Blog Archives

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

10/31/2019

Happy Halloween from the Laurier teachers.

Happy Halloween to everyone! We hope you enjoy the festivities tonight with your family! If you aren't celebrating, we hope you have a nice quiet evening with your family! Today, we started the day off with a costume parade in the gym. Many students dressed up and showcased their costumes in front of the entire school! In the afternoon, we celebrated with a potluck of snacks. Everyone so kindly brought something to share with their classmates. We have enough left over for our next celebration! See you all tomorrow!

IMPORTANT:

I have opened up time slots on November 5th for parents who are unable to make it on the 6th and 7th. Please sign up before the spots are gone. Please click here to schedule your conference.

1.) POST A RESPONSE:

HOLIDAY

VIDEO LINKS:
Michael Jackson's Ghost

THAT'S A WRAP (MINI-INQUIRY)

10/30/2019

WEAR YOUR COSTUMES TOMORROW!

Students wrapped up a successful mini inquiry today. They completed their self-assessments and reviewed their work. This is an integral part of the learning process. Students reviewed learning intentions and articulated their 'learning' after carefully reflecting on it. Parents, what research tells us is that if students can understand how they came to understand what they learned, it is more meaningful to them and they tend to take more ownership of it. Don't forget to bring your snacks to school tomorrow!

IMPORTANT:

Students/Parents, please click here to schedule your conference. Make sure you let your parents know! I have opened up a few time slots on NOVEMBER 5th.
Div 1 and 2 students, click here to sign up to bring something for our Halloween celebration on Thursday afternoon.
Wear your costumes tomorrow and bring your snacks!

1.) MATH: Complete page 1 of your booklets (part of whole fraction worksheet)

2.) GRA 2019 / ART:

Complete Post cards.
Letters should be completed and pictures should be coloured. (introduction, interesting facts about Vancouver, a question for the students)
Pictures should include images taken from the story and/or Vancouver.

3.) POST A RESPONSE:

Post a message here when you complete your postcard!
Yes, this is your PAR for today!

VIDEO LINKS:
Be Kind To Others

THE BRIDGE HOME

10/29/2019

Students had a 'KA-HOOT' of a time today!

Today, students participated in 2 games of Kahoot. The atmosphere always tends to get a little stressful, but the students had a fun time participating. All the students had a fun time and they were given immediate feedback on their comprehension of 'THE BRIDGE HOME'. Later this week, we will be having a Mystery Skype with at least one other class. We look forward to connecting and learning with other Gr. 7 students from around the world!

IMPORTANT:

Students/Parents, please click here to schedule your conference. Make sure you let your parents know!
Div 1 and 2 students, click here to sign up to bring something for our Halloween celebration on Thursday afternoon.

1.) ART: Pick up some coloured tiles from Home Depot/Rona. We will use these next week.

2.) FRENCH: Complete your 1 minute conversations for Thursday.

3.) LA/ART:

Complete your paragraph on your postcard with a ball point pen.
Draw your pictures on the front of your post card. The picture should be related to the novel or Vancouver.
You will have time in class to colour your pictures tomorrow

4.) POST A RESPONSE / GLOBAL READ ALOUD:

Watch this video.
Using what you learned from this video, write a paragraph on what you think can be done in Vancouver to help those who are stuck in the poverty cycle.

SUCCESS CRITERIA:
1.) Pay attention to the givens (spelling, grammar, sentence structure, capitals, etc)
2.) Standard paragraph structure (hook, body, and conclusion)
4.) Includes at least 2 supporting examples from the posted video and uses transition words like
'FOR EXAMPLE' or 'TO ILLUSTRATE' or something similar.
5.) Ends your paragraph (conclusion) with a question that leaves your readers thinking about the
topic.
6.) Gives one student descriptive feedback about their paragrph based on the criteria above.
7.) Edit/revise based on a self/peer assessment.

