Private and Personal Information

Since last week, we have been discussing internet safety during our computer lab sessions. I have been using many of the lessons from Common Sense Media (formely know as Cybersmart! Curriculum).

As homework for parents, please read this handout. Add a comment to let me know you've read the handout (click on the picture and it will enlarge). Make sure to include your child's number so I know who you are. Remember... Do not share your private information on this blog!

Here's how I would like it to appear to make things easier for me:

#29 - I have read the info sheet you have just posted. Thanks so much! (or something similar to this)

How to Choose Strong Passwords

Voici une vidéo intéressante qui nous servira de discussion en classe. A regarder sans faute!

Class of 11-12

What a wonderful group of students I have this year! I am extremely impressed with everyone and can't wait to get to know them better.

So far, Division 3 students are:
-learning how to use Google Docs and how to write polite emails
-using their agenda very well
-writing me beautiful letters in French and "I Am" poems in English
-learning how to walk silently in the hallways (and they really can do it!)
-practicing their assembly manners
-experimenting with various mental math strategies
-participating in class discussions (a creative 'attic' game on Friday and classroom rules on Tuesday)
-getting familiarized with each other (there are a lot of new names to learn in a combined class)
-planning an interview with a classmate
-learning and reviewing all the morning and afternoon routines
-being active (Boot Camp on Tuesday and PE today)

There are many more items I can add to the list but I'll let your child share the rest with you!

Thanks for signing your child's agenda and sending him/her to school. With a double language arts program, every minute counts.

Division 3 students are constantly learning!

School Supplies List - 2011-2012

Welcome! If you've read this far it's either because:

1) You are curious and have no real reason to be here,

2) You are a former student who continues to read this blog,

3) Your child is in my class for the 2011-2012 school year and you need to find out what to get him/her for next week.


Either one of these answers is fine with me! The more people visit this blog the more I will be inclined to write.


This is what students will need for the 2011-2012 school year:
-One 1 inch binder- if you have something else at home that isn't of that size I'm sure it will be fine - reusing is best!
-One set of dividers, 8-10 subjects - can be homemade
-A flash drive - very helpful for school projects
-A basic calculator - should not cost more than $6
-A clip board - $3.99 for 2 - share the cost with a friend!
-A pencil case - reuse the one your child had last year
-One black Sharpie (fine point)
-A reusable water bottle
-Two Kleenex boxes
-One pair of indoor shoes
-A pair of gym shoes - these need to be left at school at all times as we will be active every day
-A library bag that can be sealed to protect books from water, juice and rain

I will provide your child with the following supplies:
-notebooks (math, science, writing, etc.)
-lined paper
-graph paper
-pencils
-pens (red and blue)
-a purple highlighter
-coloring crayons
-markers
-an eraser
-a ruler
-a pair of scissors
-a glue stick


School and agenda fees will be determined soon. I will let you know of the amount as soon as I have more information on this. 


Please take the time to also read the first day of school letter that is in your child's backpack.  


Thank you and have a great weekend!

Family Grouping aka Multi-Age Grouping

I only have good things to say about multi-age grouping. There are many sites discussing this issue so I'll let you do your own research if you are still unsure what to think of it.

When asking my group, which consisted of 26 Grade 3 to 7 students, what they liked most about their day, one Grade 7 student responded:

"Meeting (insert student's name) and getting to know him more".

Another Grade 3 (or 4?) girl was also very excited to say the same about two older girls sitting at her table.

I had specifically asked that students mix up and not sit next to their friends. These students who felt comfortable enough to share their feelings never had a chance to sit and hang out so today was their real first day together. Yes, some knew of each other but the majority of them had never taken the time to spend time together to learn, talk and play.

I also asked how many only had friends of the same age. No one raised their hand. They then started sharing amazing personal stories around friendship. Today I learned that a 12 year old student can be friends with a 30+ year old person.

This might sound ordinary to you but it was the highlight of my day. That's one of the many reasons why I like teaching.

La rentrée

Bonne rentrée à tous! Quelle belle journée pour ce début d'année scolaire 2011-2012!

J'ai été ravie de revoir quelques-uns de mes anciens élèves cet après-midi. Encore plus ravie de constater que beaucoup d'entre eux sont à présent au secondaire.

Merci à Maddie, Sébastien, Bonnie et Emma! Nos portes seront toujours grandes ouvertes, même si ce n'est que pour dire un petit bonjour rapide en passant. 

