.....Researching .......

We began our day with a math lesson on percents. Students learned that percent means "per one hundred" or "out of  one hundred". Students represented percents as fractions, decimals, or on a hundredths grid. An unusual, but music to my ears, statement was said in math class today: "Mrs. Haag, I love this unit!" Many students again made excellent progress on their practice questions. They are asked to complete the questions on p. 310 - 311 of the MMS textbook for homework.

Students used today's inquiry time to share the sources they had found over the weekend with their group members. The challenge was for each student to record at least one page of notes in point form from a new source before recess. Most groups accomplished this. Students were also challenged to check if they could:

-define their issue
-explain the cause of their issue locally and globally
-explain the effects of their issue locally and globally
-list existing or come up with new solutions to the issue
I met with each group to discuss their progress on being able to write an essay on the above points. Each group came away from the meeting with a "to do" list to focus on. Parents, please talk to your child about what their group needs to focus on. Tomorrow is the last day that will be given for reading, viewing, and taking notes. After tomorrow, students who are missing information, may still use class time to do this, but they will be getting behind. They will be pulled from recess, drama, and gym class until they are caught up.
Some students have still not found at least 3 of the additional sources listed below on their topic:
-a documentary
-newspaper article
-magazine article
-website
Students have been reminded to do a fair share of the work and to be a productive group member.

38 Days Till Exhibition

When students went to French class today, they worked on their French component of their exhibition.

Groups who have had their art ideas approved should begin bringing in art supplies.

Grade 6s had French and Gym class today.

Students are asked to return all binders by Thursday, April 2. Parents, please complete the comments page of the report card by Thursday, April 2. I will make a copy and return the original to you.

Homework & Reminders

• MMS p. 310 - 311
• Find at least 3 additional sources on your exhibition issue if you did not do this over the weekend or yesterday
• Devices are needed all week
• Art supplies for some groups
• Thursday, April 2 - Easter Spirit Day, wear pastel colours, last day to return report card comments and all binders
• Friday, April 3 - Good Friday, No school
• Monday, April 6 - Easter Monday, No school
• Students may wear their polo shirts after the long weekend
• Summer camp specials end Victoria Day long weekend

 

Researching

We began our day with a math lesson on subtracting fractions. We again used diagrams or creating equivalent fractions for the subtrahend and minuend that had the same denominator to solve these problems. Students were free to choose the method that they preferred for completing practice questions. Many students made excellent progress on their practice questions. They are asked to complete the questions on p. 305 - 306 of the MMS textbook for homework.

Students used today's inquiry time to share the sources they had found over the weekend with their group members. Groups who had new information sources worked in their groups to read or view and take notes of new information. Students who did not get new sources over the weekend are asked to complete this for tomorrow. They should find at least 3 of the additional sources listed below on their topic:

-a documentary
-newspaper article
-magazine article
-website
Students who did not have new sources read through the library books we took out last week. Students  will  need devices to access information all this week.

Mme. Stella visited our class to begin conferencing with groups on their translations of their central ideas and lines on inquiry into French. She gave the whole class pointers on how to do this. She met with one group today.  

Groups who have had their art ideas approved should begin bringing in art supplies.

Grade 6s had French and Gym class today.

Students are asked to return all binders by Thursday, April 2. Parents, please complete the comments page of the report card by Thursday, April 2. I will make a copy and return the original to you.

Look out for a letter from the Parent's Guild coming home today.

Homework & Reminders

• MMS p. 305 - 306
• Find at least 3 additional sources on your exhibition issue if you did not do this over the weekend
• Devices are needed all week
• Art supplies for some groups
• Parent Guild letter is coming home today
• Thursday, April 2 - Easter Spirit Day, wear pastel colours
• Friday, April 3 - Good Friday, No school
• Monday, April 6 - Easter Monday, No school

Term 2 Report Cards

We began our day with a math lesson on adding fractions. The predominant strategy we used was drawing pictures to add fractions. Students knew that they had to relate fraction pictures by creating new pictures which showed equal sized parts of the whole. We mostly did this by dividing original parts in half (doubling). Students also learned to add fractions by adding the numerator if the denominators were the same. Students were taught the standard algorithm for adding fractions where the denominators are not same. Students could choose they strategy they preferred when working on practice questions. Most students got about half way through the practice questions. They are asked to complete the questions on p. 302 - 303 of the MMS textbook.

Students used today's inquiry time to read the books they collected yesterday and to take notes on their issue in their exhibition records book. This was tedious, but it has been explained to students that this is the foundation piece of the project. Therefore, it is important they persevere and make good notes. It is also important to stop and find another source of information of the current source is too complex. The Grade 6 class used this time well.  They will have more class time next week to continue with their reading and note taking. This weekend, each group had been challenged to find at least 3 of the additional sources listed below on their topic:

-a documentary
-newspaper article
-magazine article
-website
They should forward links to their group members. Students will be viewing and reading from these new sources next week. They will need devices to access the information.

