HJC

Moving ... Just Down the Street, Though

2010-11-07T10:30:00.000-05:00

Yes. You should be smiling!
This blog is being put on hold until further notice. But for a good reason, actually.
I've been assigned by my school board to a blogging project - a 'pilot' of sorts. The aim is to see if the concept of classroom and student blogging will increase student/family participation in the school day. I'm of the belief that it will ... but I've been a supporter of this type of learning for quite some time, as you can see from the "history" of this blog.
So, rather than duplicate my blogging prowess here AND on the new site, I'll have you click on this link to get you to our new site within the Board's server. I've been migrating some earlier posts over there already - and I'll likely continue to do so. The students will all have their own blogs, which should be interesting. I'm keeping the classroom wiki open, though; I'll use that for various in-depth student work that may take up too much room on the new site. It's down there in the "Key Links" section and on the new blog's link listing.
So, thanks for visiting. Head on over to the house down the street. Same purpose - enriching education through technology. I love this stuff. I love my students. I'm proud of them.

Thinking Out Loud in Math

2010-10-28T08:40:00.006-04:00

Problem-solving ... a big push these days. A critical skill. Students need to be able to think their way through Math problems, make sense of their calculations - and communicate it. I decided to pick some brains recently, and the feedback was terrific.

Math ... Out Loud from Michael Mitchell on Vimeo.

Hey, Hannah!

2010-10-22T16:30:00.000-04:00

Technology comes to the rescue. One of our own is off on an amazing journey with her family for a few months, seeing the world in all its splendor. So why not say hello - from a world away? Like 17 hours away!
The students were pleasantly surprised to see (without advance notice from me) Hannah ... live and on screen through the magic of Skype.
She shared her experiences so far in seeing New Zealand up close and personal.

Certainly made our Friday afternoon (and her EARLY Saturday morning!). If Hannah looks a little grumpy, remember - she hadn't had breakfast yet!
We'll check in again with her next month. We wish her and her family well.

A Mathemagician ...

2010-10-22T00:01:00.000-04:00

It's true. You must see this. Incredibly entertaining.

Journal Writing

2010-10-21T18:54:00.001-04:00

The first of several samples of student writing can be found here. It's a collection of personal stories from Will, Leah, Keziah, Jack, and Sam.
Enjoy the read.
We're far from finished!
But you knew that already.

More History!

2010-10-21T09:36:00.009-04:00

Students are finding new ways to present their work. (Well, I've forced them to do so! Nothing predictable or ordinary in 7M).
Some audio productions from Vladimir and Jenn, describing a couple of History investgations of Laura Secord's role in Canada's pre-Confederation growing pains and the "history" of the Loyalists and Patriots.

History Exemplars

2010-10-21T07:50:00.004-04:00

"Wow."
I find myself using that term quite a bit recently.
Students are handing in various assignments related to our History unit on pre-Confederation, and you need to see some of the work produced. Ahrani, Ashley, and Elli, for example. An information sheet format, a pamphlet, and superior mapping skills. I've encouraged the group to be creative with their productions. Most will find the information they need; but the front-runners will go that extra step and present it polished and "professional".
Again, WOW. Bravo.

Premier - Literacy Tools

2010-10-16T16:54:00.001-04:00

Our school board has released the access to Premier Reading/Writing software from home. It's a bundle of assistive programming to aid students in need of some help in comprehension/summarizing/highlighting and in writing/editing processes.

Click here to go to the home page. I'll be happy to share the user name and password with my students, should they request them. I won't put them here, as the world is watching. It's a school licence.

Let me know if you find this helpful.

Weird Math

2010-10-12T22:30:00.002-04:00

Did you know that 7 x 13 = 28? Let the classic comedy duo of Abbott and Costello explain.

