Blog Archives

EARTH BITES

11/29/2017

Click above to visit Earth Bites

Today, students participated in 'Earth Bites'. Students branched out into different groups and were given different activities to work on with their groups. Students collaborated with one another to reach a common goal. Some groups came up with advertising, menus, ingredients for items, action plans, etc. Pablo and Carla organized a timeline of when the posters need to be put up around the school and the announcement started today on the PA. In addition to Earth Bites, the students learned lots from Saleema Noon.

PARENTS: Sign up here for a student/parent/teacher conference next week. If you are unavailable, please contact me to schedule an alternate date. I have opened up Friday, December 8th due to high demand. ;-)

1.) LA:

Word work and quiz tomorrow
Your word work could include a definition that is easy to understand. (Not just a dictionary definition). Also, it is a good idea to know what part of speech the word is - For example: is it a noun? verb? adjective? adverb? This will help you come up with a sentence using the word.
One sentence using the word correctly.

2.) POST A RESPONSE:

You have a holiday from posting tonight!

VIDEO LINKS:
Inquiry-Based Learning

Learning Takes Time

11/28/2017

The Inquiry Process

Today, students continued learning more about computer programming using blocks of code. They drew the connection of programming to learning intentions and success criteria in the learning process. They explained how learning intentions were like the goals of specific programming activities (For example: Frozen, Star Wars, etc). The blocks of code that the students use to instruct the program are like instructions or criteria for the students to complete a given task. They concluded that learning about computer programming is all about learning intentions, criteria, self-assessment, and responding to feedback.

1.) MATH: Make sure you correct your questions from yesterday using the answers in the back of the textbook.

2.) POST A RESPONSE:

In paragraph form (intro, supporting sentences, concluding sentence), describe two different forms of technology that have improved your life in some way, shape, or form.
Do your best to include your own definition of what a 'FUNCTION' is. Watch this video to find out what code.org defines it as. Include this as one of your supporting sentences.
Describe how you think the computer program inside the technology works. For example, list some blocks of code you think would go into the actual program. For example, what steps would be involved for a microwave to heat something up?
Ask one student a question about their post.
Edit/revise your post for the givens (spelling, capitals, grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation.) THIS REQUIRES YOU TO SELF-ASSESS YOUR WORK AND REPLY TO YOUR ORIGINAL POST!

VIDEO LINKS
Coding - Functions

ESTIMATING AND ADDING FRACTION STRIPS

11/27/2017

EXPLAIN YOUR LEARNING

Today, students learned how to estimate and add fractions using fraction strips and benchmarks. Many students can easily add fractions with like and unlike denominators, but the majority of the students really struggled with the concept of estimating with benchmarks and not calculating the actual answer. We will continue working on this tomorrow. Be sure to use the digital fraction strip sites I listed in the Math section to help you visualize when you are doing your work tonight.

PARENTS: If you haven't signed up for a conference, please click here. If you are unable to make any of the available time slots, simply email me and we can schedule a different day and time to meet.

1.) MATH:

Complete questions #1-6 on pg. 54 and 55 if you didn't finish it in class today.
Use this website and this one to help you visualize fraction strips. It allows you to compare digital fraction strips very easily. It will help you with your homework.
Remember, you must draw the fraction strips to show your work.
Review this video on comparing fractions with fraction strips and this one on adding with fraction strips.
Check these links for more help: Digital Fraction Strips 1 Interactive Fraction Strip Comparison Site 2
INTERACTIVE FRACTION BAR GAMES

2.) POST A RESPONSE:

Today, you learned how to estimate and add with fraction strips. Like anything, it takes practice to master this method.
In your own words, explain how to use fraction strips to estimate fractions. Be sure to use an example in your response.
List out the steps.
Now, go back to your math homework and see if this helped you with your estimating questions.

VIDEO LINKS:
How to Add Mixed Numbers with Fraction Strips
Comparing Fraction Strips

MATH LINKS:
Fraction Strip Games
Digital Fraction Strips 1
Interactive Fraction Strip Comparison Site 2

ADST - Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies

11/24/2017

Click above to start programming!

Today, we learned about ADST - Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies. The students have already learned about digital citizenship and will continue to build on this area throughout the year. This area of the curriculum focuses on the following big ideas:

1.) Design can be responsive to identified needs.
2.) Complete tasks require the acquisition of additional skills.
3.) Complex tasks may require multiple tools and technologies.

