Student of the Moth!

Wednesday...Almost last day of Presentations!

Woo hoo!  We are almost through the entire grade 7/8 class of presentations for History!  So glad that they are almost done! Hopefully all of you are ready to get back into the swing of things with Mrs. Nicholson and the new Science building project. 

This morning we spent pretty much getting through all of the History presentations.  It was great to see so many of you organized and presenting with such confidence.  We have a few stragglers on Friday to do a re-present and then we're on to a collector coin activity.

Please finish all math for tomorrow as we will revisit it.  Also if you need extra help we will be working in class on translations for one more day. 

A science work period will be given first thing tomorrow, so bring your plans and blueprints and get ready to WORK! 

Okay that's all for now, see you tomorrow! :)

It's a boy!

Good evening to some of you!  Hopefully I will be able to blog at school so that updates can happen.  Please check the blog on a regular basis to see if I have updated it seeing as the computers are slow and posting to FB is difficult. 

This morning we started with "The Inner City Angels" project meet and greet with the artist.  What was amazing to me was the quality and creativity that many of the projects displayed.  I was so impressed with the quality of the artwork from students as young as kindergarten and the end projects were just amazing!  I love it!  So, now I can't wait to see what you all produce!

Next we covered the concept of tranlations (slides).  Please see the video below for a quick review.

Homework tonight is: 7 - p. 234 #3-8   8- p.226+227 A-F, #1-3 & p.228 #4-6

Practice! Practice! Practice!

After lunch you had computers, where many of you printed up last minute corrections for your powerpoints and got some extra images for your posters.  Then you had gym with Mrs. N!

At the end of the day we had our first New France presentation, and congratulations to the only team that was ready in our class on Monday.  Tomorrow we'll focus mostly on Confederation and the grade 8's but 7's be ready for anything!

Okay that's all, a short post! See you in the morning and I hope Lahmar (teehee J.H.!) doesn't kick me too much tonight so I at least get some good sleep.

<3 Ms. K

Monday...the day before my big needle day!

Evening all.  Hope you are all enjoying this mild weather before it gets really cold again.  I think I even saw people playing basketball with t-shirts on?!! You are crazy!

Today we started with coordinates and used the ELMO for the first time!  I was so glad it worked out, and happy that it set up so easily.  On another happy note, many of you got the idea behind the four quadrants and were able to start to comfortably plot points on a grid.  I am looking forward to your artwork for Wednesday and the other pictures are super difficult, so we'll see if you are all pros in the end.

After that we started our bullying unit prompted by the Showdown 2.0 performance on Thursday.  We read a story called "Dear Bully" and I cried while reading the recount of Laurie's bullying experience.  I was glad to hear many of you sharing your ideas and thoughts about Laurie's experience and how she was at peace now with her bully now that she was an adult.  You had a writing response assigned, however the way you wish to respond to the story is up to you.  You may write a journal, a letter to the bully or to Laurie and you may choose write an apology in the voice of a bystander that witnessed Laurie's bullying.  What is most important is that you get your ideas down on paper because your final assignment is going to reflect all of your feelings from the readings this week and your reflections will be a huge resource to you.  The excerpt for tomorrow is a poem, and I know you will like it.

This afternoon, I didn't really see you other than health.  I want you to think about your health journals and the food groups that you may be lacking in or eating too much of.  This will inform how we may approach our PSAs for the younger kids...and if I had your attention you would know that we are going to make films based on our data.

To finish off the day you had gym and Science with Mrs. Nicholson.  You finished off the film and you need to have your notes on machines done.  You also have a project due in French coming up and hopefully you are staying on task for that.

For tomorrow:
Math- mouse coordinate worksheet
Language - Showdown 2.0 journal, Dear Bully written assignment & SOTM
History - Soft due date Thursday! Presentations start next week!
Science - Movie notes
Art - t-shirt design
Health - Ideas for PSAs
French - Research projects

Okay, won't see you tomorrow as I am at my appointment, be good and have a great day. See you Wednesday. :)

Lucy and her friend after they had their faces painted at the Police Christmas Party.  She was a unicorn and her friend was a butterfly! 

Journal from today

Lucy riding a crazy motorcycle at the party on the weekend! 

Tuesday Test Result Day!

Today was another busy day, with lots of work being done.  We started the day with a language work period.  You were all given the opportunity to work on your SOTM's.  We decided that the soft due date would be this Friday and the hard due date was on Monday!  I hope that you are all having an easy time figuring out who you might nominate and I am looking forward to your submissions.  Remind me that tomorrow I should hand you out a sheet to you, to help with some ideas for transition words.  B.C. had it and I photocopied it and it's on my desk ready to go in your language workbooks.