Reading Responses - Immigration

2010-10-11T00:10:00.000-04:00

Recently, students provided some thoughtful opinions related to a reading selection entitled, "The Changing Face of Canadians" (we use a terrific 30-page resource called What in the World? delivered each month from www.lesplan.com; I highly recommend it). The selection dealt with immigration policies in Canada along with other issues. I asked students to imagine what Canada might be like if our government closed our borders to immigrants. Secondly, I asked them if they support the three categories under which potential immigrants must qualify in order to arrive legally in this country.
Needless to say, the reflections were exemplary. Here are samples:

"We are known around the world as peacekeepers, and a nation which respects different cultures and races. We had a Japanese dancer come to our home , and I remember that she was extremely surprised to see all the different races in Canada; she didn't see that in her country. If we were to end immigration in Canada, we would lose that reputation of being multicultural - and we wouldn't be as connected with the world as we are now."
(Carson)

"I agree with the rules governing immigration. People who already have family in Canada and apply to join them here? We get that you want to be with them to start a new life, a new adventure, a chance to make your own history."
(Leah)

"If Canada closed its border, it would end up hurting those less fortunate. Immigrants come here to escape poverty or war, so it might result in costing the lives of hundreds of people. Also, it would probably worsen the economy, forcing Canadians to pay more taxes."
(Rachel)

"I do agree with the three-year rule of granting citizenship because I believe that immigrants need to earn our trust and prove that they can be productive citizens and are not a danger to us."
(Sylvie)

"If Canada closed its borders, our population would grow no larger than what it is at present. That would lead to being short on workers to fill jobs - and a hit to the economy."
(Alex)

"I think of places like Little Italy and Chinatown in Toronto, and how important they are to the economy and to the culture of Canada's cities. Ending immigration would lead to increased smuggling of illegal residents. I'm not sure Canadians would be very thrilled about that."
(Levi)

"I personally have friends who have immigrated and have positively impacted my life by introducing me to things I would not otherwise have experienced."
(Keziah)

Great stuff. More to come from this group of talented, intelligent young people.

In So Many Words ...

2010-10-03T11:03:00.002-04:00

Dear World

2010-10-02T21:56:00.006-04:00

A student video with some strong advice for the planet.

The Learner Profile

2010-09-25T16:24:00.002-04:00

For these young people, the Destinations Programme is a precursor to the International Baccalaureate Programme. It's a new experience, yes. They know that my expectations are high, as they should be for a rigorous-paced curriculum. They know that things are going to move quickly as the year progresses. The students need to be ready for the ride.
I created this video to highlight the learner profile which defines an IB student. In a short while, 7M will be creating their own short videos to celebrate this profile.
Enjoy.

(By the way, my class of 29 students? A spectacular group. It's going to be a great year.)

Update

2010-09-21T23:22:00.000-04:00

Okay, grumpy boy, listen up. School CAN be fun, you know.
Hey, lots going on these days. New work soon to come with poetry, journal writing, Math investigations, etc. We've been busy.
Also, the students have been paired up to create a short video to celebrate/describe one of the 11 character attributes attached to the profile of an IB learner in this programme.

Further, another video project will be tackled shortly which points to the profile of a student curious and concerned about his/her surroundings. Global citizenship will be a focus this year. Stay tuned for a cool "Dear World" project.
There. No excuse for being a sour puss, young fellow.

History

2010-09-19T12:12:00.003-04:00

The students have kick-started their History unit for Term 1. We've spent plenty of time discussing the expectations of this "layered" discovery of the period of Canadian history prior to Confederation in 1867. It's a unique approach to learning, yes. The students are accountable for their planning and production, and those who are successful with this term-long project have superior organizational skills and a thirst for learning. Sounds like the IB Programme to me.
Here's a link to the unit for your perusal outside of the classroom. I'd be happy to answer any further questons you might have. I look forward to some amazing work from this group.

We Are 7M ...

2010-09-14T22:27:00.001-04:00

Up and Running

2010-09-11T13:49:00.001-04:00

A great first week, I would suggest. The students have already settled into routines nicely, and are finding their way around the "big" building. It's a terrific group - respectful, caring, eager, mature. A productive year ahead, to be sure.
Thought I would post the newsletter to get the year started. Enjoy the read.

More to follow.

Welcome Back!

2010-09-02T16:30:00.000-04:00

Okay, enough laying around ...

Time to get going again. Give your head a shake, loosen up that cavity of learning between the ears. You need more fun and excitement in your life. I'm just the guy to do it.

Welcome to Grade 7 at Harry J. Clarke!

Ready to Return?

2010-08-31T12:15:00.000-04:00

What's that growl in your tummy? Hungry? For school?
I thought so.
See you soon ... crazy bunny's ruining my brunch at the moment.

In a Word ... or Words!

2010-07-05T22:59:00.005-04:00

A wonderful team, we were. I'm proud to have guided you this past year.

