I hope you’ve had a great start to your summer vacation! Last week, I had some requests for math material suggestions (books and websites) for extra practice over the summer, and I thought the information would be useful to everyone.
For basic operation practice (e.g., math facts, times table, basic computations/concepts), there are many books on the market such as Math Smarts (ISBN: 978-1-897164-15-0), My Ontario Math Workbook, Tree House Ontario Math (ISBN:9781894854733). Many of these books are available at Target, Walmart, Scholar's Choice or Chapters.
During the school year, we used the textbook series Math Makes Sense. We didn’t use the accompanying workbook very much (other than a few pages here and there). You can contact the publisher, Pearson, to purchase the workbook. It's about $11, and each lesson begins with a quick "review" section. You can also Google “Math Make Sense grade 5 workbook”, and locate a copy uploaded by a teacher in Saskatchewan. It doesn't match perfectly with the Ontario version, but it is close. The textbook is also available from the Toronto Public Library. Most of the copies are for use in the library (the one at the Thorncliffe branch is located in the Children’s Reference area), but a few copies can be borrowed for a few weeks (they’re presently holds for the copies at different branches across the city, but you can add your time to the list and request to have it shipped to the Thorncliffe Park branch).
This year in math, we focused a lot of problem solving. I firmly believe that students need to master basic computations (e.g., add or multiply numbers), AND apply them to solve problems and real-life situations (e.g., know when to add, subtract, multiply or divide). The following are a few books that promote some of the higher-order thinking we’ve been practicing in class: Groundworks: Reasoning with Number (ISBN-13: 978-1404520318), Road to Reasoning (ISBN: 9780070947528). The second book is very expensive, but you can check to see if the library has copies. Also, if older brothers and sisters attending UofT or York, they have access to the Faculty of Education libraries at the universities and can borrow books from there.
A great free resource is the EQAO website. You can download questions from previous years (I would recommend ones within the last 5 years, as the test today is a bit easier than the ones given when the test first started 10 years ago). Most of the questions on the test are open-ended problem solving questions, and would be a great practice for students next year. The questions are designed for Grade 6 students (at end of the school year), and may be too hard for your child right now. You can modify the question for them by changing the numbers (e.g., instead of 5 digits, change the numbers to 4 digits), or by breaking the questions down for them (e.g., if it involves 3 steps, give the question to them 1 step at a time).
While I believe academics are important, I also want to encourage students to take some time to relax and have fun. After working hard for 10 months, students need some “downtime” and decompress before entering Middle School. Spend some time outside, and be active! As adults, we can become burnt out if all we’re doing is work - students also need a balance between working hard and having a chance to play! Summer’s also a great time to spend time as a family - there’s a lot of learning to be done through board games (e.g., logic, reasoning, communication, taking turns, patience and character building).
I wish you and your families all the best, and have a great and wonderful summer!
Wednesday 2 July 2014
Thursday 12 June 2014
Ontario Elections - Students called it!
Before the actual election day, about 170,000 students across Ontario (including all the Grade 5 students at TPPS) participated in Student Vote 2014. Over 1600 schools were registered, representing all 107 ridings.
Students in Ontario voted to give the Liberals a majority government, with 62 seats. Here is a video with the result summary:
Summary Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzpaoEcasFU
Here are the detailed results from Student Vote: http://studentvote.ca/on/results/
Students in Ontario voted to give the Liberals a majority government, with 62 seats. Here is a video with the result summary:
Summary Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzpaoEcasFU
Here are the detailed results from Student Vote: http://studentvote.ca/on/results/
You can view the results for all of Ontario, just your riding (pick from the drop down menu) and also for our school (click on our school name).
As of right now (with some polls still being counted and reported), most news sources have declared a majority Liberal government, based on the adult citizens’ vote. It looks like the students and adults agree!
As of right now (with some polls still being counted and reported), most news sources have declared a majority Liberal government, based on the adult citizens’ vote. It looks like the students and adults agree!
