Below you will find a video that captures the power, importance and history of the idea of human rights. As part of our "Convention on the Rights of the Child" learning initiative, students in 5A have previewed and discussed the video together. It is a very powerful video that not only gets to the heart of human rights, but also exposes students to the people in this world who do not enjoy many of the freedoms that we often take for granted.
Students in 5A have been asked to reflect on this video on their personal blogs. The video and response criteria has been posted on KidBlog. I encourage all parents to view the video with their children and discuss the content and any questions or concerns regarding ideas presented. It is a wonderful video which I hope ignites students' desire to learn (and do) more in the way of fostering equality for everyone!
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Thursday, March 5, 2015
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Happy March!
Hi everyone! Just a quick update as we move into March!
The Pembina Trails School Division has officially kicked-off a groundbreaking initiative that focuses on the rights of the child. Every student, teacher and staff member in the Pembina Trails School Division will participate in a massive, collective art installation that will ultimately be displayed across the field of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers stadium. For more detail and information, click the video below!
As suggested as an interest in the past, I have finally been able to start two separate computer coding clubs for our LM students (EY and MY)! When permission forms went home, there was a great response (especially from the EY students). In fact, I had to create two EY clubs and one MY club. Some students from 5A have joined, and spots are still available. MY meets after-school on Day 4's from 3:40 - 4:40pm.
Grade 5 students at Linden Meadows each year have the opportunity to experience a very special show at the Centennial Concert Hall in which the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra perform a variety of musical pieces. This is a personal favourite of mine. The music follows a theme which the conductor introduces and explains where and when the different musical elements are evident. Also, a variety of different performers (dancers, musicians, other PTSD students) take the stage as well. A terrific experience. This year, we will be attending on Tuesday, March 10th in the morning. Please be advised that a permission form and student fee has been sent home to help cover the cost of the trip.
Report Card Day
There will be no school of Friday, March 13th as I will be using this time to write student report cards. Finished reports will be sent home prior to Spring Break on March. 26th.
Spring Break
This year's break will occur from March 30th - April 3rd. There will be no classes on these days.
Empty Bowls
We have locked down the date of May 5th for our evening Empty Bowls celebration (4-5:30pm). Our work on poverty and hunger has already started! As part of the project, we have had two representatives from Winnipeg Harvest present to our class on hunger in Winnipeg and the role of Winnipeg Harvest. We have also locked in April 14th as our field-trip to Winnipeg Harvest.
ELA -- "My First Story"
All our preparation for writing our first fictional story has been completed. Students are now ready to begin writing their own short stories. Each student has been provided a 'package' that identifies the steps required to complete the assignment successfully. Please ask your child to explain this important endeavor with you.
MATH
Our formal unit on multiplication has come to a close. Student are now starting a new investigation on fractions - which will naturally lead to work on decimals and percent! A fun unit!
That's it for now -- much to come including "Spirit Week" so please watch your child's agendas for important updates!
Happy March everyone!
The Convention On The Rights Of The Child
The Pembina Trails School Division has officially kicked-off a groundbreaking initiative that focuses on the rights of the child. Every student, teacher and staff member in the Pembina Trails School Division will participate in a massive, collective art installation that will ultimately be displayed across the field of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers stadium. For more detail and information, click the video below!
As suggested as an interest in the past, I have finally been able to start two separate computer coding clubs for our LM students (EY and MY)! When permission forms went home, there was a great response (especially from the EY students). In fact, I had to create two EY clubs and one MY club. Some students from 5A have joined, and spots are still available. MY meets after-school on Day 4's from 3:40 - 4:40pm.WSO
Grade 5 students at Linden Meadows each year have the opportunity to experience a very special show at the Centennial Concert Hall in which the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra perform a variety of musical pieces. This is a personal favourite of mine. The music follows a theme which the conductor introduces and explains where and when the different musical elements are evident. Also, a variety of different performers (dancers, musicians, other PTSD students) take the stage as well. A terrific experience. This year, we will be attending on Tuesday, March 10th in the morning. Please be advised that a permission form and student fee has been sent home to help cover the cost of the trip.
Report Card Day
There will be no school of Friday, March 13th as I will be using this time to write student report cards. Finished reports will be sent home prior to Spring Break on March. 26th.
Spring BreakThis year's break will occur from March 30th - April 3rd. There will be no classes on these days.
Empty Bowls
We have locked down the date of May 5th for our evening Empty Bowls celebration (4-5:30pm). Our work on poverty and hunger has already started! As part of the project, we have had two representatives from Winnipeg Harvest present to our class on hunger in Winnipeg and the role of Winnipeg Harvest. We have also locked in April 14th as our field-trip to Winnipeg Harvest.
