Hello,
First, let me say thanks to everyone who participated in another great after school basketball session today.
We had a very productive day today, as we discussed what the key components of a friendly letter are, and began our efforts to participate in the Great Canadian Mail Race. Each student will write a one page letter to a school of their choosing in a province or territory in Canada, and the first student to get a response wins!
The students started working on their rough drafts this morning on Google Drive and they are welcome to continue to work on them tonight when they are at home. Each letter should be roughly one page in length and follow the format we discussed in class. The students need to introduce themselves and explain why they are writing. They need to tell a little bit of key information about themselves, their school and their city. Finally, they will ask questions of the person who will eventually read and respond to the letter. We hope to get a lot of responses. It should be a great experience.
We also worked on ordering and rounding decimal numbers. We showed our understanding on the white boards and now the students are asked to work on the Practice questions for the two lessons at home.
The students do not have to complete all of the questions tonight. I have asked them to spend 15-20 minutes on each lesson, a total of 30-40 minutes on Math.
Have a great night and don't forget to display your Rocket spirit tomorrow. Wear red and blue!
Mr. Skinner
Thursday, 28 November 2013
Tuesday, 26 November 2013
Here Comes the Snow
Hello,
This morning, we read a letter Natasha sent to us, detailing the start of her trip and we responded to her as a class, while reviewing the components of a friendly letter.
Our plan tomorrow is to complete the questions and the friendly letter that the students started on Monday, based on the biographies they read about three people who fought for fairness.
We also continued to work on the math activities about sorting and classifying numbers, that the students began with the supply teacher yesterday.
Finally, we spent some time in the Learning Commons, getting our library books for this week and holding a choir practice for the Grade 6 students, to prepare for the upcoming Mass.
If there is a Snow Day tomorrow - sorry in advance to all the students, but I think I just jinxed it for you - I have given the students some work to complete.
Everyone should complete the nine questions from the Biographies on Monday and work on the practice questions for the "Thousandths" math worksheets that I handed out today. If there is no Snow Day, we will work on these concepts in class tomorrow.
Have a great night.
Mr. Skinner
This morning, we read a letter Natasha sent to us, detailing the start of her trip and we responded to her as a class, while reviewing the components of a friendly letter.
Our plan tomorrow is to complete the questions and the friendly letter that the students started on Monday, based on the biographies they read about three people who fought for fairness.
We also continued to work on the math activities about sorting and classifying numbers, that the students began with the supply teacher yesterday.
Finally, we spent some time in the Learning Commons, getting our library books for this week and holding a choir practice for the Grade 6 students, to prepare for the upcoming Mass.
If there is a Snow Day tomorrow - sorry in advance to all the students, but I think I just jinxed it for you - I have given the students some work to complete.
Everyone should complete the nine questions from the Biographies on Monday and work on the practice questions for the "Thousandths" math worksheets that I handed out today. If there is no Snow Day, we will work on these concepts in class tomorrow.
Have a great night.
Mr. Skinner
Friday, 22 November 2013
Wear your PJ's on Monday!
Hello,
This morning we went to the learning commons and exchanged our library books. Then we discussed strategies for how we can make a positive impact on our school, the community and the world. Next, the students formed groups and planned an activity that will show what they learned this week about digital citizenship, using technology.
Finally, in Math, we had some discussion and used our white boards to show our understanding of place value, expanded form, standard form and decimals. We also self-evaluated our Math tests using a rubric provided for the students. I will look over their self-evaluations this weekend and return the tests to the students on Monday.
Don't forget that next week is Spirit Week! Wear your coolest pyjamas on Monday for PJ Day!
Have a great weekend.
Mr. Skinner
This morning we went to the learning commons and exchanged our library books. Then we discussed strategies for how we can make a positive impact on our school, the community and the world. Next, the students formed groups and planned an activity that will show what they learned this week about digital citizenship, using technology.
Finally, in Math, we had some discussion and used our white boards to show our understanding of place value, expanded form, standard form and decimals. We also self-evaluated our Math tests using a rubric provided for the students. I will look over their self-evaluations this weekend and return the tests to the students on Monday.
Don't forget that next week is Spirit Week! Wear your coolest pyjamas on Monday for PJ Day!
Have a great weekend.
Mr. Skinner
Thursday, 21 November 2013
Hope Through Habitat for Humanity
Hello,
This morning we had a guest speaker from Habitat for Humanity speak to the students about the work they do building homes in the area and around the world. We were told how the money raised from our submissions to the "Meaning of Home" contest would be used and she explained to us how these homes create a sense of real hope for the families who live in them.
