be continuing work on rhythm with Mrs. Hunt.

In Visual Arts, we continued learning about form and using shape to create the illusion of depth. We are currently using a video as a guide for us to create our own cityscape using 2-point perspective. Here's another video for students wanting to get some additional practice. This activity is causing us to persevere with the challenge and we will continuing next week. 

The weather has been beautiful and it looks like it will continue into next week. I hope that you have the chance to enjoy the sunshine this weekend!

November 13th, 2020

A packed week of learning and growing was had in room 207.

In Language, we learned about biographies and have started to write our own as we learn about First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples who are having an impact in Canada and around the world. As part of our learning around Truth and Reconciliation, it is important for us to understand the atrocities of the past and to understand the resilience and strength of Indigenous Peoples. Over the next few weeks, we will be continuing to  research, write and share as we gain a deeper understanding.

In Language we also listened to season 3, episode 1 of The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel. This season, we will be looking at voice as we journal from the perspective of different characters. During the first episode, we wrote from Mars' perspective. This episode was confusing and unbelievable for many reasons and would serve for some great discussion this weekend!

In Math, we continued to solve problems involving the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole and decimal numbers. We continued to focus on using a KWC as a strategy for planning out how to solve these word problems. The image below is an example of one of the problems we solved and took-up in class. Today, students were given a similar problem to practice. Students are encouraged to make sure that they are reading questions carefully in order to understand what is being asked and what steps they might take to solve the problem. 

In Social Studies, we continued to work on our infographics. Many are well underway and we might be ready to print some next week! 

In Science, most students have completed their plan for their prototypes and they are getting ready to build. On Thursday, we went over our Building Contract. Students are encouraged to carefully read it over at home to understand the rules around building using tools. I ask that once you and your child have read it, please sign it and return it to me. After a demonstration of how to use the tools and other materials in our learning space, we will start building next week.

This week in Orff, we continued to learn about rhythm and also explored pitch using Lummi Sticks. Students are encouraged to continue to practice the Bubble Gum Song and the actions that accompany the lyrics. 

In Physical Education, we continue to work on good sportspersonship and teamwork. During Wednesday's period, we had a classroom conversation on how best to support players at different skill-levels and positive interactions as we play. We also had a discussion about giving our very best, no matter our skill level. Thursday's game of Capture the Flag was a perfect example of teamwork and good sportspersonship as students supported each other on their teams in a close game. Next week, we will be starting to have pairs of students facilitate our learning of a sport.

Wednesday was Remembrance Day. Students were encouraged to consider perspectives that may not have been as considered in the past during these celebrations. Given some time to research, students were tasked with using a Google tool to share: 3 things that they learned; 2 things that they wonder; and 1 thing that they found most interesting. Students shared Google Docs, Slides and Drawings of their learning.

Next week, progress reports will be shared and parent-teacher interviews are happening on Thursday evening and Friday morning. More information will be sent to you about parent-teacher interviews in an email on Monday. I look forward to speaking with you about your child's progress so far and learning more about how we can partner to ensure your child's success. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

November 20th, 2020

I would like to start out by saying, "Thank you!" Thank you for taking the time to meet with me this week to discuss your child's progress. Thank you for supporting the learning that we are doing in our classroom. Thank you for giving me more insight into how best to support your child both academically and socially. I wrapped up today feeling grateful that I have the opportunity to work with amazing children and families. During a time of uncertainty due to the pandemic, I'm so proud of the way in which students have been showing up and giving their all. As term 1 progresses, please know that my door is always open should you wish to discuss anything with me. Thank you once again.

In Language this week, we continued with our biographies and we are looking to start our good copies next week. Students will continue to be encouraged to re-read their work aloud to make sure that it makes complete sense to the reader and that their information gives insight about the person they are learning and writing about. 

We also had the chance to listen to a couple more episodes of the Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel. Students continued to write journal entries from the perspective of Mars. During episode 3, students had the opportunity to learn more about Mars' bedroom when they found out that there is an elevator behind the wallpaper. From there, they creatively designed what they thought his room might look like and justified reasons for including specific items. As we discussed designs, it was great to see how much students remembered about different episodes along the way, all of which have contributed to a deeper understanding of the main character. We only have 7 more episodes left and while we're eager to find out how the story ends, we certainly don't want it to finish so soon!

