Friday, 29 March

I just wanted to take a moment to post a few pictures of the first snowshoe trip.  Everyone seemed to enjoy the trip and I was pleased with the learning and the fun.  We had some surprise visitors to the cabin after the sun went down and that just added to the adventure.  Thanks to all of those who supported the trip: Dub Lyon and Ms. Groves who made the trip;  Angela, Brad and Jenine who provided transportation (and Michele who stood by in case needed), and, the many parents who helped with the packing and unpacking.

A rest along the way.

The end to a beautiful day.

We few, we happy few...preparing to leave the sub-alpine.

I hope those who stayed learned lots at the Jesse Miller presentation.  Remember that your "flex day" assignment is to write a reflection about the presentation as a way to share your learning with those who were absent.

Enjoy your long weekend!

Tuesday, 26 March

I have now received 23 of 27 signed report card cover sheets - that's amazingly good.

We began the day with a familiarization lesson on the communications equipment we are taking with us to Bachelor Lake.  The students learned about the 2-meter amateur radio, the marine VHF radio, the 406 mHz personal locator beacon and the gps.  My goal was to introduce them to the idea of redundant safety planning: the idea that there is a back-up to the back-up.  I also wanted them to feel comfortable knowing that we will be supported in case an incident occurs that we cannot handle ourselves.  They learned how to turn on the equipment, how to change batteries, and how to make a call for help.  Of course, I will most likely operate the equipment, but just in case, it is important that others are familiar with it.  I have arranged a radio check on Day One of the trip so the students will get a chance to see how the radio equipment works in the field.

After recess, we read for ten to fifteen minutes and then began our math lessons.  The 7s had a short demonstration and then worked on the problem set on pp. 131-132.  Students should complete up to #5 for homework.

After lunch we read again for ten to fifteen minutes and then worked on our science projects.  Like yesterday, I took time to check in with students 1:1 to ensure their inquiry process was on track for success.  It's nice to have time to have more personal conversations than group activities allow.  Next, we spent 25 minutes working in our film teams.  Some groups require a decision to be made regarding the subject of their films - I will have to exert some pressure next class or the "discussing" could go on indefinitely.

We ended the day with a twenty minute "last instructions" meeting for tomorrow and Thursday.  I asked that students remember the following:

*eat a big breakfast

*meet in the classroom at 8 a.m.

*don't wear your heavy clothes during Day One packing (8 - 10 a.m.)

*bring at least 3 big, heavy-duty garbage bags

*remember lunch on Day One is a pre-prepared bag lunch

*toilet paper and candles are needed for the cabin

*think of a game you could share in the cabin at night

REMEMBER THAT STUDENTS ON THE SECOND TRIP (IN APRIL) WILL COME TO SCHOOL TOMORROW, ONLY; THEY WILL NOT COME TO SCHOOL ON THURSDAY, MARCH 28.

As requested, here is a copy of the kit list:

Monday, March 25

I have now received 22 of 27 signed report card cover sheets and manila envelopes! Thank you.

Welcome back from spring break.  What a wonderful, sunny day.  I don't know if I would have been able to handle another rainy Monday.  We began the day with some critical reflection.  First, I showed the class this 3.5-minute video:

http://www.edutopia.org/stw-assessment

Next, I talked briefly about the difference between teaching for content and teaching for thinking.  I mentioned rubrics as a way to involve students in the assessment of their learning and the difference between testing and demonstrating learning.  I also mentioned that in a traditional school, students who can't or won't memorize what the teacher thinks is important, often haven't done well.  

I then directed them to this prompt and asked them to comment at the bottom of this post:

Please share your thoughts about authentic assessment.

It was necessary for me to define "authentic" and "assessment."  Many students asked what they were "supposed to do" (in light of the activity that was ironic).  I hesitated to answer some of their questions, but tried to get them to stretch their thinking instead.  We often search for what it should look like rather than what it could look like.  In the end, they were all able to get some ideas published before they headed off to band.

Parents and other visitors to the blog should feel welcome to add their own response to the prompt, or to respond to a comment made by one of the students.

After recess we read for ten minutes before transitioning to math.  In Math 7 we started a new unit on circles and area.  We spent the whole class asking what is a circle, how can we draw a circle and how we might find the centre of a circle.  We were introduced (re-introduced?) to some outwardly simple, but important observations: d=2r and d/2 = r.  We also noted the relationship between the diameter and the centre of a circle.  There is no homework.

