Data Management Test Wednesday!

To wrap up our Data Management Unit before the holidays, we will be having a test on Wednesday. Students have found this unit to be fairly easy, with the exception of finding the mean, median and mode. In particular, at this grade level students are given problems in which they are given the mean and a few values, and have to find one or more missing values.

I often encourage students to "work backwards" when solving these problems. For example, to find the mean, we usually use 2 steps:

1. add up all the values
2. divide by the number of values

To work backwards then, I ask them to:

1. multiply the mean by the number of values
2. subtract the values given to find the missing one. If there is more than one, then any combination that adds to the amount is fine.

Here is an example of a problem:

Herny's scores on a series of tests were: 12, 14, 15, 16 and 10. His mean score is 13. He is missing one test. What did he get on the missing test?

1. multiply: 13 x 6 = 78
2. subtract: 78-12-14-15-16-10 = 11. The missing score is 11.

Another area that students sometimes have difficulty with is constructing good survey questions. I encourage students to:

1. make sure the question is very clear
2. give a few possible answers rather than leaving the options completely open
3. ensure that only one question is being asked. You cannot ask multiple questions in one survey question. You must write another question.

Here is the Blendpace unit for Data Management. If students can do all of this well, they will have no difficulty with the test.

Data Management Blendspace

The Angel Tree Needs our Help!

Once again at St. Anne our Angel Tree Project is ready to go for this Christmas Season. Every year, families at St. Anne are asked to select an Angel from our tree to purchase a gift for a child who may not otherwise get one. Please write a note in your child’s agenda to let their teacher know to send them to get an angel off the tree.  Their angel will be pink for girls, or blue for boys, and the age of the child will be written on the back. Please purchase a gift for the child and return it to the school by Wednesday, December 9th. Gifts will then be delivered to the students before the Christmas holiday. Thank you in advance for making a child’s Christmas one that they will not forget!

http://www.drawingsomeone.com/christmas-angel-drawing/

Self-Monitoring

In language we are beginning to learn about a new reading strategy called "Self-Monitoring" This simply means asking ourselves if we are understanding as we read, and if not, using strategies to correct ourselves so that we can understand. Today we developed an anchor chart, but here is a slideshow we will be going over in class to assist us in understanding what self-monitoring means:

Self Monitoring

As we go through this unit, we will be reading some excerpts from our religion text and Bibles, as well as continuing to read from our read aloud "Where the Red Fern Grows". One important skill related to self-monitoring is the ability to ask "thick" and "thin" questions. "Thick" questions are those that require some thinking about, or those for which there isn't really any answer in the text. "Thin" questions are those that are easily found by reading the text - for example, Who is the main character?

If you are reading at home with your child, encourage him/her to ask thick questions as they are reading and discuss those questions. Try to encourage your child to answer using specific examples directly from the text. Usually, when students are able to express their ideas orally, they are soon ready to write out those answers on paper. 

Data Management

We have started our next math unit which will focus on data management. In this unit we will be learning about creating, understanding and interpreting graphs, conducting surveys, finding mean, median and mode, and creating scatter plots. We will also be reviewing  about coordinate grids and plotting points on them, which is a skill most students have already learned.

A good portion of this unit will be taught using the lesson from the Ministry of Ontario document, "Data Management and Probability, Grade 4 -6 - A guide to Effective instruction in mathematics". It is available here, and is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to gain a deeper understanding of the level of depth the curriculum goes to in teaching these concepts, as well as the methodology that may be used.

Below is a Blendspace unit I assembled to assist students and parents in reviewing the material and developing understanding at home.

Special Pyjama day for Pyjama Patrol on Monday!

At St. Anne we are going to have a pyjama day on Monday, November 30, 2015. On Monday, we would like students to wear their favourite pyjamas and please bring in a donation or a brand new pair of children’s sized pajamas to support the Pyjama Patrol Project. Students can wear pajamas, slippers, and bring in a stuffed animal if they wish. We hope everyone can participate and enjoy wearing their PJ’s to school!

Constructing Shapes in Geometry

Lately in class we have been learning geometry. One part of this that students often have difficulty with is constructing shapes using specific angles and side measurements. For example, in the video below, the question posed is to construct a parallelogram called BACD so that

• AC = BD = 5cm
• BA = DC = 2cm 
• angle ABD = 120 degrees and angle BDC = 60 degrees

When I teach students how to construct these shapes, I first ask them to make a sketch of the shape they are supposed to be drawing if possible. In this case, they should make a sketch of a parallelogram. They also need to stop and think at this moment about what they know about a parallelogram:

• opposite sides have to be equal and parallel
• opposite angles have to be equal 

At this point, students can sketch the parallelogram and  place the labels in the appropriate places. At this time, they can ensure they have the correct lengths and angles in all the right places as well, before they start actually drawing their shape using a ruler and protractor. To see how to draw the shape accurately, please watch the video below.