For math we took up the test and many of you have to take them home for signatures.  The corrections and signatures are due tomorrow.  Also please study for the retest tomorrow, this will be your final opportunity to redo your tests if you did not do well. 

After lunch we had a double history period with many of you working on your poster templates and powerpoint presentations.  Template plans are due before you get a board so please get these in to me ASAP!

In French you got time to work on the laptops on your French projects.  Most of you have been put up to the task of researching French places and origins of the language.  I am looking forward to seeing your final products.

At the end of the day you had Dance with Mr. Kidd.  I hope that all went well there and I get to hear all good news about your behaviour.  :)

As promised I have attached the links from Science: 
http://www.msichicago.org/online-science/simple-machines/activities/simple-machines-1/

http://www.edheads.org/activities/simple-machines/index.shtml

For tomorrow:
Math - Tests signed, study for tomorrow
Language - SOTM
Science - links above
History - poster template
Health - food journal tally

See you tomorrow!

Monday...reflect, rotate and transform!

Evening Everyone!  So today was a fresh start with our new math unit on Geometry and Spatial Sense.  I saw many of you accessing your prior knowledge today and trying to remember what an isosceles triangle was and all of that other knowledge in the creases in your brains.  We'll be talking more about this and covering it more in class.

In math today for both the 7s and the 8s it was the Remembering section of your texts, numbers #1-9.  Please try all of the numbers as best you can and we'll revisit it tomorrow.  Also, we need to review the tests from Friday.  Some crazy things going on, you either did really well or not well, there wasn't a lot of between.

In language today we went up to the lab to continue researching your history projects.  Some of you are still not making good use of your time and think that you are "finished" your research portions.  I will meet with all of you tomorrow and we'll see if you have been thorough enough.  I met with Mrs. Nicholson's class today and many of them still were missing data, information and had no clue really what they were supposed to be researching.

After lunch you did a tally of your health journals from last week. You need to look at your Canada's Food Guide suggestions for your ages and then do a tally of your food based on what it suggests.  We will discuss your data next week.  Hopefully some patterns will emerge and we can see where we are not meeting the guidelines to help as a starting point for our PSA's.

Next you had Science, with Mrs. Nicholson.  I should have gotten the links that you looked at today.  I will get them for tomorrow and will post them on the blog.

At the end of the day you had French with Mrs. Wong, and you went up to the computer lab.  I will get the details from Mrs. Wong and post them up here too.

For tomorrow:
Math - 2D Geometry #1-9
Language - SOTM due soon
History - Research projects are due soon
Science - two worksheets for Mrs. Nicholson + Cornell notes for the chapter she specified
Health - Food journal tally
French - Project for Mrs. Wong on French?!
Art - t-shirt design due next art period

Have a good night and I'll see you tomorrow.  Please find the success criteria for the art project attached in the photo below. :)

Thursday....baby day!

Surprise!  I'm pregnant!  So glad to hear that I will be missed at the end of the year. Sorry to let some of you down that I won't be here next year until the end.  However, I am a mother and a teacher and am happy and blessed to be expecting again.  Remember December 17th, is my next ultrasound and I could find out the gender of the baby...will it be a Jahmar or an Ashawntaya?  Who knows!

We started this morning with a math review again.  Please practice tonight on the links below because we have a test tomorrow! 

Grade 7s- Look for adding and subtracting with integers
.http://www.aaamath.com/grade7.htm

Grade 8s - Look for multiplying and dividing integers
http://www.aaamath.com/grade8.htm

We also worked on a cheat sheet for integers that all of you can use next year and beyond.  Don't lose them and please find the picture of the model below.


In English we followed up on the grammar lesson we did yesterday on there, their and they're.  Your job today was to write 15 sentences in total.  5 sentences each - 5 for there, 5 for their and 5 for they're.  There will be a quiz tomorrow!


After lunch you had French with Mrs. Wong.  You are working in the computer lab on something and many of you have outstanding work due to her ASAP.  Please get it done.

Then we had History half in the computer lab and half in class.  You had to write up your plans for your posters and I would like them handed in by Friday (soft due date), Monday (hard due date). 

We ended the day with a library exchange and it was so beautiful outside you might have thought it was spring out there.  Have a great night and I'll see you tomorrow!

For tomorrow:
Math - Study for test, do review, practice games
Language - 15 sentences there, their and they're...quiz tomorrow
Science - check blog from yesterday, it's due Monday
Health - food journals
History - Keep researching

:)

Wednesday - Game Day

Today was another busy day.  We got lots of work done and many of you seem like you need to study more for the test.

