As I sit here at 4:00pm after the first day back at school, a teacher can’t help but reflect on the day. It feels wonderful to be back where we all should be…together, in a class, learning and laughing…in person!
Sure, it’s different this year. There’s no doubt about it. However, behind those masks, I know kids were smiling, and behind those eyes they were hopefully feeling safe and secure within our 4 walls.
As we learn to adjust and get used to the “new ways” of school, it is my hope and prayer that our students continue to love learning and persevere in the midst of some of the challenges we face…together.
Despite learning from a distance, you have been working so well on completing your stories.I feel like the blog is an easier space to share your work, so that’s why we’re here!
Leave a comment below sharing some positive feedback to your classmates!
At this moment, I’ve received several wonderful Biographies in a Bag assignments. Thanks Daya, Chloe, Paul, Mason, Harry, Logan, and Nicole. Keep them coming!
We are launching our Writing Realistic Fiction unit!
You are going to spend the next few weeks writing your very own realistic fiction story which you will then turn into your own book. Here’s your first task.
1. Watch the Jack Gantos video and listen to him tell the story of Zippy the Roach. Jack is excellent at using ideas from his OWN life to influence the stories he writes in his books. He’s pretty funny, as you will see.
2. Let’s dig within our own lives for stories that may be hiding and worth writing about. Using a piece of paper, draw a map of the inside of your own house–you can include all levels of your house, your backyard, and even your driveway. Drawing a map of our house may help us remind us or reveal stories that hide within our house–either in our bedroom, in the kitchen, backyard, wherever! You heard Jack’s story that started in his own house.
Take your time drawing your house map. The slowness of the drawing gives you time to reflect on what events happened, where they happened, and how they happened. Your parents may be able to help you remember various things that have happened within your house that you may wish to include in your map. Hand in your map on the VLE.
Jack’s map of his house
Math–In the first task, underline the clues in the questions to decide whether they are multiplication or division questions. Then write the equation. For example, an equation could look like this: 25÷5=5 or 5 x 5 = 25
There’s no spot for solving the problem, but try to figure out the answers in your own space! Hand in on the VLE.
Science–Tomorrow (Tuesday), Doug from Mystery Doug is inviting students into his home for a LIVE, 20-minute science show. He’ll answer real kids’ questions about the current situation we’re all dealing with, as well as share a few fun surprises. Tune in at 1:00 pm at mysteryscience.com/live
As usual, Doug will be talking with students in grades K-5 in mind. The video will be available for offline viewing at the link above after the event.
Draw a plant on a piece of paper. Fill the page. Identify the major parts of the plant including root, stem, flower, leaf, seed, and fruit. Bonus: add to your diagram where the stamen and pistil would be! See the video I included to help you.
Read the following 3 books that have been assigned to you on Epic.
1. Roots
2. Stem
3. Leaves
Harry’s family have shared with me a 31 Day Lego Challenge for anyone out there who’s interested! Check it out!
Perhaps you’ve heard that a famous storyteller, book-writer, and lover of words has passed away on March 30th. His name is Tomie de Paola and he’s on my list of favourite children’s authors.
As a kid, I absolutely LOVED the classic story of Strega Nona. I mean, who doesn’t love a story about overflowing spaghetti in a town? Afterall, spaghetti is my favourite dish! I’ve assigned it to all of you so you can listen to it yourselves on Epic.
Lucky for us, Tomie de Paola’s legacy will live on through his many books 🙂
-First, write your journal entry. Try to write your journal entries in the same place each time, whether that is in Google Docs, in a journal or in a booklet of some kind.
– Community letter on Google Docs
– Biography in a Bag project–email me if you have any questions.
– 30+ minutes of DEAR time each and every day
Math–Do your multiplication quiz. Catch up on any Mathletics or the division math practice from Wednesday.
Science–I’ve assigned everyone a few PLANT books on Epic. After reading, create a Google Doc or a hand-written note listing all the ways that plants are helpful to humans. You may include headings or subtitles to help organize your findings. Include at least 5 pictures in your document. After reading the book “Healing Plants” and “How are Plants Helpful” on Epic, try the quizzes.
Religion–Palm Sunday is this Sunday. It marks the beginning of Holy Week. Watch the video below and try to make your very own palm frond.
Want another idea? Get ready for Easter by making this Easter surprise!
As I sit here at 4:00pm after the first day back at school, a teacher can’t help but reflect on the day. It feels wonderful to be back where we all should be…together, in a class, learning and laughing…in person!