All the best ...

Time to Go ...

2010-06-30T21:14:00.000-04:00

A wonderful year, with loads of memories. Enjoy, gang. Be safe and smart over the summer. Remember to keep "filling people's buckets", huh? It'll come back to you, trust me.

6M Finale from Michael Mitchell on Vimeo.

Comics in 6M!

2010-06-20T18:13:00.015-04:00

There was no shortage of comedy in our classroom this past year. The fact that the students urged me on more than one occasion to avoid my own style of comedy didn't deter me at all.
Still, I was outshone by some pretty funny people in 6M. The following students joined forces with classmates to produce Comic Life presentations with terrific results. What began as end-of-year, quick-hit projects during the past two weeks turned into mammoth productions! Enjoy a sample of them from Austin and his gang, Leanna/Amy, and Sarah's team. Bravo to all. Leanna and Amy? Girls, are you preparing for writing Hollywood scripts?! Holy "lonnnnnnnggggg".

Camping ... and Stuff!

2010-06-17T21:22:00.000-04:00

Things are definitely winding down, huh? Another year at Harry J. Clarke all but complete.
Most of the Grade 6's will be attending camp next week, Monday through to Wednesday. Should be fun. Maybe the students need to get their sleeping in this weekend, as it's unlikely they'll be sleeping much out there!

Also, you were sent a note earlier this week about my annual "Sundae on a Monday" event. A fun lunch-hour thing, June 28th, 12 p.m., in our classroom. I'll be serving ice cream sundaes to families able to pop in for a half-hour to celebrate a terrific school year. Please see the letter and return the form promptly. The students are excited to wrap things up this way. I'm preparing a video as well, to close the school year. Must-see, must have a copy. Bring in a blank DVD, if you can.

Done, Duh-Done Done ...

2010-06-14T19:17:00.004-04:00

Yes, the students have a right to jump for joy. EQAO is officially over for another year. In fact, the next testing for this group won't come until Grade 9. So, relax!

How did they do? Can't say. We don't review the documents. They go directly back to the sender. They'll receive the levelled results in the fall.

I do know that the students worked hard, generally, and showed respect for their classmates when finishing some of the packages early.

All in all, the fuss over the testing? Nothing out of the ordinary, right? Congratulations to all.

Down the Stretch They Come!

2010-05-31T08:04:00.001-04:00

Hard to believe. The final month is upon us. The students are prepped and ready for EQAO next week. The literacy skills have been reviewed; the need for rich, thorough reading responses using the framework (re-state the question, "in the text, it says...", and "this is important because..."); and the need to follow what I call "road mapping" when solving Math problems (organized thinking with calculations present).
The students will be just fine. Please refer to the earlier EQAO entry for the link, should you wish to review more at home this week.

Tracking the Trackers

2010-05-17T08:31:00.001-04:00

Yes, we're all smiles. Congratulations to 6M students who qualified for this week's School Group Track & Field Day!
Megan, Joe, Jordan, and John will be putting their best feet forward in various running and field events, hoping to qualify for the big one - the District Championships.
We're rooting for you, gang! Break a leg. (Not.)

Canada's Links to the World (Unit)

2010-05-08T09:55:00.002-04:00

... and that's why the students need some work on researching and planning out projects.
Enter, the last Social Studies unit of the year.
If you follow this link, you'll find the "layered" unit the students have been presented with for Term 3. It's pretty self-explanatory. Feel free to refer to this from home; feel free to print if you have access to do so at home.
The time line is roughly one month. Several students are off and running already. It's critical that this is not left to the very end.
If there are any questions, students should be checking with me regularly. This is a great learning opportunity - to demonstrate planning, organization, research skills, media literacy skills, etc.
Good luck ... be proud of your work.

Runnin' Wild!

2010-05-04T08:11:00.004-04:00

We had a blast at the District Long Distance Relays in Wellington. Check out the video. Congratulations to all students! Terrific results.

She Blinded Us With Science!

2010-04-28T23:01:00.001-04:00

Thanks to the Scientist in Schools program for a great day! We put it to video.

Science, Flight II

2010-04-23T16:38:00.004-04:00

Yes, another multimedia effort from Chase, and his delight in presenting some impressive aircraft through video.