Next, we worked together with the Grade 3 students in our classroom. We shared our writing for the "Meaning of Home" contest, where we explained what home means to us. Then the Grade 6 students helped the Grade 3 students write their own versions of what home means to them.
During second block we continued our lessons on being a good digital citizen. Today we discussed the reasons why you should not believe everything you read online and we talked about how the students should handle a situation if they are ever treated poorly by others, even their friends, online.
The students were asked to reflect on what they had learned so far, and look forward with regard to how they can make a positive impact on the lives of others.
For homework, the students were asked to fill the foot worksheet with five digital footprints they hope to leave in the next ten years. They were also asked to come up with one big idea and one small idea of how they could help others in the future, how they can make a difference in the world.
Finally, the students sang like angels in the learning commons with Mrs. Hurley, as they prepared to fill their role as the choir for the Advent mass in December.
Have a wonderful evening.
Mr. Skinner
This morning we had a guest speaker from Habitat for Humanity speak to the students about the work they do building homes in the area and around the world. We were told how the money raised from our submissions to the "Meaning of Home" contest would be used and she explained to us how these homes create a sense of real hope for the families who live in them.
Next, we worked together with the Grade 3 students in our classroom. We shared our writing for the "Meaning of Home" contest, where we explained what home means to us. Then the Grade 6 students helped the Grade 3 students write their own versions of what home means to them.
During second block we continued our lessons on being a good digital citizen. Today we discussed the reasons why you should not believe everything you read online and we talked about how the students should handle a situation if they are ever treated poorly by others, even their friends, online.
The students were asked to reflect on what they had learned so far, and look forward with regard to how they can make a positive impact on the lives of others.
For homework, the students were asked to fill the foot worksheet with five digital footprints they hope to leave in the next ten years. They were also asked to come up with one big idea and one small idea of how they could help others in the future, how they can make a difference in the world.
Finally, the students sang like angels in the learning commons with Mrs. Hurley, as they prepared to fill their role as the choir for the Advent mass in December.
Have a wonderful evening.
Mr. Skinner
Wednesday, 20 November 2013
SkyHawks Fly at Holy Redeemer!
Hello,
We were very fortunate to have members of the Ottawa SkyHawks basketball team visit our school today, sharing a message of being fit, helpful and treating each other with respect. They also showed off some of their basketball skills and even gave each student a voucher for free admission to a SkyHawks game this month!
Meeting the SkyHawks mascot, Tommy.
After the talk and basketball exhibition, we continued our digital citizenship lessons. Today, we looked at our digital footprint, and how the things we post online stay there for a long time. As part of the activity, the students were asked to choose a host for a television show from two candidates, but the information that we found online about them made our choice very difficult.
We also talked about how we can use our digital activities and footprint to accomplish great things, like raising money and awareness for a cause we believe in, following the example of Ottawa's Helene Campbell.
Have a great night.
Mr. Skinner
We were very fortunate to have members of the Ottawa SkyHawks basketball team visit our school today, sharing a message of being fit, helpful and treating each other with respect. They also showed off some of their basketball skills and even gave each student a voucher for free admission to a SkyHawks game this month!
Meeting the SkyHawks mascot, Tommy.
After the talk and basketball exhibition, we continued our digital citizenship lessons. Today, we looked at our digital footprint, and how the things we post online stay there for a long time. As part of the activity, the students were asked to choose a host for a television show from two candidates, but the information that we found online about them made our choice very difficult.
We also talked about how we can use our digital activities and footprint to accomplish great things, like raising money and awareness for a cause we believe in, following the example of Ottawa's Helene Campbell.
Have a great night.
Mr. Skinner
Tuesday, 19 November 2013
An Awesome Day!
Hello,
Today was so much fun as all of the Grade 6 students watched the Ottawa 67's defeat the Belleville Bulls 9-4. Everyone was very well behaved, but they were also very vocal in their support for the 67's. It was a great day.
Thanks to all of the parents who volunteered to help out today. Also, congratulations to Ethan who did a great job passing the puck during the second intermission on-ice activities.
Before we went to the game we did some correcting of our previous place value and expanded form work. We also discussed some of our feeling about our novel, "Out of My Mind" and whether any of the answers Sharon Draper provided in her YouTube interview surprised us.
We will continue to work on our Math and explore new lessons about being a good digital citizen tomorrow morning. You have no new homework tonight, except for resting your vocal chords after all of your cheering today. Let's go 67's!
Have a great night.
