Hello,
I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy new year!
We had a great last few days, with the Christmas Concert performance, the Poinsettia craft and our Inquiry Math hot chocolate session.
Thanks for a great end to the year and I look forward to seeing you in 2014!
A few gifts to share with everyone as well:
Kiva Karousel Photos
Digital Citizenship - The Computer Virus
Digital Citizenship - JM and AL
Digital Citizens - Puppet Pals
Digital Citizens - CSJ
Trapped in the Screen Trailer
Trapped - Accompanying Video
We hope you enjoy their work. Have a great holiday!
Mr. Skinner
Thursday, 19 December 2013
Tuesday, 17 December 2013
Mean, Median and Mode Toads
Hello,
Today we had our dress rehearsal for the Christmas concert and the students were great. Their energy and enthusiasm was amazing. I hope everyone that is able to attend enjoys the show. The primary concert begins at 8:40 and the Junior concert begins at 10:00. The students need to bring all of their props for Wednesday morning's show.
Besides practising, we also found time to return our library books and present our videos on Digital Citizenship. The students were very creative and showed they had learned a lot from the lessons. I am still waiting for the finished product from one group, but I will post links to all of the completed videos on the blog on Wednesday.
We also spent some time exploring mean, median and mode. The students were given a package to start working on, but I will give them time tomorrow. Today was mostly about watching and discussing some great videos about mean, median and mode. Take a look and see what you think.
The Mean, Median and Mode Toads
Hey Diddle diddle - mean, median, mode and range song
Mean, Median and Mode Rap
Warning: These videos will get stuck in your head! However, that's a good thing when you are learning these concepts! I have been rapping the last song to Stella all night.
Finally, this afternoon, the winners of the Kiva persuasive writing task were announced. Congratulations to Natasha and Carter for getting the most votes in our class. I will make a loan to both of your choices!
Have a great evening.
Mr. Skinner
Today we had our dress rehearsal for the Christmas concert and the students were great. Their energy and enthusiasm was amazing. I hope everyone that is able to attend enjoys the show. The primary concert begins at 8:40 and the Junior concert begins at 10:00. The students need to bring all of their props for Wednesday morning's show.
Besides practising, we also found time to return our library books and present our videos on Digital Citizenship. The students were very creative and showed they had learned a lot from the lessons. I am still waiting for the finished product from one group, but I will post links to all of the completed videos on the blog on Wednesday.
We also spent some time exploring mean, median and mode. The students were given a package to start working on, but I will give them time tomorrow. Today was mostly about watching and discussing some great videos about mean, median and mode. Take a look and see what you think.
The Mean, Median and Mode Toads
Hey Diddle diddle - mean, median, mode and range song
Mean, Median and Mode Rap
Warning: These videos will get stuck in your head! However, that's a good thing when you are learning these concepts! I have been rapping the last song to Stella all night.
Finally, this afternoon, the winners of the Kiva persuasive writing task were announced. Congratulations to Natasha and Carter for getting the most votes in our class. I will make a loan to both of your choices!
Have a great evening.
Mr. Skinner
Monday, 16 December 2013
An Amazing Day!
Hello,
This morning was a wonderful experience, as our inaugural Kiva Karousel was a great success. The students did a great job trying to persuade the voters and the students and teachers who voted took the process very seriously. A special thanks to all the parents who visited the Learning Commons to support their children and take part in the event. Thanks so much for coming!
The final results will be announced tomorrow afternoon, as both teachers will give loans to the two projects from their class that received the most votes. Best of luck to everyone!
We also had a very successful practice for the Christmas Concert. The students are displaying great teamwork and energy. I am sure they will put on an incredible performance on Wednesday morning.
Finally, a special congratulations to Adamina, who had her submission for the Meaning of Home Contest selected as a semi-finalist! That means that out of over 7000 submissions, her explanation of what home means to her was ranked in the top-24 overall! Congrats!
Have a good night.
Mr. Skinner
This morning was a wonderful experience, as our inaugural Kiva Karousel was a great success. The students did a great job trying to persuade the voters and the students and teachers who voted took the process very seriously. A special thanks to all the parents who visited the Learning Commons to support their children and take part in the event. Thanks so much for coming!