This week, you may have noticed that your child brought home a Reading Response Journal. This journal is intended to be a place where your child can write about their reactions to what they are reading. Grade 5 students should be reading for at least 20 minutes a day. The journal is a place for students to try to explain why a text made them laugh, or cry, or angry, or surprised, or made them think of something entirely unrelated. It is a place to write down their questions or predictions about what will happen next. It is a place to also reflect on themselves as a reader. The goal is to utilize this tool to help them further develop their writing fluency, confidence, and personal writing style. Students are asked to remember to re-read their work before handing it in; being sure to check for the writing conventions we have spoken about - punctuation, grammar, spelling, etc. Due on Friday mornings, the goal is to be able to have at least 3 entries to share with me every week. Students have been given a list of response starters and questions from which to write. Reading Response Journals start this week. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. 

In Math this week, we continued our practice of solving problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication and division through the solving of a question related to the snack program.

After breaking down the question to understand what was required, students started planning through the use of online flyers and have been working out their calculations. Students will present their work on Monday and on Tuesday, we will be starting to take a deeper dive into division.

In Social Studies, infographics are almost ready to be printed for critiques by peers. During these critiques, students will have the opportunity to get feedback on the clarity - both in their writing and of their layout. The goal of these critiques is to ensure that their infographics are appealing to their audience and that it communicates the intended message - learning about Treaties in Ontario. 

In Science this week we started THE BUILD! After lessons on safety and demonstrations on how to hand tools, students on Thursday jumped in and got building their solutions for minimizing the impact of hurricanes on humans and the environment. I have to say that I am blown away by the creativity as students transform everyday items into incredible prototypes of their solutions. I can't wait to see the final product. If you have some time, please have discussions with your child about how their project is going. Students will have to pitch their ideas to the class in the next few weeks. As they talk more about their solutions, they will start to refine how they can quickly highlight the unique features of their solutions, demonstrating why their solution is THE BEST.

Speaking of best, this week in Orff we learned a new song - Good, Better, Best - and continued making sounds with our bodies and Lummi Stick; all while learning about rhythm and tempo. You may have heard some practice happening at home as your child continues to learn the lyrics and how to "perform" the song.

Physical Education got a little competitive this week as students played a game of strategy to be the Last Person Standing. Similar to elimination Dodge Ball, students were tasked with thinking about the best strategy to be the last person standing. Teammates turned on one another and alliances between teams were formed. It was an intense time in the gym as everyone vied to be the last person standing. Due to the weather, we will most likely be indoors for Physical Education from now on, please make sure that your child has indoor shoes so that they can participate.

A short and busy week it has been. Thank you again for meeting with me to discuss your child's progress. I look forward to continuing to partner with you for a successful year. Have a wonderful weekend!

November 27th, 2020

This week I was away for a couple of days and I have to say that it was incredible to hear how hard at work students were in my absence. From Writing and Math to Art & Physical Education, students gave their all and I'm super grateful.

In Language, we started our good copies of biographies and on Friday, some students were putting the finishing touches on their work. We hope to have them displayed in the hallways soon so that other classes can learn about the contributions of contemporary Indigenous Peoples. Connected to this learning, for Social Studies this week, students read about Emily Mandamin. When finished, they were tasked with using a graphic organizer to consider her: values, actions, background, and achievements; using visual representations and words. This work will be the starting point for students as they reflect on their own stories and start to write short auto-biographies. In Language, we also had the opportunity to listen to a couple of episodes of The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel. We're getting close to the end and things are slowly coming together. There are lots of predictions for the final 4 episodes as we try to piece together all the information we've heard so far. 

In Math, students continued to work on their snack program proposals from last week and we started to learn about long division. Through a guided division activity online, students had the opportunity to have some help, even when I wasn't there. On Friday, we wrapped up the week with a quiz which was all about solving word problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Student will get their quizzes back early next week. 

In Music, we continued to practice our song from last week, Good, Better, Best. Students are encouraged to continue to practice the disappearing clap; clapping a steady beat while singing our song; and clapping the beat while singing our song. Next week we will be having a couple of performances.

In Physical Education, students participated in Last Person Standing, Number Basketball and Number Soccer. Next week, we'll start with a duo teaching us the rules and skills required for a sport, which will continue until the winter break. Students are encouraged to participate in the lunchtime intramural happening on Thursdays in the Gym. I believe students are playing soccer within their cohort.

In Science, we continued building! It was great to see students supporting one another when they were challenged in bringing their ideas to life. Next week we will have a time of reflection on the process so far and we will continue to build our solutions. 

Lego Robotics Club starts next week. There are 2 different groups - one on Tuesdays and one on Thursdays. Parents were emailed permission forms with all of the details. The club will be a great opportunity for students to collaborate, problem solve and build. I can't wait to get started!

It was another great week and it looks like it will be a wonderful weekend. Please continue to take care of yourselves and enjoy the sunshine.