After lunch we read for ten minutes and then transitioned to our science projects.  I spent time checking in with students 1:1 to observe their learning-to-date.  At the end of class I shared with the class some general observations: 1. Many of the inquiry questions are close-ended but with a little adjustment can be reworded to be open-ended.  2.  It is clear that many students have not created an outline/mind map/plan for their inquiry because their projects lack depth.  I reviewed how a big question can be broken down into topics and sub-topics.

We ended the day with a short game of person hunt in the sunny forest.  What a great way to end a productive day.

Here is the trip plan/timing details for the snowshoe trip.  Drivers, I've highlighted the times we will "depart the school" on Day One, and meet you for "pick up and return to school" on Day Two.

Friday, 15 March

I have received 20 of 27 signed report card cover sheets and manila envelopes!

This is the final group list (two students shifted groups):

Group One, March 27-28: Nicholas,  Landseer, Gus, Gage, Cody, Saleah, Mia, Kira, Sadie, Bowen, Oliver, Braedon, Noah, Thane 

Group Two, April 4-5: Kaneeka, Sophia, Hannah, Goldney, Mackenzie, Emily, Sam, Arif,  Simon, Kiah, Avery, Amber, Chris

Highlighted names indicate some or all documentation is outstanding.

Drivers and leaders

Here is a screen shot of the notice with the transportation plan and the group leaders' names (that I sent home today).







We began the day by introducing the next social studies inquiry project.  Students will be comparing two ancient civilizations.  One will be India or China and the other will be Greece or Rome.  This inquiry will have a compare and contrast focus.  I have not yet decided if it will be completed independently, or in pairs of students.  I mentioned again today how well the class is doing with the inquiry model.  They settle very quickly to work and are very willing to support one another's learning.  For example, if someone has a question about PowerPoint, it is just as likely that a peer will provide assistance as it is that I will.  Productive collaboration is a wonderful thing and one of the key digital literacies that we are promoting in class.

Next, I gave a short introduction to the parliamentary system as a lead in to the upcoming provincial election.  Many of our class were absent this morning, so I didn't want to go too deep.  Nevertheless, many students seemed to have difficulty with some of the root ideas.  I hope they gathered the concept that parliament has two houses, that Canada has both responsible and representative government, and that we each have an influence over government policy through our elected member of parliament.  

After recess we read for 10-15 minutes and then transitioned to math.  Many of the 7s had finished their unit test yesterday, so they went right to work on their science.  Those who did not finish, did so.  At 11:45 we had a fire drill and I was very pleased with the leadership that the class provided for the younger students.  Most of the class were able to stand quietly until the "all-clear:" a sign of growth in the area of self-regulation for sure.  Thanks.

Branching from sub-topics to details

After lunch we read for a bit and them transitioned to science.  Again, a perfectly productive period (nice alliteration, Mr. Marshall).  Some students are finished, or nearly so.  I gave a brief reminder about the importance of mapping the project in some way so that the investigation has structure and direction.  I still find that many students wish to use the "scatter-gun" approach and address disconnected sub-topics associated with their questions rather than systematically address the topic.

Yesterday's film group work

We ended the day with some four-corner soccer in the gym.

I hope everyone has a restful and fun break.  Get ready for snowshoeing!

Yesterday's film group work

Thursday, 14 March

Happy Pi Day I have now received 20 of 27 signed report card cover sheets and manila envelopes!

Group One, March 27-28: Nicholas,  Landseer, Gus, Gage, Cody, Kaneeka, Mia, Kira, Sadie, Bowen, Oliver, Braedon, Noah, Thane 

Group Two, April 4-5: Saleah, Sophia, Hannah, Goldney, Mackenzie, Emily, Sam, Arif,  Simon, Kiah, Avery, Amber, Chris

Highlighted names indicate some or all documentation is outstanding.

I have reviewed the driver volunteer forms now that they are almost all in.  Thank you all for the tremendous support.  Some folks even offered to drive on both trips!  We have more drivers than we need - what a great position to be in.  Here is the list I've developed with the number of students carried per vehicle.  I've tried to plan for contingencies.  PLEASE LET ME KNOW RIGHT AWAY IF YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES HAVE CHANGED.

