Week of March 7 - 11, 2011

(Please see last week's archived blog post on the right for the projected week of work if you are leaving early for March break.)
Friday HW:
1. Measurement 4 quiz on Tuesday March 22. Study lessons 8 and 9 (Capacity and Relating units of mass). You should memorize a few of the baseline conversions we highlighted in class.
2. Planet research for Powerpoint. Due Friday, March 25.  We will have several in class periods to use both the laptops and desktops to complete this work.  Homework club time and recess is also avaialble for those who need extra time.
3.  On Monday March 21 in the afternoon we will have a Scientists in School presentation on Electricity.

Today during one of our indoor recess times a pillow we use for carpet reading comfort burst open due to some inappropriate behaviour.  I can accept that accidents happen.  However I did want to know how it happened but no one would own up to their actions.  After inviting students to approach me discreetly I still had no serious takers on my offer.  As a character education moment for honesty and respect I think the students should revisit the event in discussion with their parents over the break, as we did in class today.  I would appreciate it.  Thank you.



Thursday HW
1.  Measurement 4 quiz on Tuesday March 22. Study lessons 8 and 9 (Capacity and Relating units of mass). You should memorize a few of the baseline conversions we highlighted in class.\
2.  Math HW book pages 94-95.
3.  Finish Main and Supporting details practice sheet.
4.  Planet research for Powerpoint.  Due Friday, March 25.
5.  Sign and correct test pack # 1 for term 2 and return by Friday March 11.

Wednesday HW
1. Planet research for Powerpoint.  Due Friday  March 25.
2.  Sign and correct test pack # 1 for term 2 and return by Friday March 11.
3.  Measurement 4 quiz on Tuesday March 22.  Study lessons 8 and 9 (Capacity and Relating units of mass).  You should memorize a few of the baseline conversions we highlighted in class.
4.  Scientist in School on Monday March 21.

Tuesday HW
1.  Planet research for Powerpoint.  10 students had a very good opportunity today during the Tafelmusik outing to work on this in class.  This means there wil be more access available when the class returns.
2.  There is a pizza lunch tomorrow for our class for Engineering month.  We eat early at about 11:10 in the primary cafeteria.  Students have a regular lunch break and can go home for lunchas well or stay in the cafeteria.
3.  Today's quiz went better than the previous ones.  Students still however are reluctant to organize their work in the manner they are being taught.  Lots of shortcuts are in evidence.  I think we caught that during the quiz.  The previous quizzes are not going to be re-tested.  I will review the concepts and correct with the students, but they will not be re-quizzed.  There is a unit test where they can show their improved comprehension.
4.  Sign and correct test pack # 1 for term 2 and return by Friday March 11.

Monday HW
1.  Planet research for Powerpoint work.
2.  Measurement quiz #3 tomorrow on Lessons 6 and 7 of Unit six.  Students should review questions on Volume (including knowing the formula) and on the Cubic Metre (expecially concerning the correct units).
3.  Sign and correct test pack # 1 for term 2 and return by Friday March 11.  The test pack contains two reading activities:  one on space and a diagnostic on inferencing.  It also contains the two recent Measurement quizzes which were a struggle for parts of the class and will result in some reteaching on spot sections at recess for individual groups of students.  I expected the surface area work to be a bit soft, but the time zone and 24 h clock results took me aback somewhat.
4.  Correction for "The Other Side" diagnostic.  This material is in the test pack along with descriptive feedback.  We are focussing on Success Criteria for inferencing as a school.  Students are expected to discern the author's message, make a conclusion, cite proof (quote or paraphrase) and make a connection.  All four elements are required to meet the standard. 
We have had direct teaching about it this year (the APE strategy and today's Powerpoint work for example) and this arc represents more efforts to move the class forward in their "reading for meaning" responses.  Students are expected to put to use the techniques introduced in this arc of lessons on subsequent marked materials.