We have started the Invention Convention Phase 1.  I really like this unit and my students last year enjoyed it.  To begin with I would like the students to really think about technology and how it effects them.

I would like them to write a post that has a definition of technology and then I would like them to create a list of technology that they use in their lives.  They should indicate whether the technology is a helpful technology or a entertaining technology or both.  Your list should have a minimum of 10 items.  At some point we will compare the lists to see how we use technology.

Over the past 6 weeks you have been working in a group to explore the cultural identity of a global native tribe.  It has taken a lot of our school time and some of your homework time.  I need for you to evaluate and reflect on how you did during this time, what you learned and where you need to improve for the future.  Please write a post title "Global Native Reflection" , include in it what tribe you researched, the artifact you made and who you worked with.  Please answer the following questions.

Global Native Reflection

1.    Explain what you liked most about the project and why?

2.    Summarize what you found most difficult or challenging about this project and why?

3.    Analyze one aspect of the project that you would change and give details as to why?

4.    Assess what new knowledge you gained from this project?

5.    Define what skills you have gained from working with your group during this project.

6.    Justify how you were a positive influence on your group.

7.    Describe the problems that you and your group encountered throughout this project.

The open house is fast approaching and to make sure that you are ready for your performance on the 17th and 18th, I have created a checklist for you to evaluate where your project is at and what areas you might need to focus on in the next 4 days.  Please read and think carefully so that your open house demonstrates what great learners you are.

Checklist for GNT Project

Artifact

·         Have I made something that is connected to my Cultural Area? Can I explain how it is connected to my cultural area

·         Does my artifact look real?  Is it neatly constructed and have I put the finishing touches on it so that people are attracted to my artifact?

·         Have I properly labeled my artifact so people know what it is, why I built it and how it connects to my research and cultural area?

Speech

·         Is my speech 1 to 2 minutes long?

·         Have I practiced my speech so that I have it almost memorized

·         Does my speech tell the listener some important information about my research and my artifact?

·         Can I answer the questions that I started the research process with?

·         Do I know other facts or information about the tribe and their culture?

The Display

·         Have we thought about how the group is going to set up our display?

·         Have you coordinated with your group so you have a sensible order and not everyone is speaking at once?

·         What extras are you going to do to make your museum display look attractive and professional?

·         Do I have all the necessary items, equipment, notes or other things to make the display look like it is a polished museum display?

·         Have I used signs and decorations to help create a mood or atmosphere for our entire group’s display?

The Wiki

·         Have I reread my wiki and organized the info and the annotated bibliography so that visitors can see it and read it?

·         Do I have the proper information for the bibliography and for each resource I have clearly annotated how I used it for my project?

·         Do I have at least 4 resources in my bibliography

·         Do I have some info placed on my page above the annotated bibliography?  Including pictures, videos or text?

Please read through this and check off that your project meets all of these standards.  If it doesn’t then you have some work to do.   Remember the deadline is Wednesday the 17^th of December.

With the holidays fast approaching the mind turns to thinking about past holidays.  I really enjoy this time of year and I have many vivid memories  and stories.

I remember when I was 6 or 7 and I desperately wanted to see Santa.  I tried to stay awake but in the end I fell asleep waiting.

Or another time when the whole family was together and we were heading out to a  midnight church service.  A blizzard had blown up and made driving almost impossible.  Along the slippery streets a line of 20 people bundled up slowly made their way to and from the church.  I can still picture my 80 year grandmother trying to navigate down the toboggan hill on her way home.  The foot of snow made it so peaceful and the icy weather made it a great time for us kids.

These are just a few holiday memories that I have, there are many more.  I love hearing stories about people's best holidays.  I wondered if anyone out there wants to share their experiences.

As a bonus you might want to read this Chicken soup for the Soul story.  It really does bring home the point of what this holiday is about.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas Story

Please come and attend the Grade 5 Annual Global Native Open House.  The students have worked hard to design a museum display around the cultural areas of a Global Native Tribe.  They would love to share their learning with you.

Global Native Open House Invitation

After the students share their learning they will celebrate with a global native activities, games and food.  I hope everyone can make it.

Mr Hossack has placed a file that has 6 graphs that represent a flag being put up a flag pole.  You need to look carefully at these graphs and interpret their meanings.  Decide on which graph is most realistic and why?  Decide on what graph is least realistic and why?  You may also explain the situations where the other graphs might happen in the real world.  Construct a two to three minute speech about your ideas.  Be ready to present to the class your findings.  You may use a visual aid to help.

Due Date is Jan 9 at 8:00.  Have Fun, below is the pdf assignment sheet

microsoft-word-flags-diagrams.pdf

The past 4 months have seen us create our own learning environment.   5sh has been posting and commenting and using their blogs to show off their learning, to express their opinions and communicate with others. Many have said how much they enjoy it?  Many students have been really focused and all of their efforts have been put into producing a great learning environment and some are still working towards it.  Before going on please think about these questions.

Why do we spend so much time Blogging?

How does it help us as learners?

How should your teacher assess what you have done on your Blogs?

Could we use our Blogs in other ways to help demonstrate what great learners we are?

These questions are important to understand and think about.  They are the underlining theme that makes me as a teacher want to continue to use this tool to enhance my students learning.  Though sometimes I lose focus and forget the real answers to these questions.

What do you think.  Can you answer any or all of these?

At some point it will be my students responsibility to design the criteria for the assessment of their blogs.  Yes you heard me right you will be the ones picking what and how the teacher marks you.  Think carefully about the questions above and you should come up with some great rubrics.  Good luck.

Some of you might have noticed that some of the teachers at SAS have had strange facial hair growing this month.  Many of these teachers have signed on to support a charity called MOVEMBER. Members sign up and get sponsors by growing a moustache (any kind)for the entire month.  This will help to support research on prostate cancer and male depression.

If you want some more info here is a web page that explains it all

http://ca.movember.com.

Here is a before and half way through picture:

Before

From start of year student photos

1/2 way through Movember

From me

The class blogs has been up and running  for the last 3 months.  The students in 5sh have been writing a lot and their blog posts and comments are getting better and better.

The other day we talked about what makes quality blog posts.We had lots of answers but we soon came to a few main things that every blog post must have if we really want to attract readers.  Here is a list of the main ones:

• Each post should be written with proper conventions, organized and have descriptive, precise language

• When posting you should have three types of communication.  Written words, pictures or videos and links to other sites

• Blog posts should be short, maybe a range of 3 to 8 paragraphs

• Blogs should be written for a specific audience.  The writer should have a clear purpose.

This is just a partial list.  What do you think?  Can add anything to what makes a good post?

Here is the information for the 5 students that our class are sponsoring for ' The Giving Tree'.,

7 year old boy. Height 115cm, Weight 21 kg, Shoe size 20.5cm.

7 year old girl. Height 101cm, Weight 15kg, Shoe size 20cm.

7 year old boy. Height 112cm, Weight 17kg, Shoe size 20 cm.

7 year old boy. Height 115cm, 22kg, Shoe size 21cm.

6 year old boy. Height 111cm, Weight 18kg, Shoe size 20.5cm

If you would like to sponsor extra children as a family please respond to this email with the number of extra children you would like to sponsor and we will send the bags home with your child. We have had a great discussion as a class how we should be grateful for what we have and not to take the small things in life for granted.

Here is what we need to do:

• Fill the bag with new clothing, toys and school supplies are also appreciated.
• Don't wrap your gifts, just put them in the bag.
• Hand in your bag(s) if you have chosen to take on extra, before December 1st.
• Please do not put cash in the gift bags.

Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Mr.Hossack