The students learned about the basics of computer progamming. We modelled what programming would look like if two students were computers/robots. We designed instructions and the students followed the directives out when we pressed our imaginary 'RUN' button. After this, the students went to CODE.ORG and worked with blocks of code to instruct 'ANNA' from Frozen to make a creative snowflake on ice. This required the 21st century skills of: communication, logical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

PARENTS:

We still need parent volunteers to drive students ice skating.
Click here to sign up for Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences two weeks from now. (LINK WILL BE UPDATED THIS EVENING)
HOMEWORK FOR PARENTS: It has been great seeing more and more parents commenting on student assignments on FreshGrade. Parents, please take a few minutes out of your day to view your child's assessments on FreshGrade and comment on them. The goal is to have students, teachers, and parents all actively involved in the feedback process on FreshGrade.

1.) ADST:

Visit CODE.ORG, complete the 'FROZEN' lesson and post your 'SHARED LINK' here so we can see your creative work.

2. POST A RESPONSE:

In a brief paragraph (intro, supporting sentences and examples, and a conclusion), explain what you learned about basic computer programming.
Things you may want to include - what your definition of computer programming is, how you think it can help us live our lives, if you are genuinely interested in it, what are some possible career opportunities related to computer programming that exist? Feel free to do some research on your own about this.
REQUIRED - Ask one student a question about their response.
Edit/revise your paragraph for the givens (spelling, capitals, punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure).

VIDEO LINKS:
Push Yourself. Anybody can Learn.

MATH GAMES:
Comparing Fraction Games

EARLY HUMANS - INQUIRY

11/23/2017

Early Humans

Today, students continued learning about early humans with division 1. They continued with their visible thinking activities that reinforced their comprehension and reading strategies. They have gone through setting a purpose, making connections with background knowledge, monitoring comprehension, and making inferences with background knowledge. Parents, if you are interested in learning more about this 'NOVEL APPROACH', click here.

1.) SCIENCE:

Final photo essay presentations tomorrow.
Be sure to make your edits based on your feedback sheets and your self-assessments.

2.) LA: Vocabulary test tomorrow

2.) POST A RESPONSE:

Holiday - NO RESPONSE NECESSARY TODAY!

VIDEO LINKS:
Early Humans in 5 Minutes or less

FREE WRITE!

11/22/2017

Comparing Fractions Quiz Tomorrow

Today, the students worked hard to review for their math quiz tomorrow. They will be writing on four separate strategies for comparing fractions. We will go over the handouts before the quiz to check for understanding prior to the quiz. The students are learning the importance of feedback and how it improves their learning. They are becoming much more engaged in the self-assessment and peer-assessment process to further their learning. Remember, it is all about the learning!!!!!

1.) MATH:

Comparing Fractions
Converting fractions to decimals
Converting improper fractions to mixed numbers and vice versa
Placing fractions on a number line using benchmarks
Ordering the fractions from least to greatest or greatest to least
Using fraction strips to compare different fractions
Scroll down to watch some review videos.
Click here to play some review games. There are a lot of different ones that you can play here.

2.) LA: Word work

3.) POST A RESPONSE:

Free write - feel free to write about any topic that is appropriate! All I ask is that you focus on the traits of good writing we learned about in class. Today you learned about topic sentences/intro sentences. Please include a good one for your topic!
Edit/revise your response after you post it (reply to your original post) for the givens: spelling, grammar, capitals, punctuation, and sentence structure.

VIDEO LINKS:
Comparing Fractions with Greater than or Less than Symbols
Comparing and Ordering Fractions
Comparing Fractions using Circle Models
Equivalent Fractions with Visuals

Social Studies and the Inquiry Process

11/21/2017

The Inquiry Process

Today, we restarted the learning about the inquiry process in Social Studies. Mr. Fisher talked about inquiry and the process itself. We also created criteria around behaviour for students and teachers during lessons and during independent work time. We will review the criteria charts before every lesson to remind students what the expectations are. The idea is to make it as explicit as possible. We also continued practicing our reading/comprehension strategies through more visible thinking activities.

CHALLENGE/GOAL: For everyone to complete tonight's P.A.R.

