Reminder: Library Visit on Monday! (am)

Just a reminder that this Monday (September 17), we will be walking to the library. Thanks to all of the parents who volunteered to join us on our walk and library orientation. We will be leaving the school at 9:30am, so volunteers are asked to meet us in our class around 9:20am.

Also, students who already have library are asked to BRING their cards on Monday as we will be taking out some books that day. 

It looks to be a nice sunny day but please check the weather so that you can dress appropriately. I am really looking forward to our little field trip!

Math Problem (am)

During Friday's math class, we continued our discussion about divisibility rules, multiples, and factors. The students worked together on a problem ("How many different rectangles can you make that have an area of 64 square centimetres?"). We discovered that since the area formula for a rectangle is length times the width, one could find the dimensions by finding factors of 64. Some students even took it further and started using decimals and fractions - WOW!

For their follow-up homework question, students were asked to complete the following question for Monday's class:

Draw as many different rectangles as you can that have an area of 24 square centimetres. Use a ruler and draw your rectangles to scale (e.g. if you say a side is 6 cm, use your ruler to measure 6 cm). Don't forget to label your rectangle and include all necessary units!

Meet the Teacher feedback

Wow - what a busy night! It was so great to see so many parents and students at last night's "Meet the Teacher". I hope that I was able to talk, at least briefly, with everyone! I also hoped that everyone got to check out the awesome BitStrips that our grade 6 (am) class created. As a follow up to a few questions that some parents had I am including some links to curriculum and to past permission forms.

Click HERE to find the Ontario curriculum documents

Click HERE for another copy of the Ottawa Public Library permission form

Also, a reminder of picture day next Friday (September 21). As that is also our retreat day, the grade 6s will be getting their picture taken first.

Once again, thank you for your comments and feedback on our start to the year. I really look forward to working with you and your child throughout this school year.

The "Magic" Beads - A Science Inquiry (pm)

Today in science, each student was given a collection of beads on a piece of string. The instruction - wear the beads all weekend in a variety of different environments (e.g. outside, in water, in the dark, playing sports) and observe any changes. Next week, we will be discussing the importance of independent and dependent variables and controls in experimental design. Students will be designing and conducting their own experiments to determine what makes these beads "magic".

BitStrip Recounts (am)

In language, we have began our exploration of recount writing and the ideas trait. Students were to select an event from their life in which to develop a six panel comic using the BitStrips application. After designing their "avatars", the students began draft their recount into a comic. The first draft of the comic is due on Wednesday. Students are encouraged to play with some of the features of the program in order to learn about its full capabilities.

Library Partnership (am)

Our class will be travelling to the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) regularly throughout the year. The goal of this partnership is to familiarize students with how to access library resources and to provide greater exposure to a variety of reading genres. Step #1 is to ensure that all students have a library card. Today, a package was sent home to all students who do not have (or were unsure if they had) a functioning library card. I am hopeful that all completed packages will be returned as soon as possible so that I can bring them to the library for processing. We will be taking our first trip (and receiving a library orientation) within the next few weeks.... info will be sent home when dates are finalized.

Class Economics (am)

Welcome to Room 110. In this community, students are required to apply for jobs in order to earn a salary. Students must earn money in order to pay for their desk as well as any other fines that they may incur throughout the year. Bonus opportunities will also be made available to students in order to help supplement their income. Students are encouraged to save their money in order to purchase property (condos), purchase and rent supplies, and to participate in auctions and other activities. The first contract period is for September and October. Students should submit their job application by Friday, September 7. 

For a complete outline of the economics program including a list of available job, click HERE.