ELA -- "My First Story"
All our preparation for writing our first fictional story has been completed. Students are now ready to begin writing their own short stories. Each student has been provided a 'package' that identifies the steps required to complete the assignment successfully. Please ask your child to explain this important endeavor with you.
MATH
Our formal unit on multiplication has come to a close. Student are now starting a new investigation on fractions - which will naturally lead to work on decimals and percent! A fun unit!
That's it for now -- much to come including "Spirit Week" so please watch your child's agendas for important updates!
Happy March everyone!
Friday, February 20, 2015
Friday, January 16, 2015
Tri-Conference #2 Notice of Change
Hello Parents and Guardians!
Our second round of Tri-Conferences are just around the corner. As before, parents have been forwarded an informational letter that describes how to access the online appointment booking system and how to secure a meeting time with the teacher.
This term, 5A Tri-Conferences time-slots have been altered as I will not be available on Friday, Feb. 6th. After nine months of waiting, I am finally scheduled for an important surgery that aims to improve chronic issues I have breathing through my nose. Fingers crossed. I am currently scheduled to be away from the classroom starting Friday, Feb. 6th, and returning on Thursday, Feb. 12th pending recovery.
To best accommodate parents, we have come up with an alternate plan that has been sent home with the 5A kids. In this letter you will find that you can book a Tri-Conference time (online) for:
Wednesday, Feb. 4th (new)
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 5th
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (regular Tri-Conference evening)
I will also be available for Tri-Conferences during the afternoon of Thursday, Feb. 5th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. These appointments however, MUST be booked through the school office. Please call 204.489.0799 and the office staff will be happy to book an appointment for you.
I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. If you feel that these new times do not accommodate your schedule on any level, please reach-out to me personally and we can re-schedule a meeting time for after my return.
Thank-you for your support and understanding.
Sincerely,
Mr. A
Our second round of Tri-Conferences are just around the corner. As before, parents have been forwarded an informational letter that describes how to access the online appointment booking system and how to secure a meeting time with the teacher.
This term, 5A Tri-Conferences time-slots have been altered as I will not be available on Friday, Feb. 6th. After nine months of waiting, I am finally scheduled for an important surgery that aims to improve chronic issues I have breathing through my nose. Fingers crossed. I am currently scheduled to be away from the classroom starting Friday, Feb. 6th, and returning on Thursday, Feb. 12th pending recovery.To best accommodate parents, we have come up with an alternate plan that has been sent home with the 5A kids. In this letter you will find that you can book a Tri-Conference time (online) for:
Wednesday, Feb. 4th (new)
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 5th
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (regular Tri-Conference evening)
I will also be available for Tri-Conferences during the afternoon of Thursday, Feb. 5th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. These appointments however, MUST be booked through the school office. Please call 204.489.0799 and the office staff will be happy to book an appointment for you.
I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. If you feel that these new times do not accommodate your schedule on any level, please reach-out to me personally and we can re-schedule a meeting time for after my return.
Thank-you for your support and understanding.
Sincerely,
Mr. A
Monday, January 5, 2015
Happy New Year!
Hi everyone! Happy new year! Had to believe that we are nearing the half-way point of our year together!
Just a couple of needed updates:
RAW
I have had to make some changes to the home reading program. Despite best efforts to stream-line a home reading program that works for everybody, I am finding that I need to make some minor changes. The main goal of the RAW program is to foster independent reading at home that is structured and consistent. Many of the students in 5A are independent readers already. The writing component was designed to give me a sense of student comprehension (and provide some accountability for those more reluctant readers/writers). While I still want this component in the program, I see that confusion regarding the writing expectation for many has resulted in extended clarification and deadlines as well as taken away focus on the main goal of the program - instilling a love of independent reading.
For this reason, the RAW reading program will follow a simple change. Students are still expected (by year's end) to read and respond to six different novels of their choice. Students can now move through their books/responses independently (i.e. they can move forward to new books at their own pace and submit completed responses on their own terms). I still request that all new book choices be offered to me first so that I can help determine strong book choices. I continue to encourage parents to ensure their child is reading on a consistent schedule (15-20 minutes/day).
As an independent activity, I will from time-to-time check in with student progress throughout the remainder of the year. However, I will not be managing/reminding students step-by-step to complete, revise, edit and submit completed responses. While I am always available for questions and clarification, I will be putting the onus of the management of the program on the students (and their parents).
Again, the program was designed to foster independent reading. If your child loves reading (or is learning to love reading) then we are succeeding. With these minor tweaks, I hope to eliminate some of the difficulties (and stress) that some of the students are experiencing. Please don't hesitate to reach-out if you have any questions regarding these changes.
