Capacity

Today in math, we reviewed the definition, formula, and units of volume. We then discussed the definition and units of capacity and how volume and capacity are related. We wondered about the capacities of our lungs. We came up with a procedure for measuring lung capacity. Before we began students estimated what they thought their lung capacity would be. We then put our estimates to the test. Students enjoyed this activity.

 

Back in class students were encouraged to memorise the relationships and conversions between volume and capacity units. We used these relationships to solve problems. Students  completed up to Q. 3 in class. Thy are asked to complete the remaining questions on p. 234 & 235 in their math text book for homework. We will be writing a unit test on measurement on Friday, February 6.

Our math lesson took up most of our morning. We did not have time to meet for literature circle discussions today. Remaining class time was used by students to research their aboriginal group. Students are asked to finish up their research over the weekend and submit their research booklets on Monday.

Grade 6s then joined the Grade 5s on a curling trip.

We used the remaining time at the end of the day to work on speeches. I met with  some students to check on their reason progress.  Each students has received instructions on what they should be working on next. Please talk to your child to learn where they are in the speech writing process. Any input form parents is welcomed.

Homework & Reminders

• MMS p. 234 & 235. Measurement unit test on Friday, February 6
• Complete persuasive speech reason 1 and 2 paragraph research and write the first drafts of the paragraphs
• Return ski forms
• Complete Aboriginal research booklet for Monday
• Bring devices on Monday for speech research
• February 5th Skiing 7:00 am-3:30 pm
• February 6th, Measurement test, Curling: 11:45 am - 1:45pm
• February 12th Spirit Day, MacBeth Dinner & Play - proceeds for SJA science program
• February13th PD Day for teachers, no school for students
• Feb. 20 - Reregistration packages are due

The Cubic Metre

Today in math, we built a skeleton of a cubic metre to help us understand how much space it takes up. Grade 6s tried to squish the whole class into a space that takes up 1 m³.

 

They were unsuccessful but had fun trying. We then estimated how many cubic metres we could line up along the length, width, and height of our portable to estimate the volume of our portable. We measured the dimensions and calculated the actual volume of the portable. Students then held a centimetre cube in their hands and estimated how many cubes it would take to fill the cubic metre. We then calculated that it would take 1 000 000 centimetre cubes to do this. We spent time relating when we use linear, square and cubic units to measure and the appropriate units in different scenarios. Students used the remaining class time to work on practice questions. For the last question they need to use the following: It took Mrs. Haag 18 or 19 s  to stack 10 centimetre cubes. Students are asked to complete the remaining questions on p. 230 & 231 in their math text book for homework. We will be writing a unit test on measurement on Friday, February 6.

We had our second literature circle discussions today on Copper Sunrise by Bryan Buchan. Students had the opportunity to share their reflections of chapter 2 with their group as well as listen to the reflections of other students. Students completed a self-assessment to show how well they had participated in the discussion. They then had class time to read chapter 3 and complete a reflection on chapter 3. We will meet in groups tomorrow. A couple of students did not get done in class. They are asked to finish up their reflections for homework.

Today was the second last day that students have to work on their aboriginal project. Any work not completed by end of class tomorrow will be sent home for completion over the weekend.

We worked on speeches today. I met with students again to check on their reason progress.  Each students has received instructions on what they should be working on next. Please talk to your child to learn where they are in the speech writing process. Any input form parents is welcomed.

Grade 6s attended Gym and French class today.

We are curling tomorrow. Students are asked to come to school in their gym clothes. Gym shoes should be taken to curling in a separate bag.

Homework & Reminders

• MMS p. 230 & 231. Measurement unit test on Friday, February 6
• Complete persuasive speech reason 1 and 2 paragraph research and write the first drafts of the paragraphs
• Return ski forms
• Bring devices tomorrow for Aboriginal and speech research
• Tomorrow is Curling: 11:45 am - 1:45pm. Wear your gym clothes to school.
• February 5th Skiing 7:00 am-3:30 pm
• February 6th Curling: 11:45 am - 1:45pm
• February 12th Spirit Day, MacBeth Dinner & Play - proceeds for SJA science program
• February13th PD Day for teachers, no school for students
• Feb. 20 - Reregistration packages are due

Volume of a Rectangular Prism

Today in math, we defined volume and the units we use to measure volume. Students used centimetre cubes to find the volume of rectangular prisms. They quickly came up with a formula for volume (volume = l x w x h). They learned that they can also calculate volume by multiplying area of the base by the height of an object. They used these skills to tackle practice problems. They are asked to complete p. 226 & 227 in their math text book.