We began the day with some math games to prep you all for the test on Friday on Number sense and Numeration.  We had a grade 7 vs. grade 8 tournament of champions and the 8s reigned victorious.  A timbit reward is in their future.  Looking forward to seeing what unfolds tomorrow.  Please use the links below to help you prep for the test.

Grade 7s
http://www.aaastudy.com/g7_65_x3.htm

http://www.aaastudy.com/g76_sux1.htm

Grade 8s
http://www.aaastudy.com/g83f_dx1.htm

http://www.aaastudy.com/g83e_mx1.htm

After recess we did some reading buddies with Mrs. Love's class and I was really impressed with how you all were handling the behaviour of all of the little ones.  I was proud to see you all being so kind to your buddies and I saw some impressive things from all of you.  So great work.

In language we did a grammar lesson on the use of there, their  and they're.  We will work more with this tomorrow and hopefully you all will have a better handle on these concepts when you do more writing.

This afternoon you had Science with Mrs. Nicholson and I have posted the homework below.  It is due on Monday so plan your work so that you can work your plan.

You had gym and French and then it was all over.  What a day!  See you tomorrow.  Practice your math!

Night!

Happy Birthday Whitney!

Okay, so maybe that wasn't exactly for OUR Whitney, but nonetheless I wish her a Happy Birthday! We had a productive day today, and here's what we did!

First off we reviewed integers again for math.  Tomorrow, we will do some games and review together some of the key concepts.  I worked with some of you to help with your review and hopefully you are all understanding everything better. 
 Homework was: 7s - p. 219 #8-10 & p.221 #1-7  
8s - p.213 #8-10 & p.215 #1-7.

After we scored a double period to do some history research for your poster history projects.  Many of you began your powerpoint slideshows for the presentation section of your projects and I saw some good work being done.  You may find the following links useful for your research:

Grade 7s
http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/search.jsp?N=4293014958

http://www.civilization.ca/virtual-museum-of-new-france/


This site below will give you many links to help with your research:
 http://www.linktolearning.com/7_new_france.htm

Grade 8s
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/confederation/kids/index-e.html

http://nides.bc.ca/Assignments/Canada/Paper11/Confederation2.htm

http://www.cambridgelibraries.ca/kids/topicguide/confederation-and-canadian-expansion

http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/transactions/3/macdonald_ja.shtml

These links are WAY BETTER THAN WIKIPEDIA.  Just make sure you are recording where you are getting your information so you can credit the information in your Works Cited section.


After lunch we had a double history period, but seeing as we switched that into the morning, we decided on our November SOTM characteristics.  It was decided that we will be covering : Empathy, Creativity, and Being Supportive.  Get your minds working and think about who you might nominate.  Remember we want positive examples.

We then, did a double duty work period where students could either, work on their line drawings or continue working in their history groups.  I made the deadline for this Friday for the line drawings, I'd like to post them in the hall ASAP.  I've already gotten some great submissions and am looking forward to seeing what else is out there. 

You ended the day with French and M.D.D., I can't wait to hear positive things from Mr. Kidd tomorrow.  So that's all for now!

For tomorrow:
Math - see above
Language - Stereotyping journals
Science - Machines reflection "Goonies"
Health - Food journal corrections
History - Keep researching!

Night all! A special thanks goes to S.R. who pretty much swept the carpet tonight so that we are one step closer to that "Golden Broom" goal of ours! Also thanks to S.A. & Z.N. you have proved to me that you are a super duo and you're great at cleaning those boards (S.S. & J.S.S. should take some notes from you!)

<3

Magic Monday

Evening all.  Another busy day!  Lots of work got done and I have to say we were all pretty much productive. 

We started the morning with math and a review.  We all did the practice tests in our textbooks and I helped some of you who were having difficulty.  Homework was: 7s - p.219 #1-7 8s - p.213 #1-7.
Some 8s were wondering about drawing models for division.  Please see the video below.

Lucky for us, we had a double work period for Language where we were able to go to the computer lab and do some research for our History projects.  So happy a great deal of you were on task.  Unfortunately someone printed an 80 page powerpoint and used all of our paper.  :( 
Please be more considerate when printing photos and information, we need to conserve paper.  Please copy and paste only what you need. 

This afternoon, I sat with the grade 8s and reviewed the food journals.  So far they have been quite good.  I liked the detail that I have seen and you have been quite careful about what you have been eating.  We will unpack the data next week and I want you all to be able to understand and read your own journals. 

Then you had Science with Mrs. Nicholson and watched "Goonies", for simple machines.  There is some homework but I didn't get the information.  You don't see her tomorrow, so you'll have at least another day to get your work done. 

