Construction Paper Skyscrapers

Hello,

After two days attending Board workshops, I was very happy to be back in the classroom today.

We started the day by finishing our city models and presentations, explaining to the class our design choices and any special features their structures would require.

Then, we followed an example of procedural writing to build the frames for skyscrapers out of construction paper.

In Math, we continued to explore growing and shrinking patterns. The two double-sided activity sheets Mr. O handed out yesterday should be completed for homework.

Finally, in Art, we continued to work on our Remembrance Day art that focused on displaying our understanding of background and foreground.

Don't forget to keep reading, on Raz Kids, or a book of your choice.

Have a wonderful day.

Mr. Skinner

My Buddy Padlets

Hello,

This morning we continued to work on our city plans for our structures unit in Science. The students have created some interesting and complex plans. On Thursday the groups will explain the reasons behind their design choices, describe any special features that will be required for their structures and how those structures would be suited for the environment they are building in (city of their choice).

Science group work in PJs

In Math, we continued to work on patterns, exploring how we could display our data using t-tables and bar graphs. The students answered a variety of questions in class and will need to finish the two double-sided t-table activity sheets that I gave the students on Friday, for homework.

In Art, we continued to work on our Remembrance Day art, using pencils and pencil crayons to show an image that represents Remembrance Day, while also displaying an understanding of background and foreground.

Finally, in Language, while we enjoyed some of the leftover marshmallows from Friday, we read a story called "My Buddy" that looks at the friendship a boy has with his dog.

Friday's Treat - Democracy in Action

After reading the story, we had a great discussion about  friendship, helping others and I answered questions the students had about Muscular Dystrophy.

Tomorrow morning, we will work on the following Padlets to make predictions, summarize the key points, and make connections to the story.

http://padlet.com/craig_skinner/buddypredictions

http://padlet.com/craig_skinner/buddysummary

http://padlet.com/craig_skinner/buddyconnections

Don't forget to wear your hats tomorrow!

Have a good night.

Mr. Skinner

Spirit Week

Hello,

I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend!

A quick reminder that this week is Spirit Week at St. Anne School. The students are invited to dress up for our spirit days and to bring donations for the United Way, in support of the Catholic Education Fund.

The schedule for Spirit Week is:

Monday - PJ Day
Tuesday - Hat Day
Wednesday - Sens Day
Thursday - School Colours (Blue and White)

Students can bring in a donation each day that they choose to participate, or one donation for all of the days.

I'm looking forward to wearing some comfy PJ's tomorrow and I hope the students are too.

Have a good night.

Mr. Skinner

Planning our Cities

Hello,

This morning, we worked in groups of 3 or 4 and started our plans for the cities we will build on the SmartBoard, as part of our Structures unit.

In Language, we continued to work on our Monster descriptions, as the first draft is due tomorrow. We were also reading on Raz Kids. The students are encouraged to read for 15-30 minutes on Raz Kids tonight.

In Math, we continued to work on patterns. Our focus today was on identifying the core (the part that repeats in a pattern). Most students finished p. 20-21 in class, but it is for homework if it was not completed.

Don't forget that tomorrow is picture day, so the students should be ready to smile in the morning!

Have a good night.

Mr. Skinner

We have a Winner!

Hello,

At long last, I have the results of our snack election. On Friday, I will be bringing in Marshmallows. The boys from the victorious group described a complex Marshmallow reindeer treat that they would like to try. We decided that I would bring in marshmallows for the class on Friday, then we would try to create the reindeer treats together in class, when we are closer to Christmas.

In Math, we have been working on patterning, looking at changing attributes and repeating patterns. The students should have the three double sided sheets, that were handed out yesterday, completed. If they are not done, they are to be finished for homework.

In Language, we are continuing to work on our Monster description. We will finish our rough draft in class tomorrow. We also began to explore Raz Kids today. The students should continue to work on their reading, using this wonderful online resource.

https://www.kidsa-z.com/main/Login

If you are asked to log in, I am cskinner2. Select your student name and enter the student password (initials). This is a great resource to use for daily reading.

In Religion, we decorated our kite, which symbolizes how our dreams will soar throughout the year.

In Science, we finished our work with the interactive structure lessons on the SmartBoard.

Finally, a reminder that our picture day is Friday, for students Grades 3 to 6. The younger students (K-2) will have their photos on Thursday.
   
Have a good night.

Mr. Skinner

Happy Election Day!

Hello,

This morning we started by discussing the election process today and it was a great way to connect to my life, as my Dad was working at St. Anne as a Scrutineer for the election.

In Math, I held individual conferences with each student, to go over the results of the test from last week and allow them to explain their thinking. Most students will be bringing home their test to get it signed by a parent. Please review the test with your child, sign the test and return it to me. Thanks. If I didn't get a chance to conference with a student today, I will meet with them tomorrow and then they will bring their test home.

While I was conferencing, the students finished up their work on increasing and decreasing patterns from last week. Then, we discussed attributes that can change in a pattern, such as size, colour and shape. We completed some sample patterns, then the students created a variety of patterns, which will be displayed in the classroom. Each student made four different patterns.

In Language, we finished our monster drawings and worked on Google Drive to type our first draft of our Monster descriptions. Students also had the option to write their descriptions in their journals.

Finally, this afternoon, the students had presentations on which snack they would like me to bring in for them on Friday, so that we could have our own vote and demonstrate democracy in action.

The results of the vote will be revealed tomorrow.

Have a good evening.

Mr. Skinner

A Job Well Done

Hello,

This morning, we completed our first Math evaluation task and the students worked very hard to complete ten multiple choice questions and two short answer questions. I will have them marked and returned to the students on Monday morning. Our next unit will explore patterning.

After the test, we continued to work on our Monster drawings and descriptions, using all five of our senses to describe the creature in descriptive paragraphs.

Next, we finished editing our recount with our partners and submitted all of the bitstrips for class viewing.

This afternoon, we wrapped our class discussion on Thanksgiving in Religion, and continued to explore strength and stability in Science, through activities on the SmartBoard and class discussion.

There is no new homework tonight, but students are asked to make sure their recounts and bitstrips are ready for final review this weekend.

Have a good evening.

Mr. Skinner