All groups were asked to translate their central ideas and lines of inquiry into French in our second session of inquiry time. They will be showing their work to our French teachers next week for feedback.

Groups who have had their art ideas approved should begin bringing in art supplies.

Grade 6s had French and Gym class today.

Students are bringing home a number of items today. Please look out for the following:

- Term 2 report card
- Term 2  Reading and Writing Assessment Graphs
- IB Portfolio
- Storage Binder (These may be emptied if you wish)
- IB Binder
Please take time to review all these documents. Students are asked to return all binders by Thursday, April 2. Parents, please complete the comments page of the report card by Thursday, April 2. I will make a copy and return the original to you.

Look out for SJA's summer camp forms coming home today.

Homework & Reminders

• MMS p. 302 - 303
• Find at least 3 additional sources on your exhibition issue
• Central Idea and Lines of Inquiry translated into French are due on Monday
• Devices are needed next week
• Art supplies for some groups
• Reports are coming home today
• Summer Camp forms are coming home today
• Thursday, April 2 - Easter Spirit Day, wear pastel colours
• Friday, April 3 - Good Friday, No school
• Monday, April 6 - Easter Monday, No school

Library Trip

We began our day with a math lesson converting improper fractions and mixed numbers to decimals using a calculator. Most students completed all the questions in class. Students who did not get done are asked to complete the questions on p. 299 of the MMS textbook.

Students used today's inquiry time to collect information on their issue at the Meadowvale Library. The librarian gave students a short tutorial on how to use the library catalogue to search for items and place holds on items that are available at other branches. The Grade 6 class used this time well. They needed some help with finding books on shelves. They then spent time in the library reading and taking notes. I have taken out a number of books for groups on my library account. These books will remain in the classroom for students to use.

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

Homework & Reminders

• MMS p. 299
• Sign and return math tests if you haven't already
• Scholastic orders and payment are due tomorrow
• Reports go tomorrow

Internationally Minded

We began our day with a math lesson on comparing and ordering  improper fractions and mixed numbers. We used three different methods to do this: number lines, equivalent fractions, and pictures. Students asked to complete questions Q 1, 4 a, c, f, 5 a, c, 7, 10 & 11 on p. 296 & 297 of the MMS textbook.

Students spent the first part of today's inquiry time completing their central idea, lines of inquiry, and concept questions. Most groups met with their mentors today. Students who were done continued working on their action plan, their art component, or collecting information. As a class we discussed that part of being an IB student means being internationally minded. This involves speaking more than one language. Students discussed what the French component of the exhibition might look like. They discussed their ideas in their groups during the day. At the end of the day we met to discuss ideas. We have now agreed as a class what the French component will be. Students will begin working on this on Friday. Tomorrow is our tip to the library. Students are reminded to bring their library cards with them tomorrow. Students who do not have a Mississauga library card may take books out on my card, but the books will have to remain in the classroom. Students who have not returned their library trip form are asked to do so tomorrow.

Grade 6s had French and Gym class today.

Homework & Reminders

• MMS p. 296 & 297 Q 1, 4 a, c, f, 5 a, c, 7, 10 & 11
• Parents, please read and sign the exhibition letter in the front of your child's exhibition binder if you haven't already done so.
• Students, please discuss your central idea, lines of inquiry, and concept questions with your family. Bring devices daily to begin researching exhibition topics
• Sign and return math tests if you haven't already
• Library trip forms are past due
• Scholastic orders and payment are due Friday for those interested.
• Library trip tomorrow
• Reports go home Friday

Action Plan Ideas

We began our day with a math lesson on improper fractions and mixed numbers. We reviewed what makes a fraction improper, and what makes a number mixed. Students practiced representing improper fractions and mixed numbers using pictures. They converted mixed numbers to improper fractions and improper fractions to mixed numbers. They also solved problems involving improper fractions and mixed numbers. Students made excellent headway with today's practice questions in class. They are asked to complete questions on p. 293 of the MMS textbook.

Students spent the first part of today's inquiry time creating an essential agreement in their groups. This agreement lists the behaviours and attitudes students think will help them be successful in exhibition. Once students completed the essential agreement, they began brainstorming ideas for their action plan. Students who go this far conferenced with me to discuss their ideas. They should discuss their ideas with their families tonight. Students then met with their mentors to introduce themselves, discuss their action plan ideas, and schedule two meetings for this week. Some students began working on developing their central idea and lines of inquiry. Students who have not returned their library trip form are asked to do so tomorrow.