Wednesday 11 June 2014
Recognition Assembly - note: date error
The Recognition Assembly for Grade 5 students is being held on Tuesday, June 24 (not June 25, as I had previously listed on this blog). I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused! The assembly will take place at 1PM, and an invitation will be sent home shortly.
Pot Luck Party - Friday
A few weeks ago, our class filled our Marble Jar and earned a party. However, due to scheduling conflicts and the need to finish a number of in-class assessments, I'd ask the students to post-pone their reward. They gracious accepted my request, and we are having our Pot-Luck Party this Friday. I'd asked students to write persuasive pieces to convince me of their party ideas, and Milodi did a great job presenting his reasons and arguments in a logical manner.
On Friday, students can bring a snack or treat to share with their classmates. We do have a food allergy in our classroom (various seeds), and need to be cautious about ingredients. After speaking with the student, he said that he can avoid any food items containing the allegens, as long as he knows the ingredients. If the item is purchased, I've asked students to bring in the packaging with the ingredients listed. If the item is home-made, please include a list of ingredients used. Thanks for your co-operation in this matter!
On Friday, students can bring a snack or treat to share with their classmates. We do have a food allergy in our classroom (various seeds), and need to be cautious about ingredients. After speaking with the student, he said that he can avoid any food items containing the allegens, as long as he knows the ingredients. If the item is purchased, I've asked students to bring in the packaging with the ingredients listed. If the item is home-made, please include a list of ingredients used. Thanks for your co-operation in this matter!
June 9-20, 2014
Reading: Poetry
Writing: Persuasive Writing
Math: Measurement - Mass, Capacity & Volume, Algebra
Science (Ms. Halliwell): Body Systems
Social Studies: Provincial Election, Municipal Government, Advocating for Change
French (Ms. Bordonaro): Parts of the Body
Music/Drama (Ms. Craigg): Instruments
Visual Art: Tessellations, Number Cube Art
Phys. Ed (Ms. Minutillo): TBA
Writing: Persuasive Writing
Math: Measurement - Mass, Capacity & Volume, Algebra
Science (Ms. Halliwell): Body Systems
Social Studies: Provincial Election, Municipal Government, Advocating for Change
French (Ms. Bordonaro): Parts of the Body
Music/Drama (Ms. Craigg): Instruments
Visual Art: Tessellations, Number Cube Art
Phys. Ed (Ms. Minutillo): TBA
Tuesday 3 June 2014
Social Studies
Charter of Freedom & Rights
In class this week, we’re learning about the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens. In class, we took a quick look at the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom. Some students asked for copies of it, and while I will be giving everyone hand-out with the summary (in child-friendly language), I will not be printing out the full charter. Here is an online version:http://charterofrights.ca/en/27_00_01
The charter has also been translated into different languages (along the left hand side bar) as well.
Elections Debate
I’ve also encouraged students to watch (parts of) the Provincial Election Debate tonight. It will be airing on CBC from 6:30-8:00. It’ll be a good chance for students to get to know some of the issues and a chance to hear from Tim Hudak (who didn’t submit videos to The Student Vote website).
Friday 30 May 2014
Student Vote 2014
As part of our Social Studies unit, our students will be taking part in “Student Vote 2014”. We will be following the provincial election and all TPPS Grade 5 students will vote in our own election on June 10. Over 1300 schools across in Ontario will also be holding elections, and all the results will be combined to see which party the students would choose, if they were allowed to vote.
To help students make informed decisions, we submitted questions for the party leaders. The organization CIVIX, which is coordinating the event, compiled the questions and chose 5 questions for each party leader.
Here are their answers:
http://www.studentvote.ca/on2014/the-leaders/
*please note that these are the responses they have received thus far, and more may be added as parties contribute their answers
I have also asked students to pay attention to the news and identify some of the party platforms and campaign promises. They can watch the news on TV, listen to it on the radio, read newspapers (print and online), read campaign materials. We will be constructing a bulletin board at school to compare and contrast the different parties.
