Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Just wanted to say the first part of the school year has been a blast and I'm very grateful for having such an amazing class.

Hope everyone has a tremendous Christmas (and a Happy Holidays)!

Also, thank you all so much for the wonderful gifts.

See you in the New Year. Don't eat too much.

Tchoukball

This week in Phys. Ed. we have started playing a new game called Tchoukball. It's a fantastic ball oriented game from Sweden. It's HUGE in Europe and is only just starting to catch on in Canada.

Here's a clip to give you an idea.




We'll be playing tchoukball until the Christmas break. After the break, the school will also have tchoukball intramurals during the nutrition breaks.

Movember Donations to End Prostate Cancer

So the month of Movember (November) is almost over. That means it will soon be time to wave goodbye to my moustache. But before the month is out, it's never too late to donate to a good cause.

Just in case you missed the original post on here about Movember, the month formerly known as November is a moustache growing charity event held during November each year that raises funds and awareness for prostate cancer research. This year, the Halton District School Board has decided to sign up and create a team of mustachio'd male teachers in order to help raise money for prostate cancer awareness. I've decided to be one of those (in case you didn't notice on parent/teacher interview night).

Remember, in 2010 tragically more than 4,400 men will die as a direct result of prostate cancer. And 1 and 6 men will develop prostate cancer in their life time. Pretty alarming statistics.

If you want to donate, go to the following link

Thanks!

 

Food Diary Project for Healthy Living

On Friday, the students received a project for Healthy Living called a Food Diary. This project is one that will have to be completed both at home, and at school. It's due next Friday, November 26. Here are the project details.

Task Description:

Using three copies of the “Food Diary: What Have I Eaten?” activity sheet, you will keep a food record for three days, including one weekend day. This is so you can analyze your eating habits.

The Reflection:

After recording your food intake for three days, you will write a reflection that should answer the following questions:

Ø      Did you eat foods from all the food groups?

Ø      Did you have three meals each day?

Ø      At each meal, did you have something from at least three of the food groups?

Ø      Did your snack choices represent foods from one or more of the food groups?

Ø      How did you classify combination foods (for example pizza)?

Ø      Were your food choices ‘everyday foods’ most of the time?

Ø      For each food group, did you eat a variety of choices or the same ones?

Ø      What did you eat differently on the weekend day?

The Plan:

You will set a personal goal for improving or maintaining your eating habits, based on what you have observed and analyzed. Brainstorm ways that you can meet this goal. 

Just one more note, the students will need to fill out the food diary sheets for three days (as it mentioned above). However, one of these days must be a weekend day in order to compare eating habits on the weekend, to eating habits during the week (at school).

Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences

Folks, it's just about that time of the year for the traditional parent/teacher conferences.

As I'm sure you're aware of by now, they aren't going to be quite so traditional this year. With the new "Progress Report" comes the new conferencing method. The board wants completely student led conferences. Our school has decided to transition slowly into fully student led conferences, and has left it to the teacher's discretion about how much responsibility to place on the students. Because this is a large step (in my opinion) for the students to take in one year, our conferences for 6-2 will be a half and half scenario.

Here's "THE PLAN."

When you arrive at the classroom, your child's portfolio will be waiting for you. While you're waiting for your interview to commence, please have your son/daughter take you through their portfolio and its contents.

When the interview actually begins, your son/daughter will outline 2 things they are proud of and 1 thing they hope to improve on (2 stars and a wish). Then they will present to you a piece of work they are proud of. This will be followed by an explanation of the learning skill which they feel is their strongest/best asset and why. Finally, the student led portion will commence with the sharing of three personal learning goals for the year; one language goal, one math goal and one learning skill goal.

Once the three learning goals are shared, we'll sit down and map out a plan to help the achievement of them. This plan will consist of a chart that outlines a plan of action for at home, at school and independently.

Then the student will be asked to fill out the bottom portion of his/her progress report. This needs to be done before I can file them in the student's OSR.

Then at the end, there will be time for the traditional question and answer period where you can ask me questions, or I can present you with concerns.

Can't wait to meet all of you again...or for the first time. See you tomorrow or Friday!

Potluck Was a Success

Thanks to all the parents (and students) who slaved over making the food for our International Heritage Potluck today. The food was absolutely outstanding. I'm not even eating dinner tonight because I'm so full.

Also thanks to those who sent accessories like plates, cutlery, napkins. Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. McGowan for helping out with set up and providing so much of the accessories and drinks.

You guys are all superstars!

International Cuisine Potluck

Next Monday (the 8th), the students of class 6-2 have been asked to take part in an international cuisine potluck based on their heritage. I'm hoping your son or daughter has mentioned this to you previously (and it has been on my main page for a week now).

In health class, we've been discussing the various influences on our food choices. One of those particular influences was culture or heritage. Because it's great to celebrate multiculturalism, we decided as a class that we should have a potluck where each student can bring in a food item (home made of course!) that represents their heritage.