We had our first literature circle discussions today on Copper Sunrise by Bryan Buchan. Students had the opportunity to share their reflections of chapter 1 with their group as well as listen to the reflections of other students. Students completed a self-assessment to show how well that had participated in the discussion. They then had class time to read chapter 2 and complete a reflection on chapter 2. We will meet in groups tomorrow again.

In our explorers inquiry unit time, students continued working on their research project they will be working on for the next few days.

We worked on speeches today. I met with students again to check on their reason 1 research and paragraph. Students also worked on the graphic organizer for their speeches.

Grade 6s attended Gym and French class today.

Homework & Reminders

• MMS p. 226 & 227.
• Complete persuasive speech reason 1 paragraph research and write the first draft of the paragraph
• Return ski forms
• Bring devices tomorrow for Aboriginal and speech research
• Tomorrow is Bake Sale
• Tomorrow is Casual Day
• Fri. January 30th Curling: (11:45 am - 1:45pm)
• February 5th Skiing 7:00 am-3:30 pm
• February 6th Curling: (11:45 am - 1:45pm)
• Feb. 20 - Reregistration packages are due

Surface Area of Rectangular Prisms

Today in math, we worked on estimating and calculating the surface area of a rectangular prism. Students first worked with boxes to measure the length and width of each face. They then calculated area. They worked out total surface area by adding up the areas of the 6 individual faces.  Students tried these skills on practice questions. They are asked to complete p. 222 & 223 in their math text book. Students who wrote the Data Management retest are bringing their retests home today. Please take time to review the test with your child.

We began working on our novel study for this term. We are reading Copper Sunrise by Bryan Buchan. This book links to our explorers inquiry unit. Students were given time to read chapter 1 in class. They were each assigned a role to use to reflect on their reading. They will share and discuss their reflections when they meet in groups tomorrow.

In our explorers inquiry unit time, students continued working on their research project they will be working on for the next few days. Students are discovering that they need to do a lot of reading to find the information they are looking for.

Ms. Lovan was away today. We used gym time to work on speeches. I met with students to check on their speech progress. A general shortcoming that surfaced today is that students are writing personal opinions for their reason. They are challenged to find what experts in the field have to say about their topic. They will need to cite the expert and their evidence that supports their reason. Students are asked to improve on their research and write a first draft of reason 1 paragraph by tomorrow.

Grade 6s attended Drama and French class today.

Homework & Reminders

• MMS p. 222 & 223. Review, sign, and return math retest.
• Complete persuasive speech reason 1 paragraph research and write the first draft of the paragraph
• Return ski forms
• Bring devices tomorrow for Aboriginal and speech research
• Tomorrow. & Thurs - Bake Sale
• Thurs - Casual Day
• Fri. January 30th Curling: (11:45 am - 1:45pm)
• Feb. 20 - Reregistration packages are due

Aboriginal Research

Today in math, we worked on a strategy lesson. Today's strategy was to use logical reasoning to solve a problem. This involved reading the problem over, recording what is know and what we need to find out.  We completed and took up all practice questions in class. There is no math assigned for homework today.

In our explorers inquiry unit time, students continued working on their research project. Students  researched as follows:

Zachary - Inuit

Jasleen - Sioux

Ashmeen - Ojibwa

Nathan - Iroquois

Jessica - Metis

Victoria - Huron

Temi - Denesuline

Julia - MikMaq

Shannon - Algonquin

Bryan - Haida

Today we got to work on speeches. Students focused on their first idea paragraph for their persuasive speech. They researched history, facts and statistics that support their idea. They were asked to carefully to record the 5Ws and H while they took notes. They then wrote the first draft of the paragraph.  Students were asked to complete the research for this paragraph as homework if they do not get done in class.

Grade 6s were also introduced to the book we will be reading for this term - Copper Sunrise by Bryan Buchan. We will use a literature circle format to reflect and discuss this book. Each day students will be assigned a different role - e.g. word wizard, summarizer, predictor, illustrator, etc. The following day each member of the group shares their reflections with the group. They then read  rotate to the next role to reflect on for the next chapter. We will begin reading tomorrow.

Ms. Husain was away today, but Grade 6s worked independently on French work. Grade 6s were treated to a gym class with Mr. Palumbo.