As they say, practice makes perfect! I hope that through our discussions and activities, all our students will claim their right to vote, and fulfill that responsibility, when they turn 18 one day.
To help students make informed decisions, we submitted questions for the party leaders. The organization CIVIX, which is coordinating the event, compiled the questions and chose 5 questions for each party leader.
Here are their answers:
http://www.studentvote.ca/on2014/the-leaders/
*please note that these are the responses they have received thus far, and more may be added as parties contribute their answers
I have also asked students to pay attention to the news and identify some of the party platforms and campaign promises. They can watch the news on TV, listen to it on the radio, read newspapers (print and online), read campaign materials. We will be constructing a bulletin board at school to compare and contrast the different parties.
As they say, practice makes perfect! I hope that through our discussions and activities, all our students will claim their right to vote, and fulfill that responsibility, when they turn 18 one day.
Water Bottles & Towels
It seems like summer has returned with a vengeance! As I’m sure
your child told you, our classroom was VERY hot on Monday and Tuesday. The weather forecast is calling for hot and
humid weather again next week.
On these
days, it’s especially important that students bring their water bottles. We have 2-3 fans in the classroom, but it can
get very hot and one way for students to avoid heat exhaustion is to stay
hydrated. By having a water bottle,
students can take frequent sips of water without major disruption to their
learning/work. Also, this will allow
them to avoid the long line ups at the water fountains.
On humid days, it may also be helpful to send
a small towel along with your child. Some students found
some relief by wiping their faces/arms with a damp towel or splashing water on their faces, after recesses and
lunch this week. However, we are quickly running
out of paper towel and need to keep the floor around our sink dry. Having students use a small towel will help
with these problems.
After the harsh winter we’ve
had, I can’t really complain about the heat!
However, we want the students to be safe, and as comfortable as possible
(so that they can concentrate and learn)!
June 2-5
Reading: CASI
Writing: Persuasive Writing
Writing: Persuasive Writing
Media Literacy: Analyzing Advertisements/Commercials
Math: Measurement - Mass, Capacity & Volume
Science (Ms. Halliwell): Body Systems
Social Studies: Citizenship - Rights & Responsibilities
French (Ms. Bordonaro): Parts of the Body
Music/Drama (Ms. Craigg): Body Percussion
Visual Art: Tessellations
Phys. Ed (Ms. Minutillo): TBA
Math: Measurement - Mass, Capacity & Volume
Science (Ms. Halliwell): Body Systems
Social Studies: Citizenship - Rights & Responsibilities
French (Ms. Bordonaro): Parts of the Body
Music/Drama (Ms. Craigg): Body Percussion
Visual Art: Tessellations
Phys. Ed (Ms. Minutillo): TBA
Measurement Scavenger Hunt
We will be beginning our Measurement
unit next week to study, to study capacity, mass and volume. To help students review and activate their
knowledge from last year, I’ve asked them to look for items at home that fit
the following description:
MASS
|
|
Example
|
Item
|
|
Less than 10g
|
A jellybean
|
|
|
More than 10g, less than 100g
|
A bag of
chips
|
|
|
More than 100g, less than 1kg
|
A box of
cereal
|
|
|
More than 1kg
|
A baby
|
|
CAPACITY
|
|
Example
|
Item
|
|
Hold less than 10mL
|
A teaspoon
|
|
|
More than 10mL, less than 100mL
|
Eye drop
Bottle
|
|
|
More than 100mL, less than 1L
|
Can of
coke
|
|
|
More than 1L
|
bathtub
|
|
Remember:
Mass is how HEAVY an object is. We use the unit GRAM (g) when we measure
mass, as well as milligram (mg) and
kilogram (kg).
Capacity is much an object CAN
HOLD. we use the unit Liter (L) when we
measure capacity, as well as milliliter
(mL).
Hint:
There are many items already labelled
with mass and capacity around the house (e.g., kitchen, bathroom).
Happy Hunting!
