Mrs. Middleton's Class Website Nurturing Life-Long Learners

Friday - Sept. 23

9/23/2016

The day has finally arrived - the excitement was palpable - the Titan Amazing Race is only hours away! It was hard to contain the excitement today in the grade 6/7 classrooms as the kids tried to focus on learning. They were able to complete the peer assessment on the I am Poem and many finished typing up their work make revisions where needed. This afternoon 'Crimson' added on to his first lesson from Tuesday regarding color in graphic design. The students seem to be very interested in this topic and I am thrilled to have one of my grade 7s share their knowledge and passion with the class.

Important - There has been a change of time for the Amazing Race. We will be done at 10:30 rather than 11:00. Please make sure this information gets to your parents.
Homework
1) Math - Gr 7s - pg 10 #5-11, Worksheet 1.2
Gr 6s Ms H - booklet
Mr. S - worksheet
2) Socials - for Tuesday - gather all the personal information from each of your years and make a list on a piece of paper. Also, start gathering photos to use.

Comment: (To be done after Friday). What was the best part of The Titan Amazing Race? Be sure to add details of the event(s). If this were to become an annual event, what advice or suggestions could you give the teachers for the next time?

Upcoming Dates
Friday, September 23 - The Titan Amazing Race 5:30 to 10:30 ** this is a change in time
Monday, September 26 - Pro D
Monday, October 10 - Thanksgiving
Friday, October 21 - Provincial Pro D

4 Comments

Thursday - Sept. 22

9/22/2016

25 Comments

Collecting information for the personal timelines.

An vital part of learning is the feedback cycle. Once time is given for students to receive feedback based on the criteria, they have a chance to make changes and improve their learning. Today I modelled giving peer feedback to a student's I Am poem. Students were able to see what good feedback looks like and how we use the criteria to give this process.

Important - There has been a change of time for the Amazing Race. We will be done at 10:30 rather than 11:00. Please make sure this information gets to your parents.
1) Math - Gr 7s - pg 10 #5-11, Worksheet 1.2
Gr 6s Ms H -
Mr. S -
2) Socials - for Tuesday - gather all the personal information from each of your years and make a list on a piece of paper. Also, start gathering photos to use.

Comment: We all learn in different ways. It is important that I understand each of you as a learner. When you are in the classroom what helps you learn? What prevents or distracts you as a learner?

Upcoming Dates
Friday, September 23 - The Titan Amazing Race 5:30 to 10:30 ** this is a change in time
Monday, September 26 - Pro D
Monday, October 10 - Thanksgiving
Friday, October 21 - Provincial Pro D

25 Comments

Wednesday, Sept. 21

9/21/2016

28 Comments

Technology is a very important part of the learning in Division 1.But before we can get started on using some of the tools at our fingertips, students needed to practise logging into their gmail accounts and emailing me to connect. One of the first rules we learned two weeks ago was to write down passwords somewhere safe but accessible. Some students struggled today and were unable to log on as they did not remember their passwords. A great real life example.

Homework
1) Math - Gr 7s - pg 10 #3, 4
Gr 6s Ms H - pg 78 #2a,b,c, 4,4,5
Mr. S - pg. 80 #2,4
2) Socials - get three personal facts about your life, for example something from when you were 1, 2, and 3 years of age.
3) Notices and Entertainment Book

Comment: In class we talked about expectations that society has put on both males and females ie. boys need to be tough, they shouldn't show their emotions; girls should be girly, and its okay to be emotional. Where do you think these stereotypes have come from? How long have they been around? Do you think they are changing, can they be changed? Should they be changed? Some deep thinking on this topic tonight.

28 Comments

Tuesday, Sept. 20

9/20/2016

26 Comments

We are now moving forward with the learning. Today a large block of time was spend drafting the "I Am" poems. The focus for this assignment is on using descriptive language and details, so students were encouraged to go back and extend their thoughts. The second assignment that got under way to day was the Personal Timeline. Students shared what they knew about the format and purpose of a timeline, then went over the criteria for the assignment. This will be a great opportunity for children to ask parents about significant events in their lives.

Homework
1) LA - complete draft of the 'I Am' poem
2) Math - grade 7s - worksheet 1.1
grade 6s - pg 76 #2, 5,6,7
3) Socials - ask parents about events that happened to you each year since you were born (walking, talking, illnesses, first plane ride, etc)
4) Any notices that still need to be returned
5) Entertainment books
6) PE strip for tomorrow

Important - There has been a change of time for the Amazing Race. We will be done at 10:30 rather than 11:00. Please make sure this information gets to your parents.

Comment: Steven was adamant (very sure) that he did not want his mom to call the school to share about his brother. Why do you think Steven felt this way? Why is he so hesitant to share to others that his world is spinning out of control?

26 Comments

Monday, Sept. 19

9/19/2016

29 Comments

In PE today one of the activities focused on teamwork. For each team to be successful they needed to communicate, stay calm and make a plan. At times it was very evident which students were not able to work as a team. After a few attempts and some debriefing the teams improved considerably.

Homework
1) Math - grade 7s - pg 6 #1 & 2
- grade 6s - pg 72/73 #1, 3, 5, 7 and 11 bonus
2) Notices - gmail, student info, amazing race

Comment: 1) Are your parent(s) coming to 'Meet the Teacher'? 2) What are you most looking forward to showing them from your first two weeks at school? (even if they aren't able to make it).

