Earth Day Video

We borrowed some great words of wisdom to focus on the issues surrounding Earth Day.  Here is a quick video of us sharing these great Earth Day Quotes...

Rant Writing

We are looking at how to write a good 'Rant'.  With Earth Day coming up, we have been looking at topics that are worth 'ranting about'.  Today we looked at how a good rant can flow, and we are deconstructing how it is built, so we can build some of our own.  You can check out a couple of the rants we looked at below, or look at some instructions on how to write one.  These instructions are a bit more open ended, but we will take some big points from them to help guide us.

Supporting Refugees...

Canadians unprepared for winter...

Instructions on how to write a Rant...

http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Rant

Anti Bullying work Last Week

As one of the final activities we did last week on the topic of Bullying Awareness, students considered the mean and hurtful things that they hear said around them, or sometimes to them.  Each student shared one of these things on our diagram of an average student.  Afterwards we spoke of how those words can make someone feel.  For effect, and to get them thinking, I rumpled up our paper 'victim' of the bullying insults.  The class all were able to connect great words and phrases with the words and comments on our victim.

Before leaving for the day, each student had to share a positive, uplifting comment they have heard made, or that they would love to have someone say to them.  Below is our 'supported' paper student, who, as you can see, is much less rumpled.  Today we reflected on the words left on the 'supported' student, and it was unfortunate to note that most of the great, uplifting, friendly comments, were ones that students do not feel they hear enough of, if ever.  We are making it our goal to share these kinds of comments as often as we can in the future....

Saying No To Bullying

Today we explored themes related to bullying, and awareness.  Discussions revolved around everyone's responsibility when bullying occurs.  Ask your child about Bullies, Bystanders and Activists, and ask them how they can become Activists when they see bullying happening.  We also talked about the effects of bullying, and how to develop stronger self esteem through self awareness, self acceptance, and positive affirmations.  Students repeated self affirmation statements, and thought about/wrote some of their own.  We will be continuing the discussions tomorrow, and in the future, but today was a great chance to reflect on the topic, and build more understanding around it.

Thursday we will be planting seeds of peace and acceptance as a symbol of our efforts to take action and stop bullying in our world.

International Day Of Pink

Wednesday is International Day of Pink.  We are encouraging all students to wear pink.  It is the second such day in our school year, but this one is going to be the focus of much that we do in class tomorrow.
Here are some links to more info on this important day to observe..


http://dayofpink.org/about/

http://iamstronger.ca/event-calendar/post/international-day-of-pink1476905657

Bridge Builder Link

Today we are looking at bridge types.  We will use the bridge builder at this link to help us explore strengths and weaknesses of each design.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/bridge/

Apostrophe Links

Today we we are looking at how to use an apostrophe properly in our writing.  We looked at the book  and then did some activities and made some notes.  Here are some Apostrophe Links to help us with some activities we are doing....

http://www.apostrophecatastrophes.com/


http://www.apostropheabuse.com/