Wednesday 14 May 2014
Math Word Problems
In Math class yesterday, students chose a word problem to solve with a partner. For homework, I've asked them to choose a different one and solve it on their own:
1. Deep baked 48 cookies. 1/2 of them were chocolate chip, 1/6 of them were oatmeal and the rest of them were with rainbow chips. How many rainbow chip cookies did Deep bake? Show your thinking.
2. Usman(5F) said that his class ate 27/12 pizzas. Ali (5E) claimed that his class at 2 3/12 pizzas. Vinnie (5G) declared his class at 2 1/4 pizzas. Each boy argued that his class at the most pizzas. Who is right? Explain your thinking.
3. As part of the elections campaign, a poll said the Liberals had 8/20 of the votes. The same poll said that 0.2 of the voters were choosing the Conservatives. 3/10 of the voters were choosing the NDP, with the rest being “undecided”. Who’s in the lead? Show your thinking.
1. Deep baked 48 cookies. 1/2 of them were chocolate chip, 1/6 of them were oatmeal and the rest of them were with rainbow chips. How many rainbow chip cookies did Deep bake? Show your thinking.
2. Usman(5F) said that his class ate 27/12 pizzas. Ali (5E) claimed that his class at 2 3/12 pizzas. Vinnie (5G) declared his class at 2 1/4 pizzas. Each boy argued that his class at the most pizzas. Who is right? Explain your thinking.
3. As part of the elections campaign, a poll said the Liberals had 8/20 of the votes. The same poll said that 0.2 of the voters were choosing the Conservatives. 3/10 of the voters were choosing the NDP, with the rest being “undecided”. Who’s in the lead? Show your thinking.
Students can further challenge themselves by making their own fractions word problems and solving them.
Monday 12 May 2014
Fractions Extra Help
Last Friday, students wrote a quiz on equivalent fractions, mixed numbers & improper fractions and comparing fractions. They will be coming home today our weekly red assessment folders. Unfortunately, our class did not do as well as I had hoped. Ideally, I would like to go back this week and review the topics. However, with the end of the year quickly approaching, we need to move on so that we can finish the Math curriculum by the end of June (we’re currently behind in our long range plan). To review the topics, I will be holding additional help sessions this week (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday after school). Please encourage your child to attend these sessions if they have trouble with this topic.
Friday 9 May 2014
Principal's Challenge
Throughout the year, we have been having "Million Dollar Words" each week, to increase our vocabulary. This week, it was "integrity", and we discussed what it means. It was mentioned that it's important for us to behave the same way when we're being watched, as we do when we're on our own (or when we think no one is watching).
Mr. Crane issued a challenge for the Grade 5 students:
Mr. Crane issued a challenge for the Grade 5 students:
Dear Grade 5’s
As you may have noticed, Integrity was given to you again as a million dollar word. Integrity is the TDSB Character Trait for the month of May, but I would also like to issue you a Principal’s Challenge:
“Please describe how a person’s integrity might relate to the challenges we are having in the school right now with student behaviour – both in the washrooms and in the lunch rooms.”
For homework, I've asked each student to write a paragraph in response to Mr. Crane's challenge.
As you may have noticed, Integrity was given to you again as a million dollar word. Integrity is the TDSB Character Trait for the month of May, but I would also like to issue you a Principal’s Challenge:
“Please describe how a person’s integrity might relate to the challenges we are having in the school right now with student behaviour – both in the washrooms and in the lunch rooms.”
For homework, I've asked each student to write a paragraph in response to Mr. Crane's challenge.