As an example, I'm German, so I plan on making something German to bring in for the class (I'm leaning towards either latkes or schnitzel).

We do have some allergies in the class so it is NECESSARY to keep the following ingredients out of the dish

1. Any kind of nuts (peanuts, walnuts, pecans, etc)
2. Peaches

We also have two students who are lactose intolerant, but both have said they can take their medicine that day, so if dairy does need to be included, this will be allowed.

However, I'm asking that each dish/cuisine be accompanied by an ingredient list so that the students can decide whether or not they want to try something.

One other thing to consider is sample/portion size. You don't need to make a HUGE amount of what's being brought in. There are 27 students in the class (plus 28 if you count my dish). That means there will be a lot of food going around. There's no need to waste a ton of food by bringing in too much. As long as you've got enough for each person in the class to sample, this should be sufficient.

Also, if it's at all possible, I'm looking for a couple volunteers to provide some utensils, plates, napkins, etc.

If you want to come in and try some of the food yourself, you are more than welcome to! Once again, that's Monday, November 8th for our "international" potluck. We'll probably aim for around 12:00 to start the festivities.

"Movember"

As I'm sure some of my students have told you, I've decided to grow a moustache for the month of November in honor of prostate cancer awareness. This has become known as "Movember."

The month formerly known as November is a moustache growing charity event held during November each year that raises funds and awareness for men's health.

This year, the Halton District School Board has decided to sign up and create a team of mustachio'd male teachers in order to help raise money for prostate cancer awareness. I've decided to be one of those.

If you have the time, desire and or funds to donate, I'd appreciate that you do (despite how much we ask of you at River Oaks). Also, donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

You can do so at my "Mo Page" through the HDSB's group page...HERE 

Remember, in 2010 tragically more than 4,400 men will die as a direct result of prostate cancer. And 1 and 6 men will develop prostate cancer in their life time.

Big Thanks to The Students of Class 6-2

I just wanted to share with everyone the amazing art piece that my class made for me today (or has been making me for the past little while I assume).

I'm really grateful to have this and I really appreciate all the thought and effort that went into it.

Thanks guys.

"Scooby Doo" will be viewed tomorrow

In honor of the great holiday of Halloween, we will be watching the both "Scooby Doo and the Boo Brothers" and "Scooby Doo and the Ghoul School" tomorrow.

Be sure to dress up for the Hoot N'Anny! I know I will be.

Field Trip to Brock University

As I'm sure you've realized by now, the Grade 6's will be heading to Brock University next Monday (November 1) on a field trip. We'll be partaking in their Youth University program which includes a lot of team and character building exercises. It also includes a tour of the University.

Here is the website.

Youth University

I'm really excited about this trip for a couple of reasons. A few years ago my sister went on this trip and it's something she remembers clearly and really enjoyed. I think the kids are going to have a blast. Secondly, Brock University is my alma mater and I'm excited to return there and I think the kids will really benefit from visiting a University and seeing what its environment is like.

This is a cashless operation, so everything must be paid online...with the permission form returned to school for my documentation. If you have any issues with the cashless, then don't hesitate to talk with our school secretary Mrs. Brassard as she's willing to help anyone who needs it.

The R.O.A.R. Model of Problem Solving

Today we started a new initiative in math. Students were taught how to use the R.O.A.R. model to help them answer problem solving questions in mathematics.

Over the next few weeks, we'll be focusing closely on this model as it aims to help students organize their ideas and ensure that their answers are not only logical but accurate.

I've attached the model as it will be displayed in class for the rest of the year.

Happy Thanksgiving

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and for making my first month at River Oaks a great one!

Don't eat too much!

International Organizations Exhibit

Today in Social Studies we have started our latest project/assignment.

Students have selected (through a draw) an international organization (examples being The Red Cross, Right to Play, NATO, etc) that Canada has ties with. They will research and create an exhibit on a bulletin board with what they have found. As a class, we will then have an exhibit where students will get the opportunity to discuss and share their organization with their classmates. The assignment will by both myself and their classmates.

I've attached the information package about the assignment for you to download. To download, select the option on the right of the page that says "free account option - slow download." You may have to wait a minute.

HERE

The due date is tentatively scheduled for over a week from now, but the students have been informed that the date is flexible depending on how they work and what they're able to accomplish. Class time will be allotted to complete this, HOWEVER, the majority of this assignment will have to be done at home. Most of the research for this will need to be done using the internet, and unfortunately we don't have access to the computer lab every day...nor do we have enough computers in our room. Also, the design and completion of the bulletin board itself is probably best suited for home so that it does not get damaged from traveling back and forth.

River Oaks Open House

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who came out yesterday to the River Oaks Open House. It was really great meeting all of you and I look forward to working with you this school year. I also thank you for your patience on the night as I was quite busy trying to meet everyone and understand that some of you had to wait a bit to get a chance to talk to me. I hope that some of the things put up around the room were able to distract you/hold your attention long enough until I was free to chat.