Digital Citizenship and Samaritans on the Digital Road

This week is Anti-Bullying week and so we are going to be teaching a number of lessons on Digital Citizenship, and good citizenship in general. These are excellent lessons that clearly show the importance of being a good citizen, as well as a good digital citizen, in our community and our lives. They are very connected to our religion program as well. The lessons on digital citizenship will include a culminating task that we will begin next week.

Please encourage your child to talk about what they have learned about being a good citizen throughout the day and how they can apply what they have learned in their day to day lives.

Have a wonderful Anti-Bullying week!

Monthly Blog Challenge is On!

Today we looked at our teams for the Monthly Blog Challenge and found out how we can read our teammates blogs. If you look under "Homework Links" on the right hand side of the page, you will see a link to the Monthly Blog Challenge site that I have set up, as well as the link to the teams.

This week we are focusing on writing a comment for our teammates. Click here to see the post I made with an example of a good blog comment as well as a link to the criteria for commenting that we will be using.

I am hoping that students enjoy reading each others work and are motivated to do their best writing. Blogging is a skill that students will be influenced by for a long time, so it is important to learn to use blogging skills appropriately. If you have any questions about the Challenge, please feel free to contact me at school. 

Next Science Unit: Electricity

We have begun our second science unit this year, which we will be studying until the end of January. 
Here is what we will be covering in this unit:

Big Ideas:

Fundamental Concepts: Energy 
Big Ideas: Electrical energy can be transformed into other forms of energy.

Fundamental Concepts: Systems and Interactions 
Big Ideas: Other forms of energy can be transformed into electrical energy. 

Fundamental Concepts: Sustainability and Stewardship 
Big Ideas:

• Electrical energy plays a significant role in society, and its production has an impact on the environment. 

• Society must find ways to minimize the impact of energy production on the environment.  

Specific expectations:

1.1 assess the short- and long-term environmental effects of the different ways in which electricity is generated in Canada

1.2 assess opportunities for reducing electricity consumption at home or at school that could affect the use of non-renewable resources in a positive way or reduce the impact of electricity generation on the environment 

2.1 follow established safety procedures for working with electricity

2.2 design and build series and parallel circuits, draw labelled diagrams identifying the components used in each, and describe the role of each component in the circuit

2.3 use scientific inquiry/experimentation skills to investigate the characteristics of static electricity 

2.4 design, build, and test a device that produces electricity

3.1 distinguish between current and static electricity

3.2 use the principles of static electricity to explain common electrostatic phenomena

3.3 identify materials that are good conductors of electricity (e.g., copper, gold, silver, aluminum, water [when it has a high mineral content]) and good insulators (e.g., glass, plastic, rubber, ceramics) 
3.4 describe how various forms of energy can be transformed into electrical energy
3.5 identify ways in which electrical energy is transformed into other forms of energy 
3.6 explain the functions of the components of a simple electrical circuit  
3.7 describe series circuits (components connected in a daisy chain) and parallel circuits (components connected side by side like the rungs of a ladder), and identify where each is used.
3.8 describe ways in which the use of electricity by society, including the amount of electrical energy used, has changed over time

Here is a blendspace page that covers most of the expectations in this unit. 

How to write a Blog Comment

Today we learned about how to write a blog comment according to specific criteria. Here is a picture of the anchor chart we have in our class to remind how to make a good blog comment:

We also made a blog comment together based on a blog entry we wrote on Friday. Here is a good sample blog entry and comment:

The little red wagon was screaming at the children. It begged them to take it down the hill. The three children, a small boy named Joey, a girl in a beautiful white dress named Mags, and an older blond boy named David who was obviously the leader of the pack. The The girl in white jumped into the front, and the littel boy behind her. David pushed the red wagon from behind down the steepest part of Mulberry Hill. David pushed and pushed and pushed. He was small, but he had strength like no other boys. As he ran behind the wagon, it started to roll ever more quickly. He could taste the sweat from running rolliwng down his head and into his mouth. The fresh crisp autumn air filled his nostrils with smell sof broken leaves and pumpkin pie. The wind pushed at him and the wagon as it accelerated faster and faster own the slope. Suddentl ythe wagon jumped like it had a mind of its own.

Comment:

Mr. Pouliot, Your hook  sentence was really good and it made me want to read more. You may want to check your spelling in the future because some words were spelled incorrectly. I remember when my brother was riding a bike with me in autumn and I could feel the same way as the story was when it said about the air in my nostrils and pumpkin pie. Have you ever had an experience like this Mr. Pouliot?

Finally, here is the link to the criteria we will be using to assess and evaluate blog entries and comments. We will be reviewing these in class as well.

In math, we are beginning to learn about how to construct shapes using specific attributes such as angles and side lengths. Today we focused on making triangles with specific lengths for each side. In order to do this, we need to use a ruler and a compass. Tomorrow we will be learning about how to construct different shapes using a ruler and protractor. If you have a geometry set for your child at home, please try to ensure they bring it to school as it will be very helpful for them in completing their work.