You ended the day with French, and hopefully all went well there.

For tomorrow:
Math : 7s - p.219 #1-7 8s - p.213 #1-7
Language: Stereotyping Journals are due NOW!! See previous post for question!
Science: Simple Machines work
History: Continue with research
Health: Food journals - 7s I'll be evaluating them tomorrow
Art: Line drawings are due ASAP!

Good night...I'll try to add some links for History research after I finish making dinner, bathing Lucy and starting laundry!  :)

Wednesday...History Project Day!

It was a cold day, and a busy one.  I hope we are closer to getting the Golden Broom award, seeing as we've been really focusing on it.  Fingers crossed.  I must say, I am looking forward to meeting all of your parents in the next couple of days.  It's going to be great.

We started this morning with an interview check-in, most of your parents are confirmed for the times I have specified and I am glad that it's all set.  Thanks to many of you who took the forms home and made sure your parents could come in.  Then we did a quick homework check, and it was time for recess! Crazy!  After recess we reviewed how to use a number line for integer subtraction with the 7s and the 8s we reviewed how to do BEDMAS using integers.  Homework7s- p.215 #9-14 8s-p.203 #24-27

We then switched gears to talking about stereotyping and took up your ideas on what that meant to us as a class.  We made a quick note and I have posted it below.  Then we re-watched the Nathan Barnett video below and talked a little about our discussion the other day.  I posted the guiding questions and you had the rest of the period to work on your journals (see picture for questions).  Due on Monday!!

After lunch, you had French and then a double period of History.  The assignments were handed out and you got in your groups to decide on which topic you would like to do.  I look forward to this project and I've booked the computer lab for us for the next 3 weeks so hopefully that will be enough.  Don't forget that you may not have access to a computer at all times so use your computers at home, bring resources in and use our library!

We ended the day with library exchange.  Thanks to D.B. & B.C. for the checking-in and the signing-out of books it went smooth today and hopefully we can continue on this path.  Okay, so tired...night all! See you tomorrow!

Tuesday...Reading Buddies Day!

Today was a busy but great day.  We had a productive day and I was happy to see you all working together and being kind to one another.

We started the morning with word problems for the 8s and subtraction models with the 7s.  The grade 7's did backwards modeling using a number line to figure out the question.  The 8s did two word problems in their seat groups and then we took them up later on in the morning.  We figured out a step by step process for the 7s and the 8s worked out what they needed to do for each step of the word problems.  We shared strategies and work was assigned. 7s-  p.214 #4-8  8s - p.203 #19-23.

Then we had reading buddies with Mrs. Love's class.  It was great to see some of you reading to your buddies and to see some of the kindergartens reading to you.  The time went fast in there and I was so pleased to see you all settling in with your buddies so well.

When we returned to class, we took up more of the math and then had a little work period before switching gears to language.  Today we talked about writing a Thank-you letter to the Science Centre.  The first drafts are due tomorrow, so get them done. Remember you need to have a paragraph about your favourite part about the "Fun with Physics" workshop and another about the actual "Tour".  Good copies will be typed in our computer session on Thursday, so get them done.

After lunch you had a double period of Science with Mrs. Nicholson.  You got your quizzes back and went over your marks.  You also started looking at what simple machines are by watching an example from the movie "Pee Wee's Big Adventure".  Not sure if there was any homework...but it won't be due until Monday so you have a bit of time. 

Finally you had Gym, and it took you all a while to pack up, seeing as many of you are not so mindful of clearing your desks and the areas around them.  Please make sure you are doing this...our goal for November is to earn that coveted "Golden Broom". 

For tomorrow:
Interview sheets, if the times are no good for your parents you need to tell me first thing tomorrow.
Math homework see above
Language homework- thank-you letter rough draft
Health - keep recording in your food journals they are due Monday!!

Okay, I'm beat! Night and see you tomorrow!

Remembrance Day Monday

Today was a bit of a topsy turvy day because of the assembly in the morning.  We decided to start the morning with a discussion about Remembrance Day and the celebrations you all saw on the weekend. Then we did a bit of a media literacy lesson, seeing as we were missing a quarter of the class due to band.

After recess, we attended the Assembly and it was really well done.  Thanks to all of you for helping to make our class wreath.  It looked really great up there.  A special thanks goes to A.A. & B.C. for putting it all together.  Also the behaviour from our class was exemplary so keep up the good work. Please see the photos from the assembly below.