Ms. Philipson and I also apologize that we never got around to talking about the blog assignment. With so many parents to meet, we completely lost track of time. Perhaps it was a bit ambitious of us to schedule that into the open house. If you're still looking for information on it (on top of what was sent home in the letter), and/or have concerns, you can feel free to contact me at my email and we can set up a meeting.

Again thank you so much for the warm welcome.

Pizza Party on Monday

The class pizza party that we earned from getting our introductory forms in first, will occur this coming Monday.

So students of my class, you may not want to bring a huge lunch, but you can feel free to bring other snacks with you if you'd like (i.e. chips).

For those with allergy concerns, River Oaks gets their pizza from Martino's across the street, who ensure that no peanuts are used in pizza pie creation. Both pepperoni and cheese, and just cheese options will be available. 

Social Studies and Math Assignments

Today we began working on two different assignments. I thought I'd fill you in on both.

1. Social Studies Project on Afghanistan

Students have been organized into groups to create a presentation around a specific topic about Afghanistan. These topics include people, trade, history, geography, current events, and culture. Each topic is associated with a unique and creative way to present the information to their classmates. Students will be given time in class to work on their topic, however some work will need to be completed out of school. The tentative due date for this project is next Tuesday, September 28. I say it's tentative because I want to see how much work gets done and if more time is needed to make an outstanding finished product.

I've attached a link to where I've uploaded a copy of the project information package that was given out today.

HERE

2. Data Management - Survey Assignment

Students were paired up and asked to think of a theme (e.g. sports, food, movies, or something more specific) to create a survey around. Their survey must be 10 questions in length. When they've finished creating their survey, they will go around the class and have their classmates take their survey, recording the results in a tally chart. Lastly, they will present their findings by bar graph (for each survey question).

The due date for this assignment is next Monday, September 27. They will be given the rest of the math periods this week in order to complete the assignment in class.

Again, I've uploaded the assignment overview.

HERE

Daily Agenda

Starting from now on, I'll try to get into a habit of posting the night's homework on my school webpage. I've posted Monday's homework there right now.

Also, just a heads up, on Friday, we're going to be watching a short biography clip on Terry Fox and talking about the meaning of the run and the importance of it. I've embedded the clip for you to check out.

A Great First Week

Just wanted to say that my first week at River Oaks has been a tremendous experience. My class is amazing (don't you go getting swelled heads now), and I couldn't be happier.

Just a few items to update you on.

Our class was the first class in the entire school to get all of their beginning of the year forms in, which means that we've earned ourselves a pizza party sometime in the future. Stay tuned for the exact date, I've got to figure that out with the administration.

We had a fun filled first week that included a scavenger hunt on Thursday morning. Some of the creativity I saw was amazing. Items on the list included a "neanderthal man," a "brontosaurus rib," and a "trilobite fossil."

Next week we will begin our social studies unit on Canada's Links to the World, on top of carrying on with our Gordon Korman read aloud in language and the data analysis of our multiple intelligence surveys in math.

Also beginning next week will be the weekly reading log. Students will receive this reading log (in a duotang) on Monday, however if you want to grab a sneak peak check out my web page where I've got a copy posted. Essentially, students will be asked to read for 20 minutes, 5 out of the 7 nights of the week. They will record what they read and have parents sign off on it each week. To ensure everyone has reading material, Monday mornings will become our library time where students can sign out a book if they desire.

How to Access Your Blog

Instructions:

1. Go to the "Kidblog" main page, which is located here.
2. Sign in using the username and password that Mr. Otten or Ms. Philipson has given you.
3. Go ahead and start blogging, it's THAT easy!

UPDATE: The blogging will kick off in the next few weeks, but as of yet, the students have not received their log-ins and passwords. Stay tuned.

Welcome

Welcome everyone to my blog!

I hope (and trust) everyone had a fantastic summer, but it's that time of year again...time to head back to school.

As you may (or may not) know, I'm the new Grade 6 teacher at River Oaks Public school. I'm really looking forward to working at River Oaks and can't wait for the year to get started.

Just to give you a heads up, most class activity/information will be updated on this blog. However, if I need to upload something for you to download (information sheet, assessments, projects), it will go to my class web page which is located HERE.

Perhaps the thing that I'm most excited about is that Ms. Philipson and I have designed a year long project that will see each of our students design and maintain their own blogs. Essentially, every two weeks, our students will be asked to make a post concerning different ideas. However, our obvious hope is that each student will fall in love with the idea of having a blog and make posts all the time and not just when assigned. Over at my web page (look above for the link), you can find a rubric which will be used to assess each blog at different intervals of the school year. This blog will make up a large portion of the IT mark on each student's report card.

Stay tuned for direct instructions on how to start up your own blog!