Geometry has begun and The Great Crepe Battle

In math, we have begun learning about 2D geometry. Our first lesson was a review of how to use a protractor to measure angles and we learned about a new type of angle - the reflex angle. Today we learned about classifying shapes according to attributes and learned about concave and convex shapes. Next week, we will begin constructing shapes according to specific parameters. Students usually have a difficult time with this concept. It is helpful if students have their protractors and compasses for this lesson, so please remind your child to bring his/her geometry set next week.

In language, we finished reading a script called "The Great Crepe Battle" which is an adaptation of the Ballad of John Henry. Since we are learning about the skill of sequencing, we identified the main events in the story in random order. Students are arranging the events into the correct order and making a comic strip about it using Bitstrips, or by drawing it on paper. I left the choice to them.

Change to Homework Routine

This week, I will be implementing a small change to our homework routine. I would like to be able to connect our math lessons more directly to homework, so that students can either practice the material we learned in class that day, or examine the material beforehand in order to do a rich learning task with a little background knowledge.

To this end, I will be changing the math part of our homework routine a little bit. For math homework, there will be items due throughout the week instead of only on Mondays. Students will write down their homework in their agendas and I will post it on the blog as well. All other homework - Raz-Kids, Literature circles, and Xtramath - will remain due on Mondays. If you have any questions about our homework, please feel free to contact me at the school.

Math Test Friday, October 30th

We will be having a math test on Friday morning which will cover everything we have learned in our whole numbers unit. The Blendspace unit below includes everything students need to know to do well on this test. Please encourage your child to practice in Blendspace to assist them in reviewing for the test. We will be reviewing the concepts this week in class as well. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at the school.

Blog Writing Challenge today!

This week for homework we are going to write a blog post describing this scary moment! Remember to use the "Explode the Moment" technique we learned in class!

Science test Monday,November 2nd

On Monday, November 2nd, we will be having our first science test for Biodiversity. Throughout this unit, students have done a number of inquiries to learn about what makes a living thing, the importance of Biodiveristy and how to classify plants and animals. We will be reading over some study notes tomorrow and playing some Kahoot games to practice our learning and review. Here is the link to the study notes that you can review with your child to study for the test this week. The links to the Kahoot games we played are at the bottom. Try playing these games with your child to review the concepts as well!

Biodiversity Study notes

United Way Fundraising Next Week!

Next week there will be a few special days to raise money for United Way. Bring a donation to particiapte in each day:

Monday - Pyjama Day
Tuesday - Hat day
Wednesday - Senators day
Thursday - School Colours day (Blue & White)
Friday - Orange and Black day

Friday is also the day of the News Show. Parents are invited to the Gym at 1PM to watch children perform!

Sadako, Report Writing & Long Division

Today we finished reading Sadako & the Thousand Paper Cranes. It is quite a sad story. Tomorrow we will spend a little time learning about how to make paper cranes, and we will reflect a little on the story.

We also compared our reports that we wrote yesterday to some exemplars and then judged our own work. We also looked at the success criteria developed in class, and then gave ourselves a mark, as part of our self-evaluation of our work. I will be marking these as well, and giving some feedback to students about what they did well and some areas of improvement.

We will be writing more reports over the next little while to continue practicing this important text form.

In math, we learned about long division with 2 digit divisors today. Attached is a Show Me I created to help review how to do the steps of long division. This is a concept that many students struggle with, so reviewing this may be of benefit for your child.

Long Division

A Note About Picture Day Tomorrow

For picture day tomorrow, the photographer has asked that students do not wear anything green, so as to not blend in with the greenscreen background. Thank you!

Grade 6 Picture day is Friday, October 23rd

Just a reminder that the picture day for the grade 6's will be Friday this week. This is just regular pictures. Later in the year, there will also be graduation pictures with a cap and gown. I will advise about graduation photos when I know more.

Have a wonderful day!

School Cash Online

Mrs. Campbell has informed us that 63% of our student population has been registered for School Cash online, which is a convenient way to pay for school activity fees, field trips, etc. For the grade 6's, we will be going on a field trip on Wenesday, October 28th to the Canadian Museum of Nature. If you have not been able to pay your child's activity fee yet, please use this convenient service to do so if possible. In grade 6, we need to collect activity fees in order to be able to pay for the cost of the trip. Here is a breakdown of how we have used the activity fee for grade 6 this year:

Agenda: $10
French: $5
Field trip; $14.60 - (8.50 per child + tax, plus $5 for the cost of the bus)

Remembrance Day Request

In preparation for Remembrance Day, we are asking all families to consider sending in a photo of a family member (Uncle/Aunt, Parent, Grandparent, Cousin: past or present) who has served in the military. We ask that with the photo you include the name of the student affiliated with the photo as well as the name and rank or position (i.e: nurse or Corporal) of the family member in the photo.