Lunch, was luckily outside today and it was so mild that many of you were able to enjoy playing out there instead of freezing your limbs off.  We came in from lunch, refreshed and I gave you some time to pick your groups for the research projects for History.  It was a swift process and I was happy to see you all working with such ease with each other.

You all ended the with a little French (where you were well behaved) and then dance with Mr. Kidd.  I hope to hear good things from him too.

For tomorrow:
1. Interview forms were sent home today, please if there are any issues let me know ASAP!
2. Photo retakes tomorrow, bring your proofs to get a new picture
3. All good drafts of all writing projects should be in

See you tomorrow, this rain is making me want to head to bed early!

Trip Forms and Interview Forms are DUE! Tomorrow!

Just a quick post tonight, today was a better day for everyone.  I got compliments about our class from a few people about your behaviour so hopefully we can keep up the good work.


This morning we started with math.  The 7s continued with integer subtraction and the 8s continued with division.  Some 7s were still struggling with the whole concept so we worked on some strategies and hopefully all will go well tomorrow. Here is a good video on using counters to model subtraction for any of you who might need extra help. Hwk tonight : 7 - p210 #12-15 8-p.201 #4&5, p.202 #6-11

For language we had reading buddies and we had a work period.  I am looking forward to doing character education with the little ones and seeing your leadership shine through.

After lunch you had a science quiz, gym and french.  Hopefully all went well!

For tomorrow:
1. Math - hwk will be checked
2. SOTM deadline for submission into competition/AWESOME is overdue
3.FORMS! Interview and Trip - deadline tomorrow!
4. Picture order forms - DUE BY FRIDAY THE LATEST


See you tomorrow...music ban is lifted for now.  Plans for fun, still on hold. Behaviour is the key. 

<3

Crazy Monday!

Evening all, today was a hectic day!  I heard some disappointing things from Mr. Corby about behaviour and combined with this morning with Mrs. Nicholson's class I am sad to hear this. 

This morning we started with subtracting integers with the 7s and dividing integers with the 8s.  Please find the videos attached:

Homework tonight: 7s - p.210 #5-11 8s-p.199 I + 1-3

For Language we did a Media Literacy lesson based on the video below and discussed the ideas surrounding stereotyping.

We will revisit this tomorrow, and do a journal in class about it. 

After lunch we had a work period, and did an inventory of missed work as well as upcoming dates.
You had a workshop with Mr. Webbe, and then it was French.  Ms. Wong returns tomorrow, so I hope you have a really good day with her. 

You ended the day with Dance and Mr.Kidd and again, there were some issues with behaviour. I will have to make some calls home tomorrow. :(  

For Tomorrow:
1. SOTM & Awesome Final Copies
2. Math hwk see above
3. Science - Quizzes Force for 7s and 8s types of Levers (be able to label them)
4. All Forms please - Trip, Trip money and Interview requests
5. PICTURE ORDERS - FINAL DAY IS FRIDAY


Night, night!

Thursday?!! What?!

It's been a busy week, we had hat day, crazy sock day, Halloween, Thriller Flash Mob and today...crazy hair day! I can't believe that tomorrow is finally...Friday!

Just a few reminders:
1. Awesome Good Copies are due (computer lab is booked for a double period tomorrow for you to work on them)
2. SOTM - Hard due date is Monday
3. Math- upcoming 7's - integer subtraction 8's-division
4. Science - Get your work in to Mrs. Nicholson
5. History - Notes, title pages and questions are all due...ASAP!
6. Health - We're starting our food journals next week, so get ready.
7. Art - Monday we'll start with a double art period in the afternoon.

I just want to say, thanks for a great week.  I was super proud of you all during your Flash Mob performance and your school spirit has been incredible!  Tomorrow is cultural day...let's see some spirit out there! I'll try and post the Flash Mobs tonight but it takes forever.  If it does go up, I'll let you know!

Nighty Night, Zombies! I won't be there in the morning but I'll see you in the afternoon! <3

Dance Fun!

Smile Girls

The Ladies

Your favourite teachers

Lucy ready for school

Dance Party with the boyz

Crazy People

Today's journal reflection

Lost Thursday

Evening all, late post again but it was a crazy day today...and we had a birthday dinner tonight so it is, what it is.  I wish all of you staying home a happy Eid and long weekend, we'll all miss you tomorrow.

Today in math we took up, some of the math questions we did yesterday.  We talked about the zero principle with the 7s again.  Then the 7s started working on word problems and adding and subtracting positive and negative numbers.  The 8s started working with multiplication models and used number lines and counters to represent multiplication problems.  Math homework is below on the picture.