VIDEO LINKS:
The Poverty Trap/Cycle

COMPARING FRACTIONS WITH BENCHMARKS

10/28/2019

Benchmark Fractions

Today, students explored benchmarks with their table groups. They learned how to compare fractions using their various fraction strips as benchmarks. Collectively, they were able to learn several different strategies for ordering fractions. Some students use their background knowledge and made common denominators, others converted the fractions to decimals to make it easier for them to visualize. Tomorrow, we will explore benchmarks further and will use them to compare and order fractions from least to greatest and vice versa.

IMPORTANT:

Students/Parents, please click here to schedule your conference. Make sure you let your parents know!
Div 1 and 2 students, click here to sign up to bring something for our Halloween celebration on Thursday afternoon.
VOLLEYBALL PRACTICE TOMORROW MORNING!

1.) ART/ADST:

Ask your parents if they can take you to the hardware store to pick up some 'COLOURED' tiles this week.
If you pick up 4 subway tiles (6 X 4 inch tiles) or anything around that size, you should have plenty of tile to work with.
Mr. Fisher and I will provide you with a lot of neutral coloured tiles.
We won't do any tiling for at least a week, but it is good to get your materials beforehand.

2.) FRENCH:

Complete your 1 minute conversation for your next French Class.

3.) GLOBAL RED ALOUD/POST A RESPONSE:

We all have our own background knowledge for various topics.
We have been discussing much about poverty and third-world countries during our read aloud.
Choose a character from the story that you have connected with.
Write a brief paragraph and describe what this character was like at the beginning of the story and how this person's character has developed throughout the story so far.
SUCCESS CRITERIA:
Includes brainstorming before the paragraph.
Includes an engaging hook/intro, body (2-3 supporting points), and conclusion.
Pay attention to the GIVENS (spelling, grammar, capitals, punctuation, etc).
Include at least 2 examples from the story that support your ideas on how this character has changed/developed throughout the story so far.
Ask one student a question about their post.
Respond to any questions you receive.

VIDEO LINK:
Volleyball - Get a Feel
Mosaic Tile Mirrors

HEALTH EDUCATION

10/24/2019

Click above to watch a snapshot.

Can you believe we are over half finished this first term? I am so happy to see how well you are all doing. You are all on the path towards ownership! The 'BIG 6' is everywhere! Not only are students continually pushing towards improvement, but you are being vocal about it. Here are some recent quotes from some students! "I didn't do as well as I hoped because I didn't follow the success criteria. Is it ok if I improve my work and resubmit?" Comments like these are a sign of you becoming a good learner! Keep taking ownership of your learning! I am proud to be your teacher!

IMPORTANT:

Students/Parents, please click here to schedule your conference. Make sure you let your parents know! (MANDATORY MEETING)
Parents - Your homework is to log into your child's FreshGrade and comment on some recent activities! :-)

1.) FRESHGRADE:

Make any updates (learning reflections) you have to complete for any evaluated learning activities based on our learning reflection criteria. We walked through our classroom 'LEARNING PROCESS' step-by-step on Friday! :-)
Log in with your parents and make sure they comment on the recent updates on your portfolio.

2.) FRENCH:

Complete homework.
Test on Monday.

3.) POST RESPONSE:

PAR HOLIDAY

VIDEO LINKS:
Volleyball Introduction Class
Saleema Noon Health Education Snapshot
Saleema noon Empowerment Foundation Video

GOING PUBLIC!

10/23/2019

Inquiry Process - Go Public!

Today, students engaged further in the inquiry process. Students worked on their 'GOING PUBLIC' handouts to write down important information they will use to share out in our next inquiry session. Earlier in the day, we continued our 'GLOBAL READ ALOUD' and learned more about life in a third-world country. Most of us cannot imagine what life would be like swimming through heaps of garbage. Click here to watch a video of the massive amounts of garbage in Chennai's canals.

1.) FRENCH:

Complete picture dictionary
Have tests signed
Upload test to FreshGrade and write a learning reflection.

