Media Literacy - Kid President!

“Only surround yourself with people who lift you higher.”

 Oprah Winfrey 

This quote was discussed in class this week as part of our "Breakfast for your Brain" program. Students were asked to give examples of people who lift them higher in life and the reasons why. During our class discussion, students shared people such as their parents, grandparents, siblings and teachers who lift them higher and encourage them in life. They also shared personal examples of how they've been encouraged to do something in their life that may have at first been uncomfortable with or feared but then succeeded in trying.

Math - Our unit math test has been postponed to Tuesday October 8, 2013 due to the cross country meet on October 7th at Ashbridges' Bay. Several students in our class will be attending the cross country event and I did not want them to miss the test. The students are encouraged to study using their textbook this weekend. The test will cover all of the chapters from Unit 2, Whole Numbers. We have been reviewing the material covered in class all week and I encouraged the students to come and see me with any questions they may have. I do not want them to feel pressure or stress over this math test. It is the first math test for many of them and I'm only interested in tracking their progress to date. I do expect them to study for the test and complete the daily math assignments for practice  This is all part of my assessment techniques. I've reviewed the best ways to study for a math test with them in class as well.. 

Our next math unit will be Number Patterns (Unit 1) which we will be starting on Monday October 7, 2013.

Math Congress - They were stumped and challenged this week!!! Students worked VERY HARD in groups of 3 trying to solve this challenging math problem. I overheard some excellent "math language" being used as well as discussions among peers on how to begin the problem. Here is the problem....see if you are able to solve it!

MATH CONGRESS

Sandra has a lot of cats (which have four legs) and parakeets (which have 2 legs), but she has no other pets. Among her pets, Sandra counts 57 heads and 176 legs. How many cats does Sandra have? Use pictures, numbers and words to explain your answer.

Media Literacy - This week in media literacy, we looked at several videos from a very young, astute boy who refers to himself as Kid President. His message is one of encouragement, hard work and perseverance. He is very funny and the students really enjoyed watching him. This video is connected to Life Vest Inside, Acts of Kindness and the importance of positive thinking. Enjoy it!

Paragraph Writing - For the last few weeks, we have been looking at strong paragraphs and the characteristics of an excellent paragraph. Students were asked to write a paragraph on any topic of their choice. The final copies of these paragraphs are due on Monday October 7, 2013. Paragraphs should be on one page and include a coloured and neat illustration. These are displayed outside our classroom...

Notices - Just a reminder to please send in any notices that you may have at home. I am still missing some of the students:
1. Project Give Back forms
2. Personal information forms for our class parent's email list
3. Recorder money and order forms

Reminders:

• Friday Reports are due on Monday October 7, 2013
• Paragraphs are due on Monday October 7, 2013
• Students should be working on their first draft of their book reports now. The due date for either the paper bag book report or time capsule book report is Monday October 21, 2013
• PD Day - Friday October 11, 2013. There will be no school for students that day.

HAVE A WONDERFUL AND RESTFUL WEEKEND!

Thank you for your support.

Mrs. Mendelson