We will be sharing these photos via a slideshow during our Remembrance Day ceremonies.

We are asking for digital photos only. Deadline for entry is Wednesday, November 4th.

Photos can be emailed to sam.robinson@ocsb.ca

Thanks!

Multiplication, Report writing & Spooky houses

Today in math we practiced what we learned yesterday about multiplication. Yesterday we solved some problems involving multiplication of larger numbers, specifically 3 digit by 2 digit numbers. We learned three ways to multiply:

1) Break apart method; 198 x 23

• 8 x 3 = 24
• 90 x 3 = 270
• 100 x 3 = 300
• 8 x 20 = 160
• 90 x 20 = 1800
• 100 x 20 = 2000
• added together 2000 + 1800 + 160 + 300 + 270 + 24 = 4554

2) Lattice multiplication: Click here for video explaining

3) Standard method: Here

I encouraged students to use whichever method works for them, but to be aware that there is more than one way to multiply. When they do EQAO, the focus is not so much on being able to multiply, but rather being able to solve problems involving multiplication, including multi-step problems that combine concepts from a variety of strands (eg. number sense and measurement). This is something we will be practicing a lot this year. 

In language, we are working on writing reports using an essay format by following an outline. Today, we finished writing a report about Great White sharks in groups using an outline at the front of the class. Then we did a "gallery walk" and looked at the work others groups did using the same outline. Students were encouraged to make comments to help each group improve their work. Tomorrow, we will be writing report individually from a common outline that I will provide. Then they will use the success criteria developed in class to improve their work, along with the bump it up wall. 

In art today, we started working on "Spooky Houses" for Halloween. Students first have to make a house and colour it black, with yellow windows. Next we will paint the backgrounds using watercolours for the sky. Here is an example of what I am hoping they will turn out like:

Tomorrow is Blue Jay Day

To support the Blue Jays, we are asking students to wear blue tomorrow. Wear blue to support our Canadian team!

Changes to Blog Platform

As you may have noticed last week, Kidblog has gone to a membership fee model instead of being free for teachers. Sadly, this means that I will have to change the platform for students to blog in. Kidblog was ideal because it kept the blogs visible only to the students in our class, and anyone else specifically invited. I will be looking at a few options for blogging with the class as we go forward. For this week, please have your child write their blog post on paper. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Prime & Composite Numbers

Today we learned about prime and composite numbers. Before learning about this concept, we needed to review what factors and products are. Here is a link to a presentation that can help students to better understand these concepts. This may be helpful to review later for a quiz. Please feel free to download, save, copy and distribute these presentations any time. They are being made to be used. The more people they can help, the better!

Prime and Composite Numbers

Mental Math & Outlining

 Today in math we studied some mental math strategies to assist us in performing operations quickly in our heads. Click the link below to see the strategies that we learned.

Mental Math Strategies

In language, we are learning how to write a detailed report using multiple paragraphs. Today, we learned how to use the facts we read about Cheetahs earlier in this unit to organize our thoughts into an outline. Tomorrow we will use some facts about an animal to make our own outlines to practice this important skill. Here is a link to the success criteria, rubric and planning sheets we will use to be successful for our reports:

Information report success criteria

Order of Operations

Another math concept we learned about this week was the order of operations, which we can use to come to a consensus about a "correct" answer when doing multiple operations. Perhaps you remember BEDMAS from school? This is what we learned this week! 

We were lucky to have Ms. Akra teach this lesson. First, we looked at a number sentence (9 + 3 x 6 - 4) and tried to come up with as many different answers as possible. We saw that there are lots of different answers we could potentially come up with using this number sentence. However, Ms. Akra told the class that the correct answer is actually 23. Was anyone able to find a way to perform the operation that would give us that answer? Of course! Then she introduced BEDMAS:

Brackets

Exponents (which we do not study in grade 6)

Division

Multiplication   ---> division and multiplication are done in the order they appear in the problem

Addition

Subtraction    ---> addition and subtraction are done in the order they appear in the problem.

Here are some videos that may help to explain this concept in more detail. We watched this first one in class:

TVO Kids Order of Operations

Comparing and Ordering Numbers

This week we learned about how to compare and order larger numbers. Before students can really be successful at this skill, they need to have a fairly solid understanding of place value. That is why we teach place value first, before this concept.

The biggest idea that students have to remember about comparing and ordering numbers, and about place value in general, is that as we go further left in a number, the value becomes larger. For example, I would rather have 1 thousand dollars than 9 tens (or 90) dollars. Even though the digit is larger, the value of the 1 is more because it is in the thousands column (it is worth one thousand).

