Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Persuasive Writing


We began our day with language. Students wrote their language test on nouns. They then worked on list 35 spelling words. We did have time to work on our inquiry unit today. Instead we continued working on the Ontario Persuasive Writing Assessment piece we began yesterday. We reviewed the samples we read yesterday and the reasons why they received levels 1 to 4. We also reviewed the format for persuasive writing and speeches and what each paragraph should include. Students were reminded to address their audience, make connections, and transfer their knowledge about the topic to persuasive format. Students were then given the topic for today - a topic very close to their hearts :-). They had to write a speech to persuade me to teach gym class instead of doing class work if Mr. Browning is away. Most students have completed their brainstorm. They will have time in class to finish their writing tomorrow. Students met up in their literature circle groups for their tenth group meeting. They used class time to read chapter 11. As I looked around the classroom I felt very happy with the progress students are making in their literature circle discussions. One person was talking at a time with all other group members looking at and paying attention to the speaker. It is important that The Secret Garden books and reading duo-tangs be brought to school daily as we will be having daily group meetings as well as time allocated in class for reading.

For science fair, we are fortunate to have Ms. S visiting our class and helping with Science Fair conferences. Ms. S and I met with some students to check on progress. Students are typing up their project, entering data into an Excel spreadsheet, and beginning to construct graphs. Make time to purchase a tri-fold display board for the science fair.

As part of our continuing plants and soils unit, we began a class composter yesterday. Work also began on our class vegetable garden. Students are asked to bring in a bag of garden or black soil for our garden. We will be planting after the Victoria Day weekend.

 

I forgot to tell about some excitement in our classroom yesterday. We entered the portable in the morning only to discover that Mr. Fluffy escaped! The children searched for him. We found him asleep in the bottom of a cupboard that was slightly open. Everyone was glad that that he wasn't hurt or lost forever.

Students attended French, art, and gym class today.

SJA's grade 6s are presenting their Exhibition Projects this Friday. We will be attending their presentations during school. They are also presenting in the evening. Students and families are invited to attend. This is a great way to support our grade 6s but also to see what is expected of students in their grade 6 Exhibition.
 

Homework & Reminders

  • Review list 35 spelling words for Friday's test
  • Science Fair: Bring duo-tangs and journals daily as we are making time for science fair each day in class
  • Novel Study - complete chapter 11 reading and response
  • Grade 6 Exhibition takes place this Friday
  • Scholastic orders due this Friday
  • Show Your Spirit orders will be accepted until Wednesday, May 21
  • There is no school for students on Thursday, May 15 - PD Day for teachers
  • There is no school for students on Friday, May 16 - PD Day for teachers
  • There is no school on Monday, May 19 - Victoria Day
  • Science Fair - Thursday, May 22
  • Track & Field Practice - Friday, May 23

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