Great news! I've added a 'Subscribe to RSS Feed' section which will let you know when I've updated the blog. If you are already using an RSS Reader or following RSS feeds you are only one click away. Otherwise keep checking the blog as I will update it regularly.
I came across this video and thought you'd be interested in viewing it.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Facebook, Bullying, Writing Tools and Christmas
Good morning everyone!
I've been collecting a bunch of interesting articles and cool websites, so before my list gets too long, I'd like to share a few with you. All links will also be added to the 'Liens Intéressants' section of this blog if they are targeted at students.
Facebook
Did you know that children under age 13 are not supposed to be on Facebook?
This was taken straight from their site:
No information from children under age 13. If you are under age 13, please do not attempt to register for Facebook or provide any personal information about yourself to us. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under age 13, we will delete that information as quickly as possible. If you believe that we might have any information from a child under age 13, please contact us through this help page.
Parental participation. We strongly recommend that minors 13 years of age or older ask their parents for permission before sending any information about themselves to anyone over the Internet and we encourage parents to teach their children about safe internet use practices. Materials to help parents talk to their children about safe internet use can be found on this help page.
Parental participation. We strongly recommend that minors 13 years of age or older ask their parents for permission before sending any information about themselves to anyone over the Internet and we encourage parents to teach their children about safe internet use practices. Materials to help parents talk to their children about safe internet use can be found on this help page.
If your child already has a Facebook account and you're fine with it, I recommend following these steps:
1. Read this article. I found it in Today's Parent magazine. Great article! It's a must read for all parents and teachers alike.
2. Visit the links I've included in the 'For Parents' section of this blog, under 'Internet Safety'.
3. Open your own Facebook account (if you don't have one already).
4. Discuss Facebook usage with your child (if he/she has his/her own account)
5. Know your child's password. (discussed in article listed in #1)
6. Discuss the consequences of postings pictures and saying 'inappropriate stuff' online (Facebook, emails, etc.).
6. Discuss the consequences of postings pictures and saying 'inappropriate stuff' online (Facebook, emails, etc.).
Writing Tools
Students are really lucky to have access to such terrific online tools. Here are some of my latest discoveries:
1. Here is a great (and quick!) online dictionary everyone will enjoy using. It even keeps a history of all the words searched.
2. Celui-ci n'est pas aussi rapide mais tout aussi utile:
3. For those who don't always have the name of something they are trying to describe:
4. When having trouble deciding between two similar phrases:
5. For those of us who can't seem to remember the entire word and get obsessed with it. If only they had one like this for songs!
Christmas
And to end this on a funny note, I'd like to share this cute video with you. Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Another Thank You! More News!
Thanks to those of you who responded to my previous posts. It's heartwarming to see that many parents are reading this blog.
I've started calling a few of you this evening but I honestly don't know how I will be able to finish this task. So... If you know other parents from Division 3, please remind them of this blog and let them know of these following items:
1. All students need to have one pair of indoor shoes. Indoor shoes are indoor shoes, they should never be used to play outside. It may seem like a silly thing to ask but believe me, it's really helpful to keep the classroom nice and tidy. Gym shoes are also needed (these can also be left at school) and everyone should be wearing warm boots to play outside at lunch and recess. It's cold out. Almost as cold as Québec!
2. Speaking of Québec, there will be a mandatory Québec meeting on Tuesday November 30. All Grade 7 parents must attend (one parent per family ok) and if Grade 6 students wish to host, Grade 6 parents must also be there. There will be many papers to fill out so make sure to bring a pen with you. I believe your child's care card number may be needed so make sure to have it handy. Another piece of information required will be your child's full name, the one that appears on the passport.
Classroom news:
1. Classroom meetings have officially started. After many weeks spent rethinking the format, I've finally come up with one that will work for everyone in the group. A great book that I use for inspiration is this one:
On the agenda last week, students discussed their concerns with the guitar. Perhaps some of you didn't know this but there is a guitar in class that everyone is allowed to use. Up until now, there have been no real rules as to who could use it and when. Little did I know that many students were annoyed with the fact that some played it while others were trying to work. It was never really loud enough that I felt the need to say anything but some spoke up and we all took turns listening to each other.
After discussing the issue we came to a vote and the rule is that the guitar can only be played when students are coming back from recess and lunch as well as during free time.
Another issue that will need to be discussed further is 'how long' each person is allowed to play the guitar. It's obvious that there are more students who want to play than there are guitars available. So if you know of any good deals let me know and I will consider getting one or two more.
2. I just discovered a great book: This is Compassion. I borrowed it from our school library and together in class we read some of the stories. As students were reading their story the entire class was silent. I could have heard a pin drop!
If you'd like to order a copy of it to see for yourself you will be able to find all the information needed on this site.
I leave you with a few pictures of our "Grande Allée". One of them was taken by a student a few weeks ago, and the other was taken yesterday morning as I entered our beautiful site near the forest. I don't think I need to specify which of these two pictures was taken yesterday. Our living conditions are not easy but I have to admit living near the great outdoors is still a lot of fun!