Mr. Skinner
Today was so much fun as all of the Grade 6 students watched the Ottawa 67's defeat the Belleville Bulls 9-4. Everyone was very well behaved, but they were also very vocal in their support for the 67's. It was a great day.
Thanks to all of the parents who volunteered to help out today. Also, congratulations to Ethan who did a great job passing the puck during the second intermission on-ice activities.
Before we went to the game we did some correcting of our previous place value and expanded form work. We also discussed some of our feeling about our novel, "Out of My Mind" and whether any of the answers Sharon Draper provided in her YouTube interview surprised us.
We will continue to work on our Math and explore new lessons about being a good digital citizen tomorrow morning. You have no new homework tonight, except for resting your vocal chords after all of your cheering today. Let's go 67's!
Have a great night.
Mr. Skinner
Monday, 18 November 2013
Wear White for the Hockey Game
Hello,
I hope everyone is excited for the Ottawa 67's game on Tuesday morning! The bus will be picking us up at the school at 9:15 for the not so long trip to the Canadian Tire Centre. We will be back to school for the last block of the day.
The 67's have asked that we all wear white to the game. Food will be sold at the concession stands, but you can bring a bagged lunch with you. Remember, they will not allow us to bring in backpacks. Students who order pizza through the school will receive their slices when they return to the school after the game.
This morning, we took up the inquiry Place Value questions we started on Friday. We also began to correct the worksheets the students completed last week on this topic. The only homework for tonight is to finish Number 3 on the first sheet, which looked at expanded form.
In Language, we watched the interview with Sharon Draper, the author of Out of My Mind. We were very excited to finish the book on Friday and it was very cool to hear Mrs. Draper talk about her process for writing this great book. I asked the students to take notes from the interview about questions and answers they thought were interesting and we will be discussing the interview further, later in the week.
Have a good night and don't forget to wear white!
Mr. Skinner
I hope everyone is excited for the Ottawa 67's game on Tuesday morning! The bus will be picking us up at the school at 9:15 for the not so long trip to the Canadian Tire Centre. We will be back to school for the last block of the day.
The 67's have asked that we all wear white to the game. Food will be sold at the concession stands, but you can bring a bagged lunch with you. Remember, they will not allow us to bring in backpacks. Students who order pizza through the school will receive their slices when they return to the school after the game.
This morning, we took up the inquiry Place Value questions we started on Friday. We also began to correct the worksheets the students completed last week on this topic. The only homework for tonight is to finish Number 3 on the first sheet, which looked at expanded form.
In Language, we watched the interview with Sharon Draper, the author of Out of My Mind. We were very excited to finish the book on Friday and it was very cool to hear Mrs. Draper talk about her process for writing this great book. I asked the students to take notes from the interview about questions and answers they thought were interesting and we will be discussing the interview further, later in the week.
Have a good night and don't forget to wear white!
Mr. Skinner
Thursday, 14 November 2013
Summaries, Books and Good Samaritans
Hello,
In Language this morning, we continued to read "Out of My Mind" and the students worked on a Google Doc that summarized what they had read the day before. We discussed how the summary should include all of the important events that happened during those chapters. We are almost at the end of the book! I am very excited that we might finish it tomorrow!
We also went to the Learning Commons to return our books and take out new reading material.
Finally, we proceeded with the next lesson of the Digital citizenship program. We worked on a lesson that examined the story of the Good Samaritan. We discussed how we can be good digital citizens, by taking care of our own personal information and treating our friends and family with respect online.
Please remember to complete the new Introduction to Place value sheet. We will be looking at this concept more closely on Friday.
Also, please remember to bring in your permission form for next week's 67's game, so that we can confirm our final numbers and let our possible parent volunteers know if their names have been drawn. Thanks.
Have a wonderful evening.
Mr. Skinner
In Language this morning, we continued to read "Out of My Mind" and the students worked on a Google Doc that summarized what they had read the day before. We discussed how the summary should include all of the important events that happened during those chapters. We are almost at the end of the book! I am very excited that we might finish it tomorrow!
We also went to the Learning Commons to return our books and take out new reading material.
Finally, we proceeded with the next lesson of the Digital citizenship program. We worked on a lesson that examined the story of the Good Samaritan. We discussed how we can be good digital citizens, by taking care of our own personal information and treating our friends and family with respect online.
Please remember to complete the new Introduction to Place value sheet. We will be looking at this concept more closely on Friday.
Also, please remember to bring in your permission form for next week's 67's game, so that we can confirm our final numbers and let our possible parent volunteers know if their names have been drawn. Thanks.