Homework & Reminders

• Complete persuasive speech reason 1 paragraph research and write the first draft of the paragraph
• Tomorrow - School Panoramic Picture. Students are asked to be in full uniform
• Return Ski forms
• Bring devices for Aboriginal and speech research
• Wed. & Thurs - Bake Sale
• Thurs - Casual Day
• Fri. January 30th Curling: (11:45 am - 1:45pm)
• Feb. 20 - Reregistration packages are due

International Day

Today in math, we practiced estimating the sums of larger amounts of money up to $10 000. Students calculated actual amounts as well as change. Grade 6s  are asked to complete practice questions on p. 216 & 217 of the student textbook.

In our explorers inquiry unit time, students heard about a research project they will be working on for the next few days. Each student will be researching a First Nations group in Canada. They will use their research notes to create an informative booklet about this group that describes their way of life before contact with Europeans. Students chose their people group today and began researching out of non-fiction texts available in the classroom.

Grade 6s attended French and Drama class today.

We ended the day representing Japan at International Day. It was great seeing students so engaged and to have parents visit us. Thanks to the Grade 6s for their enthusiasm and hard work.

 

Here are some pictures from last week's curling trip and International Day today.

Homework & Reminders

• MMS p. 216 & 217
• Think of ideas for your persuasive speech and short story
• Tues. Jan. 27 - School Panoramic Picture
• Return Ski forms
• Jan. 28 & 29 - Bake Sale
• Thurs. Jan. 29 - Casual Day
• Fri. January 30th Curling: (11:45 am - 1:45pm)
• Feb. 20 - Reregistration packages are due

Beringia

Today in math, we learned about writing time in the 24-hour clock format. We also reviewed analog time and writing time in the 12-hour clock format.  Students practiced writing time in all formats and converting from one format to another. Students are asked to complete practice questions on p. 211 & 212 on the student textbook. Students are bringing home their Data Management unit tests today. Please take time to review the test with your child, sign it, and return it to school tomorrow.

We worked on our explorers unit again today. Today we learned about some theories that some scientists use to explain how aboriginal peoples came to be in Canada. Ask your child to tell you about these theories.

In our language time, we began brainstorming story ideas for the Polar Expressions short story competition. We read an example of an adventure story and reviewed the elements of a story. Students then worked on a planner for writing their adventure story.

We then used the remaining class time to prepare for International Day. Families are invited to come an visit us in the gym from 2:30 to 3:30 tomorrow.

Grade 6s attended French and Gym class today.

Homework & Reminders

• MMS p. 211 & 212. Sign, review, and return math tests that are coming home today
• Think of ideas for your persuasive speech and short story
• Bring black, red, and white clothes to change into for International Day tomorrow
• Child-care payments  and January lunch forms are due tomorrow
• Tomorrow is International Day, 2:30 - 3:30 pm. All welcome.
• Tues. Jan. 27 - School Panoramic Picture
• Return Ski forms
• Jan. 28 & 29 - Bake Sale
• Thurs. Jan. 29 - Casual Day
• Fri. January 30th Curling: (11:45 am - 1:45pm)
• Feb. 20 - Reregistration packages are due

Time Zones

Today in math, we learned about winter and summer time zones in Canada. Students calculated the difference in time form one time zone to another. Ask your child if time gets earlier or later as you move east or west. Students used this knowledge to solve problems involving time zones across Canada. We finished up all the practice questions during class. There is no math homework assigned for today.

We then used the remaining class time to prepare for International Day. Families are invited to come an visit us in the gym from 2:30 to 3:30 this Friday.

Grade 6s attended Drama,  French and Gym class today.

Look out for a letter about the SJA performance of MacBeth taking place on February 12.

Homework & Reminders

• Think of ideas for your persuasive speech
• Bring black, red, and white clothes to change into for International Day
• Child-care payments  and January lunch forms are due on Friday
• Fri. Jan. 23 - International Day, 2:30 - 3:30 pm. All welcome.
• Tues. Jan. 27 - School Panoramic Picture
• Jan. 28 & 29 - Bake Sale
• Thurs. Jan. 29 - Casual Day
• Fri. January 30th Curling: (11:45 am - 1:45pm)
• Feb. 20 - Reregistration packages are due

Aboriginal Creation Stories

Today in math, students wrote their unit test on Data Management.

We then used a large chunk of class time to prepare for International Day. Families are invited to come an visit us in the gym from 2:30 to 3:30 this Friday. Students are reminded to bring their $15 to contribute to food we will purchase on that day.

During inquiry time, we revisited the two different Aboriginal creation stories we started working on yesterday. Students discussed the creation of the earth, symbols, elements from nature and moral of the stories.