For language, we watched a couple of episodes of the television show "Lost".  We talked about some of the characters that we were introduced to, and talked about how they were presented to us as the audience.  We will continue to discuss this tomorrow and there will be writing attached to watching these episodes (stop complaining J.H!!), but what I liked today was that most of you were able to infer some of what was going on by reading the scene and making excellent predictions based on text to: self, text & world predictions.

After lunch we had computers, and some of you used this time to do some extra work.  Then you had gym with Mr. Corby.

We ended the day as planned with some more "Lost" so that we all weren't left hanging with suspense and we'll maybe watch some more at a later date...behaviour and awesomeness pending!

On a much lighter note, I took Lucy to get her nails done as a belated birthday gift.  She is so serious about it.  Please enjoy the photos below! Love to all, see ya' tomorrow! Bring trip forms, $3.00, Awesome rough drafts and math homework! Keep working on SOTM!

Baby pedicure, with a design!

Math homework

Nail drying station

Getting a design on all of her fingernails!

New Student Wednesday!

Evening all...late but quick post.  Today we got a new student in our class...so it was an exciting way to start our morning.

We began the day with more of the zero principle for the 7's and adding larger (+/-) integers together.  The 8's we started integer multiplication...and did the math karma experiment.  Math work today, for the 7's was computational math and the 8's were doing charts and identifying the math rules exploding from the patterns evolving in their charts.  I accidentally did not write down the math but it will be checked tomorrow.

For language we reviewed grammar and compared YOUR and YOU'RE.  We had a discussion about what each form of the word means and then you all created 10 sentences using each in 5!

After lunch you had French, and a quiz.  I have posted a photo of the verb forms to help you study for the next few quizzes.

Then we had a Science catch-up work period, as well as a language work period and many of you used this time to your advantage.

We had a fire drill, recess and then ended with a library exchange!

For tomorrow:
Rough drafts of Awesome are due ASAP
Math homework
Science will be collected on Friday, as well as a quiz on key concepts
French study your verbs
Gym rehearse your dance routines
Trip forms are due ASAP!

Night all, I'm exhausted! 

This is Lucy and her BFF Arlo on her birthday!

French verbs to study

I love this picture, and thought I would share. It's Lucy after she blew out her candles and she really looks so pleased with herself! I love this girl!

Magic Monday

Happy week everyone!  Glad everyone had a great weekend and a busy one at that!  A lot of you were busy like me, running around the city...partying, going to the movies.  Today was a great day with a lot of work being done.  I'm glad to see that most of you are taking advantage of the work periods in class and extra help with conferencing in language especially.

We started the morning off with the grade 8's continuing with word problems involving adding and subtracting negative and positive integers.  Many students worked with a partner and got most of their work done in class.  The grade 7's began to come up with some strategies to identify opposite integers and we discussed the "zero principle".  We discovered that when two exact opposite numbers that are positive and negative are added together, then their product number is most definitely zero.  Just a reminder that there will be a brief quiz tomorrow, so practice your number lines for the sevens and eights make sure you understand how to add and subtract simple integers.
Homework was: 8's - p.187 #15-19  7's - p.194 #3-9

Next we had Language, and we had a discussion about the value of zero.  Many of you had some great ideas about what zero meant.  We talked about what it meant when a zero balance is on a credit card bill, you get something for zero dollars like clothes or gifts and we also talked about what it felt like outside when it is zero degrees.  I forgot to mention one more, what about when something is a size zero?  We had some great dialogue today and I look forward to your journal entries that you do on this tomorrow in class.  Next you worked on your Awesomes and your SOTM papers.  I was able to conference with some of you, and most of you have handed in your rough drafts of your AWESOME papers to be edited.  Final drafts are due on Friday (soft due date) and Monday (hard due date).  So keep working on those papers if you haven't finished them already!

After lunch we had a double period of History.  Most of you finished up the questions...but just a reminder they are due tomorrow!! Also if you have a textbook at home, they are due tomorrow because I will be taking them all to Mrs. Nicholson's class so that they can do the work that you have just finished.  Finally, at the end of class I got you thinking about your upcoming research projects.  7's & 8's were encouraged to start to pick who they wanted to work with and which topic as well.

Finally trip forms were handed out for the Science Center, and you are asked to bring them back ASAP  with $3.00 for bus transportation. 

For tomorrow:
Math: 8's - p.187 #15-19  7's - p.194 #3-9
History: Text books and  7- p.33 #1-4(a) & p.41 #1-3  8-p.33 #1&2, p.35 1&2(a),p.36 #1
Language: Awesome rough draft, SOTM
Gym: Practice Dance
Trip forms + $3.00   

Have a great night, and enjoy the pictures from Lucy's party and our pumpkin patch adventure!  