And last but not least, here is a cool art project some students may be interested in doing at home. I know Taylor will love it... Anyone else interested in trying? :-)
I've started calling a few of you this evening but I honestly don't know how I will be able to finish this task. So... If you know other parents from Division 3, please remind them of this blog and let them know of these following items:
1. All students need to have one pair of indoor shoes. Indoor shoes are indoor shoes, they should never be used to play outside. It may seem like a silly thing to ask but believe me, it's really helpful to keep the classroom nice and tidy. Gym shoes are also needed (these can also be left at school) and everyone should be wearing warm boots to play outside at lunch and recess. It's cold out. Almost as cold as Québec!
2. Speaking of Québec, there will be a mandatory Québec meeting on Tuesday November 30. All Grade 7 parents must attend (one parent per family ok) and if Grade 6 students wish to host, Grade 6 parents must also be there. There will be many papers to fill out so make sure to bring a pen with you. I believe your child's care card number may be needed so make sure to have it handy. Another piece of information required will be your child's full name, the one that appears on the passport.
Classroom news:
1. Classroom meetings have officially started. After many weeks spent rethinking the format, I've finally come up with one that will work for everyone in the group. A great book that I use for inspiration is this one:
On the agenda last week, students discussed their concerns with the guitar. Perhaps some of you didn't know this but there is a guitar in class that everyone is allowed to use. Up until now, there have been no real rules as to who could use it and when. Little did I know that many students were annoyed with the fact that some played it while others were trying to work. It was never really loud enough that I felt the need to say anything but some spoke up and we all took turns listening to each other.
After discussing the issue we came to a vote and the rule is that the guitar can only be played when students are coming back from recess and lunch as well as during free time.
Another issue that will need to be discussed further is 'how long' each person is allowed to play the guitar. It's obvious that there are more students who want to play than there are guitars available. So if you know of any good deals let me know and I will consider getting one or two more.
2. I just discovered a great book: This is Compassion. I borrowed it from our school library and together in class we read some of the stories. As students were reading their story the entire class was silent. I could have heard a pin drop!
If you'd like to order a copy of it to see for yourself you will be able to find all the information needed on this site.
I leave you with a few pictures of our "Grande Allée". One of them was taken by a student a few weeks ago, and the other was taken yesterday morning as I entered our beautiful site near the forest. I don't think I need to specify which of these two pictures was taken yesterday. Our living conditions are not easy but I have to admit living near the great outdoors is still a lot of fun!
And last but not least, here is a cool art project some students may be interested in doing at home. I know Taylor will love it... Anyone else interested in trying? :-)
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Writing Tools
Brainstorming ideas and planning a written response isn't always easy. Whether your child has mastered these two skills or not, he/she is encouraged to use this great (and free) web application when working from home.
This would be a perfect tool to use when preparing for a home reading reflective entry. These entries are due every Wednesday and are being evaluated using parts of the BC Performance Standards for Writing.
Site: http://bubbl.us/
Rubrics used:
This would be a perfect tool to use when preparing for a home reading reflective entry. These entries are due every Wednesday and are being evaluated using parts of the BC Performance Standards for Writing.
Site: http://bubbl.us/
Rubrics used:
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Marcel the Shell...
A cute video I wanted to share with you...
MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON from Dean Fleischer-Camp on Vimeo.
MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON from Dean Fleischer-Camp on Vimeo.
Do you read this blog?
As I am looking at the blog stats this evening I noticed that very few people are referring to it. It's very unfortunate as it can be a very useful tool to keep you in the loop. And believe me, the more people make an effort to read it, the more I will feel motivated to add information about your child's learning.
Please let me know:
1. If you read this post...
2. If you consult this blog regularly...
3. If you think I should stop using it...
4. If you like it and find it useful...
5. If you have anything you'd like to add to this feedback!
The best way for you to do so is to add a comment to this post. You don't need an account to comment, you can do so anonymously. But to make sure I know who you are please add your child's number he/she uses in class. If you don't know what I mean by this you child will.
Thanks! :-)
Please let me know:
1. If you read this post...
2. If you consult this blog regularly...
3. If you think I should stop using it...
4. If you like it and find it useful...
5. If you have anything you'd like to add to this feedback!
The best way for you to do so is to add a comment to this post. You don't need an account to comment, you can do so anonymously. But to make sure I know who you are please add your child's number he/she uses in class. If you don't know what I mean by this you child will.
Thanks! :-)
Mandatory Meeting - Québec
It's official! Grade 7 students will be travelling to Québec in the spring!
A letter was sent to you electronically. If you haven't received it, I've included a copy of it on this blog. Don't forget, it's mandatory.
A letter was sent to you electronically. If you haven't received it, I've included a copy of it on this blog. Don't forget, it's mandatory.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Salema Noon & Teaching Sexual Health
Salema Noon is coming to your school! An information letter has been sent home today so make sure to read it fully.
I've had the chance to see her talk and I strongly encourage all parents to attend this session. If you have questions about what she will be discussing in class, please visit her website.
Since teaching sexual health is mandated by the Ministry of Education, I will also be discussing this topic in class. I've attached a copy of the letter I like to give parents before I start teaching these lessons. Let me know if you have any questions.
I've had the chance to see her talk and I strongly encourage all parents to attend this session. If you have questions about what she will be discussing in class, please visit her website.
Since teaching sexual health is mandated by the Ministry of Education, I will also be discussing this topic in class. I've attached a copy of the letter I like to give parents before I start teaching these lessons. Let me know if you have any questions.
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