Science Multimedia Presentations

2010-04-23T16:37:00.000-04:00

Some nice efforts by the students in a recent video assignment. They were asked to present a topic related to the Flight Unit using multimedia. Above, Joe and Shaw's tribute to the Wright Brothers. Below, Haley's project on hot air balloons.

Flying High with Science

2010-03-29T22:40:00.017-04:00

Well, what a blast (off!) we had last week with Scientist Nancy! The students were treated to a hands-on approach to Science, specifically, our unit on Flight. Our expert presenter had the gang riveted, offering task after task dealing with kid-friendly applications of the properties of flight.

Our thanks to the Scientists in School program. We highly recommend this to all classrooms.

Writing Samples

2010-03-09T07:19:00.005-05:00

Another set of narratives for your reading enjoyment. Interesting, thoughtful observations of every-day life from Austin G., Leanna, Jake, Nick, Haley, and Matraca.

You'll find them here.

New Writing Samples

2010-03-07T20:49:00.006-05:00

It's been a while since I shared some of the students' narratives with you. During our Olympic marathon of multimedia, we managed to squeeze in some writing. Click here for a recent sample of four published entries from Ajay, Shaw, Megan, and Max. More to come.

Reading Response Experts

2010-03-07T18:00:00.007-05:00

We're beginning our trek into the spring, readying for ... EQAO. There, I said it. No longer a secret for the students! They know what's coming.

In a recent reading selection, found here, 6M delivered some quality reflections. Here are some samples:

"Yes, I think kids are under pressure to be Enormously Gorgeous. It's all about fitting in and being cool. It's about the shoes and clothes."

(Haley)

"The main idea of the story is that you don't have to have curly hair or a perfect family to be enormously gorgeous. It's like saying you're perfect the way you are; it shouldn't count how you dress or look."

(Leanna)

"I believe the pressure to be 'enormously gorgeous' is obvious among my age group. If you're 'enormously gorgeous', you feel you must be perfect all the time; but if you're not, kids will make fun of you, and you could become easily embarrassed. The pressure is off when you feel you don't have to be perfect if everyone accepts you."

(Megan)

"I think the main idea is that we're all beautiful in our own way. The hidden message is don't always believe what your friends say."

(Troy)

"I think the main idea is that everybody is different. Some people in the article (like Mark) don't know that. You don't have to have the best hair or the whitest teeth. You are who you are."

(Jake)

"I think the main idea is that it doesn't matter what you look like or where you live or whether your jokes are the funniest -- or you're the smartest. It matters how you treat others. It's what's inside that counts."

(Hanna)

"The words 'Enormously Gorgeous' are capitalized throughout the selection because they want those words emphasized. By doing this, the author was trying to stress the message to the reader in each example."

(Austin H.)

Nicely done, gang.

6M Olympic Games Report - Finale!

2010-03-06T11:36:00.003-05:00

Our final installment. Gold medal efforts, everywhere. Great job, gang.

6M Olympic Games Report

2010-02-27T19:51:00.003-05:00

Our most recent installment of the newscast "from" Vancouver.

6M Olympic News Report II

2010-02-22T23:10:00.003-05:00

The 2nd installment of our Games coverage. Note that Blogger has been having some problems with video playback, so if this is not able to be viewed, I'll provide a link.

6M News Covers the Winter Games

2010-02-11T22:55:00.009-05:00

Here's our first "newscast" of the Games in Vancouver. The kids did a great job!
If you're having trouble viewing this (Blogger has been having some video issues), try clicking here.

Science Poll

2010-02-06T13:28:00.002-05:00

The Winter Games

2010-02-03T22:56:00.005-05:00

The Olympic torch is making its way to Vancouver. The students are in the process of planning and producing the first 6M Olympic Report. We'll be "on the air" on Friday, Feb. 12.

We have anchors drafting their scripts, the weather reporters preparing a full forecast for the first weekend of the Games, feature reporters drafting stories about the origins of the Olympic rings, our Canadian flag-bearer, concerns over the warm weather in B-C, and the history of the Olympic Games; also, sports reporters are charting some data on Canada's performances in past Winter Games. We've got an opinion piece as well, debating the pros and cons of women ski-jumping in Olympic competition.

We'll be preparing a newscast daily, and we hope you'll tune in here to catch some cool work on the part of the students.

Go Canada!