Grade 6s attended French and Gym class today.

Homework & Reminders

• $15 cash for International Day food
• Think of ideas for your persuasive speech
• Child-care payments are due on Friday
• Fri. Jan. 23 - International Day, 2:30 - 3:30 pm. All welcome.
• Tues. Jan. 27 - School Panoramic Picture
• Jan. 28 & 29 - Bake Sale
• Thurs. Jan. 29 - Casual Day
• Feb. 20 - Reregistration packages are due

Explorers

Today in math, we began talking about the new measurement unit that begins on Wednesday. We discussed the learning expectations and vocabulary in this unit. We also reviewed measurement concepts that students should already be familiar with. Students should be studying for tomorrow's unit test on Data Management as part of their math homework for today.

During inquiry time, we began a new unit that falls under the transdisciplinary theme Where We Are in Place and Time. We will focus on the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind. The unit is titled Explorers and the central idea is Exploration has changed and will continue to change people’s lives. We will explore the topic through the following lines of inquiry:

·         Characteristics and motivation of local explorers.

·         Analyze interaction between local explorers and report on effects of cooperation and reasons for disagreements.

·         Positive and negative effects of early contact between local explorers; including legacies.

Today Grade 6s wrote a test to show what they already know about this topic. As we progress through this unit, students will refer back to this test and decide if they were correct or not. Today students examined and compared two different Aboriginal creation stories.

Our remaining class time was used to get ready for International Day which takes place this Friday from 2:30 - 3:30. Families are welcomed to come and visit during this time.

Grade 6s attended Drama, French, and Gym class today.

Homework & Reminders

• MMS - Unit test tomorrow
• $15 cash for International Day food
• Think of ideas for your persuasive speech
• Child-care payments are due on Friday
• Fri. Jan. 23 - International Day, 2:30 - 3:30 pm. All welcome.
• Tues. Jan. 27 - School Panoramic Picture
• Jan. 28 & 29 - Bake Sale
• Thurs. Jan. 29 - Casual Day
• Feb. 20 - Reregistration packages are due

Human Body Presentations

Yesterday in math, students  continued working through the review package on data management that they began on Thursday. We did not get through the whole package. students are asked to complete it for homework over the weekend. We will take it up on Monday and the test has been moved to Tuesday.

During inquiry time, students presented their human body and diseases brochures. It really stood out to me how knowledgeable they had all become on the topics they chose.

It was then time to go curling. I learned that you need to be strong, flexible, and have good balance to be successful at curling. The Grade 6s had a good time and we look forward to our next trip.

Homework & Reminders

• MMS - Complete the review package. Unit test on Tuesday, January 20
• $15 cash for International Day food
• Think of ideas for your persuasive speech
• Fri. Jan. 23 - International Day, 2:30 - 3:30 pm. All welcome.
• Wed. Jan. 28 - Casual Day
• January 30th Curling: (11:45 am - 1:45pm)
• After-care payments are due Friday, January 23

Get it Done!

Today in math, students began working through a review package on data management to prepare for Monday's test. A general weakness that emerged for the class as a whole to focus on is finding the mean, median, and mode for a set of data. No math homework has been assigned for today.

During inquiry time, students wrote the circulatory and nervous system retest.  Students then began working on their brochures. They were challenged to:

• finish up all 6 pages of their brochures (including editing)
• use the checklist and self-assessment to ensure they have included all  components
• have a classmate peer edit their work and complete a peer assessment
• make changes to improve their brochure
• give me an electronic copy of their brochure
• practice their presentation
• print their brochure in colour at home if possible

I look forward to hearing the presentations and seeing the final products tomorrow.

We ended the day discussing progress on how we will represent Japan at International Day next Friday. The class has decided that they would like to purchase food platters from a  local Japanese restaurant to serve that day. Each students is asked to contribute $15 in cash to cover the cost of the food.

Grade 6s attended Drama, French, and Gym class today.

Students are asked to come to school in their gym clothes tomorrow. They should also dress warmly in layers for our curling outing. I am looking forward to this as I have never been curling before and my students will get to teach me!

Homework & Reminders

• MMS - Unit test on Monday, January 19
• $15 cash for International Day food
• Scholastic orders and payment are due on tomorrow for those interested in ordering. Cheques only please.
• Think of ideas for your persuasive speech
• Tomorrow -  Curling: (11:45 am - 1:45pm)
• Fri. Jan. 23 - International Day, 2:30 - 3:30 pm. All welcome.
• Wed. Jan. 28 - Casual Day

Surveys

Today in math, students headed out to survey our school using the question they generated yesterday. They created a bar graph to display their data. Students then worked independently on practice questions. Most made excellent progress.  Students are asked to complete practice questions on p. 199 of the math textbook. Students are reminded that there is a unit test on Monday.  