March 27-28 (drivers meet at school on the 27th and at a location they agree upon on the 28th so they can drive up the mountain together).
Thane - 4
Bowen - 5
Kira - 6 
Mia - 4 (safety veh. to stay on mnt)
Standby vehicles in case scheduled driver unavailable
Noah - 6
Gage - 5
Adult leaders: Mr. Douglas Lyon, female first aider TBA, Mr. Marshall
Standby leader: Mr. Billy Davis

April 4-5 (drivers meet at school on the 27th and at a location they agree upon on the 28th so they can drive up the mountain together).
Cody -5
Goldney - 7 (safety veh. to stay on mnt)
Emily - 5
Kaneeka - 4
Standby vehicles in case scheduled driver unavailable
Braedon - 4
Arif - 4

Adult Leaders: Ms. Sandra Veley, Dr. John Hourigan, Mr. Miles Varty, Mr. Marshall

Standby leader: Mr. John Davis

NOTE: I WILL SEND THIS INFORMATION HOME TOMORROW IN THE FORM OF A NOTICE.
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We started the day with a Duolingo French lesson - we burned some of our free hearts, but we made it through to the next level.  If the students have an e-mail address they can open their own account; this would be a good way to differentiate the instruction for those who want to work ahead of our more basic classroom lessons.

Next we discussed the activity timeline and for the snowshoe trips.  We'll meet at the school at 8 am, pack until 10 am and drive to the trailhead for 12 pm.  I've told the students they should be organizing their equipment and clothing on their bedroom floors so they aren't up late the night before the trip still packing (and forgetting) things.  After that, the class had band.

After recess we read for 10 minutes and then transitioned to math.  The grade 7s did their unit test.  The last question gave everyone a lot of trouble.  I ended up giving many hints: I won't count that question as part of the test but may give a similar question later as a quiz.  If you didn't complete the test, you'll have to do so tomorrow.

After lunch we worked on our science inquiry projects.  I praised the class on the speed and focus they showed in getting started today - it was like working with grade 12s today!  I gave a brief talk on creating short and long range goals during inquiry work: I'd like the class to ensure that they have targets each time we get the computers out.  I told the 6s that they will need to do only two inquiries, while the 7s will stick to the plan and do three (all students we be presenting only one of their projects to the class).  We will be presenting after the second snowshoe trip in April.

Wednesday, 13 March

I have now received 18 of 27 signed report card cover sheets and manila envelopes; thank you!

Mia, Simon, Sam, Kiah and Amber - snowshoe paperwork missing 

We began the day with the following question: "What would the best school in the world look like?"  We did a short sharing to identify what elements there were to this question.  For example: 

Where would the school be?
Who would attend?
What would they learn? How?
Who would teach?  How?
Would the calendar be the same?  How about the day?
Would everyone learn the same thing?
Etc...

I told the class they could meet in groups if they wished and that if they wanted to change groups, they could.  I did ask them to keep track of their discussions so they could share them later.  It was very intriguing to watch.  Some groups focused more on uniforms, physical setting and architecture, while others focused on academy-style specialization.  The students really seemed willing to challenge the notion of what school should be.  Ask them to share their thoughts with you and be ready to share your own.  This TED Talk about school "in the cloud" might be a good follow up to your discussions: Sugata Mitra dream for education and the S.O.L.E. project .

After recess the grade 7s did the Ministry of Education Satisfaction Survey.  The survey is being done by all students in grades 4 and 7.  Next, we did math.  The 7s did the practice test on p. 215.  Tomorrow, we'll do the Unit 5 - Fractions test.

After lunch we read for 20 minutes and then worked in our film groups.  I asked that the film treatments and mind map plans be finished for today.  Not all groups are quite there yet.

At 1:45 we had early dismissal for parent-teacher interviews.

Please remember that tomorrow is band - Mr. Grice needs everyone to remember his or her instrument and music folder.

Tuesday, 12 March

First, thanks for sending back the signed report card cover sheets and manila envelopes so quickly.  I've received 13 of 27 already!


Second, I erred in putting the basketball boys on the second trip when they should have been on the first trip.  Below is the new configuration, but I'd like four or so students in Group One to volunteer to go in Group Two (sorry for the confusion).