The final results will be announced tomorrow afternoon, as both teachers will give loans to the two projects from their class that received the most votes. Best of luck to everyone!
We also had a very successful practice for the Christmas Concert. The students are displaying great teamwork and energy. I am sure they will put on an incredible performance on Wednesday morning.
Finally, a special congratulations to Adamina, who had her submission for the Meaning of Home Contest selected as a semi-finalist! That means that out of over 7000 submissions, her explanation of what home means to her was ranked in the top-24 overall! Congrats!
Have a good night.
Mr. Skinner
Friday, 13 December 2013
An Invitation
Hello,
This morning we completed the choreography for our Christmas Concert dance. Yesterday, I posted a link to the lyrics of our medley. Today, I have included the song.
Link to the Christmas medley file - for students only please.
The students are invited to practise their singing over the weekend. Please remember to bring your props on Monday.
On Monday, the students will also need to bring their completed poster boards for the Kiva persuasive letter. All parents are invited to attend our inaugural Kiva Karousel, where students will attempt to convince you that their project is most deserving of the loan. Everyone who attends gets the opportunity to cast a vote. We hope you can attend at 10 am on Monday morning. All students are bringing home an invitation tonight, but I wanted to post it on the blog as well, just in case.
This morning, the two classes worked together as all of the students printed out their good copies and worked on their poster boards. If the displays were not completed in class, students are asked to bring them home and finish them on the weekend, so they are ready for the presentations and discussions in the Learning Commons on Monday morning.
Have a great weekend.
Mr. Skinner
This morning we completed the choreography for our Christmas Concert dance. Yesterday, I posted a link to the lyrics of our medley. Today, I have included the song.
Link to the Christmas medley file - for students only please.
The students are invited to practise their singing over the weekend. Please remember to bring your props on Monday.
On Monday, the students will also need to bring their completed poster boards for the Kiva persuasive letter. All parents are invited to attend our inaugural Kiva Karousel, where students will attempt to convince you that their project is most deserving of the loan. Everyone who attends gets the opportunity to cast a vote. We hope you can attend at 10 am on Monday morning. All students are bringing home an invitation tonight, but I wanted to post it on the blog as well, just in case.
This morning, the two classes worked together as all of the students printed out their good copies and worked on their poster boards. If the displays were not completed in class, students are asked to bring them home and finish them on the weekend, so they are ready for the presentations and discussions in the Learning Commons on Monday morning.
Have a great weekend.
Mr. Skinner
Thursday, 12 December 2013
Working on our Good Copies
Hello,
Today, our two Grade 6 classes worked together for the morning blocks. All of the students finished up their Kiva persuasive rough drafts and then used a checklist to edit their work with a partner.
Tonight, the students are expected to make their changes and complete their good copies. Remember that you need to have three main points for why we should donate to the person you selected.
We also looked at advertising techniques and started to work on our display boards that will accompany our Kiva persuasive letters.
Finally, we continued to practice for our Christmas concert. Things are really starting to come together. All students are reminded to bring in their props for tomorrow's practice.
Lyrics for Christmas Concert - for students only please.
Have a good night.
Mr. Skinner
Today, our two Grade 6 classes worked together for the morning blocks. All of the students finished up their Kiva persuasive rough drafts and then used a checklist to edit their work with a partner.
Tonight, the students are expected to make their changes and complete their good copies. Remember that you need to have three main points for why we should donate to the person you selected.
We also looked at advertising techniques and started to work on our display boards that will accompany our Kiva persuasive letters.
Finally, we continued to practice for our Christmas concert. Things are really starting to come together. All students are reminded to bring in their props for tomorrow's practice.
Lyrics for Christmas Concert - for students only please.
Have a good night.
Mr. Skinner
Wednesday, 11 December 2013
Persuasive Writing and Concert Practice
Hello,
This morning the students spent some time working on their choreography for the Christmas concert performance. All students are reminded to bring in their props and costumes for the practice on Thursday morning.
