Novel Study

In today's math time we began review work on number patterns. Each student received a review package to work through with the goal of getting half way through  it, i.e. to complete question 6.  Students receive individual support where needed. Students are asked to complete and correct question 1 - 6 if they did not get done in class.

In our inquiry time, students used the graphic organiser they generated yesterday to begin writing the paragraphs of their research paper.  A misconception that has surfaced is that students have been starting and ending their research paper as a speech, greeting judges and thanking the audience for listening. We discussed how the research paper is only a retell the facts of what others have discovered, invented, and used regarding the science fair topic. All students were challenged to write the first draft of their paper in one sitting and to do it quickly. Students who did not complete their first draft in class are asked to do so for homework. We will begin revising the first draft in class tomorrow.

We began working on our novel study for term 1. The book we are reading is a non-fiction text called Shannen and the Dream for a School by Janet Wilson. Today we examined and located the features of a non-fiction text. Ask your child what these features are. We read the author's note and prologue. We will work on the novel study each day. Class time will be allocated for discussion of the previous chapter and the discussion questions in small groups. Students will then be assigned the next chapter and new discussion questions. Incomplete reading and answering of questions will need to be completed at home. In order for groups to have productive discussions, students need to bring their books and novel study notebooks to school each day.

Grade 6s attended French and Gym class today.

Homework & Reminders:

• Complete the first draft of your research paper by tomorrow if you did not get done in class
• MMS Number Pattern unit test on Tuesday, Oct. 14. Complete and correct review question 1 - 6. Please bring the package back to school tomorrow.
• Novel study: Complete the reading of the prologue and answer the discussion questions if you did not get done in class

• Friday, Oct. 10 is a PD Day for teachers - there is no school for students
• Monday, Oct. 13 is Thanksgiving Day - there is no school
• After Care invoices were sent home on Friday. Please send payment by cash, cheque (made payable to St. Jude's Academy), or on-line plastique website (please note additional banking fees may apply.)  Payments are due by Oct. 17th, after this date late fees will be applied. Please keep in mind after-care begins at 3:45 and ends at 6. If your child is in a program that starts at 4 they will be charged (as stated on program sign up page) for the time before their program (3:45 - 4:00pm). If you have any questions regarding your invoice  please feel free to email bsmith@stjudesacademy.com