Group One, March 27-28: Nicholas,  Landseer, Gus, Gage, Cody, Kaneeka, Mia, Kira, Sadie, Bowen, Oliver, Braedon, Noah, Thane 

Group Two, April 4-5: Saleah, Sophia, Hannah, Goldney, Mackenzie, Emily, Sam, Arif,  Simon, Kiah, Avery, Amber,

Highlighted names have some or all of their paperwork outstanding.  I've collected the $35 fee from 6 students - if the fee is an issue for anyone, please contact me confidentially to discuss - no one will be turned away from the trip.

Third, we need a female chaperone/leader to accompany the second trip.  Any takers?  I'll confirm drivers and male chaperones soon.  

We started the day with a quick review of the menu planning sheets I posted the other day.  We also watched two time-lapsed short films.  They are quite engaging.  Here is the link to one: forest time lapse film  

At 09:40 we went to the gym for the last Key Words assembly.  I was pleased with the way the class modeled respectful behaviour for the younger students.  I was especially satisfied with the fact that the class stayed behind after the assembly (in spite of the fact that the recess bell went) to allow the younger students to exit early.  I didn't give any instructions, you just did what you knew was the right thing to do.  Well done, folks!  That is a real indication of how you've grown as leaders.

After recess we went right into math.  I asked the 7s to try to solve the fractions problem that i posted yesterday.  It was not easy and it took some unconventional figuring, but ultimately you came up with some solid solutions.  Don't expect all of life's problems to be solved in two minutes like the problems in the text book.  Expect to think, and be stumped and think some more.  Some problems will take days (or longer) to solve.  Be persistent - don't give up and don't be lazy thinkers.

After lunch we worked on our science inquiry for one hour and then got into our film groups for the ast 45 minutes of the day.  There were lots of good detailed discussions today.  Sometimes the room got loud, but that just indicated to me that everyone was getting excited about their ideas.  Everyone now has a subject and most have a web of ideas outlining how they will make their films.  Some groups are working on their treatments.  If you can, please complete your treatments in time for Joanna to see for tomorrow morning's art class.  Remember your recording devices.

Please remember, tomorrow and Thursday are early dismissal days for parent-teacher interviews.  Class will be dismissed at 1:45 p.m.

Math 7 Real-life Fractions Problem

Okay, let's get apply these fractions lessons to a real-life problem.  Last weekend I was mixing pancake batter and I made a mistake measuring the ingredients.

The recipe called for 1 1/2 cups of flour and 1/3 cup of water.

But, I added 1 1/3 cups of flour and 1/2 cup of water.

How can I fix my mistake?  I'm sure there is more than 1 way.

There are a limited number of fractions available in the measuring devices in my kitchen:  

Cups: 1/4 c, 1/3 c, 1/2 c, 2/3 c, 3/4 c, and 1 c.

Teaspoons: 1/4, 1/3 and 1/2 teaspoon

Tablespoons: 1 tablespoon

This chart might also help:


What is the best way to solve the problem?

Monday, 11 March

I was welcomed back today with three report card cover sheets and envelopes returned - thank you.  If you are still reviewing your child's report card, please sign and return the cover sheet and return it in the manilla envelope used to deliver the report to you.

We began the day by dividing the class for the two snowshoe trips.  The fact that most of the boys have a basketball tournament during the first trip necessitated their being loaded onto the second trip, scheduled for April.    Here are the groupings:

Group One, March 27-28: Kassandra, Gage, Cody, Kaneeka, Kiah, Arif, Emily, Amber, Avery, Mia, Kira, Sadie, Sophia.

Group Two, April 4-5: Saleah, Hannah, Nicholas, Simon, Landseer, Gus, Goldney, Thane, Mackenzie, Bowen, Oliver, Braedon, Sam, Noah.

Highlighted names indicate some or all documentation is outstanding.


Next, I introduced the class to the Duolingo website.  I was introduced to it through an article I linked to on Twitter.  The article referenced a research study that compared the effectiveness of Duolingo to Rosetta Stone and traditional teacher-led instruction.  Both Rosetta Stone and the traditional method are used by students in our school district.  The study found that for students at the basic level, Duolingo was twice as effective as Rosetta Stone and more effective than college-level intro courses.  Check out the link: Duolingo article  (there is a link to the Duolingo website in the article).  We did a Duolingo lesson together.  I think this could be a good way to differentiate second language instruction to allow the students to advance at their own rate and ability level.

