Mr. Seko

Class Updates

December 2012

The snow was just falling out there at recess today! Hopefully the kids are dressing nice and warm, wearing layers so they don't get sick!

First, I wanted to congratulate our recipients of the November awards: Payton, Garrett, and Theron. Payton and Garrett earned the 4 As award, while Theron took home the Wild award. All three showed great character and attitude throughout the month.

We have had a great teacher candidate from UOIT with us for the past couple of weeks. Miss. McConnell will be with us until December 14 and has organized a great unit on 'Holes'.

In Language, students are about to complete their novel study on 'Holes'. They have had a few comprehension quizzes and class discussions so far, but the culminating task is to create a newspaper based upon the novel. It is crucial for the students to have read the entire novel and use the information to create the articles that reflect the big ideas of the book. Students have been given time to read in class, but should be bringing the novel home to review for the quizzes and prep for the newspaper. The task sheet will be sent home with the students soon.

In Math, we have just completed our second rotation. Tests will be going home with students soon with a letter to preview the upcoming weeks. Before the holidays, we will do a portion of the third rotation: multiplying two 2-digit numbers and long division. We will have a test before the winter break.

I wanted to take this time to wish everyone Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year!

November

I have started a YouTube channel to specifically support students at home. "Ontariomath" is a channel that I have created to give five minute math tutorials that you can access at home. They go over all of the strategies that I feel that are useful and can be accessed on YouTube at any time. Hopefully, they will come in handy for everyone!

If you go to YouTube, you can type in "Ontariomath" (one word and use the quotation marks when you're typing.) You will see my channel and can access all of them from there. I have posted all of the videos for Rotation One.

You can start by accessing the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/ontariomath?feature=results_main

November is here, and the weather is certainly reminding us of how close winter is. Our nice weather isn't around long enough. Students, make sure you start to bundle up and layer in order to stay warm outside, but not overheat inside.

With wet and soon to be snowy weather, please remember to bring indoor shoes to wear for gym and inside the class. We have a carpet now, and we want to keep it clean and stinky free.

Congratulations goes to Mitchell, Alex, and Emily... our three deserving award winners for the month of October! Mitchell earned the Wild Award for his overall improvement over the course of the month. Alex and Emily earned the 4 As award for their contributions across Academics, Athletics, and Attitude. All three of you should be proud!

I have updated the Math Rotations page. Please check the page for Rotation 2 information.

In Language, we are gearing up for rotational groups developed for language centers. Groups will focus on different aspect of language as they go through the rotations. The centers will change every week, but will include indepedent reading time, shared and guided reading with me, fluency partner reading, working with words/spelling/prefix/suffix activities, reading comprehension, short writing pieces, and photoshop media works. In mid-November, we will all be reading 'Holes'; I have ordered copies for every student to read. I will give some time in class to read, but some reading may be needed to be done at home, as well as some responses. We will be focusing on Quick Writes... these are short pieces that consistently focus on Ideas and Organization. Depending on the piece, other traits are developed.

In Social Studies, we are learing about different forms of government and the basics of Canadian government.

Progress Reports will be sent home on Wednesday, November 14. These are preliminary reports that give an idea of each student's progress so far this year. I will be able to expand on strengths and next steps during interviews on Thursday and Friday (Nov. 15/16).

Speaking of progress, students are definitely making gains this year. They are developing strategies to solve problems, both socially and critically. They are treating each other with respect and kindess. They are becoming more involved during discussion time. Keep striving and growing kids of 111.

October

October 2012

One month done already? Time totally flies when you're having fun!

Firstly, I wanted to congratulate the entire class on an amazing first month back. They have been enthusiastic and keen from the get-go and we have had some engaging discussions and a few laughs along the way.

I want to recognize our first award winners of the year: Sijia, Logan, and Nick! Sijia and Logan earned the '4As' certificate of merit for their excellent attitudes in class. They have been positive students and they have shown respect to their peers. Nick was the recipient of the Wild Award for his overall contribution to the class. He has been a help to his group members and teachers on a daily basis. Great job!