Thursday 8 May 2014
May 5-16, 2014
Reading: Non-Fiction articles, Inferring
Writing: Finishing story books, Paragraph & Essay Writing
Math: Fractions & Decimals - equivalence, comparing, unit test on Friday (16th)
Science (Ms. Halliwell): Body Systems
Social Studies: Government & Citizenship - Bitstrips
French (Ms. Bordonaro): TBA
Music/Drama (Ms. Craigg): Music Monday, Instruments
Visual Art: 3D Solids Mobiles - nets, symmetry
Phys. Ed (Ms. Minutillo): TBA
Writing: Finishing story books, Paragraph & Essay Writing
Math: Fractions & Decimals - equivalence, comparing, unit test on Friday (16th)
Science (Ms. Halliwell): Body Systems
Social Studies: Government & Citizenship - Bitstrips
French (Ms. Bordonaro): TBA
Music/Drama (Ms. Craigg): Music Monday, Instruments
Visual Art: 3D Solids Mobiles - nets, symmetry
Phys. Ed (Ms. Minutillo): TBA
Friday 25 April 2014
Bitstrip & Field Trip
Bitstrip:
For our upcoming Social Studies assignment, students will be using Bitstrip to create an online comic strip about an aspect of government. Students have been asked to access the program online at www.bitstripforschools.com/login to create their avatar. As always, students have been reminded of safe and appropriate internet behaviour (e.g., never include your full name and personal information, THINK before you post (Is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Nice, Kind?), making sure comments are appropriate - if you wouldn't say it in person, you shouldn't post it). I have also asked students to share their passwords with parents/guardians so that they can see their work, as well as help keep students safe online.
Field Trip - early arrvial:
Ms. Halliwell has arranged for our classes to attend the Energy Festival next Wednesday at the Evergreen Brickworks. Our class will be joining classes from different schools to attend workshops to learn about energy conservation and ways to make our environment sustainable. We will be travelling by TTC to Rosedale subway station, then a school bus. We have been asked to arrive at Rosedale by 9:30, which means we will need to leave TPPS before 9AM. As such, students are being asked to arrive at school that day by 8:45AM. Please remember to send a lunch with your student, and remind them to dress appropriate for the weather (as part of the event will be held outdoor).
Provincial Government Videos
Lastly, as part of our discussion and learning about the provincial government, we viewed a number of animation/music videos. Several students have requested the link so that they can watch it again. Here is a link to the videos, created by TVO to explain how the Ontario government works:
http://tvo.org/special/tvos-civics-101-queens-park-week-and-question-period-ontarios-political-process-explained
For our upcoming Social Studies assignment, students will be using Bitstrip to create an online comic strip about an aspect of government. Students have been asked to access the program online at www.bitstripforschools.com/login to create their avatar. As always, students have been reminded of safe and appropriate internet behaviour (e.g., never include your full name and personal information, THINK before you post (Is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Nice, Kind?), making sure comments are appropriate - if you wouldn't say it in person, you shouldn't post it). I have also asked students to share their passwords with parents/guardians so that they can see their work, as well as help keep students safe online.
Field Trip - early arrvial:
Ms. Halliwell has arranged for our classes to attend the Energy Festival next Wednesday at the Evergreen Brickworks. Our class will be joining classes from different schools to attend workshops to learn about energy conservation and ways to make our environment sustainable. We will be travelling by TTC to Rosedale subway station, then a school bus. We have been asked to arrive at Rosedale by 9:30, which means we will need to leave TPPS before 9AM. As such, students are being asked to arrive at school that day by 8:45AM. Please remember to send a lunch with your student, and remind them to dress appropriate for the weather (as part of the event will be held outdoor).
