Academic Skills: Reading & Note-Making

Today was another quick and busy day in Grade 6. Ms. Hayward visited our class and did a workshop on how to read informational texts and make notes about the reading. She taught the class how to use a T-Chart while doing this, recording big Ideas in the left column and supporting details in the right column. The class discussed academic honesty and plagiarism and finally they learned how to cite a website using MLA formatting.

Next up we began learning about our first inquiry unit. Students now know that this unit falls under the transdisciplinary theme Sharing the planet. We examined the definition of the theme and the parts we are responsible for addressing. We discussed the lines of inquiry, key concepts, and summative task for this unit. We also got into a discussion of finite and infinite resources and took a side road into wormholes. Students worked on completing a KWL chart where they recorded and shared what they already know about electricity and what they wonder about electricity.

In language we continued learning about action-word poems. We reviewed the form of this poem. As a class we wrote a poem called David’s Shoes. Students then worked on writing their own action-word poem, demonstrating their understanding of this form of poetry.

Grade 6s attended Math and gym class today. Their French class was replaced by our second house game for neophyte week. In this game the houses competed against each other in freeze dance. Well done to Theta for winning today’s games.

 

In Math, Grade 6s worked on a diagnostic task for their first math unit – Data Management. This was followed by a short review on how to use a tally chart.

Grade 6s should be working on their learner profile posters for homework. Today we discussed the criteria for an effective poster. Students said the poster should:

·         State the topic (learner profile attribute/attitude)

·         Include a simple, easy to understand definition of the topic

·         Have contrasting colours

·         Include a picture or pictures that further explain the topic

·         Use large, easy to read font

·         Be attractive & neat

Students have signed up to create posters for the following attributes & attitudes.

Communicator – Amron                                               Inquirer – Riaz

Principled – Jayden                                         Balanced – JD

Open-Minded – Miriam                                                Caring – Lynne 

Knowledgeable – Adam                                                Risk-Taker – Lucas

Thinker – Ekaam                                               Reflective – Suravi

Commitment – Tristan                                   Tolerance – Jayden

Inetgrity – Adam                                              Independence – JD

Cooperation – Julian                                       Respect – Ethan

Confidence – David                                         Empathy – Chelsea        

Creativity – Christiaan                                    Curiosity – Rashad

Enthusiasm – Sophie                                      Appreciation – Rishabh

Homework & Reminders

·         Begin working your learner profile poster. This is due next Wednesday.

·         BBQ orders and payment (in cash) are due by Friday, September 14^th.

·         Laptops are needed tomorrow

·         Work on your IB Portfolio cover page if you have not completed this

·         Tomorrow is Spirit Day - Wear house colours tomorrow