In Language, we are wrapping up a perspective based letter-writing unit. Students have been learning about differing points of view and the reasoning behind different people's ideas and opinions. We have tied this into our novel study, 'The Magician's Elephant'. This flows right into our Voice based focus for writing as students will be expected to write from the perspective of a character using appropriate voice and word choice to 'sound' and 'feel' like the character. Also, we are working toward incorporating a version of the 'Daily 5' program. It is a comprehensive language program designed to promote literacy skills while allowing me to focus on small groups during guided and shared reading sessions. Students have been 'training' to read for longer sessions in our 'Stamina Reading' sessions. They have been practicing their oral language skills reading high interest non-fiction texts. Soon, they will be writing 'Quick-writes' based upon a trait of writing.

In media, students are learning the basics of Adobe Photoshop Elements. They have been using filters to see the different effects on pictures.

Please check the 'Math Rotations' page for more information about the program.

In social studies, we have started our study of government by introducing the idea of citizenship to the students. We will then delve into the different aspects of government and the electoral process. This will coincide with the American elections (since no federal Canadian elections are happening this year!) We will disucss differences between both processes.

Our Niagara University teacher-candidate, Mrs. Saundercook, has been working hard with the students in the classroom. She has been assuming more teaching responsibilities over the past few weeks. Her placement will end in mid-October.

I hope you everyone has a great Thanksgiving! The next update will be in November!

September 2012

August/September 2012

First and foremost, I would like to welcome everyone to Grade 5! I hope everyone has enjoyed their summer holidays and got plenty of rest and relaxation. Let's hope the great weather continues throughout the entire year! I am looking forward to teaching the students this year. The next couple of years in the division will be great learning years across all subjects. Students will need to organize and prioritize their time and grow as independent learners. We will be discussing and learning different strategies to help them grow as learners and leaders.

This is my 'class newsletter'! I will try to post one at the start of every month with the big news in the class. Please check at the start of every month for updates.

Super Quick Intro

A few facts: I have been teaching for quite awhile now... I taught in Japan for a couple of years, then supply taught in Vancouver. I returned to teach at the very same school that I attended kindergarten, R.A. Hutchison. After it closed, I went to Pringle Creek and have been fortunate to have come to Whitby Shores. I studied English at university, but my favourite subject is math. I love to watch almost every sport there is. I have a strong passion for music of many different types, and you can often hear tunes coming out of my room (and coincidentally some bad singing). I grew up in the Nintendo age, so it does not come as a surprise that I play a game or two still. In university, I used to DJ house music and still like to mix it up in my spare time. My favourite book this past summer was "Ready Player One". It was a book for Young Adults/Adults that was like a mix of The Matrix and Willy Wonka with a ton of 80s references to games and music. I knew that I wanted to be a teacher when I was in Grade 7! I have taught every grade between 4-8 and coverered every grade at the elementary level.

Communication & Agendas

I will send home a form to find out how you would prefer homework and event information delivered. I am not sure how many parents would prefer to be notified of 'daily' items through live feeds, such as Twitter. This way, the info can be pushed directly to you without having to check the website as often.

This webpage will be used to communicate information to students, parents, and guardians throughout the entire year. Major class updates will be posted every month. Instead of sending a newsletter home, please check the class update section at the start of every month. I update the 'Assignments' section for all major projects, assignments, quizzes and tests. Daily homework will not be posted.

Students will be using their agendas to keep track of their daily work. It is their responsibility to ensure that they stay on top of their work and to organize their time appropriately. As the students have some different teachers for some subjects, the agenda should be used every day to record work from different teachers. Parents and guardians are encouraged to check and sign the agenda on a daily basis. I will be signing the students agendas once they have filled in the necessary information. They will copy the work from the homework board and I ask them to put a checkmark if they have completed the work already.

If you have any questions, please write them in the agenda and I will respond as soon as I can.