When comparing and ordering numbers, I encourage students to "stack" the numbers on top of each other, paying close attention to keeping the columns lined up. This helps them to clearly see which digit in each column is larger. See the attached presentation for an example. In class, we did an activity in which students worked in pairs to order the areas of a number of countries from greatest to least. We used place value charts to assist us with the activity. If your child needs to use a place value chart (or the "houses" idea like we did in this post) then that is fine. Students are encouraged to use whatever tools they can to help them understand concepts.

Comparing and Ordering Numbers Grade 6

Multiples, Sadako & Report Writing

Today in our morning class we learned about common multiples. First we practiced identifying multiples and played a game called Buzz, and then we attempted to solve our challenge problem:

A radio show is having a phone in contest. Every 3rd caller gets a t-shirt. Every 7th caller gets a baseball cap. In 50 callers, how many people would get both a t-shirt and a baseball cap?

We solved this problem in partners and wrote our results on chart paper. Many students were able to find solutions to the problem by using a variety of strategies: number lines, use of multiples, listing numbers and circling multiples, and using division. We saw that while all the strategies worked, some were more accurate or more efficient than others.

We then discussed the concept of common multiples, and looked at a way to find common multiples easily. We will practice this a little more tomorrow for Bell Work.

Here is a link to our Blendspace unit that we will be using regularly to help reinforce concepts around whole numbers and place value. Boxes 10, 11 & 12 are all related to common multiples.

Multiples Blendspace

In language, we have begun reading a short novel called Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. It is a story about a Japanese girl in Hiroshima about ten years after WWII, who contracts leukemia as a result of the atomic bomb. She believes that if she can make one thousand paper cranes, she will get well. I have been fortunate enough to visit Hiroshima and have been able to tell the students a little bit about what I saw when I was there, and some background information about Japanese culture. The students all seem to be really enjoying this story so far.

We are also writing reports as part of finishing up our unit on Analyzing. We will be learning about writing information reports that use an introduction paragraph, three main ideas and a conclusion paragraph. Today we read and looked at the structure of a report about Space telescopes. We will be writing a report together as a class, building a Bump it Up wall and then writing reports of our own.

Place Value & the "House" System

Today we began learning about place value in math. We watched the above video that explains how our place value system works up to the hundred millions. In grade 6, although not part of the formal curriculum, I tend to teach students up to the billions. We learn about each section being called a "house" or a "period", and with each period is a ones, tens and hundreds column. This helps us when we are trying to say larger numbers.



We also learn how to express numbers in 3 ways: standard form, expanded form and word form. Here is an example of each, for the number 234,675,873



Standard form: 234,675,873



Expanded Form:  200,000,000 + 30,000,000+4,000,000+600,000+70,000+5,000+800+70+3



Word form: 234 million, 675 thousand, 873



Finally, we learn to replace values with each column to come up with new numbers, For example, in the above number, what new number might I get if I added 3 more in the hundred thousands column?



First, look at the hundred thousands column, there is a 6, so it is worth 600,000.

Next, add 3 to the 6 = 9 --> but this is in the hundred thousands column, so it is worth 900,000!

Finally, change the number to reflect the new amount: 234,975,873.



We will be continuing to practice this tomorrow as well. Please let me know if your child is having difficulty with this, as it forms a foundation for other concepts.



Later in this unit we will be learning about multiplying and dividing larger numbers, identifying prime and composite numbers, comparing and ordering whole numbers, using the order of operations (BEDMAS), and adding and subtracting larger numbers.

Special Lunar Eclipse tonight!

OTonight there will be a very special lunar eclipse. It will start at about 8:00 PM. It is special because not only is there an eclipse, but the moon is closer to the earth then regularly. Since we will be studying Space towards the end of the school year this is an ideal opportunity to learn about one of the topics we will be studying.

So here is your challenge. Learn everything you can about how lunar eclipses occur and bring your information to school. Watch the lunar eclipse tonight if you can and take a few pictures. We will try to have a discussion about it tomorrow. Enjoy the show!

For more information see this article from CBC.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/look-up-sunday-night-f-plus-total-lunar-eclipse-equals-rare-sky-show-1.3241767

Link for School Climate survey - Students only

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/stusep15

Introducing Ms. Akra!

We are very fortunate this year to have a student teacher in our classroom. Ms. Akra is a student at the University of Ottawa and will be in our class every Wednesday until just before Christmas, and then for two weeks straight. Later in the year she will be in our class from February until April completing her practicum. Ms. Akra is a talented, experienced person who is very eager and anxious to begin helping our students succeed. She has a Masters in Biochemistry, and has worked with Syrian refugee children, which prompted her to pursue a career in teaching. The students are excited to have her in class and we are looking forward to seeing her throughout the year. Welcome Ms. Akra!

Our first Liturgy, Annual Canned Food Drive and Pizza Forms

Our first school Liturgy will take place on September 29th at 11AM in the gym. Parents are welcome to attend.