Students are reminded that the retest on the circulatory and nervous system takes place tomorrow. During today's inquiry time, students were challenged to type up at least 4 of the 6 pages of their brochures or they would have to use their recess and gym time to get caught up. I am happy to report that none of the hard-working Grade 6s lost their gym time! Tomorrow is the last day that students will have class time to complete their projects.

We worked on persuasive speeches today. Students read a sample of a persuasive essay. We then discussed the features of this essay. The essay addressed the opposing points of view on the topic. Students have been advised that this will be required of them too. Students used their planner to write the opinion and reason sentences on their topic. No details for reasons are required at this time. We will begin researching facts for details on Monday, January 19. Students who did not complete their sentences are asked to complete them for homework (p. 41 of the Tree House writing book).

Grade 6s attended French and Gym class today.

Homework & Reminders

• MMS  p. 199. Unit test on Monday, January 19
• Bring devices tomorrow if you are creating a brochure using Microsoft Publisher
• Tomorrow - Circulatory & Nervous System retest
• Scholastic orders and payment are due on Friday for those interested in ordering. Cheques only please.
• Think of ideas for your persuasive speech
• Speech opinion and reasons (Tree House p. 41) if you did not get done in class. Details not needed at this time
• Return curling permission forms are due tomorrow
• January 16th Curling: (11:45 am - 1:45pm)
• Fri. Jan. 23 - International Day, 2:30 - 3:30 pm. All welcome.
• Wed. Jan. 28 - Casual Day

Scatter Plots on Excel

Today in math, we used Microsoft Excel to graph scatter plots. Students entered a data chart, edited the chart, created a scatter graph, and labelled the axes. We also spent some time talking about how to conduct a survey that does not include bias. Students paired up with a buddy to choose a survey topic, compose a survey question and answer options, and create a tally chart. Students will be conducting their surveys tomorrow.  There is now math homework assigned today. Students may use time to begin preparing for Monday's unit test.  

Students are bringing their circulatory and nervous system unit tests home today. Retests will be written on Thursday. Please review, sign and return the tests. Students had a tutorial on how to use Microsoft Publisher during inquiry time. They then chose their own template and begin creating their brochures about a disease that affects the human body.

Drama time was hijacked by inquiry time today. Mr. Monaghan and I respectively taught the boys and girls about the reproductive system.

Grade 6s attended French and Gym class today.

Look out for February lunch forms coming home today.

 

Homework & Reminders

• MMS - Unit test on Monday, January 19
• Bring devices daily for the next two weeks - make sure you have access to Excel & Microsoft Publisher or similar software
• Thurs. Jan.  15 - Circulatory & Nervous System retest
• Scholastic orders and payment are due on Friday for those interested in ordering. Cheques only please.
• Think of ideas for your persuasive speech
• Return curling permission forms
• January 16th Curling: (11:45 am - 1:45pm)
• Fri. Jan. 23 - International Day, 2:30 - 3:30 pm. All welcome.
• Wed. Jan. 28 - Casual Day

Scatter Plots

Today in math, we learned about scatter plots. We reviewed Friday's lesson on how to plot coordinates. The class then collected primary, discrete data, namely their arms spans and shoe lengths. We used this data to create a scatter plot and learned that in our class there is no relationship between arm spans and shoe lengths.  Students then practiced creating and interpreting scatter plots. They made good progress with the practice questions in class. They are asked to complete the remaining practice questions on p. 192 & 193 for homework. Students will need access to Microsoft Excel for tomorrow's math lesson. Grade 6s will be writing a unit test on Data Management on Monday, January 19.

Students wrote their test on the circulatory and nervous systems during our inquiry time today. Students then worked on their human body projects today. Today's goal was for students to create a rough draft of their brochure using pencil and paper. Students were asked to decide on the titles, images, and organization of information over the 6 pages of the brochure.

We used class time to work on persuasive speeches. Students read the persuasive paragraph they wrote last week to their class mates. They received feedback on their weaknesses and strengths. Students then decided if they want to change the topic for their speech or if they want to stay with the same topic. They then worked on a persuasive essay planner that comprises 5 paragraphs.

We ended the day meeting to check on progress on International Day and to decide on what needs to be done next. Talk to your child about what they need to do.