The kids at the party!

Cutting her fancy cake

In the pumpkin patch

Birthday girl hanging from the bars!

Security Thursday!

A new day and a new bout of security routines were set up today to monitor students movements and to stop fire alarms from being pulled.  We are doing well so far, so make sure you are using your break times for washroom and drinks.

This morning we continued with our new Number Sense and Numeration unit.  We discussed how we use a number line, and we plotted numbers on a line that we drew.  We also discovered a rule: The farther a negative number is from zero the smaller it is.  Grade 8's reviewed negative numbers and how to add and subtract them using a number line.  We watched the following videos below:

Homework was: 7- p. 187 #4-6 & 7-12  8-p.181 #7&8, p.186 #3-8

Language today focused mostly again on conferencing and working on our AWESOMEs.  Many people are getting their first drafts finished and I have a list of people that I will be working with tomorrow.  So far, I am happy with the work you are all putting into your writing and taking the feedback that I am giving you and applying that to your craft!  So proud of all of you!

This afternoon we had computers and you all had a chance to look at the website that started the Awesome phenomenon. You can find the link below and if you have some time look on the site, it is a fun read!
http://1000awesomethings.com/

Next you had gym, and then French.

We ended the day with a well-deserved work period, and I was able to conference with many of you, which is great! 

For tomorrow:
MATH: 7- p. 187 #4-6 & 7-12  8-p.181 #7&8, p.186 #3-8
LANGUAGE: Awesome 1st draft done, keep working on your SOTM - fun, cooperative & responsible
SCIENCE: 7-Read p.247-249 Do p. 262#2  8-Read p.423-424 Do p.434 #4&7
GYM: Practice our dance
HISTORY: 7- p.33 #1-4(a) & p.41 #1-3  8-p.33 #1&2, p.35 1&2(a),p.36 #1

The Roof! The Roof! The Roof is on Fire!

What a day!  Fire drills, sunshine and Awesomes...oh my! 

We started the morning off with our new math unit on Number Sense and Numeration.  We covered the learning goals and then, worked on some review/minds on work.  We also reviewed - what a number line was, when we would use one, where in real life we use a number line and then how we would go about using a number line.  After recess we watched this short video:

Homework tonight is - 7's - p. 185 #1-6    8's - p.181 #1-6

Next we picked our SOTM characteristics.  This month we are looking for: Responsible, Fun & Cooperative candidates.  Then we had a work period dedicated to: Awesome writing pieces OR SOTM essays.  I met with most of the class today, so hopefully we can continue to meet up tomorrow too!

After lunch you had French...and I assume you were well behaved for the supply teacher.  Then we had History.  We used the period as a continuation of Language and people used the time to complete their History work.

7's - p.33 #1-4 (a) & p.41 #1-3          8's - p.33 #1&2, p. 35 #1&2(a) & p.36#1

Mrs Nicholson also assigned some Science work:

7's - Read: p.247-249  Do: p.262 #2    8's -Read: p.423-424 Do: p.434 #4 &7


We ended the day with Library exchange and another Fire Drill practice.  I really hope we get done these practices soon, as it is getting colder and colder!  So for homework tomorrow:

Math: 7's - p. 185 #1-6    8's - p.181 #1-6
Language: Awesome First Drafts due ASAP
History: 7's - p.33 #1-4 (a) & p.41 #1-3          8's - p.33 #1&2, p. 35 #1&2(a) & p.36#1
Science:7's - Read: p.247-249  Do: p.262 #2    8's -Read: p.423-424 Do: p.434 #4 &7
Health: One day food journal
Gym: Practice the dance! 

Okay that's all! See you tomorrow! ;)  Please enjoy the Lucy Wonder Woman photo!

Picture Tuesday!

Good Evening All! What a busy day and what a bunch of running around!  I can't believe how much I was running all over the school today!  I needed to rest my feet when I got home because I my feet were so tired! 

Anyhow, we started the day off with our Unit Test for Patterning and Algebra.  So we are officially done for now, but as you'll realize...algebra never stops!  It just keeps popping it's head up all year long.

After that you had some time to work on your Awesome graphic organizers.  Tomorrow will be dedicated to getting the ball rolling on our writing projects.  Mrs. Nicholson's class is pretty much done their first drafts, so we need to get moving!

After lunch we had pictures...and that took quite a bit of time.  Especially lining you all up from tallest to smallest! It didn't seem like it would take much time, but somehow you all were discussing and debating about height for a really long time. 

When pictures were done, we talked about agendas and what was due tomorrow and this week. 