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

Homework & Reminders

• MMS p. 293
• Parents, please read and sign the exhibition letter in the front of your child's exhibition binder if you haven't already done so.
• Students, please discuss your action plan ideas with your family. Explain how you think your planned action is relevant or significant
• Bring devices daily to begin researching exhibition topics
• Sign and return math tests if you haven't already
• Library trip forms due tomorrow
• Scholastic forms are coming home today. Orders and payment are due Friday for those interested.
• Tomorrow is Casual Day
• Library trip on Thursday
• Reports go home Friday

Term 3 Begins

We began the new term by reflecting on how little time was left till summer holidays and how much work we had to get through before then. With that said, the Grade 6s began working on a new math unit of fractions, percents, ratios, and rates. Today we reviewed what students remember about fractions and percents. We then worked through a lesson on equivalent fractions. Students understand that equivalent fractions represent the same amount of a whole. They used fraction circles, multiplication, and division as strategies to write equivalent fractions. Students are asked to complete Q. 1, 3, 6, 8 - 11 on p. 289 & 290 of the MMS textbook.

We spent the first part of today's inquiry time reflecting on the explorers unit as students added work samples to their IB portfolios and on the work we did in term. Students worked on their report card comments.

Students then began work on exhibition. The first step was to get organised. Students placed required tabs in an exhibition binder that will hold all information and work relevant to exhibition. So far the binder contains a letter for parents to read and sign, an exhibition planner, an exhibition records book, and an exhibition journal. No assessment tools have been added yet, as these will be determined by what students choose to do for their projects.

In the next segment of inquiry time, students received letters that were written by last year's exhibition students. The letters described some of the challenges, experiences, and tips with regards to exhibition. The Grade 6s really enjoyed reading these letters. They reflected on how they are feeling about the exhibition in their journals.

In our final segment of inquiry time, we reviewed the expectations and essential components of the exhibition. Students read about their role and expectations in their exhibition planners.  Some students then worked in groups to create an essential agreement. Look out for a letter about our trip to the library coming home today.

Grade 6s had French and Gym class today.

Homework & Reminders

• MMS p. 289 - 290, Q. 1, 3, 6, 8 - 11
• Parents, please read and sign the exhibition letter in the front of your child's exhibition binder. Also, please look through the binder and ask your child what their role in exhibition is. Ask them to explain the expectations and essential components to you.
• Bring devices to begin researching exhibition topics
• Sign and return math tests coming home today
• Wednesday is Casual Day
• Library trip on Thursday
• Reports come home go home Friday

And the groups are ...

Grade 6s spent a big chunk of the morning working on the Transformational Geometry unit test.

During inquiry time, we ensured that everyone has submitted all their explorer work, such as timelines, duo-tangs, and website links. Students took time to reflect on the learner their favourite part of this unit, and how they demonstrated a learner profile attribute.

We then met for the final time to discuss 18 to 20 of Copper Sunrise  in literature circle groups. They

The moment students have been waiting for finally arrived. Students have been placed into groups for the exhibition. The have been assigned a topic out of one they chose yesterday. They have also been assigned a mentor as follows:

Terrorism, Mr. Palumbo:

Bryan, Jasleen, and Nathan

Return of Infectious Diseases, Ms. Hocevar:

Zachary, Jessica

Child Labour, Ms. Hamilton:

Shannon, Ashmeen, and Victoria

LGBTQ, Ms. Soroka:

Temi and Julia

Students may begin collecting sources about their topics over March Break. No work should be done yet. We will begin working on the exhibitions when we return after the break.

Grade 6s had Drama and French class today. We ended the day with a St. Patrick's Day flavoured house game. Well done to Zeta for winning the game and toTheta for being in the lead for the house cup.

Have a wonderful break everyone!

Homework & Reminders

• March Break, March 9 - 20

 

More Brainstomring

We began the day with a princess & super hero relay and trivia house game to celebrate Spirit Week.

Once in class, students finished up working through a review package to prepare them for the Transformational Geometry unit test that will be written tomorrow. Marked packages are coming home with students today.

Students continued working on building their explorer website on weebly.com in inquiry time. Any websites not yet completed, need to be completed for homework. Students should publish the website and email me a link to the website. We will use tomorrow's inquiry time to visit each other's websites.

Grade 6s met to discuss chapters 16 & 17 of Copper Sunrise  in literature circle groups. They then read chapters 18 to 20. All students completed their reflection on these chapters in class. We will have our last literature group meeting for this book tomorrow.

The excitement continued in Grade 6 today as we continued our discussion of topic brainstorms for exhibition. We added many more topics to the original list.