Amusez-vous bien au secondaire! En espérant que vous continuerez à visiter ce blog de temps à autre...

:-)

Automatoon

Happy Saturday everyone!

Voici une autre découverte que je viens de faire. Qu'en pensez-vous?

=> Vidéo qui explique Automatoon:




Laissez-moi savoir si vous avez créé une animation. J'aimerais bien la mettre sur ce blog!

Amour

Puisque nous ne sommes pas encore en mode école, voici une petite vidéo pour vous faire sourire...

Bonne journée!

Musique

Boujour tout le monde! Ca fait très longtemps que je me promets d'afficher quelque chose et aujourd'hui j'ai trouvé le site idéal pour le faire.

Allez visiter ce lien.

Vraiment cool pour faire de la musique, vous ne trouvez pas? Qu'en pensez-vous? J'attends vos commentaires,  s'il y en a parmi vous qui lisent toujours ce blog...

A bientôt!

:-)

Computer Programming

How is everyone's summer going so far? With this beautiful, sunny and warm weather, I thought some of you may be looking for something to do in front of a computer.

Read the following article: Creative Kids Win Kodu Video Game Design Competition.

If you own a PC and would like to investigate Kodu, click on this link.


Let me know if you end up creating something. I'd love to take a look at your work!


:-)

Maru!

I can't help but smile when I see a video of Maru the cat!

Have a Great Summer!

Thank you so much for the wonderful presents!  I am pleased to report that so far...

-The chocolate frog, the cookies and the chocolate bar have been eaten
-My yellow gardening gloves are no longer pure yellow (which is a good thing!)
-New flowers will start growing soon as seeds will be planted today
-The basil is still alive and looking happy
-I have found the perfect place for my new orchid
-I'll be drinking delicious tea today as I finish packing the classroom
-The necklace is still waiting for the perfect top to go with it.  A closet inspection is in order!


The cards I received were definitely my favorite part of the present.  When I came home on Wednesday I read them all again...  And I read them all to Geoff when he came home than night...  And I read them a few more times yesterday and this morning.  These words mean a lot to me.  I'll keep these cards in a very special place on my new bulletin board next year.   Thank you so much!  It was a pleasure working with you all, parents and students.


Make sure to come back this summer.  I'll continue posting stuff regularly.


Here's a video I shared with the class at the end of our poetry unit.

Pottermore - July 31st!

Now is time to start learning how to use your Google Calendar! There is an important to date to remember. See video below...

Berries

When walking through the forest today we found some delicious salmonberries. As a friend described it to me once, "When salmonberries are out, it means school is almost over!"

To celebrate the end of the school year and because I'm a big fan of berries, we are planning on going strawberry picking tomorrow morning. As a kid, it was one of my favorite activities to do and I would like to pass this on to my students.

The farm we will be visiting is located in Richmond. Let's hope the weather cooperates and I can find enough parent volunteers! I will call the farm tomorrow morning at 8am to know if they're open.

http://www.wafarms.ca/

Photos from last year:

Message Important - 7ème année

Il y a deux semaines, quelques élèves de 7ème année ont vendu des Mr Freeze afin d'acheter un cadeau de départ (un arbre) pour notre école et un bouquet de fleurs pour Mme Stephens.

Comme il y a un surplus d'argent, M.D, Mme Eve et moi avons pris la décision de faire un don à un organisme local. Nous aimerions avoir votre opinion.

Build television sms voting polls at Poll Everywhere

 

Division 3 students can write!

Awhile

This is what I see when one of you takes awhile to remember how to spell a while.

Merci à Jacqueline pour le joli dessin!

Proud!

I'm so proud of all my Grade 7 students! You all looked amazing this evening. Beautiful dresses, shirts and smiles, inspiring and touching speeches. Thanks to all the Grade 6 students who chose to help and donate their time. You rock!

Of special note this evening:

1. Worldometers

2. Build Your Wild Self

3. Ninja Words

4. Wolfram Alpha

5. Phras.in

6. Tip of My Tongue


I have a special surprise for you tomorrow. The event will take place between lunch and recess...

Skateboarding Day - June 21

 
http://www.goskateboardingday.org/

Alot of Talking Dogs?

Today in class we discussed skateboarding in Afghanistan. This site will give you alot of information on the subject.

There are alot of other things I'd like to say this evening but it will have to wait until another time as I have alot of work to do!

Here's a little something from Aidan...