The Kingdom Club's Annual Canned Food Drive will be taking place from September 30th - October 8th. This year they have a goal of reaching 1200 canned food items. There will be a prize for the class that brings in the most cans, so please give generously! Here is an announcement from the students of the Kingdom Club:

The Kingdom Club is going to be holding its annual Canned Food Drive for St. Anne school from September 30th until October 8th. All canned food donations will be going to the Kanata Food Cupboard. Some examples of items that can be brought in are Salmon/flaked meat, granola bars, canned fruit, canned kidney beans/chickpeas or any canned peas, packaged rice and much more. There will be a prize for the class that brings in the most canned items. Last year it was Miss Bonte's class, can they redeem their victory? Please donate any canned foods from September 30 to October 8, 2015.

Finally, pizza forms went home today. Pizza will be delivered to classrooms every Wednesday beginning October 14th. These forms are due Tuesday, September 29th. Late forms will not be accepted. 

Raz-Kids Not Working

Raz-Kids does not seem to be working properly as of yesterday. Thus, students will not be able to complete the Raz-Kids portion of their homework for this week. Please do not worry abou this. Hopefully, we will have access to this program throughout the school year, and this is a minor interruption. I apologize for any inconvenience.

Next week, we will be starting our Literature circle units. If you would like to see what this entails please click the link below. If you have any questions about the homework, please feel free to contact me and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Again, I apologize for the interruption this week.

Literature Circles

Our first Reading Skill - Analyzing

Last week we began learning about our first reading skill of the year - analyzing. In class, we defined analyzing as finding the facts in the text. We usually use this skill when reading non-fiction, but it can be used in all sorts of texts. Analyzing is a skill in which we need to determine the main idea the author is trying to convey, and then the facts (or details) that support the main idea.

We are reading a book about cheetahs in class and recording all of the new facts we are learning as we read. As part of our shared reading practice, we have been reading an article called "The Truth about Canada's Air Pollution" and creating Google Slide presentations to find the main idea and details of each section. When finished, students will present these presentations to the class.

Moving forward, we will continue to read some articles in a magazine about energy conservation and identify main ideas and details. I will also be conferencing with students to identify their strengths and weaknesses as readers. Finally, we will be doing some practice EQAO questions using non-fiction text to develop our ability to answer questions in the most detailed manner for the provincial testing at the end of the year.

For a short video about what Analyzing is, please click the link below. It encompasses the main ideas we discussed in class as we built an anchor chart about analyzing. Please feel free to review these concepts with your child at home. If you are reading non-fiction text with your child, try asking about facts in the text, and what the main idea is. Students often need a great deal of practice with these concepts to further develop their understanding and ability to analyze a text effectively.

Analyzing - FInding the Facts!

First Math Test Friday!

This Friday we will have our first math test. The unit we have been covering is patterning, so this test will cover the four major topics in this unit. Below is a Blendspace lesson that covers most of the concepts we learned in class. If your child can perform these skills without difficulty, he/she should do just fine on our test!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me and I will be certain to get in touch.

Number Patterns & Solving Equations

In our math class on Tuesday, we began learning about how to identify and create number patterns. In grade 6 the patterns become much more complicated because they involve two operations to solve the pattern. Students often find these types of patterns to be the most difficult. The trick to solving these is to have students identify a pattern in the differences between the terms. For instance, if the differences in the terms seem to be doubling, then that is a good clue that the first part of the pattern is to multiply by 2. Then they test it in the pattern to figure out the second part of the pattern. Here is a link to a lesson that can help to explain how to find number patterns. Please review this with your child at home so that they can better understand these types of patterns.

Number Patterns

On Wednesday, we began learning about how to solve simple equations, for example x + 9 = 12. For some students this is the first time they have learned about variables. We learn that a variable is simply an unknown number in an equation. We also learn more about what an equation actually is. We teach students that equations are number sentences that have an equal sign and are equal on both sides of the equal sign. For example, 4+2=6 is an equation. 4+2=9 is not an equation. Here is a link to a presentation that I showed the class about solving equations. 

Solving Equations

If you have any questions about the subject material, or your child is having difficulty with it in Prodigy, please let me know by writing a note in the agenda. I can work with them independently to better their understanding of this material. 

Input/Output Machines

Today we learned about Input/Output Machines. Please click this link for a page that describes our thinking.

Off to a Great Start!

Our school year has begun with a bang! I am always amazed at how fast students (and teachers!) settle back into the routine of school.

This week we have been doing a lot of "Getting to know You" activities and celebrating our uniqueness. We have been making pennants, setting goals for the year, and conducting interviews of our peers in order to better get to know each other. Grade 6 is an important year for fostering friendships that students will carry into Holy Trinity, so it is important to help students learn as much as they can about their peers.

Today we read a number of friendly letters and ordered by level, and then talked about how we could improve each one to "Bump it Up" to the next level. Students had some excellent ideas and we wrote these down on our Bump it Up Wall, which you will be able to see on our Open House night. Tomorrow, students will have a chance to write a friendly letter to themselves at the end of Grade 6. I think they will enjoy reading them at the end of the year!