Interpreting Cartoons

2010-01-30T15:33:00.005-05:00

We've been analyzing non-fiction texts recently, some of which have dealt with Olympic-related news items. The students were intrigued to learn about the legal issues surrounding the attempts to get women's ski-jumping into the Winter Games. The IOC denied a request to have the sport introduced this month in Vancouver/Whistler. The B-C Supreme Court then upheld that ruling when the women asked it to overturn the decision. So, no women ski-jumpers this time around.

The students were asked to determine the point of Mr. Raeside's cartoon, the "hidden message", the "whisper" in his work, as I like to describe it. Usually, editorial cartoons ARE 'main idea', aren't they? Some solid responses follow:

"The cartoonist portrays the IOC attitudes as the "past". I suppose he chose that to display the comments from the women that the IOC is stuck in the old days and not looking to the future."

(Ajay)

"I think the caveman theme is there because the IOC is old-fashioned with their attitudes. They're not ready to move into the new thinking with the women."

(Haley)

"The cartoonist did a great job of showing the IOC attitude, saying it's stuck in old rules and old thinking."

(Leanna)

"The cartoonist portrays IOC attitudes in this sketch as 'old school', way back. Maybe he thinks the IOC is still in the past with its thinking about women's sports."

(Austin)

"The cartoonist is portraying the IOC as being stuck in the past, unable to move forward with its attitudes."

(Amy)

"The cartoonist chose to show it this way because cavemen are obviously 'old', as is the IOC's respect for women's sport. An image of a caveman is just right for this attitude - not ready to accept the future."

(Ryan C.)

Speeches, Science = Crunch Time

2010-01-27T21:12:00.003-05:00

Yes, a busy couple of weeks we've been having. The kids probably feel a lot like the squirrel over there ... under the proverbial "microscope" (or a lens, this case). Nowhere to hide.

The students will present their speeches Thursday and Friday of this week. It's an important skill to be able to communicate orally and confidently in front of peers.

Also, we're getting down to the 'nitty-gritty' with Science/Space. Two more tasks to finish things up. The students have a clear idea of where they stand; point totals are in, with the Silver and Gold Medal assignments to go. 'Silver' is due this Friday. 'Gold' due next Friday (Feb. 5). This link will help those still unsure of the expectations to close the unit. It's important to finish strong. This "layered" investigation has proven to be a test of organization, planning, and research, yes?

6M News Covers the Games!

2010-01-19T08:25:00.003-05:00

It's going to be a daunting task - but we're up to it.
The students have been given various jobs in our virtual newsroom for the next month or so ... anchors, reporters, researchers, cameras, weather experts, etc. We're going to be presenting a daily look at the Games, beginning Feb. 12.
The students are fired up, to be sure. Stay tuned!

Supporting Our Troops

2010-01-03T18:19:00.004-05:00

I attended the repatriation ceremony today at CFB Trenton. It was bitterly cold, yes. But those of us who watched as five bodies returned to Canadian soil felt it was worth making the effort to show our military men and women that we support their sacrifices and respect their beliefs. You don't have to agree with the mission to offer your support and to keep our troops in your thoughts. Your poetry projects and "Dear Soldier" media presentation (see the December entries) will serve as a reminder of your sincerity and respect for those who put their lives on the line - selflessly. The ultimate act of courage, I believe.

Great Leads

2010-01-02T15:54:00.005-05:00

Our bulletin board outside the classroom celebrates student work as much as possible. One component of the students' writing has been consistently monitored in recent weeks; that's their ability to "grab" a reader with a great line from the get-go. I explain to them that it's a critical "open invitation" to a reader, to welcome them in. Some enter, some don't.

Here are some examples of recent journal entries that demonstrate terrific beginnings:

There we were, my sister and I, playing GameCube. Then ... SLAM! My parents burst into my room, screaming and yelling ...

(Megan)

ZZZZAAAPPP! What the? What just happened? I ask myself as I wake up to a strange sound. "Hello, Ryan," says an odd voice.

(Ryan C.)

The worst Thanksgiving. I was eight years old, and it was about three days until Thanksgiving supper at my uncle's place.

(Max)

"Ugh, I feel horrible," I said, "I don't think I'm going out this year." This story begins with a single cough and ends with an AHHHH-CHOOOOO!

(Austin)

My heart skips a beat, thumping harshly. I'm ready as can be to crawl into a corner. I try hard not to let the tears roll down my face.