 

Students worked in groups to categorise the topics under the definition of the transdisciplinary them for Sharing the Planet use a Four Square Chart.

 

We ended the day with students secretly choosing 5 topics that they are interested in.

Grade 6s had Gym class today.

Tomorrow is St, Patrick's Day at St. Jude's - wear green. Child-care statements are coming home with some children today.

Homework & Reminders

• MMS Review, Q 6 - 9  if you did not get done in class.
• European Explorer timelines are past due
• Bring devices Friday
• This week is Spirit Week at St. Jude's
• Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day
• April lunch forms are due tomorrow
• March Break camp is filling up fast!!!! Please hand in your forms with payment to Mrs. Smith as soon as possible. If you have any questions please see the March Break Camp blog: http://sjamarchbreakcamp.blogspot.ca/ or email bsmith@stjudesacademy.com.
• March Break, March 9 - 20

 

Exhibition Start

We began the day with a dodge ball house game to celebrate Spirit Week.

Once in class, students began working through a review package to prepare them for the Transformational Geometry unit test that will be written on Friday. I spent time conferencing with each student to check on their progress and give them feedback on their work. Students who did not complete questions 1 to 5 are bringing their packages home. These need to be completed today and returned to school on Thursday. Students will receive class time to complete the remaining questions in class on Thursday.

Students continued working on building their explorer website on weebly.com in inquiry time.

It was an exciting day in Grade 6 today as we began talking about exhibition. Students viewed and discussed a slide show that explains all the components, expectations, and roles of this project. We ended by having students brainstorm ideas that fall under the transdisciplinary theme Sharing the Planet that they are interested in learning more about. This is what students came up with:

We will discuss these topics further on Thursday and brainstorm more topics.

Grade 6s had French and Gym class today.

We spent the last bit of the day discussing Copper Sunrise  in our literature circle groups. Students began reading chapters 16 & 17, but did not have enough time to complete this in class. They are asked to complete the reading and complete their role for Thursday.

Tomorrow is House Colours Day and skiing at Blue Mountain.

Homework & Reminders

• MMS Review, Q 1 - 5
• European Explorer timelines are past due
• Bring devices Thursday and Friday
• Wednesday, March 4 - Skiing at Blue Mountain. Dress warmly. Bring a lunch and snacks or money to purchase lunch and snacks. Please be at school at 5:50 am. The bus leaves at 6:15 am sharp. We should be back at school at about 5:00 pm.
• This week is Spirit Week at St. Jude's
• Tomorrow is House Colours Day & Bake Sale
• Thursday is Super Heroes and Princesses Day & Bake Sale
• Friday is St. Patrick's Day
• April lunch forms are due Friday, March 6
• March Break camp is filling up fast!!!! Please hand in your forms with payment to Mrs. Smith as soon as possible. If you have any questions please see the March Break Camp blog: http://sjamarchbreakcamp.blogspot.ca/ or email bsmith@stjudesacademy.com.
• March Break, March 9 - 20

Speech Finals

Mr. Hunt, from The Maples, worked with the Grade 6 students this morning. Students began their week writing a test to show what they know about European Explorers and new ideas.

They then worked on a math strategy lesson with Mr. Hunt. Students are asked to complete the questions on p. 275 of their textbook.  Students are reminded about the unit test on Friday, March 6.

The whole school then headed out to the speech competition against The Maples. Congratulations to Zachary for taking second place in the Grade 4 - 6 Division of the contest!

Grade 6s had French class today.

We spent the last part of the .day working on building a website about our explorers on weebly.com. Students are encouraged to watch the following YouTube clip on how to build a website:

 

Students are encouraged to bring their devices to work on all this week except Wednesday.

Tomorrow is Jersey Day.

Homework & Reminders

• MMS p. 275, Unit test on Friday, March 6
• European Explorer timelines are past due
• Get oriented at www.weebly.com in preparation for building your website
• Bring devices all week (except Wednesday)
• Wednesday, March 4 - Skiing at Blue Mountain. Please be at school at 5:50 am. The bus leaves at 6:15 am sharp. We should be back at school at about 5:00 pm.
• This week is Spirit Week at St. Jude's
• Tomorrow is Jersey Day
• Wednesday is House Colours Day & Bake Sale
• Thursday is Super Heroes and Princesses Day & Bake Sale
• Friday is St. Patrick's Day
• April lunch forms are due Friday, March 6
• March Break camp is filling up fast!!!! Please hand in your forms with payment to Mrs. Smith as soon as possible. If you have any questions please see the March Break Camp blog: http://sjamarchbreakcamp.blogspot.ca/ or email bsmith@stjudesacademy.com.
• March Break, March 9 - 20