We will begin our first math unit on Monday. This unit will focus on patterning and algebra. I will post some of the lesson material as we go through it next week.

Our homework routine will begin next week as well. Please check the sidebar on the right for the weekly homework, or look in your child's agenda. Homework is given on Mondays, and will be due the following Monday.

Finally, our Back to School night is Wednesday, September 16th from 5-7PM. There will be a BQQ from 5-6, and classroom visits from 6-7. I look forward to meeting you then.

Welcome to Grade 6!

It is my pleasure to be teaching your child this year! I look forward to working closely with you and getting to know your child. You are your child's first teacher, and together we can help your child meet the provincial expectations for this year. We will be starting the year by getting to know each other, our individual strengths, interests and needs. The emphasis with students is that effort is more important than ability in achieving success and that a student's "job" is to work hard and try their best.

Please encourage your child to discuss what has gone on at school each day. Set aside 40-50 minutes for homework every night. Most students will have some reading and literature circle work, Prodigy math and some math fact practice. Homework will be written in their agenda books on Mondays. Homework will generally be due on Mondays, so that students have a weekend to complete it if necessary. This homework routine is very important. Homework will be posted on this blog under the "Homework" sidebar on the right, so you may check here if your child has misplaced his/her agenda.

We will be starting the year with a number of "Getting to Know You" activities. In language we will be writing letters to ourselves, learning about using self-monitoring strategies to assist us in understanding what we read, and beginning our spelling program. In math, we will begin the year by investigating number patterns, some basic algebra and integers.

In the afternoon class, we will be learning about biodiversity in science and practising following directions and basic movement, strength and flexibility skills in Phys-Ed. In the arts we will begin the year studying visual art.

This year, the Grade 6's will be using a few websites to help facilitate learning. We will be using Google Apps, Kidblog, Xtramath, Prodigy and a number of other applications to demonstrate our learning. More information and permission forms will be sent home as we begin to use these programs. For now, please follow our class Twitter account at @MrPouliot. We will be tweeting regularly to update everyone on our learning journey.

Finally, I would like to invite any parent who is interested in getting involved in our class to contact me at the school The more the merrier, and extra hands are ALWAYS welcome!

Reports go home today & Information about the Grade 6 Clap-Out

Report cards are going home today for he grade 6 students. In the report cards there are also 2 pages that give some information about Holy Trinity next year. Also, if your child was confirmed, their confirmation certificate is enclosed.

Students have already had an opportunity to read their report cards, so please encourage them to share their thoughts about their progress with you. The end of the year is a good time to reflect on goals for the future!

Finally, the clap out for the grade 6's will take place at 3:30 PM on Thursday. St. Anne students will be in the halls to "clap out" the grade 6's as they make their way out of the school. Parents are welcome to attend.

It has been a fantastic year with the grade 6's. They are a wonderful group of young people, and I have been honoured  to be their teacher. Thank you for all your support this year. Have a wonderful summer!

Mr. Pouliot

Year End Trip is on Monday!

Just a reminder that the year en trip for the grade 6's is on Monday, June 15th. We are leaving the school at 9:15AM and returning at about 6:00PM. Here is the note that went home about the trip and the Leaving Ceremony:

Year End Trip & Leaving Ceremony Letter

Scientists in Schools - Flight

On Wednesday, June 3rd, our afternoon class will be participating in a workshop with Scientists in Schools to learn more about Air and Flight. There is no cost for this, as the funds have been generously provided by parent council. Thank you!

Reminder about Confirmation Meeting for Parents

Just a quick reminder that there will be a mandatory meeting for parents whose children will be participating in Confirmation on May 27th at 7:30 PM. The meeting will take place at St. Patrick's Parish.

Confirmation for the grade 6 students will be on June 2 at 7:00 PM. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

EQAO Testing begins next week!

Just a reminder that the EQAO testing will begin on Monday for the grade 6's this year. We have been working hard this year with this test in mind and the students are well-prepared. We will be testing 1st and 2nd blocks. There are a few things that you can do at home to assist your child in doing his or her best during the tests:

1. Get lots of sleep. Students will be able to think more clearly and perform better if they have a good night's rest. Try to encourage your child to go to bed a little earlier than usual for this week.
2. Eat well. Especially a good breakfast to get the day started off with the energy your child needs to perform at his or her best.
3. Relax. There will be no homework for this week. I want students to simply relax, and enjoy doing something other than school, so they can better focus when they need to. Also, the testing can be stressful for many students, please remind them that while the tests are important, they in no way impact their future, their report cards or anything else. They are just there to provide information to schools and parents about how well everyone is doing. Please let me know if your child is upset about the testing and I will explain this to them as well. 