(Leanna)

To be honest, I've felt left out before. I was furious. It was at the finals of a soccer tournament.

(John)

WWOOOOSSSSSHHHHH! I was at school. Recess. Wind blowing. Leaves crinkling. A normal fall day.

(Carter)

I have "super" powers. For 24 hours. What to do?

(Amy)

"Jeffrey, slow down!" I yelled. My brother Jeffrey. He just wanted to open everything!

(Haley)

Jingle, jingle, jingle ... "Oh, man! It's almost Christmas!" Last year, I woke up a little early for the big day. About 2:45 in the morning!

(Ryan T.)

Do you like Christmas? Or is it usually a complete disaster?

(Hanna)

I definitely "entered" these stories. I'm sure you would have as well. Great stuff, gang.

Almost Time ...

2009-12-30T16:23:00.004-05:00

I know, you're grumpy. The holidays are just too long. You miss me.

Don't worry, it's almost time to get back to the fun of reading, writing, "mathing", creating, thinking, debating, organizing, understanding, co-operating, laughing at my jokes, problem-solving, revising, editing, laughing at my jokes, planning, "sciencing", "gyming", critiquing, team-building, etc. Did I mention the laughing part? Sorry.

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-19T11:29:00.003-05:00

To a great bunch of whipper-snappers in 6M. Enjoy your time off, be safe, and come back ready to rip it up in 2010.

Measuring a Puddle (Math)

2009-12-16T17:39:00.008-05:00

Hey, little man. How DO you measure that puddle you're plopping in? Ah, there are ways. Many ways.
The students were presented with such a conundrum recently. Some managed to get the idea quite nicely. Others need to be stretching their brains a little more in future tasks, as they now see.
Here are a couple of top-notch explanations from 6M:

"I could use string to find the circumference (he was thinking of a circle, which is pretty cool; at least he knew to find the distance around the puddle). Or I could use a machine to suck up the water, put it into a container, and measure the capacity. Or I could put the water in the container and weigh it for mass by subtracting the mass of the container. Also, when measuring the area of a square or rectangle, it's L x W, So, I could draw one around the puddle, measure the area of the rectangle, and subtract an estimate of the area outside the puddle near the sides of the rectangle. The one I drew had an area of about 200 sq. cm."
(John)

"You can measure the puddle in area, perimeter, capacity, and volume. I measured the area. I came up with around 400 sq. cm. To measure perimeter or circumference (again, he was thinking circles; yes!), you would need a "bendy" ruler or string. For volume, you'd drain the water and measure the area of the puddle along with height to put the cubes down. For capacity, you'd have to drain the water and measure it in litres or smaller."
(Carter)

Nicely done, boys.

Dear Soldier

2009-12-06T22:12:00.003-05:00

This is a special project of mine, in its third year. For the November Poetry Anthology, the students were asked to write a letter in poetry form to a member (no one in particular) of our Canadian military. I chose the best of the best with the criteria being literacy and visual presentation. I then produced this video to honour our troops. The students did an amazing job. Have some kleenex handy. I'm a mess every time I watch it.

The Final Frontier ...

2009-11-30T21:01:00.007-05:00

That could only mean one thing. Space. Star Trek, yes! But let's stick to the academics, shall we?

Ever wonder what's beyond that amazing scenery to the right => ?

Me, too.

The students will be spending the next couple of months exploring the Space unit in Science - and quite independently. I have produced a differentiated unit, "layered" for their learning tendencies. I've posted a hard copy that you can access here at any time; print it, if you like. The students can explain the expectations. My suggestion is that they get their planning started ... NOW. It should be an interesting experience for them. Lots of learning ahead.

The Corner of 6M and Main (Idea)

2009-11-28T18:07:00.006-05:00

No mountain is too tall in 6M.
The students continue to hammer away on "main idea" skills. We use a 'RAPP' sequence. Re-state the question, Answer the question maturely, Prove the answer with at least two excerpts from the text, and Personalize the text selection with a connection (text-to-self or text-to-world).

Our most recent picture book? The ever-popular "The Hockey Sweater". Terrific story about a young Quebec boy in the '50's receiving a Maple Leaf sweater in the mail from his mother's catalogue order - blasphemy in Canadiens territory! What with every boy that age wearing Rocket Richard's #9. Safe to say, Roch, the youngster, was mortified at the thought of wearing the blue/white to his pick-up games in the neighbourhood. The key idea? Fitting in - or not being accepted.