INQUIRY PROJECT
Thank-you parents for your quick response and support regarding our upcoming inquiry projects. We will be moving forward with our investigations into the Bermuda Triangle and the 9-11 attacks in New York. Students are both excited and motivated to learn more about their chosen areas!
Just a couple of needed updates:
RAW
I have had to make some changes to the home reading program. Despite best efforts to stream-line a home reading program that works for everybody, I am finding that I need to make some minor changes. The main goal of the RAW program is to foster independent reading at home that is structured and consistent. Many of the students in 5A are independent readers already. The writing component was designed to give me a sense of student comprehension (and provide some accountability for those more reluctant readers/writers). While I still want this component in the program, I see that confusion regarding the writing expectation for many has resulted in extended clarification and deadlines as well as taken away focus on the main goal of the program - instilling a love of independent reading. For this reason, the RAW reading program will follow a simple change. Students are still expected (by year's end) to read and respond to six different novels of their choice. Students can now move through their books/responses independently (i.e. they can move forward to new books at their own pace and submit completed responses on their own terms). I still request that all new book choices be offered to me first so that I can help determine strong book choices. I continue to encourage parents to ensure their child is reading on a consistent schedule (15-20 minutes/day).
As an independent activity, I will from time-to-time check in with student progress throughout the remainder of the year. However, I will not be managing/reminding students step-by-step to complete, revise, edit and submit completed responses. While I am always available for questions and clarification, I will be putting the onus of the management of the program on the students (and their parents).
Again, the program was designed to foster independent reading. If your child loves reading (or is learning to love reading) then we are succeeding. With these minor tweaks, I hope to eliminate some of the difficulties (and stress) that some of the students are experiencing. Please don't hesitate to reach-out if you have any questions regarding these changes.
INQUIRY PROJECT
Thank-you parents for your quick response and support regarding our upcoming inquiry projects. We will be moving forward with our investigations into the Bermuda Triangle and the 9-11 attacks in New York. Students are both excited and motivated to learn more about their chosen areas!
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Friday, December 12, 2014
The Question is the Answer to Understanding
Dear parents of 5A students,
These questions are
necessary components of teaching students how and when to question. The goal of
inquiry-based learning is not to let go of the ‘spoon’, rather, just putting
the spoon in the hands of the student and seeing what happens. It is not so
difficult to turn the tables and teach students how to develop real questions,
those that uncover personal understanding for them. Allowing students the
exhilaration of learning in an environment where their questions are valued and
celebrated will reap rich rewards. When students have some ownership of their learning experience, enthusiasm, effort and
efficiency is generated.
Motivation is part of the rationale for teaching students how to question.
Students cannot be expected to think critically and creatively about ideas and
knowledge unless they possess the magical ‘ingredient’ – the question – to kick-start
the process. Educating students for the 21st century requires that
educators teach students how to be critical and creative users of information.
Neither attribute can be accomplished unless students are also effective
questioners.”
Q-Tasks:
How to Empower Students to Ask Question and Care About Answers
Carol Koechlin and Sani Zwann
Students in 5A have been working on building their
questioning skills and are learning to take a more critical and creative
approach to learning. The inquiry-learning
model generally follows a ‘cycle’ that begins with students ‘connecting’
and ‘wondering’ about a learning area. Students then learn to construct and
evaluate quality questions that will help foster quality research. The next
step involves students actively engaging in their investigations. This is where
5A is now. This is also the reason for this letter. With student
ownership of learning in mind, our class has been divided into two separate
inquiry groups for our first project. By democratic vote and student voice, two
areas of investigation have been identified by the students themselves. The
first will be focused on the “Bermuda Triangle”. The second is on a very
interesting, but potentially powerful area - the events surrounding 9-11 and
the tragedies in New York City.
With the sensitive nature of the events surrounding 9-11,
there may be some potential concern for parents having their children
independently researching this topic. For this reason, I am asking all parents
of 5A for their input. If you are uncomfortable with the topic or would like to
meet to discuss the project further, please indicate on the form (see below).
While students in the “Bermuda” group will not be actively pursuing research on
the 9-11 topic, they will be exposed to the content via other students research
and presentations. For the record,
please be aware that our new read-aloud for the class (a 9-11 based story
written by celebrated children’s author Eric Walters) was determined AFTER the
students had chosen the 9-11 topic, not before. Therefore, I believe there was
no teacher influence in the decision-making process when determining possible
topics. It is an excellent (and grade-level appropriate) book that I have read
to many previous classes.
While students are learning to take greater ownership of
their learning, please understand that this project is not unstructured. All
learning and expectations will be framed and monitored.
Students in 5A will be given an agenda message directing
parents to this post. Once read, parents
will sign and return the form handed out in class.
Thank-you for your time on this matter. I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Mr. Alcock
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