At 09:40 the class went to band.  Monday's are especially bad for students forgetting their instruments.  Please try to remember them for Thursday and from now on.

After recess we read for 15 minutes and then transitioned to math.  The 7s investigated some fraction problems at this website: fractions mystery game.  The students went on to complete the Unit Review on pp. 213-214.

After lunch we worked on our science inquiry projects for one hour, and then switched to our film groups for the last half-hour before p.e.  One of the five groups is now ready to write their "treatment" (a one-page summary of their film).  Three of the others groups are close to being at that stage.  One group is having trouble and I will give them some close support next session to help them consolidate their ideas.

We ended the day playing three separate courts of volleyball in the gym.  I got to be the "floater" in one of the games and it was a lot of fun.  Thanks for a great day everyone.

Please remember your outdoor ed forms.

Here are some ideas to follow-up our in-class discussion on menu planning:

Friday, 8 March

Today we began with a character sketch in English.  Students typed their responses.  Some tried to write without first doing a mind-map or some other type of planning and then got stuck.  There's nothing wrong with shortcuts if they work, but most young writers need some sort of guide before they begin.  After recess we did math.  The 7s worked on the unit summary on pp. 213-214.  Try to complete up to #10 or so.  We will be doing a unit test next week!

After lunch we got the computers again and worked on our inquiry projects.  Some students have chosen to redefine their initial questions, and that is fine: it is all a part of the process.  I thought everyone worked well for a Friday afternoon with the sun shining in a way it hasn't shone in a long time.

We spent time with our little buddies in Ms. L's class for the last hour of the day.  In the spirit of International Women's Day, Ms. L. worked with the girls and I worked with the boys.  The girls did reading and crafts, the boys went outside and did sports and then went to the gym for a game of dodge ball.

We ended the day with report cards being issued.  You will note that the Fine Arts mark on the cover sheet is for the visual art work we've done with Joanna, and the Band mark and comment are separate (recorded at the foot of the Term 2 comment box on page two).  If you feel there is a need for us to speak further, I've included a teacher conference sign-up sheet in the report card package.  PLEASE SIGN THE COVER SHEET AND RETURN IT TO ME IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED.

Note: I failed to include the Aboriginal Ed insert in two students' folders and will correct that on Monday.

Enjoy your weekend.  I'm off to Vancouver Island on the 06:20 ferry to look at sailboats with a buddy of mine :)

Thursday, 7 March

Today, we began by selecting the production teams for our film projects.  It would have been easy for me to select the teams, and that is what some students wanted to happen, but I thought it would be better for us to take individual ownership of the process.  In the past, some students have been made to feel left out during the selection of groups.  Other students have been unwilling to venture outside of their comfort zones and so have always worked with their close friends.  My goal this time was to have mixed-gender groups formed in such a way that everyone in class felt included.  It took an hour, but I think we achieved that.  I'd like to thank those girls who took a leap and were first to volunteer to leave their groups when the class met an impasse.  It is sometimes difficult to satisfy our need to be a team player and still keep ourselves content.  I didn't want to create any martyrs, but there are occasions in life when someone has to be the first to budge.  I hope you feel this was a good learning opportunity - I do.

Next the class had band.  Mr. Grice had to take time to complete his remaining 1:1 music tests.

After recess we did math.  The 7s had a quick lesson on subtracting mixed numbers and then got right to work.  I've been very pleased with the work ethic in math for the past number of weeks.  There is very little wasted time and lots of cooperation as students support one another during their practice sets.  This model has allowed me great flexibility to work 1:1 or in small groups.  I have really been enjoying math, and look forward to it every day.  Most people were going to try to complete the problem set on pp. 207-208 for homework.

After lunch I shared some information about food selection for the snowshoe trips.  I talked about go food, grow food, and glow food.  I find this a more meaningful way to discuss carbohydrates, proteins, fats and "treats."  We discussed the types of menu choices that would fit into each category and what specific meal choices could be.  I espoused the virtue of the bagel as the perfect backpack food and instant oatmeal as my preferred backcountry breakfast.  Nevertheless, please remember that you have to eat it, so my spartan menu choices might not be best for you.