Homework

Students will be given time to complete work in class, although at times, they will need to complete their work at home. On some occasions, students will receive major assignments that will require them to spend additional time preparing, researching, studying, etc... They will be given clear due dates and will be expected to adhere to these timelines. We will notify the class ahead of time and give sufficient time to complete/prepare.

They are expected to return all of the work completed on time and with care. Parents and guardians are encouraged to take a look at the work and assist if need be, but the returned work should be completed by the student. If students place a checkmark in their agenda to state that he/she has completed the work, they are always encouraged to take it home and share it with parents/guardians. If they placed a checkmark, that does not mean that I have seen it or approved of the work, yet. It is simply for them to keep track of their assignments.

If students have forgotten their work or have some trouble understanding the concepts, they should use a variety of strategies to work through the problem:

call or visit a friend
ask a relative/guardian
check concept books for math or workbooks
use websites that can help
if all else fails...

Extra Help

I am usually available before and after school, providing I don't have duty or teams to coach. Students can check to see if I am available after 8:20 to ask for help or to complete anything else. In addition, they can stay after school for help most days. They need to call home for permission first.

Healthy Snacks and Water

Just a reminder that we are a PEANUT FREE school. Please do not pack any items that might put students at risk of allergic reactions. Students will be allowed to eat healthy snacks (e.g., fruits, veggies, etc...) and drink water (nope, not pop!) throughout the entire day in the classroom. They can get their snacks after every bell and can take the food/water to their desks. I understand that many students (and myself) have different eating habits and times, so this will be great for all of us. Non-nutritious foods are encouraged at the designated lunch time (yes, that is when I 'cheat' as well!)

So much research has shown that healthy snacks and drinking water improves brain function. We all need this (especially in the morning!) and I hope that this will mean higher grades for everyone!

Forms, Forms, Forms

We will be sending home several forms that need to be completed and returned as soon as possible. Registration form, Internet usage form and an Athletic Co-curricular form. Also, they will be receiving a copy of their schedule, a math information/materials sheet, and a Book Order form. Yes, there are a few sheets there, but if you could read and return the appropriate forms, it would be greatly appreciated!!!

Opportunities for Extracurricular Fun!

As juniors, there will be many opportunities for extracurricular activities. They are encouraged get involved whenever possible! More information will be given as the year progresses.

Niagara Teacher Candidate

I am happy to announce that we have a teacher candidate from Niagara University! She will be observing and teaching in September and October. We look forward to having her in the classroom!

Open House

Our open house will be in early September. More information will be provided.

I know. That was a lot of information. The last piece of info: I am definitely looking forward to a year with the fives. I have seen them around school, talked to them at lunches or in the halls. I have helped coach them in sports or worked with them in the official opening. They seem like wonderful students and we will have an awesome year together.

Assignments

Students are encouraged to use their agenda as the main tool to stay organized and on top of their work. They are expected to bring their agenda to all rotary classes and write in their homework at each class. We have discussed strategies to solve problems if they have forgotten their agenda at school (e.g., call a friend to check and discuss.) The Roompage should be considered as a 'backup' plan if they are unable to remember their assigned work.

Depending on the day and circumstances, I might or might not be able to log in and update homework on a daily basis. Students should not become solely dependent on the Roompage to remind them of homework, rather, still use their agendas to keep track. There may be times when the work is not posted, but the work was assigned in another class and must be completed.

Major assignments will be posted, along with due dates. The due dates may change due to different circumstances (e.g., assemblies during work periods, some parts of the in-class process take longer to teach.) I will make changes should they be necessary.

For most writing assignments, the following rubric will be used. Specific task instructions will be explained to the students before each assignment.