1.) MATH: Comparing fractions quiz on Thursday.

2.) LANGUAGE ARTS: Work on your weekly words.

3.) SCIENCE:

Final photo essays are due and presented on Friday.
Continue improving on your first draft based on the feedback you received.

4.) POST A RESPONSE:

What is one question you came up with from Social Studies today?
Why are you interested in this question?
Do some research and list 3 facts related to your question.
Give one point about why you think it is reliable. List at least 2 reliable websites you used to find the facts. (Based on the C.R.A.A.P. test)
If you like, feel free to review the first 20 minutes of the video here. Do not go beyond the 20 minute mark.
Ask one student a question about their question.
Revise your paragraph by including a more inviting lead (hook).

VIDEO LINKS:
PBS - Becoming Human

ZONES OF REGULATION

11/20/2017

Click above to learn more about the 'ZONES'

Today, we reviewed the zones of regulation. Parents, if you have a moment, please visit the link to learn more about the different zones. The students are learning to be able to identify which zone they are in at any particulate time. In addition to this, they are learning to articulate how they are feeling and why they are feeling that way. Parents, click here to read an article on social thinking and the 'Zones'.

1.) MATH: Quiz on Wednesday on Comparing Fractions

2.) SCIENCE: Photo essay (final draft) due on Wednesday.

3.) POST A RESPONSE:

Choose the yellow, blue, or red zone and write about what made you enter that zone and write a paragraph (intro, supporting sentences, and conclusion). This could have happened today, yesterday, or anytime in the past.
Provide specific examples/details on why it made you feel the way it did.
Include a strategy you could have used to bring yourself back to the 'GREEN' zone.
Give one student a suggestion on something else they could have done to regulate themselves.
Edit/revise your original post for the 'GIVENS'.

VIDEO LINKS:
Identify the Emotions - Inside Out

UZUME TAIKO

11/17/2017

Click above to visit Uzume Taiko

The students enjoyed an engaging performance by the Uzume Taiko group. Taiko drumming is a traditional Japanese form of drumming that takes a great deal of practice. It is also a great way to stay active and physically fit in addition to helping you with your musical talents. Later in the day, students had some time to work on their science lab write-ups and we finished up the last of the photo essay presentations. Students will respond to the feedback they received and make edits/revisions to their presentations to make them even better for their final presentations this coming Wednesday.

1.) MATH:

Any unfinished work. We will review pg 48-49 on Monday.
Play this game on comparing fractions and decimals. Tell us what you learned.

2.) SCIENCE:

Lab write-ups are due on Monday morning. Use our blog to ask questions to your classmates if anything is unclear.

3.) FIELD TRIP: Skating - Drivers are still needed! Please volunteer. Click here and have your parents complete the form. If we do not get enough drivers, we will need to cancel skating. Talk to your parents!

4.) POST A RESPONSE:

This week, we built criteria around student behaviour during a field trip. We discussed the following criteria points

   1.) Self-regulation
2.) S.O.A.R.
   3.) Following instructions
   4.) Respect - others, learning, environment, and self
   5.) Safety

Based on the above criteria, explain how you met each of them and give one example of each.
Use the format that you learned in class for a standard paragraph. Click here to view the notes from class.
The format should be something like this:

   1.) Introductory sentence/inviting lead
   2.) 5 Supporting sentences explaining how you met each of the criteria points above.
   3.) Concluding sentence

Post your response on our blog.
Give one student a suggestion on their paragraph based on their intro, supporting sentences and examples, and conclusion. Check to see if they included all 3 items.

VIDEO LINKS:
Uzume Taiko Performance - DVD Trailer

MATH GAMES:
Comparing Fractions and Decimals

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

11/16/2017

VSO Elementary School Concert

Today, the students were able to participate in the VSO Elementary School Concert along with students from all over the lower mainland. They learned how individual musicians can collaborate to create beautiful music. They also learned how many classical pieces from the past were created for specific styles of dance. These included the waltz, can-can, ballet, flamenco, and the mambo dance. Click here to watch a video of one of their elementary school concerts.

1.) SCIENCE:

Lab write-ups are NOW DUE ON MONDAY!
Submit your photo essay in our digital hand in box. Complete all sections including the learning reflection in regards to what you learned from your first draft and presentation.