2.) POST A RESPONSE/GRA 2019:

We learn about digital citizenship on a daily basis. Be mindful of the words you choose and what you say on this PADLET. 'THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK!'
Include only first names and city you live in. DO NOT INCLUDE ANY LAST NAMES OR OTHER PERSONAL INFORMATION! Do not include any contact information whatsoever!
After posting on the PADLET, post a message here confirming you met the criteria below and let your class know which questions you responded to.

SUCCESS CRITERIA
1.) Watch the 2 videos have been posted on the PADLET of the city of Chennai. These two videos will give you more BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE. They will allow you to make deeper connections to what we are reading in class. Use this background knowledge in your responses.
2.) Respond to at least 2 different questions on this PADLET BOARD. You may also respond to the videos that have been posted.
3.) Share connections, ideas, opinions, etc when responding to at least 2 questions.
4.) Check your responses for the givens (spelling, capitals, grammar, sentence structure, before posting.

VIDEO LINKS:
Sad Situation in Chennai's Canals
- You will not be able to understand the language, but the images are worth a thousand words

LEARN, LEARN, LEARN!

10/22/2019

Unfortunately, I was unable to be at school tomorrow, but I should be there tomorrow! I trust you were self-regulated for the teacher who was in the class today! I look forward to hearing amazing things about you all! Hopefully you were able to complete another section of the FSA. We should be able to finish up the rest of it in class tomorrow. Remember, it has no impact on anything you do in school. This is simply a government mandated exam. See you all tomorrow!

IMPORTANT: Ask your parents to log in to FreshGrade to review some recently evaluated learning activities.

1.) MATH: No HW.

2.) FRESHGRADE:

Login and respond to comments, ask your parents to review some of your recent work, and complete any learning reflections you have not yet completed for 'LEARNING ACTIVITIES' that have already been evaluated.

3.) SOCIALS / INQUIRY:

Complete your analyzing and synthesizing sheet for tomorrow!
Click here for the 'GOING PUBLIC' criteria.

4.) SCIENCE:

Watch this video to build some background knowledge for your upcoming Science project on 'ECOSYSTEMS'.

5.) GRA 2019/POST A RESPONSE: (Ch. 16 - 22)

Today will be your first online assignment where you communicate with students your age all over the globe.
We learn about digital citizenship on a daily basis. Today, we will put your skills to the test! Be mindful of the words you choose and what you say on this PADLET.
SUCCESS CRITERIA
1.) Respond to at least 2 questions that are posted on this PADLET BOARD.
2.) Click on 'ADD COMMENT' at the bottom of each questions stream.
3.) DO NOT INCLUDE ANY LAST NAMES OR OTHER PERSONAL INFORMATION! Do not include any contact information whatsoever!
4.) At the bottom of your actual response/comment, include ONLY your 'FIRST NAME' and the city we are from 'VANCOUVER'!
5.) Share connections, ideas, opinions, etc when responding to at least 2 questions.
6.) Check your responses for the givens (spelling, capitals, grammar, sentence structure, before posting.
7.) Afterwards, post a message confirming you met the above criteria and let your class know which questions you responded to.

VIDEO LINKS:
Understanding Ecosystems

ELECTIONS CANDA 2019

10/21/2019

Click above to learn about the leaders and their platforms!

Tonight, millions of Canadians across the country will to the polls to vote for the political party they most support. They will use their critical eyes to sift through the information that each party has put out in order to see which party has the same beliefs as them. As students, you do this on a daily basis. You think critically and carefully to select which information you believe to be relevant and trustworthy. This is part of the analyzing and evaluating process. Mr. Fisher and I look forward to reading your PARS. Click here to see an updated real-time election count!
IMPORTANT:

Volleyball practice at 7:30am tomorrow.
Don't forget to vote at the bottom of today's post! Click on the party/leader you support!

1.) FRENCH: Morning, afternoon, evening, and night picture dictionary.