There is a wealth of information about the EQAO testing process on their website. You can find the parent resources here.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the testing process. Good luck!

Transformations!

We have begun our unit on transformations in geometry - which is moving shapes on a grid. Here is a Blendspace unit that covers most of what we will be looking at.

We haven't had a test for Area yet, as I will be assessing that unit through our EQAO practice questions over the next few weeks before EQAO. As a reminder, EQAO will occur for grade 6 on May 25, 26 and 27th.

Here is the Blendspace unit:

Date Change for Confirmation

Father Simon has asked me to let everyone know that for those students celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation this year, the only date that the Sacrament will be held is on June 2nd. There will be no ceremony on June 1st. Again, the date for Confirmation is on June 2nd.

Father Simon also asked that I share this website with our parent community, as it is very valuable and informative, especially for those involved in Confirmation. Here is the site:

https://dynamiccatholic.com/confirmation/view-program/

End of Year Trip to Y-Camp in Dunrobin

On Friday a note went home for permission to attend our end of year trip to the Y-Camp in Dunrobin. On that note, it stated that the date for the trip is Friday, June 15th, which is a mistake. I apologize. The true date for the Y-Camp is Monday, June 15th. We will be leaving at around 9:15 and returning to school at about 6PM. Again, I apologize for the confusion.

Four Forces of Flight & Bernouille`s Principle

Today in Science we are learning about the 4 forces of flight. Click on the Blendspace lesson below, then do the activities in the websites. Before the block is done please complete the worksheet at the end, which you will also find in your Hapara folder. Good luck!

Air & Flight Blendspace lesson

Persuasive Writing

Our next unit in Language will be focusing on reading persuasive texts and writing a persuasive essay, which will be in the form of a movie review. Here is a Blendspace unit that goes over the main points of what we will learn.

More Measurement!

As we continue on in our measurement unit, we have been learning how to find the area of parallelograms and triangles. We will also be learning about finding the volume of triangular prisms and the surface area of triangular prisms.

Often students have difficulty with these latter concepts. They can be quite difficult, especially finding surface area of triangular prisms. I highly encourage students to continue working in Prodigy and to try the activities in the Blendspace units below to assist them in mastering these concepts.

Towards the end of our measurement unit, we will be looking at capacity and volume and measuring mass, along with metric conversions for these units.

EQAO is coming soon (May 25-29), so the final unit we will complete before the testing will be on transformational geometry, which is the movement of shapes on a grid. These involve flips (reflections), slides (translations) and turn (rotations). I will post a Blendspace lesson on these when we begin the unit.

In the meantime, here are some Blendspace lessons for area of parallelograms and triangles, as well as volume and surface area of triangular prisms.

Area Triangles:





Area of Parallelograms:




Volume of Triangular Prism:





Surface Area of Triangular Prism:

ShowMe explaining Surface Area

IXL practice for surface area and volume

Surface area of Rectangular Prisms

We are learning how to find the surface area of rectangular prisms. Here is a blendspace lesson to help review what we have learned.

Permission Forms for Transition Day sent home today...and T-shirts too!

Students were sent home with notes for attending Transition Day at Holy Trinity next Wednesday, the 8th of April. If your child misplaces his/her note, here is a copy that can be printed off as well. It is also fine to simply have a note written in the agenda detailing that it is ok for your child to attend.

T-shirts that were ordered before the March Break also arrived, and were handed out today! Enjoy!

Have a Happy Easter! God Bless.

Transition Day permission form

Reminder for Confirmation Forms

Just a reminder that if you are planning to have your child confirmed this year, the forms are due to the school by April 15th. You can find the forms here if they have been misplaced. There are also 2 meetings that must be attended by parents wishing to confirm their children. The dates for the meetings are:

• April 29th at 7:30PM at St. Patrick's Parish
• May 27th at 7:30PM at St. Patrick's Parish

The dates for Confirmation are June 1 & 2. If you have any questions about Confirmation, please feel free to contact myself at school or Father Simon at St. Patrick's Parish. 

Probability

We have begun our next unit in math - probability! This is closely connected to fractions, decimals and percents, which is why I have decided to teach it after those concepts. Here is a blendspace unit that covers much of what we will be learning through this unit.

Last Day to Order Grade 6 T-Shirts!

Today is the last day to order a T-shirt for grade 6. If you are interested you can order at this website:

Grade 6 T-shirt

Parent Information Night for Grade 7 at Holy Trinity

Please see the flyer below for information about the parent night at Holy Trinity. It is on April 1st at 7PM.

Information about Confirmation

Two notes went home today about the Grade 6 Sacrament of Confirmation. One note explains about the Sacrament, and the other is a form that must be returned to the school by April 15th. Additionally, there are 2 important meetings for parents that are mandatory in order for your child to receive the Sacrament. These meetings are on April 29th and May 27th starting at 7:30PM. I have attached the two notes below in case they have been misplaced.