Last week

Time flew by.  This week students came up with amazing (take my  word for it) First Nations artifact presentations.   They all made a model of their artifact and described it.  Here are some pictures:

I couldn't believe all of the work that the students put into making their models! Many were very resourceful with the materials that they used.

Art projects turned out well.  Students finished off their Woodland style oil pastel animals.  Take a look:

The learning wall was complete on my very last day:

I'm glad I took so many pictures!

Here are the blogs that I've commented on:
Week 1- Samantha
Week 2- Khushbu
Week 3- Lindsay
Week 4- Carolyn

Week 3

I can't believe that time has passed by so quickly.  Students are working on their culminating activity for the "First Nations Peoples of Canada (before European contact)" unit.  They have all chosen a First Nations artifact and completed research for a descriptive paragraph to be handed in next week.  Next week, they are all going to create an advertisement and a model of the artifiact to present in class for Friday!

In Math, I've begun the unit on fractions.  I've been using pattern blocks and fraction circles on the projector.  Students have been solving problems involving fractions on individual whiteboards.  I've learned that small whiteboards are very handy (and reusable) to see what students understand.  Also, using a few examples and explaining them very well has proven to be more effective than using many examples. I have to admit that I can tell that not everyone loves fractions but at least one student said, "Yes!" when I brought out the whiteboards for Math. 

I've taught some Art lessons and Phys Ed lessons (when my AT was absent).  I've recognized that these two classes are associated with being "fun" so my goal is for students to enjoy these classes- while following the rules, of course.  Time to prep for the last week.   

Enjoy your last week of practicum!

Week 2

This week, students worked on their own origin stories.  They were to write a story to explain why certain animals have certain characteristics.  After a lesson on quotation marks and story maps, students were given the chance to write.  What was interesting was that I had to create a checklist and rubric to assess the writing.  With the help of my Associate Teacher, I was able to identify exactly what my expectations were for the origin stories.  For the assessment, I gave the students a checklist and a rubric. 

In Math, students worked on coordinates and scatter plots.  To work on coordinates, students played a game similar to Battleship that I entitled Battleshape.  To create scatter plots, students measured their own armspan and height.  What I've noticed is that students really like to draw with marker on large graph paper.  The only downside is that there isn't enough time to analyse everybody's work.  Students contribute a lot to the analysis and the discussion; they practically do the work for you!

There was also a volleyball practice and a dance this week.  Students could hardly sit still from the excitement.  Surprisingly, students danced.  It was a lot different from what I remember when I was in grade 6.  Time to relax and prepare for the second block of practicum.  Have a good March Break. 

Week 1

The week has been full of stories!  I've been able to teach origin stories from First Nations peoples in Canada: Turtle Island, The Raven and the First Men, Why Rabbit Turns White in Winter, Why Dog is Man's Best Friend....  I'm trying to devise lessons with more that Think Pair Share in order to get students talking about the stories that we are reading.  One of the ideas that my AT suggested was having the student dramatize the text.  It worked very well.  Today we had a story bonanza where students presented their story through retelling, reflecting and drawing.  Next week, students will write their own origin stories.  I can't wait to read them.  The Learning Wall is looking pretty bare.  I wonder what it'll look like in the end?

Students are going through the Health unit and I've been able to answer a few questions from the Question Box.  It's fascinating to see how curious they are about their body and puberty. It isn't my idea but the Question Box (students can leave anonymous questions on post-its) is a great idea to open up conversation. 

I've also taught some Math classes.  Graphing has been fun.  Students have graphed data from surveys completed in class and data that has been provided.  In order to remind students of certain criteria, we've created success criteria for graphs.  It was amazing to see one group actually check their graph against these criteria. 

I feel like I've been through classroom management training; I've learned so many techniques: clapping, countdown, lights off and a rock bin reward system (students earn rocks for good behaviour- when the rock bin is full, students can get a free period).  During free time, I've sat in on French and Music classes.  I've also seen the Photography Club in action.  Now to prepare for week 2.  To be continued....