2.) POST A RESPONSE:

Click here and review the elections website.
Skim through some of the political party links and take a look at the topics in the table of contents (on the left of each party page) that are important to you.
Choose 2 areas to focus your reading on for each party. For example: Education and Immigration.
In paragraph form, follow this criteria to complete your daily PAR.

SUCCESS CRITERIA:
1.)  Includes an intro, body (2 supporting points/examples), and a conclusion.
2.) Choose a party you support and research the 2 points from the table of contents you chose.
3.)  Be sure to include the party you support, the point you are supporting, and a reason(s) why you
support it.
- Example of one supporting point: One reason why I support 'THE LEARNING NEVER
STOPS PARTY' is because education is a very important part of my life. This party
promises to put billions of dollars into education for all elementary school students so
we can all have brighter futures. <-- This would be considered one supporting point.
  You must include at least 2.
  4.) Ask one student about one of their points you agree or disagree with.
5.) Respond to any comments/questions you receive.
6.) Vote below (Student Vote 2019)

VIDEO LINKS:
The Right To Vote
Federal Elections

THE POWER OF SELF & PEER ASSESSMENTS!

10/18/2019

Learning through self/peer assessments.

This term, students have been 'learning how to learn'! The learning process is extremely important in everything we do. Two components of the BIG 6 Learning principles include self and peer assessments. I was pleasantly surprised to see how well all students have been able to assess themselves and their peers by referencing co-created criteria. They have been quite honest in their assessments. Our goal is for all students to become comfortable articulating their learning by the end of the term. Keep up the good work good everyone!

1.) FreshGrade:

Login to your FreshGrade and review all activities.
Respond to any comments/questions you have received.
For completed activities, write learning reflections based on our class learning reflection criteria.
Completed activities - Word Work, French Test, All About Me Collage, Plant I.D. Project, Gymnastics, etc.

SUCCESS CRITERIA FOR LEARNING REFLECTIONS:

1.) Did you reach the learning intentions? (Yes/No - Explain)
2.) What did you learn?
3.) What did you do well (strength)?
4.) What did you find challenging (stretch)?
5.) How did you work towards the learning intentions (how did you improve)?
6.) What will you do next time?

2.) MATH REVIEW GAMES:

3.) GLOBAL READ ALOUD PAR:

We are really starting to get into 'THE BRIDGE HOME'!
The story revolves around poverty and two young kids who are doing everything they can do find a better life for themselves.
You have been working on using your background knowledge to make connections (Reading/Comprehension Strategies)

SUCCESS CRITERIA

Today, write a paragraph (intro, body - with 2-3 supporting points/examples, and conclusion) about your CONNECTIONS using your background knowledge! You can write about 1 or 2 deep connections.
Your paragraph should include 2-3 CONNECTIONS (CLICK ON THESE 3 LINKS FOR DETAILS text-text, text-self, text-world) that relate to something going on in the story.
Be sure to include your connections from the 3 links above.
TEXT TO TEXT - What other book does this story remind you of?
TEXT TO SELF What from the story reminds you of one of your personal experiences?
TEXT TO WORLD What from the story affects people around the world?

VIDEO LINKS:
Global Read Aloud: One Book To Connect the World
Global Read Aloud Kick Off

Shake Out B.C.

10/17/2019

Global Read Aloud

In the morning, students had their last Gym Sense class. They engaged in the self/peer assessment process by completing a skills inventory. Later, we had our first official earthquake drill. It was Shake Out B.C. today. We modelled how to get under cover and how the safety procedures would work prior to students participating in the drill. Modelling is an integral part of the learning process and helps students understand what they are doing. In the afternoon, we spent a great deal of time reviewing practice questions and materials for the Math assessment tomorrow. During the Global Read Aloud, we saw images that inspired 'THE BRIDGE HOME'.

1.) MATH:

Complete Pg. 37-38 if you need extra practice. Mark and correct to make sure you understand.
Play these games if you feel you are prepared for the test! They will help you review!
1.) GCF AND LCM GAMES
2.) FACTORS AND PRIME FACTORIZATION
3.) DIVISIBLIITY RULES

2.) WORD WORK:

WORD WORK TEST TOMORROW
Click here to review definitions and example sentences for tomorrow.
Don't forget to complete your word work for the week (1 sentence based on the example and 2 synonyms for each word.