Provincial Government Videos
Lastly, as part of our discussion and learning about the provincial government, we viewed a number of animation/music videos. Several students have requested the link so that they can watch it again. Here is a link to the videos, created by TVO to explain how the Ontario government works:
http://tvo.org/special/tvos-civics-101-queens-park-week-and-question-period-ontarios-political-process-explained
Thursday 24 April 2014
April 22 - May 2, 2014
Reading: Literature Circles - The Mouse and the Motorcycle, wrap up activity - Facebook Wall (Point of View)
Writing: Narrative Writing - Final Project
Math: Patterning - Fractions - equivalence, comparing & ordering
Science (Ms. Halliwell): States of Matter - designing experiments
Social Studies: Government & Citizenship - Provincial Government, comparing and contrasting different levels of government
French (Ms. Bordonaro): animals, adjectives, prepositions
Music/Drama (Ms. Craigg): Instruments
Visual Art: 3D Solids Mobiles - nets, symmetry
Phys. Ed (Ms. Minutillo): TBA
Writing: Narrative Writing - Final Project
Math: Patterning - Fractions - equivalence, comparing & ordering
Science (Ms. Halliwell): States of Matter - designing experiments
Social Studies: Government & Citizenship - Provincial Government, comparing and contrasting different levels of government
French (Ms. Bordonaro): animals, adjectives, prepositions
Music/Drama (Ms. Craigg): Instruments
Visual Art: 3D Solids Mobiles - nets, symmetry
Phys. Ed (Ms. Minutillo): TBA
Friday 4 April 2014
March 31-April 11, 2014
Reading: Literature Circles - The Mouse and the Motorcycle
Writing: Narrative Writing - Final Project
Math: Patterning - Geometric Patterns, Problem Solving, Unit Review & Test
Science (Ms. Halliwell): States of Matter
Social Studies: Government & Citizenship - Federal Government
French (Ms. Bordonaro): animals, adjectives, prepositions
Music/Drama (Ms. Craigg): Instruments
Visual Art: 3D Solids Mobiles - nets, symmetry
Phys. Ed (Ms. Minutillo): Soccer Skills
Writing: Narrative Writing - Final Project
Math: Patterning - Geometric Patterns, Problem Solving, Unit Review & Test
Science (Ms. Halliwell): States of Matter
Social Studies: Government & Citizenship - Federal Government
French (Ms. Bordonaro): animals, adjectives, prepositions
Music/Drama (Ms. Craigg): Instruments
Visual Art: 3D Solids Mobiles - nets, symmetry
Phys. Ed (Ms. Minutillo): Soccer Skills
Monday 24 March 2014
March 24-28, 2014
Reading: Humour Fiction, preparation for Literature circle (jobs: Summarizer, Discussion Master/Questioner, Word Wizard)
Writing: Narrative Writing - Showing-Not-Telling (describing details for the reader) - scenes, emotions, dialogue
Math: Patterning - Unit Launch, Number Patterns & Rules
Science (Ms. Halliwell): States of Matter
Social Studies: Government & Citizenship - elections (procedures, rules, TPPS-Land election, debrief)
French (Ms. Bordonaro): animals, adjectives, prepositions
Music/Drama (Ms. Craigg): Rhythm
Visual Art: 3D Solids Mobiles - nets, symmetry
Phys. Ed (Ms. Minutillo): Soccer Skills
Writing: Narrative Writing - Showing-Not-Telling (describing details for the reader) - scenes, emotions, dialogue
Math: Patterning - Unit Launch, Number Patterns & Rules
Science (Ms. Halliwell): States of Matter
Social Studies: Government & Citizenship - elections (procedures, rules, TPPS-Land election, debrief)
French (Ms. Bordonaro): animals, adjectives, prepositions
Music/Drama (Ms. Craigg): Rhythm
Visual Art: 3D Solids Mobiles - nets, symmetry
Phys. Ed (Ms. Minutillo): Soccer Skills
Monday 17 March 2014
March 17-21, 2014
Reading: Historical Fiction - Making Inferences, guided reading; Introduction to Humour
Writing: Narrative Writing - plot (planning using Plot Mountain), Showing-Not-Telling (describing details for the reader)
Math: Multiplication & Division: Problem solving, Unit Review, Test on Friday
Science (Ms. Halliwell): Forces in Nature
Social Studies: Government & Citizenship - elections (campaigns, election )
French (Ms. Bordonaro): TBA
Music/Drama (Ms. Craigg): TBA
Visual Art: TBA
Phys. Ed (Ms. Minutillo): TBA
Writing: Narrative Writing - plot (planning using Plot Mountain), Showing-Not-Telling (describing details for the reader)
Math: Multiplication & Division: Problem solving, Unit Review, Test on Friday
Science (Ms. Halliwell): Forces in Nature
Social Studies: Government & Citizenship - elections (campaigns, election )
French (Ms. Bordonaro): TBA
Music/Drama (Ms. Craigg): TBA
Visual Art: TBA
Phys. Ed (Ms. Minutillo): TBA
Thursday 6 March 2014
Division
Over the past 2 weeks, we have been working on different strategies to divide. We have worked on the following ways to divide a 3 digit number by 1 digit (e.g., 567 divided by 9):
1) using manipulatives (e.g., counters, base-ten blocks)
2) drawing diagrams
3) split and divide
4) repeated subtraction
5) open array
6) chunking/long array division
7) long division (traditional algorithm)
Here are pictures of our strategies anchor chart:
Many students want to use Long Division, but have difficulty because they do not have their multiplication/division facts memorized. In order to do long division, students NEED TO be able to mentally divide (e.g., 58÷8=7R2), as it is a key step to long division.
