Reading, Marine Teams, the father of New France, Wagner, Long houses and P.E.

We began the day with a 'Show and Tell' T brought in a hand painted rain stick and some art she did with her mom the night before.  This was followed by reading.



 Reading is an important skill in which children should participate in and practice on a regular basis. Ms. K and I assign levelled reading tests and at times we give the students free choice.  At times students can be (and at times should be) left to choose their own reading and writing topics.

After reading Ms. K came into class and we introduced the Super Awesome Marine Teams to study, and become experts in creatures in our amazing marine tank near the office.  We talked about forming teams, we also showed them a sample of the type of project they are going to complete on another blog which we will link to this one.  It is great to have Ms. K available for one period as week where we can team teach together.  Ms. K is an amazing resource for information on the Sea aquarium and adds a lot of personal love and energy to the topic which also really makes the students excited about the Marine aquarium.  In the first 10 minutes I learned 3 things I did not know and even earned a respect for sea slugs

Ms. K telling using the internet to share information with us

After Recess, for our famous person study, we picked the father of Quebec (New France)  Samuel de Champlain We talked about how Canada is a dual country (French, English) and how it shapes us as a Nation.

Students with their finished Champlain one page reports

For math the students worked on complicated addition problems.  These involved addition where parts of the questions are given and part of the questions are blank.  The format alone threw off some students, however, most people managed to work through at least a few of the questions.  It challenged their addition skills by making sure the students, instead of working like robots through questions had to think every step.  It is trickier than it looks.  The students worked in groups as they talk math and strategy and help each other when they need help.  Two minds being bigger than one.

Students were allowed to use a calculator... It didn't really help but they felt better with one... ha ha

After Lunch, the students not in choir, listened to, and did a one page report on  Richard Wagner a German born composer best known for his operas.  

After choir the students worked on finishing up their Long House Dioramas and one page reports.  We talked about how, because of the access to year-round food, the coastal First Nations were able to build year around large permanent settlements.  

We ended the day with a short Gym period because the students worked so hard on their socials projects.   See you all tomorrow... Mr. W

P.s. I will put up the pictures later when I am home...