3.) PAR:

Holiday
Ask questions about Math or Word Work.

VIDEO LINKS:
Divisibility Rules Song

ANALYZE AND SYNTHESIZE

10/16/2019

Click above to watch the video.

Today, we spent time finishing up our research for your mini-inquiry projects and then we taught you a lesson on Synthesizing and Analyzing your information. We modelled what it could look like and we showed you examples of or analyzing, background knowledge, and learning statements. We will give you a little more time this week to work on this. Next week, you will briefly present your mini-inquiries.

1.) MATH:

Complete pg #35 #1-7.
Mark and Correct
We will review your questions in class tomorrow to prepare for the evaluation on Friday.

2.) French: Complete weather and meals pictures.

3.) FreshGrade: Login and make any necessary updates or reply to any comments.

4.) GLOBAL READ ALOUD / POST A RESPONSE:

For Division 1 and 2
Today, we learned that Viji and Ruuku made the decision to leave their home in hopes of finding a safer place to live.
If you and a younger sibling were put in the same position as these two characters, what would you do? Where would you go? How would you survive? Where would you get food? Where would you get shelter? etc
Before writing your paragraph, generate a list of ideas and type them out in list form before your paragraph.
SUCCESS CRITERIA
1.) Include an engaging introduction, body with 2-3 supporting points/examples, and a conclusion.
2.) Pay attention to the givens (spelling, capitals, grammar, sentence structure, etc)
3.)  Ask one student a question about their ideas in their paragraph.
4.) Respond to any questions you receive.
5.) Complete a self-assessment to make sure you have completed everything required.
6.) Edit/revise as necessary.

VIDEO LINKS:
Synthesize Information

GLOBAL READ ALOUD 2019 #GRA2019

10/15/2019

The Global Read Aloud #GRA2019

Today, we kicked off the GLOBAL READ ALOUD 2019 by watching a slideshow of images that inspired the author to write Ch. 1-7. After this, the students were able to make deeper connections to what they thought the novel was going to be about! Parents, we will send home a handout in regards to the Global Read Aloud tomorrow so you have more information about it. For now, please check out this link. Earlier in the day, students learned about 'MONITORING COMPREHENSION'. They learned about different things they can do to help them use this reading strategy.

1.) MATH:

Complete pg 25 and 29. This is from last week. Be sure to mark/correct it as well.

2.) LA/WORDWORK: Click here for a list of this week's words.

3.) FRENCH: Complete your pictures (Weather and meals)

4.) POST A RESPONSE:

Today, we started the Global Read Aloud. The novel we are reading this year is called, 'THE BRIDGE HIM' written by Padma Venkatraman.
Today, we briefly discussed the poverty cycle and how it is very challenging to get out of it.
In paragraph form, write a paragraph on how you think we can help children living in poverty. Many children around the world don't have proper food, shelter, water, clothes, etc. This also applies to areas of the lower mainland.
SUCCESS CRITERIA:
1.) Include an engaging introduction, body with 2-3 supporting points/examples, and a conclusion.
2.) Pay attention to the givens (spelling, capitals, grammar, sentence structure, etc)
3.) Ask one student a question about their ideas in their paragraph.
4.) Respond to any questions you receive.
5.) Complete a self-assessment to make sure you have completed everything required.

VIDEO LINKS:
Inspiration for the Bridge Home

LONG WEEKEND

10/13/2019

Click above to watch how Thanksgiving has changed.

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you are able to spend some quality time with your families this weekend. Do your best to be present with your families and to put away your mobile devices! Tell your loved ones how much you appreciate them and everything they do for you. Click here to watch an inspirational video. You must watch this to complete the post a response. It is meant to help you make connections to why we show gratitude to the people who mean the most to us. it is a tear jerker, so get the tissue box out! ;-)

IMPORTANT: Please pay for your hoodie online by Tuesday.