We ended the day with some volleyball in the gym.  Thanks for another good day.

Tomorrow I've booked the computers so we can a) write a character sketch; b) do some science inquiry; and, c) play with iMovie in preparation for our editing.

Wednesday, 6 March

 Fire Logs

Joanna doing her thing

Today we began by examining some film shorts by a young Canadian named Sean Quigley.  See the post below to find the links and read the class' comment.  Next we had a lesson on film production with Joanna.  It was neat to see her planning maps because they incorporate many of the visual elements we've been examining in our other coursework.  I find that those kind of visual maps really make organizing and digesting and recalling information much easier.  We watched a short that she produced and Bjorn shot called "Fire Logs."  I learned something about how west coast loggers keep themselves warm when in the bush.  Click the link under the photo to view the video.

After recess we read for ten minutes and then did math.  The 7s reviewed yesterday's homework and then blasted ahead with more practice subtracting fractions.  They finished #9-12 on page 194, then dashed on to complete page 197.  I said that if people found they were really understanding the process, they had only to do every second question - I trust the students to gauge their learning.  Please try to complete that for homework if you didn't finish in class, but don't spend more than about 15 minutes on it.  Please ensure that you show the n/n fractions if you multiply to change a denominator - you can use mental math, but record your thinking.

After lunch we read for ten minutes and then worked on our science inquiry projects.  I was able to help many students navigate PowerPoint (I wish I was that proficient with iMovie).  I was much more satisfied with the way everyone worked this afternoon.  Folks got to work quickly and there was no wasted time like yesterday.  Way to go you guys!  We stopped at 2:00 to discuss our art project film teams and discussed a variety of points: the need for flexibility, having enough people to have a variety of actors available, ensuring that everyone is included FROM THE START and allowing people to still have fun so that the whole experience in enjoyable.  We will make our decisions first thing tomorrow, before band.  During our discussion we had a short visit from Mrs. Rive and our school superintendent, Mr. Bocking.  It was nice that they were able to see the class engaged in a mature discussion that showcased all of the collaboration skills that students have developed so far this year.  I'm sure our guests were impressed with the respectful, orderly conduct and thoughtful ideas displayed our students.  I was certainly proud and it wasn't staged, honestly.

We ended the day with an introduction to volleyball.  Thanks to Amber and Goldney who, on a moment's notice,  demonstrated sound volleying technique to the class.  I thought that the pointers they gave helped to make it easy for those students who are inexperienced in the game, move forward.  I know others who also are experienced helped as well - thanks.  Tomorrow we'll try to be more successful getting the nets up quickly so we can play some mini-games at the end of the lesson.

Remember that you will need your instruments for band tomorrow.

Thanks for a great day!

Sean Quigley Response

This morning, in advance of Joanna's lesson on film production, I showed three videos by a young Canadian musician/humanitarian named Sean Quigley.  I explained how he burst on the Canadian music scene a couple of years ago with a video he and his sister shot in Winnipeg for a musical arrangement he composed for the song "Little Drummer Boy."  The film was made in one day and submitted to one of his high school teachers - it went viral on YouTube.  When you realize that he did the arrangement, the vocals and played all of the instrumental tracks himself, it is a pretty impressive story.  Certainly, it gives us something to think about as we venture into the production of our own short films.  Students were asked to respond to what they saw and what we discussed.  Please find their comments below.

Sean Quigley's "Little Drummer Boy"

Making Sean Quigley's "Little Drummer Boy"

Sean Quigley's "Our Generation"

Tuesday, 5 March

Today, I was a few minutes late because of a serious traffic incident in Selma Park.  I wasn't often interrupted that way during the years I drove to Pender Harbour.  Mrs.Taggert did "Bon-Bon Bingo," a number game to practice French, while the class waited for me to arrive.  Thanks, Mrs. T!  Next we practiced our knots and I introduced the class to the idea of mechanical advantage when I taught them how to tie a trucker's hitch.  We'll have to wait until next time to practice it because at 09:45 we left for the gym and the key-word assembly to showcase "COOPERATION."  I have really enjoyed these assemblies, especially the stories that get read.  This time, Mr.Paish also showed some terriffic film shorts that quickly had many of our students wondering if they could do similar things in their upcoming productions!  Do a YouTube search on Honda, The Cog.