With the March Break coming up, school board policy dictates that we don’t assign formal homework. However, I highly encourage students to spend 10-15 minutes a day reviewing their multiplication/division facts, if they don’t have them memorized. Here are a few online games that your child can use to help them practice their basic facts:
http://www.multiplication.com/games
After the break, we will spend several days working on word problems, reviewing the unit, and ending the week with a unit test. As usual, I’ll be running the extra math help session on Tuesday after-school, with a focus on chunking and long division.
I hope you and your family with a have a safe and fun March Break!
Tuesday 4 March 2014
March 3-6, 2013
Reading: Historical Fiction - Making Inferences, guided reading
Writing: Narrative Writing - believable characters
Math: Division strategies - arrays, chunking, long division
Science (Ms. Halliwell): Forces in Nature
Social Studies: Government & Citizenship - elections (parties, ridings, campaigns)
French (Ms. Bordonaro): TBA
Music/Drama (Ms. Craigg): TBA
Visual Art: N/A
Phys. Ed (Ms. Minutillo): TBA
Writing: Narrative Writing - believable characters
Math: Division strategies - arrays, chunking, long division
Science (Ms. Halliwell): Forces in Nature
Social Studies: Government & Citizenship - elections (parties, ridings, campaigns)
French (Ms. Bordonaro): TBA
Music/Drama (Ms. Craigg): TBA
Visual Art: N/A
Phys. Ed (Ms. Minutillo): TBA
Saturday 1 March 2014
5C & 5G - Anchor Chart
A copy of the "Levels of Government" handout is now available under the Anchor Chart page. Click here to go to the Anchor Chart page, then scroll down to "Social Studies". It's the last picture in that section. 5C, you will have your quiz on Monday and 5G, you will have yours on Tuesday.
Wednesday 26 February 2014
February 24-28, 2013
Reading: Historical Fiction - Making Inferences, shared and guided reading
Writing: Narrative Writing - planning and organizing ideas, creating believable characters
Math: Division - facts, grouping, repeated subtraction, arrays
Science (Ms. Halliwell): States of Matter
Social Studies: Government & Citizenship -roles & Responsibilities, quiz this week
French (Ms. Bordonaro): Adjectives - Describing Animals
Music/Drama (Ms. Craigg): Music Theory
Visual Art: Still life - ink & water colour
Phys. Ed (Ms. Minutillo): Racquet Sports
Writing: Narrative Writing - planning and organizing ideas, creating believable characters
Math: Division - facts, grouping, repeated subtraction, arrays
Science (Ms. Halliwell): States of Matter
Social Studies: Government & Citizenship -roles & Responsibilities, quiz this week
French (Ms. Bordonaro): Adjectives - Describing Animals
Music/Drama (Ms. Craigg): Music Theory
Visual Art: Still life - ink & water colour
Phys. Ed (Ms. Minutillo): Racquet Sports
Friday 21 February 2014
Social Studies Homework
In Social Studies class today, we discussed the different levels of government (federal, provincial, municipal) and their responsibilities. For homework, students were given a sheet to review the activity and discussion we had. They have to list some responsibilities for the different levels of government. Here is an "unsorted list" of some services provided by the different levels:
- recycling
- O.P.P.