2.) MATH:

Complete yesterday's work if you haven't completed it already.
Click here to access some math games on comparing fractions.

3.) POST A REPONSE:

We all really enjoyed the concert at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra today. They taught us about the CONNECTIONS that exist between music and dance.
Give an example of a song that you enjoy listening to and why you like to dance to it. Remember, appropriate songs only. Explain how you dance to the music in your paragraph as well.
Do you use it as a self-regulation strategy?
In your paragraph, include a good introductory sentence, 3 supporting sentences using examples of why you enjoy the song and the style of dance, and a concluding sentence.
Ask one student a question about their connection.
Edit/revise your paragraph for the givens (Spelling, grammar, sentence structure, capitals, etc)

VIDEO LINKS:
VSO Elementary School Concert

MATH GAMES:
Comparing Fraction Games

VANCOUVER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

11/15/2017

Click above to visit the VSO website.

Today, most of the class presented their ecosystem's photo essays. After starting their presentations, many of them noticed something very important. Some students not only noticed that they hadn't followed the criteria closely enough and they also self-assessed their presentations and were able to find ways to improve on them. Once everyone has completed their first presentation, they will all have an opportunity to act on their self-assessments and the feedback provided to them to improve their original photo essays.

1.) FIELD TRIP:

We will be taking public transportation tomorrow. Please dress for the weather.
We are planning on leaving the school at 9am so be sure to be in the class by 8:50am at the latest.
Two students have yet to return their forms and $8. Please make sure you do this tomorrow.
Bring a lunch and/or money to buy your lunch.
Don't forget your COMPASS CARD or bus fare.

2.) MATH:

Complete pg 49 Questions 11-15 for Friday. Mark your answers at home using your answer keys and we will review the questions you find challenging in class.
If you have any questions, post them here.
GAME: PECKING ORDER <----PLAY THIS GAME AND POST WHAT YOU LIKED ABOUT IT.

3.) SCIENCE:

Lab write-ups are due on Friday. Post any question you have here. If you need the lab write-up file or the adapted lab write-up, go back to a few days ago as it was posted there.

4.) POST A RESPONSE:

You have been learning how to do different exercises in gymnastics during PE. Today, you were given a self-assessment sheet to check to see if you were able to complete the different exercises.
List 2 exercises you found most challenging and list the reasons why you found these the most challenging.
How will you work towards being able to complete these exercises? List 3 steps you will take to work towards mastering these skills.
Ask one student a question about their post.
Edit/revise you original post by adding 3-5 adjectives that make it more descriptive.

VIDEO LINKS:
VSO - Tchaiakovsky

MATH GAMES:
Pecking Order

PHOTO ESSAY PRESENTATIONS

11/14/2017

Click above to check out the Ecosystems site

Today, you built on the core competency of collaboration with your ecosystem's groups. You brainstormed and answered the questions at the end of lab write-ups. It was great to see students sharing and building on their learning of the ecosystems unit. Tomorrow, you will be presenting your learning through the photo essay assignment. We will start in the morning and finish them off in the afternoon. Be sure to check the criteria handout to ensure you are meeting expectations!

1.) MATH:

Complete Qu #5-10. Pg 79?
Play this game (Animal Rescue) to help you learn about ordering fractions on a number line.

2.) SCIENCE:

Your photo essay is due tomorrow.
Click here to access the criteria handout.
Check out this website about ecosystems.

3.) POST A RESPONSE:

Today, you worked in groups to come to the ultimate goal of learning from one another by collaborating.
What did you learn about what works during group work?
What did you learn about what doesn't work during group work?
Did everyone participate? Why or why not?
Did one person dominate the conversation? Why or why not?
Ask one other student a question about their post.
Edit/revise your own post by self-assessing it for spelling, grammar, sentence structure, and capitals.

VIDEO LINKS:
What is An Ecosystem

MATH GAMES:
Animal Rescue - Ordering Fractions

Remembrance Day

11/9/2017

Remembrance Day

On Thursday, we took a few moments to remember those who fought for our country and for our freedom. We paid respect to these people by having a Remembrance Day assembly. Students song songs, recited poems, and we also had a moment of silence for the soldiers who sacrificed their lives so we could live in this wonderful country. On Saturday, take a few moments to talk to your parents or to visit the cenotaph downtown to pay your respects.

