Sunday, October 30, 2011

Google

Here's an easy way to make points for your group today. Visit this site.

1. How many pumpkins do you see?

2. Which pumpkin is your favorite? Why?

If you can accomplish all of this, you will be able to earn some *points* for your group!

Deadline to share this information with me: Tuesday, 8am.

* The amount of points will be announced Tuesday morning, at 9am.*

Compass + Halloween

If you are looking to get a compass, DeSerres (on Broadway, near Granville) carries some good ones, at a reasonable price. The quality of their compasses is much better than what is being sold at Staples.

Many students still don't have a compass to use in class. If you can't afford to buy this item at this time of the year, please let me know and I'll see what I can do on my side. Such requests remain confidential, of course.

...

As we all know, Halloween is tomorrow. Since Jacqueline (Zachary's mother) will be with us in the afternoon to do some fun Science experiments, students are invited to wear their costume to school in the morning (and in the afternoon if they wish). Our day will begin with a visit to the school library and will be continued with some fun stuff in class. Students are not to take any food to school, I'd like to keep things simple this year.

Happy Halloween!



Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Teenagers and Texting

This post is addressed to parents. The article I just read and would like to share with you today is written in French but I think I found its English equivalent.

Please add a comment to this blog if you've read the article. So I know who you are, make sure to add your child's # in the comment section. No need to add personal comments if you don't feel inclined to do so.

Thanks!

Friday, October 21, 2011

Science - John Travoltage

Here's a little something for you to do on this rainy day.

=> John Travoltage (sorry, embedding doesn't work with this one):
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/travoltage

=> Challenge of the day. You have until Monday morning (8:55) to give me the name of all the members of this very famous band. If your answer is correct, you will earn 25 points for your group!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Character Analysis - Bubbl

Here's something we did in class this morning. Students are welcome to use this tool to help them brainstorm ideas and 'dig deeper'.


Monday, October 10, 2011

A Typical School Day...

Here are some pictures for you. If you prefer that I do not put your child's picture on the blog please write me a note in his/her agenda. No names will ever be given on the internet.


Wednesday, October 05, 2011

Good News!

I am pleased to announce that our school library is officially opening next week. Unfortunately, since we are scheduled to go on Mondays, next week's visit will not be possible.

In the meantime, students must find a big and waterproof plastic bag to carry library books around. Grocery bags do no work for this as they will not protect the books, should there be any spill in your child's backpack. A great way to also avoid water damage is to use a separate lunch bag to carry food and liquids.

If some of you are looking for a fun project to do at home, you may want to make your own bag.

Looking forward to our first visit!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

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)


Sunday, September 18, 2011

How to Choose Strong Passwords

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

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

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!





Thursday, September 08, 2011

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!

Wednesday, September 07, 2011

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.

Tuesday, September 06, 2011

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...

:-)

Saturday, August 27, 2011

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!

Friday, August 26, 2011

Amour

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

Bonne journée!

Thursday, August 25, 2011

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!

:-)

Friday, July 15, 2011

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!


:-)

Saturday, July 02, 2011

Maru!

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

Friday, July 01, 2011

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.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

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...