I am enjoying getting to know the class. They are kind, helpful, compassionate, and fun. I am particularly impressed with how well they have adjusted to having a different teacher take over after a few weeks of school. They have quickly and seamlessly adjusted to new classroom routines and expectations. They are definitely getting ready for high school!
This week was spent on getting to know one another and to set up a classroom where they feel welcomed, safe, and included. This will be ongoing all year, but I wanted to share with you how we openly discussed our feelings when discussing Terry Fox and cancer as well as Orange Shirt Day. Many students shared their personal experiences and feelings while others respectfully listened. This is what a safe classroom is all about. It truly made my heart happy to witness these interactions.
This blog is in the making. I plan of having students write a blog that will give information on what we have been doing in class. Students will create blog posts individually or in pairs. Students will not use their own names when submitting the blog, but they will create a "screen name." Please note that until we get the student blog up and running, I will periodically update the blog.
Happenings this week....
Socials
Grade 8 curriculum focuses on the time frame of 750-1750. Before research projects begin, it is important that students learn how to determine if a source is reputable and trustworthy. We began a mini unit on primary and secondary resources. This lead to in depth conversations about what plagiarism is and its ramifications. When discussing and seeing examples of resources, many students asked questions about the pictures which lead into further conversations. Some examples include U.S. history concerning slavery and propaganda, Anne Frank, and WWII. We did a review today through a game of Zap. They loved it! It felt like we were on a game show!
Science
We have begun a unit on The Cell Theory and types of cells. We began with an introduction to The Cell Theory and will be moving on to cells. The approach will be a "station" method where there will be 4 groups of students that rotate to different activities.
Math
We have started a unit in fractions. Students are working towards using fractions when computing order of operations problems. We have reviewed mixed numbers and improper fractions, And, we have worked on adding fractions with the same denominator. Students are preparing for a mini quiz on Monday.
Language Arts
I like to begin our writing process with a creative writing unit. This allows students to be creative and have fun when writing. We have begun with figurative language which will be used when moving towards our poetry unit. Figurative language includes: Alliteration, metaphors, similes, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, and personification. We have completed alliteration by creating tongue twisters and are currently working on onomatopoeia. Our class enjoys art, so I will ensure this is included throughout the year. The kids will tell you that I also love art, that I enjoy putting their work up in their classroom, and that I must have colour in the classroom. Here is a sampling of students using their creativity when creating their own onomatopoeia expressions... Amazing!
This week was spent on getting to know one another and to set up a classroom where they feel welcomed, safe, and included. This will be ongoing all year, but I wanted to share with you how we openly discussed our feelings when discussing Terry Fox and cancer as well as Orange Shirt Day. Many students shared their personal experiences and feelings while others respectfully listened. This is what a safe classroom is all about. It truly made my heart happy to witness these interactions.
This blog is in the making. I plan of having students write a blog that will give information on what we have been doing in class. Students will create blog posts individually or in pairs. Students will not use their own names when submitting the blog, but they will create a "screen name." Please note that until we get the student blog up and running, I will periodically update the blog.
Happenings this week....
Socials
Grade 8 curriculum focuses on the time frame of 750-1750. Before research projects begin, it is important that students learn how to determine if a source is reputable and trustworthy. We began a mini unit on primary and secondary resources. This lead to in depth conversations about what plagiarism is and its ramifications. When discussing and seeing examples of resources, many students asked questions about the pictures which lead into further conversations. Some examples include U.S. history concerning slavery and propaganda, Anne Frank, and WWII. We did a review today through a game of Zap. They loved it! It felt like we were on a game show!
Science
We have begun a unit on The Cell Theory and types of cells. We began with an introduction to The Cell Theory and will be moving on to cells. The approach will be a "station" method where there will be 4 groups of students that rotate to different activities.
Math
We have started a unit in fractions. Students are working towards using fractions when computing order of operations problems. We have reviewed mixed numbers and improper fractions, And, we have worked on adding fractions with the same denominator. Students are preparing for a mini quiz on Monday.
Language Arts
I like to begin our writing process with a creative writing unit. This allows students to be creative and have fun when writing. We have begun with figurative language which will be used when moving towards our poetry unit. Figurative language includes: Alliteration, metaphors, similes, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, and personification. We have completed alliteration by creating tongue twisters and are currently working on onomatopoeia. Our class enjoys art, so I will ensure this is included throughout the year. The kids will tell you that I also love art, that I enjoy putting their work up in their classroom, and that I must have colour in the classroom. Here is a sampling of students using their creativity when creating their own onomatopoeia expressions... Amazing!
Have a wonderful weekend!!!
Mrs. Stocks