Grade 6s attended French and Gym class today.

Look out for Scholastic order forms coming home today.

Check out SJA's Christmas concert in SNAP'D.

Homework & Reminders

• MMS p. 192 & 193, Unit test on Monday, January 19
• Bring devices daily for the next two weeks - make sure you have access to Excel & Microsoft Publisher or similar software
• Scholastic order forms are coming home today. Orders and payment are due on Friday for those interested in ordering. Cheques only please.
• Think of ideas for your persuasive speech
• Return curling permission forms
• January 16th Curling: (11:45 am - 1:45pm)
• Fri. Jan. 23 - International Day, 2:30 - 3:30 pm. All welcome.
• Wed. Jan. 28 - Casual Day

Cartesian Plane

Today in math, we learned about the coordinate system. Students learned that a coordinate grid is also called a Cartesian plane. They practiced plotting ordered pairs (coordinates) by starting from the origin and moving right to place the first coordinate and then moving vertically to place the second coordinate. An area of weakness we saw in class today was students not correctly labelling the figures they created. Students made good progress with the practice questions in class. They are asked to complete the remaining practice questions on p. 188 & 189 for homework.

Students worked on their human body projects today. They received 1.5 hours to research information about the topic. I met with students multiple times today to ensure they were using the checklist to ensure they were researching the correct information and that they were making progress with their research. Students who are behind with their research

should catch up over the weekend. Students are reminded to make time over the weekend to study for the test on the circulatory and nervous system test on Monday. Look out for the following letter about the reproductive system coming home today:

January 9, 2015

Dear Grade 6 Parents,

             As part of our inquiry unit on the human body, the grade 6 class will be learning about the reproductive system on Tuesday, January 13, 2015. To help students with student comfort levels with this topic, Mr. Monaghan will teach the boys, while I teach the girls.

            We would welcome any discussions you would like to have with your child before this lesson takes place. On this day, we will work through a package that includes images of both the male and female reproductive systems. Please let me know via email (mhaag@stjudesacademy.com) if you would like to preview the material over the weekend and I will send the material to you.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Haag and Mr. Monaghan

We ended the day meting to check on progress on International Day and to decide on what needs to be done next. Talk to your child about what they need to do.

Grade 6s attended Drama, French, and Gym class today.

Look out for a letter coming home today from the Parent Guild. Some students are bringing home after-school care statements.

 

Homework & Reminders

• MMS p. 188 & 189
• Catch up with research notes on your human body project if you are behind
• Bring devices daily for the next two weeks - make sure you have access to Excel & Microsoft Publisher or similar software
• Human body test Monday, January 12 - Circulatory & Nervous Systems
• Look out for reproductive system and Parent guild letters as well as after-school care statements
• Think of ideas for your persuasive speech
• Return curling permission forms
• January 16th Curling: (11:45 am - 1:45pm)

Excellent Graphing on Excel

We had a technology filled day in Grade 6 today. In math, students used Microsoft Excel to enter secondary data into a spreadsheet. They formatted the data by font, bold, size, borders, and decimal place and checked layout using print preview. Students then used the data to create bar, line, and circle graphs. They formatted the graph's titles, legend, colour, and texture. There is no assigned math homework today, unless students would like to practice the table and graph generating skills we learned about in class today.

In our human body inquiry unit time, students received 2 hours of class time to research their topic and make jot notes. Students used their devices to search internet sources for information. There are also informational texts available in the classroom for students to use for researching information.

We began thinking and talking about persuasive speeches in more detail today. Students read about the parts of persuasive writing. We discussed how the persuasive speech will different to a persuasive essay. Grade 6s are asked to challenge the audience to take action in some way on their topic. Students will have to be creative in coming up with ideas on how to do this. They brainstormed ideas they are interested in writing about. They then chose one of their topic ideas to work on further. They used the topic to plan and write a persuasive paragraph. We will work on speeches again on Monday. Students are encouraged to keep thinking about a topic for their speeches that they feel very strongly about.

Ms. Husain was away today. Grade 6s used their French time to work on International Day. The result is that there is a taste of Japan in our room. I am thrilled with the Grade 6's enthusiasm as we prepare for this day!

Grade 6s attended Gym class today.

Homework & Reminders

• Bring devices daily for the next two weeks - make sure you have access to Excel & Microsoft Publisher or similar software
• Human body test Monday, January 12 - Circulatory & Nervous Systems
• Think of ideas for your persuasive speech
• Return curling permission forms
• January 16th Curling: (11:45 am - 1:45pm)