PARENTS: Please click here to complete the volunteer driver form for our 3 skating trips.

1.) LA: No HW.

2.) SCIENCE:

Continue working on your photo essay. It is due on Wednesday. Click here for the criteria handout.
Continue working on your lab write-up. Click here for the lab write-up handout.

3.) MATH:

Complete handout (both sides) and 10 questions from the lesson today on converting mixed numbers to improper fractions.
Play the following games and write about what you liked about each of them and what you didn't like.
TUG TEAM FRACTIONS - Comparing Fractions
Ordering Fractions from Least to Greatest
Balloon Fractions

4.) POST A RESPONSE:

Enjoy a post a response holiday this weekend.
Simply post your updates on the math fraction games.

VIDEO LINK:
A Timely Video for Remembrance Day in Canada

MATH GAMES:
TUG TEAM FRACTIONS - Comparing Fractions
Ordering Fractions from Least to Greatest
Balloon Fractions

PARENT VOLUNTEERS FOR FIELD TRIP (Dec 6, 15, and 21st)

11/8/2017

Click above to see how to use Animoto

Today, students learned how to use a new technology called Animoto. They learned how they could use this video editing software to display their learning. They are using this to create a photo essay of their ecosystems field trip and what they have learned over the duration of the entire unit. If you haven't done so already, make sure you create your account and only include your first name when registering. The educational code is listed below. Copy and paste it into your account settings after you log in for the first time. ANIMOTO EDUCATIONAL CODE: a4ehongca09e1e96c8d4b4b

PARENTS AND STUDENTS: Please have your parents complete this parent volunteer field trip form. Click here.

1.) MATH:

Click here to play this math game online on comparing fractions.
Post your score here. What do you think of this game?
Click here to play game #2
Post your score here. What do you think of this game?

2.) SCIENCE:

Lab write ups are due next Friday. Continue working through each section from home.
Continue working on your Animoto photo essays at home. This is due on Wednesday.

3.) FORMS:

Return symphony field trip forms/money if you haven’t already done so.

4.) POST A RESPONSE:

Today, we learned about thinking about others before acting. This applies not only in digital spaces, but in person as well. Think about how someone might feel before doing something that may hurt someone’s feelings.
Write a paragraph about a time you made someone feel bad, sad, or perhaps disappointed and what you learned from the experience.
Include an intro, three supporting sentences with examples, and a conclusion.
Keep the givens in mind when writing your paragraph (spelling, grammar, sentence structure, grammar, and capitals).
Self assess your work and edit/revise your original response.

VIDEO LINKS:
How to Use Animoto

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

11/7/2017

Digital Dossier

Today, students learned about the 9 Elements of Digital Citizenship and digital footprints. They were shocked to learn how other people can access their information if they don't properly lock down their security settings and if they don't 'THINK BEFORE THEY CLICK'. Whatever they put online is there forever so they must always think about their actions. Parents, click here to see the collaborative work of 56 Grade 7 students.

1.) LA: Read for 30 minutes

2.) FIELD TRIP:

Return Symphony field trip forms and money. The field trip is on the 16th.

3.) SCIENCE:

Bring your Ecosystems field trip photos to school tomorrow or upload them all to Google Drive or 365 so you can access them.
Click here to download the lab write-up template if you want to use it.
Click here to download Science Lab Write-Up Information

4.) MATH:

Complete what you didn't finish in class of the 3 pages of comparing fractions. Show all your work.

5.) POST A RESPONSE:

What did you learn about your digital footprint today?
Write a paragraph and include a good intro, at least 3 supporting sentence and examples, followed by a conclusion.
Check one other student's paragraph to see if they included what was asked above and give them a suggestion on what they didn't include.
Edit/revise your original post

VIDEO LINKS:
9 Elements of Digital Citizenship
Digital Dossier

<<Previous

EARTH BITES

Learning Takes Time

ESTIMATING AND ADDING FRACTION STRIPS

ADST - Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies

EARLY HUMANS - INQUIRY

FREE WRITE!

Social Studies and the Inquiry Process

ZONES OF REGULATION

UZUME TAIKO

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

VANCOUVER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

PHOTO ESSAY PRESENTATIONS

Remembrance Day

PARENT VOLUNTEERS FOR FIELD TRIP (Dec 6, 15, and 21st)

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

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