After recess we read for 15 minutes and then did math.  In Math 7, we learned how to subtract fractions.  I covered three lessons in one and went right into the process of how to "borrow" from the whole number when necessary in a mixed number pair.  I made sure the class saw how to do it symbolically (with numbers) and also concretely (with models/shapes).  Please complete # 1-8 on page 193 for homework if you didn't get through it in class.  In you find you understand a question well, you may skip every second practice item ( ie. do 1a and 1c; skip 1b and 1d).

After lunch we read for another 15 minutes and then we did a desk/room tidy and got ready for tomorrow's art lesson and the upcoming Gibson's Public Art Gallery young artists "Shout Out" show. By participating the students will gain a wider audience for their work and a gift certificate that we'd like them to use to purchase brushes for our return to painting after our film unit.

We ended the day with a talking circle where we welcomed Thane back to class after his time away, and I took some time to share some of my thoughts about the inquiry approach to learning.  I want the class to always understand why we do what we do.  I want them to be informed and empowered to question if they feel the need.

Tomorrow is the deadline to submit the Grade 7 year-end celebration questionnaires.

I'm still tracking down my medical questionnaire for the snowshoe trip - I'll send it out ASAP.

Monday, 4 March

Today we began the day by quickly reviewing the elements of characterization and then used Lupus from The Thieves of Ostia to practice writing a short paragraph sketch.  Tomorrow we'll hear some of the practice examples and then move on to another character.  Next the class went to band.

After recess we read for ten minutes and then transitioned to math.  The  Math 7 did an overall review of the addition of fractions and a quick intro to mixed numbers and then jumped right into the problem set on page 202. Most students finished in class (doing every second question)  If you didn't, please try to do so for homework because tomorrow I'd like to start subtraction of fractions.

After lunch we read for another 10-15 minutes and then we did research and other work for our science inquiry projects.  I noted that some students took almost 20 minutes to settle themselves to quiet work.  I hope that we can avoid that waste of time tomorrow.  As we wrapped up, some students noted that they are finding this inquiry harder than the Egypt inquiry.  Others said that there is not as much interesting information available on environmental topics.  That may be true, on first inspection, but if they go to sites such as the SCRD site, there is a wealth of detailed information out there.  I was trying to persuade people to avoid attempting to "report" their learning too early.  I'd like them to spend more time researching and then share only the juicy bits of learning rather than the material found mere inches below the surface.  I realize that we may be grade 6 and 7 students, but I know that we have it in us to do really good work and so I'm going to be pushing a bit more this time.

We ended the day with a game of outdoor soccer - the sun was wonderful!

Tomorrow is our key words assembly at 09:45.

Please remember your recording devices for Wednesday's art/film class.

Thursday is band: bring your instruments.

Some grade 7s have yet to return there year-end celebration questionnaires.

Please return your snowshoe forms if you still have them.

TODAY EVERYONE WAS PRESENT IN CLASS - THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN VERY OFTEN!

Friday, 1 March

Today we reviewed the parts of story and then looked at how we might write a character sketch as we prepare to start writing about the Ostia novel.  That took us to recess. After recess we read and then transitioned to math.  The grade 7 students completed p. 189, and some went on to do the mid-unit review on page 190.  Page 189 is for homework if you didn't finish.

After lunch we watched a short TED talk that discussed the Pacific Gyre and the amount of plastic that is accumulating as pollution in our oceans.  Next, we met with Mr. Pond's class and went to the Roberts Creek Beach to try to help the situation by collecting garbage.  Some students were more focused on collecting garbage than others, but I think that it was a very useful exercise. Thank you Mr. Pond, for inviting our class to come with you.  We did get a little bit wet, but I think that everyone had fun.  When we returned from the beach we took a little bit of time to separate the garbage from the things that could be recycled. We ended the day with a few games of dodge ball in the gym.

Please remember that we have band on Monday so do not forget your instruments.

Also, those of you who borrowed science text books are requested to bring them back on Monday.

I hope everybody has a good weekend. If you have not returned your snowshoe trip forms, please do so on Monday.