Some solid responses from the students:

"It showed the main idea when the coach put him on the second line even though he was on the first line. When he finally got in, the referee gave him a penalty, and he yelled out, 'This is persecution!' This reminds me of one of my hockey games when a boy from another team than mine got benched for the whole game just because he didn't have his jersey with him, even though he was one of the best players on the team." (Jake)

"This shows the need to fit in when the main character, Roch, got a Maple Leafs sweater instead of Maurice Richard's hockey sweater in the mail order. Then, his teammates wouldn't play with him so he got furious and was sent away, unable to play for most of the game. Another example was that before he was sent away, the referee wouldn't let him on, clearly leaving him left out. This reminds me of a time when I played soccer back when I was six. I stunk at soccer, so the coach barely let me play. I got mad and chucked my water bottle. I was left out just like Roch." (Megan)

"The story describes the big idea by showing us that all the other boys have the same sweater each year and Roch comes in and has a different sweater. He says in the text to his mom, 'I'll never wear that uniform' because he's sad. When he gets to the ice, he's not allowed to play yet, as the priest tells him, 'My child, just because you're wearing that sweater does not mean you make the laws!' So he goes to the church and prays. I remember feeling like I didn't belong at my old school. I had been away for a while, and when I came back, it was like no one remembered me." (Amy)

Nice stuff, gang.

Character Traits III

2009-11-24T23:42:00.006-05:00

Our newest installment/interpretation of our Board's character education traits. My students are not shy.

Count on It!

2009-11-22T17:29:00.005-05:00

A recent Math journal task for 6M? What sorts of things do you count? Just randomly. The art of counting helps us to understand the concept of "number", and if we're counting something, we're actually fine-tuning numeracy skills. Here are some excerpts of the journal entries. Bravo, ladies.

"If I'm listening to music in my room, I notice my jar of pennies that I have there, and I automatically start counting all of them. Actually, I just counted them yesterday. I have 609 pennies!" (Matraca)

"Weird, but I count trucks on the highway. I like to see how many are delivering stuff to various places. Example? I counted 100 vehicles on the weekend on our highway trip - and 73 were trucks. That's 73/100. On the way back, I got 92/100. I think our brains just want to count randomly sometimes." (Leanna)

"I don't think it's a habit. I think it's just a thing my brain does if I get bored. For instance, I grab my hairbrush and count by ones until I get to 100. If I brush 100 times on each side, that might take me an hour? I don't know. That would be 30 minutes on each side." (Abby)

Hmm. I wonder how many words are in this entry? Care to count them? Let me know in a comment.

Why Not Just Say It?

2009-11-18T16:55:00.008-05:00

You're right. Sometimes, the spoken word is far more interesting and expressive.
In recent days, some students jumped into the Mitchell Recording Studios (well, that's a stretch; how about the use of Audacity?) and offered some reflections related to their learning. A recent Math journal task involved answering the age-old question, "What does Math 'taste' like to you?" This generated some interesting discussion. A couple of samples follow.

Also, some students were asked to reflect upon their independent reading sessions with some teacher-directed prompts to get them thinking critically and creatively. Not just re-telling. Examples are provided. Enjoy. More to come.

Science!

2009-11-17T18:42:00.002-05:00

The students had a blast this week participating in the 'Scientists in School' program. We investigated electricity concepts with Scientist Dee. Some comments follow. More are welcomed.

Poetry Fun

2009-11-16T11:06:00.005-05:00

We recently completed a poetry unit, with a final task in group settings. The students brainstormed ideas and came up with a "Without" poem ... I guided them with a model and advised the groups to think of things that would be 'weird' if they didn't have what they should have! Get it? See the results by clicking here, here, and here. Not here. Kidding. Couldn't resist.

Claymation Sensation!

2009-11-15T12:13:00.005-05:00

This past week, the students were treated to a visit from Director's Cut, and several claymation movies were produced during the day-long workshop. We had a blast, to be sure. The projects are in edit and production phase back in Toronto at the moment. Rest assured, I'll be posting them here once the DVD's are delivered to our school. Highly recommended to all fellow educators. The kids were completely engaged.