- fisheries
- city police
- hospital
- garbage collection
- passports
- child care
- banks & money
- driver's licence
- R.C.M.P.
- public transit
Students can also add other responsibilities to their list as well.
- recycling
- O.P.P.
- fisheries
- city police
- hospital
- garbage collection
- passports
- child care
- banks & money
- driver's licence
- R.C.M.P.
- public transit
Students can also add other responsibilities to their list as well.
Tuesday 11 February 2014
Multiplication Facts
We
are starting our multiplication and division unit this week. By the end of the unit, students will be
expected to multiply 2 digit numbers by 2 digit numbers (e.g., 46x82) and
divide 3 digit numbers by 1 digit (355/5) using a variety of strategies, and
use the concepts to solve problems.
By now, students should be able to recall
multiplication facts up to 9x9. Knowing the facts
will allow students to focus on the application of multiplication and solving
problems (vs. doing the multiplying). It
is also essential that students know the basic facts before trying to do 2
digit multiplication.
In
class, we have discussed various strategies/tricks/tips to help us remember our
multiplication facts. Here is a link to
the “finger method” that we discussed to help us with 6-9’s.
Students
can also use skip counting/repeated addition to help them multiply. Ideally, students should have them memorized
so that they can recall the facts automatically. Knowing multiplication facts will also help
students divide when we get to that part of the unit.
Here
are a few online practice games/websites that will provide some extra practice:
February 10-14, 2013
Reading: Historical Fiction - Making Inferences
Writing: Narrative Writing - Generating Ideas
Math: Multiplication & Division - Launch, learning facts, problem solving
Science (Ms. Halliwell): Forces in Nature
Social Studies: Government & Citizenship - Launch, Roles & Responsibilities
French (Ms. Bordonaro): TBA
Music/Drama (Ms. Craigg): TBA
Visual Art: Still life - hatching/cross-hatching with ink
Phys. Ed (Ms. Minutillo): Olympic Games
Writing: Narrative Writing - Generating Ideas
Math: Multiplication & Division - Launch, learning facts, problem solving
Science (Ms. Halliwell): Forces in Nature
Social Studies: Government & Citizenship - Launch, Roles & Responsibilities
French (Ms. Bordonaro): TBA
Music/Drama (Ms. Craigg): TBA
Visual Art: Still life - hatching/cross-hatching with ink
Phys. Ed (Ms. Minutillo): Olympic Games
Thursday 30 January 2014
January 30 - February 7, 2013
Reading: Non-Fiction articles (cause & effect, current issues), Introduction to Historical Fiction
Writing: Narrative Writing
Math: Geometry - constructing triangles, sorting polygons, unit review, test on Friday (Feb. 7)
Science (Ms. Halliwell): Forces in Nature
Social Studies: Aboriginal Art/Culture - Dream catchers
French (Ms. Bordonaro): Presentations
Music/Drama (Ms. Craigg): TBA
Visual Art: Still Life - hatching/cross hatching, 3D solids
Phys. Ed (Ms. Minutillo): Yoga
Friday 17 January 2014
Protractors
We'll be starting our Geometry unit on Monday, and will begin by exploring angles. I'd meant to ask students to bring in a protractor for Monday in class today, but I forgot. If you're checking this blog and have one, or can get one, please send it with your child on Monday. I have several of them in the class and students can share. However, the more protractors we get means, the more hands-on practice students can get.
I also wanted to apologize for not updating the blog the last 2 weeks. I've been busy marking and starting to write report cards. I will provide an update for next week, and try to be more consistent with keeping you inform!
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| Protractor |
I also wanted to apologize for not updating the blog the last 2 weeks. I've been busy marking and starting to write report cards. I will provide an update for next week, and try to be more consistent with keeping you inform!
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