29 Comments

Friday, Sept. 16

9/16/2016

34 Comments

Finding a comfortable place to relax with a good book!

It has been an amazing first full week getting to know all the students in Division 1. Through the variety of community building activities new friendships are being formed and a feeling of comfort and trust are being built. This group is going to be so great to work with this year.

Homework
1) Notices - gmail
- Amazing Race
- Student Information forms
2) PE strip is needed for Monday - a change of shirt is necessary as well as proper running shoes (a deodorant stick is also a very good idea)
3) Comment (see below)
4) Have fun, get outside to play, find some time to dig into a good book

Comment: Wow, what another heart wrenching read in Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie. Why do you think the dad did not share the daily reports he received with Steven? How would you feel if you were Steven - where you are living in a home where the adults were not talking to you? Be sure to extend your comments beyond a sentence and edit for capitals, periods and spelling. If this is not a strong point with you then ask someone to read it over with you!

Upcoming Dates
Monday, September 19 - Meet the Teacher: Open classroom visit from 6:00 till 6:30, parent meeting for all parents in the gym from 6:30 till 7:00
Friday, September 23 - The Titan Amazing Race 5:30 to 10:30 ** this is a change in time
Monday, September 26 - Pro D
Monday, October 10 - Thanksgiving
Friday, October 21 - Provincial Pro D

34 Comments

Thursday, Sept. 15

9/15/2016

32 Comments

Working on the zentangle letter art.

Another wonderful day with the new group in Division 1. So much to be impressed b: the fire drill was very well done, the focus at the end of the day for art was amazing, and the participation level of most kids during PE was a positive start.

Homework
1) Comment on website (expected each day)
2) Notice - Titan Amazing Race
3) Notice about gmails
3) Special Item to share - for those who forgot today
4) Art - letter zentangle is due Friday at the end of the day

Comment: Another powerful read today with Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie. If you were Steven would you tell your friends about Jeffy or would you keep it private? Explain your reasons behind your decision.

Upcoming Dates
Monday, September 19 - Meet the Teacher: Open classroom visit from 6:00 till 6:30, parent meeting for all parents in the gym from 6:30 till 7:00
Friday, September 23 - The Titan Amazing Race 5:30 to 10:30 ** this is a change in time
Monday, September 26 - Pro D
Monday, October 10 - Thanksgiving
Friday, October 21 - Provincial Pro D

32 Comments

Wednesday, Sept. 14

9/13/2016

40 Comments

As we work towards building community students were given a chance today to share some of their summer experiences. Some travelled a lot, some dealt with medical situations, some spent loads of time with friends; I just loved hearing from them all.

Homework
1) Comment on website
2) Notice - Titan Amazing Race
3) One item that is special to you, maybe a special memory, maybe something that represents a passion you have, maybe an item that was given to you. Remember to put it in a bag so that people cannot see it and don't tell anyone.
4) Art - letter zentangle will be due Friday at the end of the day

Comment: What emotions did our read aloud book make you feel today and why?

40 Comments

Monday, Sept. 12

9/11/2016

90 Comments

Students asked me what they are wondering about for the year to come.

A great start to our first full day in Division 1. Students settled in well, spent time getting the binders set up, asked questions about the year then wrote a short piece about why I am lucky to have them in this class. I can't wait to read their thoughts.

Homework
1) Planner money ($5)
2) Comment on website
4) Send me your fake name if you have not already done so
5) Study multiplication tables - play games on line for ten minutes a day - you will have them down in no time (See the Math section on the bottom right of the side bar. Multiplication Man and Batter's Up are both multiplication games.)

Comment: As you know I love to read. I don't know if at this point in time I have just one favorite book but I certainly have many that I would recommend. What one book would you recommend to your classmates? Be sure to include why you would recommend it and give a bit of a summary about what the book is about.

Upcoming Dates
Monday, September 19 - Meet the Teacher: Open classroom visit from 6:00 till 6:30, parent meeting for all parents in the gym from 6:30 till 7:00
Friday, September 23 - The Titan Amazing Race
Monday, September 26 - Pro D
Monday, October 10 - Thanksgiving
Friday, October 21 - Provincial Pro D

90 Comments

Friday - Sept. 9 - Day 1!

9/8/2016

24 Comments

Welcome to Division 1. I am excited for the year to begin: the learning, the growth, the risk taking and so much more. After recess the students were divided into their new classes. Finding out which class you are in can be such a nerve-wracking experience. Once we moved to our new classrooms, getting settled and making connections was the focus of the rest of the first day. Next week we will dig in and start our learning journey.

Homework
1) Email Mrs. Middleton at mrsmiddleton00@gmail.com your fictional name
2) Leave a comment - Read the comment: question below. Answer in detail and with thought. This should take more than 1 minute to complete! Be sure to check for spelling and punctuation.
3) Students new to division 1 - please share our class website with your parents
4) Bring $5 for planners
5) Bring all your school supplies (remember inside shoes!)
6) Book to read if you have one you wish to bring

Comment: What are you most looking forward to this year? What are you hoping to learn. Be sure to explain your thoughts and check for spelling and punctuation.

24 Comments

<<Previous