Have a wonderful evening.
Mr. Skinner
Wednesday, 13 November 2013
Samaritans on the Digital Road
Hello,
Over the last two days we have started to learn about some new and exciting things.
In Math, we are beginning to explore number and where we have seen them in our daily life, during a Chalk Talk activity. The students were asked to talk about the biggest and smallest numbers they have seen this week. They were also asked to share what they knew about decimals and to explain and describe the number one million.
Today, the students looked at place value and were asked to complete four questions about the different values of numbers.
In Language, we are continuing to read "Out of My Mind." While reading the novel, the students have started to work on sketch art that portrays the main character of the story, Melody, using standard pencils and charcoal pencils.
Lastly, we have been working with a great resource provided by the Board - Samaritans on the Digital Road.
We will be working on these lessons over the next week. First, we discussed how we should treat each other if we want to be good citizens in our daily life. Next, we will focus on proper behaviour when we are online.
Have a great night.
Mr. Skinner
Over the last two days we have started to learn about some new and exciting things.
In Math, we are beginning to explore number and where we have seen them in our daily life, during a Chalk Talk activity. The students were asked to talk about the biggest and smallest numbers they have seen this week. They were also asked to share what they knew about decimals and to explain and describe the number one million.
Today, the students looked at place value and were asked to complete four questions about the different values of numbers.
In Language, we are continuing to read "Out of My Mind." While reading the novel, the students have started to work on sketch art that portrays the main character of the story, Melody, using standard pencils and charcoal pencils.
Lastly, we have been working with a great resource provided by the Board - Samaritans on the Digital Road.
We will be working on these lessons over the next week. First, we discussed how we should treat each other if we want to be good citizens in our daily life. Next, we will focus on proper behaviour when we are online.
Have a great night.
Mr. Skinner
Monday, 11 November 2013
Remembrance Day
Hello,
This morning we were fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of the audience for a wonderful Remembrance Day ceremony at the school. Congratulations to all of the students from our class who participated in this great presentation.
With approximately half of the Grade 6 students preparing for the ceremony during first block, Mrs. Izsak and I merged our two classes to work on one of our social justice projects. The students worked on making "plarn" from milk bags, which will be used to make sleeping mats for those in need in Haiti.
Students hard at work, but having fun.
In the photo, you can see the instructional video, which took the students through the proper cutting process, playing in the background.
Finally, I wanted to say how great it was to get a chance to speak with so many parents on Thursday evening. Even though I was under the weather, I left feeling excited about the great discussions we had and the steps we can all take together to ensure success for each student in the class.
If I did not get the chance to speak with you on Thursday, I will be calling you this week to discuss your child's progress.
Have a great night.
Mr. Skinner
This morning we were fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of the audience for a wonderful Remembrance Day ceremony at the school. Congratulations to all of the students from our class who participated in this great presentation.
With approximately half of the Grade 6 students preparing for the ceremony during first block, Mrs. Izsak and I merged our two classes to work on one of our social justice projects. The students worked on making "plarn" from milk bags, which will be used to make sleeping mats for those in need in Haiti.
Students hard at work, but having fun.
In the photo, you can see the instructional video, which took the students through the proper cutting process, playing in the background.
Finally, I wanted to say how great it was to get a chance to speak with so many parents on Thursday evening. Even though I was under the weather, I left feeling excited about the great discussions we had and the steps we can all take together to ensure success for each student in the class.
If I did not get the chance to speak with you on Thursday, I will be calling you this week to discuss your child's progress.
Have a great night.
Mr. Skinner
Thursday, 7 November 2013
Interview Schedule
Hello,
Here is the class interview schedule for today:
3:10 - Ethan
3:20 - Adamina
3:30 - Justin C
3:50 - Joseph G
4:00 - Jamie
4:30 - Alexander
4:40 - Kaitlynne
4:50 - Carter
6:00 - Samantha
6:10 - Natasha
6:20 - William
6:30 - Mama
6:50 - Michael
I will also be having phone interviews for Adam, Anthony, Joseph M, Justin D and Chelsea.
For the phone interviews, I will call you over the next few days. I will try to call some of you tonight, but you don't need to be waiting by the phone at your designated time because I might have to stay in the gym at that time.
I'm looking forward to seeing many of you tonight.
