Week of October 9-12, 2012

Friday HW
There is no real homework this weekend apart from studying for a quiz on Monday.  Our test packs were due today with corrections and a parent signature.  I'm waiting on 15 of 24 of them.  Please ask your student to show you this package as soon as possible.
1.  Math Quiz Monday on Unit 2, Lessons 9, 10, 11, 12.
2.  Final Math Unit Test on Thursday, October 18.
3.  Book Report reading -- 20 minutes.  Report due on November 8.

Thursday HW
No homework was assigned by the substitute teacher today.  I was at a slow pitch tournament in which our team went 4-0.  The boys in our class played very well!

Wednesday HW
1.  Stratford form and fee.
2.  Test Pack with parent signature and corrections due on Friday.  Students should rewrite the correction rather than erasing the error on the test.
3.  20 Minutes of Book Report reading.
4.  Page 6 of Biodiversity booklet was started in class and should be completed tonight.
5.  Math Quiz on Unit 2 (Add/Subtract/Multiply/Divide) on Monday October 15.
Final Unit test on Thursday October 18.

In class we spent some time working on the introduction to "A Person I Admire" writing.  We emphasized creating interest and getting the main details (the person's full name and the topic of 'admiration') seeded early in the first paragraph.  We discussed some of the styles a student could use such as chronological order or moving back in time from a key high point in the person's life.
This is an assignment I want the students to complete in controlled conditions in class.  Several students were reluctant to begin due to perceived shortfalls in research material.  I reminded these students that to admire this person implies that a fair amount of prior knowledge of the person is already present.  Research might fill in a few gaps, but should not be a barrier to starting the writing.

Tuesday HW
Friday's trip to the Warren Park Outdoor Education Centre was a special treat.  With the weather cooperating students spent a productive day focussing on cooperative games and team building with a focus on ecological themes.  It was a rewarding day in that it was possible to see student growth in their treatment of team partners both in the language they used and in the effectiveness of their group work.  Watching the salmon spawning was a huge hit as well.  Although the students and I have been to Warren Park before we all agreed it was an outstanding day.  Well done boys and girls and thank you to our parent volunteer Ms. Power for her invaluable assistance and four leaf clover acquisition!

1.  News Journal Summary and Opinion for today's presenters.
2.  Test Pack signed by a parent and corrected and returned to class on Friday October 12.
3.  Math Quiz on Unit 2 Add/Subtract/Multiply/Divide on Monday October 15.  Final Unit Test on Thursday October 18.
4.  Stratford form and fee due tomorrow.