The students also had a block to work on and complete the first draft of their Kiva persuasive piece. If you did not complete the first draft in class, please finish it for homework, as we will begin to work on the posters tomorrow.
A special thanks to the boys in our class who went to the lacrosse tournament today. They represented themselves and the school very well. I was so proud of how they worked together as a team, beating every team they faced, and coming home with a perfect record! Way to go Rockets!
Have a great night.
Mr. Skinner
This morning the students spent some time working on their choreography for the Christmas concert performance. All students are reminded to bring in their props and costumes for the practice on Thursday morning.
The students also had a block to work on and complete the first draft of their Kiva persuasive piece. If you did not complete the first draft in class, please finish it for homework, as we will begin to work on the posters tomorrow.
A special thanks to the boys in our class who went to the lacrosse tournament today. They represented themselves and the school very well. I was so proud of how they worked together as a team, beating every team they faced, and coming home with a perfect record! Way to go Rockets!
Have a great night.
Mr. Skinner
Monday, 9 December 2013
Let the Race Begin!
Hello,
It is a very exciting day for us, as most students have completed their letters for the Great Canadian Mail Race! All completed letters have been mailed today and now we will wait and see who is the first student to get a response from another Canadian student.
We also continued our work on our persuasive piece, about whom we should loan our money on the Kiva website. All students are asked to complete the graphic organizer that outlines the three main points of the student's argument, as well as the supporting points for each of the main points. Once this step is completed, the students are asked to begin working on their rough draft.
Video with more information about Kiva
We also started to work on the next unit for Math - Data Management. Today, we examined data and made conclusions based on the graphs provided. The students are asked to complete the Practice questions.
Have a great night and bring your energy and enthusiasm tomorrow, as we will be practising for the Christmas concert.
Mr. Skinner
Thursday, 5 December 2013
Welcome to Kiva
Hello,
This morning the students continued to work on their letters from the Great Canadian Mail Race. Everyone has put the finishing touches on their first drafts. Now, the students need to make sure they have completed their peer editing, select a school to send their letter to, and have Mr. Skinner look over the letter as well.
Our goal is to have the final copies of the letters sent out on Friday.
Now, that we are completing our friendly letters, we are moving onto persuasive writing. We began by discussing ways that we think the school could be improved, then selecting our three best arguments. The next step will be providing examples and evidence to back up the points.
This activity leads us to our persuasive writing project for December. Each student is asked to visit kiva.org and select a person that they would like to help. The site allows people to give loans to those in need, that will be paid back. The students will give their reasons why their person is the best choice and we will select projects to donate to at Christmas time.
The students are asked to take the first step tonight by exploring kiva.org and selecting two possible people that they would like to help. The students need to keep in mind that they will have to explain the reasoning behind their choice. This is the first time we have done a project like this and the teachers are very excited about it. We were very pleased to see the students sharing our enthusiasm this morning.
If parents would like to watch the Grade 6 students sing their hearts out as members of the choir for the Mass, it begins at 10:15. The students are reminded to wear a white or light coloured shirt and dark blue or black pants. Thanks.
Finally, a bit of sad news. We have had to cancel our field trip on Monday. Their has been an outbreak of illnesses and many of the residents are under the weather, so they can not host us at this time. We will try to re-schedule our visit in January.
Have a great night.
Mr. Skinner
This morning the students continued to work on their letters from the Great Canadian Mail Race. Everyone has put the finishing touches on their first drafts. Now, the students need to make sure they have completed their peer editing, select a school to send their letter to, and have Mr. Skinner look over the letter as well.
Our goal is to have the final copies of the letters sent out on Friday.
Now, that we are completing our friendly letters, we are moving onto persuasive writing. We began by discussing ways that we think the school could be improved, then selecting our three best arguments. The next step will be providing examples and evidence to back up the points.
This activity leads us to our persuasive writing project for December. Each student is asked to visit kiva.org and select a person that they would like to help. The site allows people to give loans to those in need, that will be paid back. The students will give their reasons why their person is the best choice and we will select projects to donate to at Christmas time.