Language Rubric.pdf

Curriculum Focus

Reading Term 1:

-read and demonstrate an understanding of a variety of literary, graphic, and informational texts, using a range of strategies to construct meaning

-use knowledge of words and cueing systems to read fluently

Writing Term 1:

-generate, gather, and organize ideas and information to write for an intended purpose and audience

-use editing, proofreading, and publishing skills and strategies, and knowledge of language conventions, to correct errors, refine expression, and present their work effectively

Media Term 1:

-create a variety of media texts for different purposes and audiences, using appropriate forms, conventions, and techniques

Oral Term 1:

-listen in order to understand and respond appropriately in a variety of situations for a variety of purposes

Math Rotations

NOVEMBER UPDATE

Here is a sheet to help the students solve word problems. It is laid out for them to 'tackle' problems in a logical manner.

Math Problem Solving Strategies.pdf

Our math program has picked up steam and we have completed a full rotation. We have started the second rotation.

First, students have beenplaced in groups of four or five. These will be their math groups for the entire year. Over the first four weeks of school, we will be mixing and matching students to see which groups ‘mesh’ well. The idea is that over the course of the year, they will develop trust and establish positive math relationships within their group.

Second, students will develop math concept books. They will be a sort of ‘visual dictionary’, but will include lesson points from my input lesson that I directly teach to the students. The concept books should be their first source of help as the mini lesson points will be in the books and can be taken home to refresh their memory. Parents are welcome to check them to refresh their memory, too!

Students will be learning all five strands of math every month. Instead of focusing on only one unit at a time, they will be continuously building upon their knowledge and applying it across all strands. For example, instead of learning about multiplication in November and learning about area of a polygon in March, they will learn how to multiply, then apply it to area (since they need to multiply length and width). The following rotation would have volume, which requires the students to multiply length, width, and height. The program continuously builds and ‘spirals’ all of the strands together in a logical manner.

We have invested a lot of time into teamwork and cooperative skills so far this year. This will be crucial in the months ahead, as students are asked to take the initiative to discuss any problems or questions they may have within their group. Often, there will be other members who will be able to support them. Teachers will definitely support all of the students, but this interdependency will be important, especially as they get older.

Our class strategies for solving problems are:

Check the Word Wall in the class or the glossary in the textbook
Check the Concept Books
Review the practice worksheets that we have done in class
Ask a group member for help
Ask someone who has completed the work already
Check the internet for resources (www.adaptedmind.com has a ton of worksheets and my 'Ontariomath' YouTube videos)
Ask a parent or teacher

We want the students to develop strategies to be successful using all of the resources they have.

Tests have been assessed and returned. Students are asked to hole punch them and keep them. They may be helpful later on or even for next year as they build upon this knowledge.

Here is the Rotation 2 lineup:

Numeration A: Addition (4 digit numbers, decimals, money, estimating sums)

Numeration B: Subtraction (4 digit numbers, decimals, money, estimating differences)

Geometry: Sorting and identifying polygons

Measurement: Perimeter (of regular and irregular shapes) and Area (of regular and irregular shapes)

Patterning: Using Tables (down and across columns) to predict answers by using pattern rules

Data Management: Reading Circle Graphs and Creating Bar Graphs using different ranges for bars (e.g., one bar is for data that ranges from 1-4, the next bar is for data that ranges from 5-8, etc...)

SCHEDULE STRATEGIES:

Watch the "ontariomath" video for the lesson if it is available before the lesson. You will be much more prepared with a lot of knowledge before the first in class input lesson even starts! Awesome!
Ask questions during the input lesson.
Concept books: take care in writing in the information and ask questions if you aren't sure of what is being written in your concept books.
Group textbook work: check with friends and discuss if there are any problems
Re-watch the video if you need a bit of clarification before...
Journals: Use concept books, workbooks, knowledge from videos to help you explain your ideas

This schedule should roll over six different time for the six different strands. At any time, students are always welcome get extra help at recesses or lunches. Just say the word!

Rotary Subjects

Mr. Brown is our fantastic music teacher again this year on Days 2 and 5.

Mme. Lingenfelter will be away on maternity leave for the rest of the year. Mlle. Brooks is our 'professeuse de francais' for the rest of the year until she returns. Bienvenue!

Mr. Webb and myself are teaching Physical Education classes on Days 1, 3, and 5.

Mrs. Challenger is the science pro on Days 4 and 5.