The Great Bottled Water Debate

2009-11-03T22:46:00.003-05:00

Recently, the students read and discussed an investigative article concerning the ongoing debate surrounding the availability of water bottles in schools. The idea this time was to prepare some reflections related to the topic and to express themselves orally in a set of videos. Each group had roughly three minutes to discuss the controversy. I advised them that I would be assessing the video based upon each student's grasp of the debate, their contribution to the discussion, their "depth" of thought. This is, I suppose, an "all-star" version of the videos produced. I was pleased with their frankness and ability to communicate freely. Not to mention the lighter moments - like Max's willingness to be a good classmate in agreeing with Ryan ... until he was thrown that curveball about water being imported from India! Enjoy.

Boys' Non-Fiction Writing

2009-10-25T16:40:00.003-04:00

Plenty of debate and initiatives put forth surrounding the issue of boys' writing. Specifically, non-fiction writing. It's a struggle, yes, to get the boys in class to write rich, raw, personal narratives. The key is to get them to find things in their lives that makes them 'tick' and to write about them. Like everything, it'll take practice. The volume of writing in class so far is terrific; the quality is improving. Check out four narratives from Ajay, Troy, Joe, and Ryan C.

6M Music Videos

2009-10-23T21:26:00.004-04:00

One of the music tasks in the first term? To create a video, using compelling imagery (hopefully) to tell a story about the songs chosen. The students were reminded of copyright issues, of course. Creative Commons materials used extensively. The best efforts so far, Jake and Hanna. Enjoy.

6M Narratives

2009-10-23T21:19:00.003-04:00

We've had a good start to our writing program, and the students have embraced my "demands" to be rich, raw, risky, and content-driven. Here are a couple of early samples from Megan and Austin.

Character Video II

2009-10-10T20:20:00.000-04:00

The second installment of our character PSA's. Fun - but factual. Enjoy.

We're Busy in Here ...

2009-09-27T13:08:00.005-04:00

Hey, some new work to share with you!

In this update, I've provided two key writing charts for revision and editing. These charts must be followed to the "letter" if the students are going to see improvements in their writing. Revision is about a 20-minute process; the final edit before publishing should take about the half the time.

Here are a couple of "diary" entries written by students related to our recent study of the tribes famous (or infamous?) for the buffalo jumps. Click here and here.
More to come. Stay tuned.

Character Education at HJC

2009-09-19T11:00:00.002-04:00

We're on a mission to spread the word about spreading the word (have I made my point?) regarding the display of good character in and around our school. This is the first of several to be produced. It stars several of the gang in 6M. Important message ... with some humour thrown in. Enjoy.

6M ... September, 2009

2009-09-08T22:20:00.002-04:00

A little video introducing the group ...

HJC

Moving ... Just Down the Street, Though

Thinking Out Loud in Math

Hey, Hannah!

A Mathemagician ...

Journal Writing

More History!

History Exemplars

Premier - Literacy Tools

Weird Math

Reading Responses - Immigration

In So Many Words ...

Dear World

The Learner Profile

Update

History

We Are 7M ...

Up and Running

Welcome Back!

Ready to Return?

In a Word ... or Words!

Time to Go ...

Comics in 6M!

Camping ... and Stuff!

Done, Duh-Done Done ...

Down the Stretch They Come!

Tracking the Trackers

Canada's Links to the World (Unit)

Runnin' Wild!

She Blinded Us With Science!

Science, Flight II

Science Multimedia Presentations

Flying High with Science

Writing Samples

New Writing Samples

Reading Response Experts

6M Olympic Games Report - Finale!

6M Olympic Games Report

6M Olympic News Report II

6M News Covers the Winter Games

Science Poll

The Winter Games

Interpreting Cartoons

Speeches, Science = Crunch Time

6M News Covers the Games!

Supporting Our Troops

Great Leads

Almost Time ...

Happy Holidays!

Measuring a Puddle (Math)

Dear Soldier

The Final Frontier ...

The Corner of 6M and Main (Idea)

Character Traits III

Count on It!

Why Not Just Say It?

Science!

Poetry Fun

Claymation Sensation!

The Great Bottled Water Debate

More 6M Music Videos

Boys' Non-Fiction Writing

6M Music Videos

6M Narratives

Character Video II

We're Busy in Here ...

Character Education at HJC

6M ... September, 2009