The students are asked to take the first step tonight by exploring kiva.org and selecting two possible people that they would like to help. The students need to keep in mind that they will have to explain the reasoning behind their choice. This is the first time we have done a project like this and the teachers are very excited about it. We were very pleased to see the students sharing our enthusiasm this morning.
If parents would like to watch the Grade 6 students sing their hearts out as members of the choir for the Mass, it begins at 10:15. The students are reminded to wear a white or light coloured shirt and dark blue or black pants. Thanks.
Finally, a bit of sad news. We have had to cancel our field trip on Monday. Their has been an outbreak of illnesses and many of the residents are under the weather, so they can not host us at this time. We will try to re-schedule our visit in January.
Have a great night.
Mr. Skinner
Wednesday, 4 December 2013
Math Test & Christmas Concert Prep
Hello,
This morning, during first block, the students completed their Place Value Math test. I have corrected all of the multiple choice questions so far, and it looks like most students have done quite well.
Please remember to return the previous unit's test signed by a parent and I will conference with students and give them an opportunity to show greater understanding.
After completing the test, we joined up with Mrs. Izsak's class to prepare for our Christmas concert performance. We have decided on a unique Christmas medley performance that will involve dancing and teamwork. It should be a lot of fun.
After finalizing our plans for the concert, we held our last Grade 6 choir practice for Friday's mass. Thanks to Mrs. Hurley's great leadership and enthusiasm the students are very ready to lead the songs. They sound great. We hope that some of you can make it on Friday to be a part of the mass.
Have a great night.
Mr. Skinner
This morning, during first block, the students completed their Place Value Math test. I have corrected all of the multiple choice questions so far, and it looks like most students have done quite well.
Please remember to return the previous unit's test signed by a parent and I will conference with students and give them an opportunity to show greater understanding.
After completing the test, we joined up with Mrs. Izsak's class to prepare for our Christmas concert performance. We have decided on a unique Christmas medley performance that will involve dancing and teamwork. It should be a lot of fun.
After finalizing our plans for the concert, we held our last Grade 6 choir practice for Friday's mass. Thanks to Mrs. Hurley's great leadership and enthusiasm the students are very ready to lead the songs. They sound great. We hope that some of you can make it on Friday to be a part of the mass.
Have a great night.
Mr. Skinner
Monday, 2 December 2013
Responsible Digital Citizens Project and Math Review
Hello,
This morning the students used the iPads to brainstorm ideas for their culminating tasks for the digital citizens lessons. Their goal is to create a presentation that illustrates how to be a responsible digital citizen and highlights some of the ideas we explored in this unit.
The students came up with some very interesting ideas and in their groups of two or three began to work on their scripts for their commercials, movie trailers, skits, interactive posters and comic strips.
They will continue to work on these projects tomorrow, with the goal of completing them by the end of the morning. Once they are complete, I will post links to the work on the blog for parents to watch and enjoy.
In Math, we did a review task, where students completed a series of questions, checked their answers using QR codes and then corrected and discussed their solutions with a partner. It was a productive block and it highlighted areas we need to work on to get ready for the test on Wednesday. The students are encouraged to use the review task to help prepare for the test, as many of the questions just might be similar to the format of questions on the test - hint, hint.
Have a wonderful evening.
Mr. Skinner
This morning the students used the iPads to brainstorm ideas for their culminating tasks for the digital citizens lessons. Their goal is to create a presentation that illustrates how to be a responsible digital citizen and highlights some of the ideas we explored in this unit.
The students came up with some very interesting ideas and in their groups of two or three began to work on their scripts for their commercials, movie trailers, skits, interactive posters and comic strips.
They will continue to work on these projects tomorrow, with the goal of completing them by the end of the morning. Once they are complete, I will post links to the work on the blog for parents to watch and enjoy.
In Math, we did a review task, where students completed a series of questions, checked their answers using QR codes and then corrected and discussed their solutions with a partner. It was a productive block and it highlighted areas we need to work on to get ready for the test on Wednesday. The students are encouraged to use the review task to help prepare for the test, as many of the questions just might be similar to the format of questions on the test - hint, hint.
Have a wonderful evening.
Mr. Skinner
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