Patterning Problems

The class has just started Patterning and Algebra this week. Today groups collaborated in creating patterning problems with manipulatives and numbers. Tomorrow they will switch the problems they created with another group, solving and practicing how to write a pattern rule in words.  

Parent Interviews

15 minute interviews have been scheduled for some students for Thursday after school in the classroom and Friday morning on the stage. It is a time to follow-up on previous conversations from either September or October, reflect on the progress report from last week, and to set an action plan in place for improvement for the February report card. 

Volleyball Season is here! Yay!

For the past two weeks, intermediate girls have been attending try-outs for the girls volleyball team, which I coach. Those girls who made the team from our class are Amira, Yamila, Batoul and Dounya - congratulations girls! In all, 12 girls were successful in making the team, especially since this was one of the most competitive years for trying out. Practices are Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays during the school day. Today is our first official team practice. The regional tournament date has yet to be announced. 

WE Day

Last week, Ms. Adema took the "Man Tea" group to the Canadian Tire Centre for We Day. The photo above shows 5 of these boys from our class the day before with their entrance bracelets. They are a privileged group who got to share the inspiration with over 16 000 other students from the Ottawa area. More about this day can be read here.

It's November!

So for the first time in my career I was sick on Hallowe'en and missed the students in their costumes. However, I was given a list of items on the previous Friday from a student that I was to wear on Hallowe'en day.  However, I did feel some guilt for missing the day but I was not forgotten. This student made my costume! The pie is actually a hat and the sign was to wear on my outfit - it was a very thoughtful gift and I did wear it on Nov. 1. Thanks Haley! For those of you interested you can read more about Pi Day here.

Assessments

Now that the first six weeks have passed, students have had several opportunities to show their learning in different subjects. Some have transitioned well into grade 7 and others are experiencing challenges, particularly with formal testing. Today we discussed strategies such as:
1. Asking for help before a test
2. Reviewing work daily
3. Focusing on vocabulary to help understand bigger ideas
4. Completing assigned review work to prepare for a test
5. Asking friends who do well, what they do to study for a test
Progress reports will go home in the second week of November reflecting work completed up to the end of October.

WORLD TEACHERS' DAY 2016