1.) LANGUAGE ARTS:

Complete any unfinished work from Friday (Paragraph organization worksheets).

2.) MATH: Any unfinished work. (Pg. 25 and 29) Unit assessment on Thursday.

3.) POST A RESPONSE:

Thanksgiving is a time for showing thanks to your family, friends, and loved ones.
Watch this video. You will not be able to complete the PAR without watching it.
Write a paragraph on one person who you are thankful for.

SUCCESS CRITERIA:
1.) Use a 'LIST' to GENERATE IDEAS about why you want to give thanks to one or more
  people in your life.
2.) This list of ideas should include between 3 - 5 ideas. These ideas should draw on your
  background knowledge and connections you made while you watched the video.
3.) Write a paragraph using the 'ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE' you have learned about
(Introduction, body/supporting sentences, and conclusion)
4.) Pay attention to the CONVENTIONS OF WRITING (GIVENS - Spelling, capitals, punctuation,
  grammar, sentence structure, etc)
5.) Give one student a suggestion based on the above criteria.
6.) Edit/revise your original post based on the descriptive feedback you receive or a self-
  assessment.

VIDEO LINKS:
Inspirational video - Love Your Parents

Research Skills

10/10/2019

Click above to review the CRAAP test.

Today, students continued learning about 'WRITE TRAITS'. They learned about 'ORGANIZATION'. They learned their writing needs to include a lead you can't resist, a patter that fits the topic, a conclusion that feels just right, and it must be easy to follow. Students will continue to develop their background knowledge on the 'WRITE TRAITS'. Once they have done this, we will start their personal writing assignments. In the afternoon, students continued learning 'RESEARCH SKILLS'. Many students applied the C.R.A.A.P. test in our 'RESEARCH' activity.

IMPORTANT:

Today is a PAR holiday.
Please pay for your hoodie online as soon as possible.

1.) MATH:

All worksheets should be completed, marked, and corrected.
LCM/GCF worksheet is due tomorrow (completed, marked, and corrected).
Expect your unit test to be on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.

2.) WORD WORK:

Different format quiz tomorrow - You will have to write the correct spelling (#1-16) and you will then have to write the word for the definition that is read aloud (#17-32)
Click here for words.

3.) POST A RESPONSE:

HOLIDAY
Post any questions you have about schoolwork here.

VIDEO LINKS:
The C.R.A.A.P. Test

NOTE TAKING

10/9/2019

Today, we started the day off by playing an 'IDEA GENERATION' game called '60 SECOND IDEA BURST'. Students were given various topics. They were given 60 seconds to brainstorm ideas using a variety of strategies they have learned in class. The students started with wide topics and moved towards narrow ones. It was great to see everyone becoming more and more comfortable with generating ideas. Being able to brainstorm ideas is a 'KEY TRAIT' of writing that students have been learning about this past week. We will move onto the second trait, 'ORGANIZATION', next week.

IMPORTANT: Some students have not yet paid for their Gr.7 Hoodies. Please pay ASAP!

1.) FRENCH: 4 Seasons pictures due on Thursday.

2.) POST A RESPONSE:

Yesterday, you learned and practiced using the CRAAP test to check sources of information for reliability.
Today, I want you to take a look at this website.
The Pacific Northwest is home to a well-known animal called the tree octopus.

SUCCESS CRITERIA:

Use the CRAAP test and write a paragraph (intro, supporting sentences, and conclusion) about why you believe this website is reliable or not.
Include at least 3 different points and details (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose). You must explain 3 of them. Do not simply state what each letter stands for.
Div 2 students from last year must also complete this activity.
You are responsible for completing a self-assessment for the givens (spelling, capitals, grammar, sentence structure, etc).
Edit/revise based on this and the assignment criteria.

VIDEO LINKS:
Research Note Taking (Elementary School)
The CRAAP test

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