Exhibition: Editing the Essay

We began our day with math.  We took up yesterday’s homework on ratios. Today’s lesson was on equivalent ratios. We used what we understand about equivalent fractions to help us understand equivalent ratios. A lot of the problems were completed in class. I checked everyone’s questions 1 to 3. Students are asked to complete any incomplete work on MMS p. 326 – 327 for homework. The unit test will be written on Wednesday, April 20.

Next up was Exhibition time. Today’s goals for students regarding the essay were to place the revised draft in order and peer and self-edit the essay. The groups are also asked to have a teacher, mentor, and parent assist in the editing. We are now focusing on correcting conventions (spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary), adding in-text citations, and adding a Sources Cited list. Students who got to start working on the editing are feeling that a weight has been lifted from them. I managed to meet with two groups today to work on editing. I will continue editing conferences tomorrow

Students used gym class time and recess time to work on their essays.

Groups that accomplished today’s essay goals worked on finding primary sources for their projects. A primary source may be an expert in the field that students can interview. The interview could be face-to-face or by Skype for example. Students will need to plan interview questions that further inform them on their issue. These questions will be approved by parents, mentors, and teachers and put through the writing process. The questions should be emailed to the interviewee ahead of the interview. Students should make a video of the interview if possible. Parents and mentors are asked to help students find someone to interview. Parents are asked to drive students to interview locations and supervise the interview. Parents who are not accompanying their child on the interview trip will need to give their child written permission to go on the interview trip. The interview may take place during school hours.

Another primary source could be a survey. Some groups began thinking of their survey questions, their target audience, and materials needed. One of our Grade 6 parents suggested an on-line survey as a possibility.

Finally, students who completed assigned essay work were asked to review their action component. They may have new ideas about how to take action. Students worked to plan what needs to be done to accomplish their action component.

Some groups met with their mentors today.

Students attended music class with Mr. Andrei.

Students are reminded to work on their digital portfolios. Ms. Ymbang will be available to students to help them with any problems they have had with uploading items next week. She will also be checking that digital portfolios are up-to-date again at this time.

Remember to send in old batteries that you need to safely dispose of. The Grade 1 and 2 classes at SJA will take care of this for you as part of their UOI.

Many Spring Fundraiser forms and payments are due tomorrow.

 

Homework & Reminders

·         MMS p. 326 – 327, Unit test on Wednesday, April 20

·         Exhibition:

o   Ask your parents and mentor to edit the second draft of your essay directly on the draft in ink

o   Remember, you may NOT do any writing for the essay at home. All essay writing must happen in class

o   Ask your parents to help you and your group find someone to interview as your primary source

o   Keep thinking of ideas and planning to accomplish your action component

o   Keep your next mentor meeting in mind

o   Bring your device daily

o   Essay due date – Wednesday, April 20

·         Tomorrow – Forms and payment due for Spring Fundraiser Casual Day, Pancake Breakfast, and Dance Party

·         Friday – Forms and payment due for Spring Fundraiser Ice-Cream Sundae Treat

·         April  18 – 22 - Spring Fundraiser

·         Summer fiesta as well as wristband prices are now $25

·         Wednesday, April 20 – Squash, 2 – 3 pm, Math unit test

·         Friday, April 22 – Earth Day

·         Wednesday, April 27 – Casual Day, Squash, 2 – 3 pm

·       Friday, May 6 – Exhibition

·         May 16 & 17 – Spelling Bee

·         Friday, May 20 – PD Day, No School for students

·         Monday, May 23 – Victoria Day, No school

·         May 26 & 27 – Track and Field

·         May 28 – Summer Fiesta