Mr. Skinner
Here is the class interview schedule for today:
3:10 - Ethan
3:20 - Adamina
3:30 - Justin C
3:50 - Joseph G
4:00 - Jamie
4:30 - Alexander
4:40 - Kaitlynne
4:50 - Carter
6:00 - Samantha
6:10 - Natasha
6:20 - William
6:30 - Mama
6:50 - Michael
I will also be having phone interviews for Adam, Anthony, Joseph M, Justin D and Chelsea.
For the phone interviews, I will call you over the next few days. I will try to call some of you tonight, but you don't need to be waiting by the phone at your designated time because I might have to stay in the gym at that time.
I'm looking forward to seeing many of you tonight.
Mr. Skinner
Wednesday, 6 November 2013
A Late Post
Hello,
Sorry for the delay this evening.
I have a sick little girl at home who is either dealing with allergies or a virus that has left her with quite the rash. I rushed home after basketball tonight to help look after her and I finally got her to go down to sleep!
Short but sweet tonight - I hope everyone is using our review sheet and the work we have done throughout the Math unit to prepare for Thursday's test. Good luck everyone! We had some good discussions today and I feel quite confident that the vast majority of the class is ready to ace this evaluation activity!
For Language, I am looking for everyone to have all of the Edmodo posts for Out of My Mind completed. I have been reading all of your posts, but I will be commenting on them this weekend and checking to make sure you have answered each question.
I look forward to seeing most of you at the interviews on Thursday afternoon and evening. I will send a reminder to my subscribers in the morning that will include my interview schedule.
Have a good night.
Mr. Skinner
Sorry for the delay this evening.
I have a sick little girl at home who is either dealing with allergies or a virus that has left her with quite the rash. I rushed home after basketball tonight to help look after her and I finally got her to go down to sleep!
Short but sweet tonight - I hope everyone is using our review sheet and the work we have done throughout the Math unit to prepare for Thursday's test. Good luck everyone! We had some good discussions today and I feel quite confident that the vast majority of the class is ready to ace this evaluation activity!
For Language, I am looking for everyone to have all of the Edmodo posts for Out of My Mind completed. I have been reading all of your posts, but I will be commenting on them this weekend and checking to make sure you have answered each question.
I look forward to seeing most of you at the interviews on Thursday afternoon and evening. I will send a reminder to my subscribers in the morning that will include my interview schedule.
Have a good night.
Mr. Skinner
Tuesday, 5 November 2013
Cool Chrome Apps and Math Review
Hello,
Today we went to the Learning Commons to get new library books during first block and we explored some very cool and useful Chrome Apps as well.
Please, try them out at home as well. I believe that the apps will transfer from one computer to another on your accounts, but you might have to download the extensions again.
A list of very cool Chrome apps
There are so many cool Chrome apps that can help you with your writing, reading, spelling and more! I encourage you to explore, we will be using these apps and others in the classroom.
The students also had the opportunity to respond to some new questions I posted about "Out of My Mind" on our Edmodo group. If you did not post responses for each question, please complete them for homework.
In Math, we had some great discussions while correcting our unit review activity in small groups. It seems like most students have a very strong grasp on multiples, factors and prime and composite numbers.
The students were given some worksheets for some practise today. We will continue to work on them tomorrow. Remember to complete Numbers 1 - 5 on the green sheet, number 1 on the back of it and Number 1 (a, b, c) on the white sheet.
We will now be having our test on this unit on Thursday, so please be ready to correct and discuss any questions you have tomorrow, so that everyone can display a great depth of knowledge when completing the test.
Have a great night.
Mr. Skinner
Today we went to the Learning Commons to get new library books during first block and we explored some very cool and useful Chrome Apps as well.
Please, try them out at home as well. I believe that the apps will transfer from one computer to another on your accounts, but you might have to download the extensions again.
A list of very cool Chrome apps
There are so many cool Chrome apps that can help you with your writing, reading, spelling and more! I encourage you to explore, we will be using these apps and others in the classroom.
The students also had the opportunity to respond to some new questions I posted about "Out of My Mind" on our Edmodo group. If you did not post responses for each question, please complete them for homework.
In Math, we had some great discussions while correcting our unit review activity in small groups. It seems like most students have a very strong grasp on multiples, factors and prime and composite numbers.
The students were given some worksheets for some practise today. We will continue to work on them tomorrow. Remember to complete Numbers 1 - 5 on the green sheet, number 1 on the back of it and Number 1 (a, b, c) on the white sheet.
We will now be having our test on this unit on Thursday, so please be ready to correct and discuss any questions you have tomorrow, so that everyone can display a great depth of knowledge when completing the test.
Have a great night.
Mr. Skinner
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)