So this is what we came up with:
1. SOTM is past due
2. Awesome plans due tomorrow
3. History notes and worksheets from yesterday
4. Science title pages and notes
5. Health - food journals done for the one day
6. Library exchange tomorrow!
7. French - Town maps and presentations are happening this week (make sure you are prepared)
8. Journal from yesterday - Re: Obama Works It! (see clip below)

See you tomorrow!  :)

No Fire Drill today Thursday!

Hello All! We had a lot of running around to do tonight, so it's a bit of a late post.  Thursdays are swimming nights...and Lucy's taking a book to school for her birthday so we had to shop for that.  Busy, Busy, Busy!

We started the morning with our Student of the Month nominations and evaluations.  Students took turns giving two positives and a "work on for next time" comment.  It went really well, and everyone paid attention and were so respectful about each others writing.  A few comments for everyone:

• Watch that you are using a variation in your transitional words
• Make sure that when you are making a point, be as detailed and as thorough as you possibly can
• Use new vocabulary properly and not just to impress others with your fancy thesaurus

Overall I was impressed with the writing and I look forward to next month's nomination papers!

For Math the grade 7's finished their presentations.  We have 2 to start tomorrow, and then we'll have a bit of review and a test on Monday!  :)

After lunch we had a quick book exchange (because we missed ours the other day because of the assembly) and a computers time.  Most of you who still had not found the blog, got set up with a link in your e-mails and I think we only have one person who is still not linked in!

Next you had Gym with Mrs. Nicholson, and you started practicing the Thriller dance for our flash mob!  Exciting stuff!  See the tutorial below!

 

You all had French, and then we practiced our dance again!  What a day!  Tomorrow's Friday! Thank goodness! See you all tomorrow!

"Do the Fire Drill and Lean Back, Lean Back, Lean Back!"

It was a cold and rainy/sunny day today.  We did lots of work and we covered a lot of subjects.  We started off with Math and a Math tournament of Champions!  Grade 7's and 8's were given a question each to solve and then we had a Fire Drill! We ran long...and the grade 8s only got to present because of the interruption of the Fire Drill!

We didn't have time for the SOTM but tomorrow we will start with it.  On a happier note, Mr. Webbe came in to our class to talk to the 8s about the Choices booklet and upcoming Open Houses.  Please make sure your parents see this hand out 8s, because you need to get a feeling as to whether you want to attend a school and the best way to do that is to go to the Open Houses!

You had French with Mrs. Wong and she wants me to remind me that your projects are due tomorrow! FINAL DAY!!

Then we had a double period of ART - getting our first collage/print out of the way.  Next time we will focus on the other theme and colour story.

Finally we ended the day with Mrs. Dhira's hair-cutting assembly for cancer!  Our school raised $1000.00 for Cancer Research and Mrs. Dhira is a champion of inspiration for us all.  See you tomorrow!

Soundtrack for this evening's post!

7's Question

Math Teams hard at work!

8's Question

More Math Teams hard at work

Hurrr Did...no more silvers Swaggitout!

Tuesday that feels like Monday

Good evening all.  I am feeling a bit tired tonight so just a quick update.

We started this morning with Math.  Continuing with scatter plot graphs and tables of values.  7's - p.143 #1-4  8's - p.142 #3-5.

In Language you all handed in your SOTM nominations and you all got AWESOME graphic organizers and started conferencing with me.

This afternoon you had Science work to do with Ms. Karim. 7's - You had a worksheet to do on "What is Force" 8-s "Levers" & "Simple Machines in Your Body". 

Then you had gym, and French with Mrs. Wong.

For tomorrow:
Big Math homework check
Awesome Plans filled in
SOTM nominations and votes
Science Work and questions from last week.
History notes due, chapter 1
Study directional vocabulary (I see a quiz in your future)

Also...Happy Belated birthday to Sajanique and Tiany!  Tiany - thanks for the delicious cake! xo

One more day until tha LONG WEEKEND!

Hello All! Just a quick post to remind you of homework.

Today we did Math, grade 7s did tables of values and scatterplots and grade 8s continued doing math problems by simplifying their answers into tables and sketching out their answers.  Homework tonight: 7s - p.140-141 #5-7   8s- p.138 #4,5 & 12.

Language we studied the elements of AWESOME.  We made a note...you will find it below!

Health - We looked at the Canada's Food Guide and started to discuss what portions looked like for Fruit & Veg and Grains.

Then you had Science with Mrs. Nicholson.  Please see her note below! Labs are due tomorrow!!

You ended the day with Ms. Wong...still doing directional vocabulary.  See picture below!

Okay, quick post but I'll see you tomorrow! Night all!