Today, Ms. Fei and I decided to have the students reinforce their reading skills via Todaysmeet.com/1ivan.  The students focused on writing connections, but were also told to ask questions and respond to any comments that were made in our conversation stream.  This allowed for some students who don't normally participate openly during class to contribute to the discussion and participate without feeling any anxiety about having to speak out in front of the entire class.  Over the past year and a bit, we have learned that giving students a choice of how to express their opinions is a very important factor in student motivation, learning, participation, expression, and self-esteem.       

1.) WRITE A RESPONSE: Decide on what format you are thinking about using for your Science project and post a link to an example here so your classmates can see what it's like.  The example does not have to be on 'THE 5 KINGDOMS'.  For example, if you choose to create a 'PREZI', feel free to post the link to an example of one here and attach a brief note explaining why you chose this style of presentation.  We have examples in our learning gallery from last year that you could link to as well. You will start 'CREATING' tomorrow!  If you decide to start tonight, go right ahead! :)  If somebody posts one type of presentation, please post a different type.  We want as many different examples as possible so you can get an idea of what they are like.  I will post a link to the website I was referring to later this evening.  

2.) MATH 6 - any assigned work
     MATH 7 - Worksheet 2.5 (You must draw your grids on the handout).  If you have any questions, 
     feel free to post them here.

3.) SCIENCE 6/7 - If you want to work with a partner, feel free to send me an email with who you would like to work with.  If you work with a partner, you will be paired up with someone from a different grade.

4.) SKI CLUB - Please return your ski-club forms to Mrs. Van.  If you haven't received your forms yet, please return them ASAP.  

Today, we welcomed several visitors from different educational institutions.  First, we had Linda Chau from J.T. Brown Elementary School visit our class to see the wonderful learning that has taking place.  In addition to this, we were lucky enough to have two University professors of education visit our class to talk to you about your learning.  It was wonderful to see how well all of you responded to the questions that were asked.  You all articulated your learning like true life-long learners.  

1.) ART - IF POSSIBLE, complete colouring your anime art using one of the following websites or any other software you are comfortable using.  If you have completed your first image (you will end up making 4 separate ones next week) please submit it to our hand-in box and call it 'YOUR NAME - DRAFT 1).  If you have any questions, be sure to post them here so your classmates can help you complete some of the tasks.  Remember, zooming in while fine-lining will help you create a smooth lines. If you don't zoom in when you do this, your lines will appear very sloppy.  

           www.pixlr.com                          www.fotoflexer.com                          www.sumo.fm     

2.) SCIENCE - (Taxonomy/Classification) Add to your Science notes.  Currently, you have completed going through one reliable source and took notes of all the important points about the 5 Kingdoms.  You confirmed that you   had all the key points by collaborating with your classmates via Google Drive.  Your goal, if you choose to accept this (Just kidding....you must accept it...ha ha) is to take notes from the video link below.  The good thing about video resources is that you can pause it at anytime to jot down your notes.  Don't forget to use headings when jotting down your notes.  This video is about 12 minutes long and will likely some time to load so be sure to pause it so that it can buffer while you wait.  

3.) MATH 6 / 7 - Complete the fraction art activity you worked on in class today if you haven't already.

4.) POST A RESPONSE - Today, we learned more about pre-writing strategies.  We discussed making lists, brainstorming with webs, discussing with friends, and drawing pictures.  In addition to this, you did some writing activities that helped you get your thoughts down on paper.  Following this, you worked on your first draft of your 'WRITES' and then exchanged them with your partners so they could give you feedback to see what areas you could improve in.  They should have given you 4-5 points to work on.  Your homework is to revise your work and post it here.  Also, read the responses your classmates leave and we will complete the 'Blogging B.R.G.R.R.' on Monday morning as usual.

VIDEO LINK:
- Taxonomy: Life's classification System