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