It was so great to have our questions answered by The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson Minister of Environment and Climate Change as we participated in a town hall meeting about climate change hosted by MP Tony Van Bynen.

Arm Bands

Have a look around your house. Do you have anything that we could use as back up arm bands? Ribbon? Cut-up socks? Felt? Let's work together to make sure we can offer a back up to someone who may have forgotten.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend - Happy Halloween!

The Joy Project

Today we presented our project ideas to the class and received feedback on how to make them even better. 

Identity

Combining our mission statement drafts - we now have a class mission statement.

And a set of rules that guide us to that statement.

Now, our big challenge is - How do we ensure everyone is living up to these expectations?

 Math - Checkpoint tomorrow on Rate and Ratio

Art

Today we started a project in 3D Origami. Please make sure you have chosen what your sculpture will be.

Joy Project

I introduced our class Joy Project. We are creating ways that we can spread joy throughout the school. We started project ideas today. We will get feedback and create a full plan tomorrow. 

Math

 In the 2004 summer olympics, Adam van Koeverdan of Oakville, Ontario won two medals. He won the gold medal in the men's 500m kayak race with a time of 1 min 37.9 seconds. He also won the bronze medal in the 1000m race with a time of 3 mins 28.2 seconds. Which race did he paddle with greater speed?

 We began the day setting our intentions for the week. Please share with your family at home what your intentions are for this week.

Math

We began to look at rate and ratio. Please answer the following questions:

1. Jerome has a summer job as a bricklayer's assistant. He is responsible for mixing the concrete. Concrete is made of cement, sand and gravel in a ratio of  1 : 3 : 4 by mass. Jerome needs to make 80kg of concrete. How much cement, sand and gravel does he need?

2.

 Who got the better deal?

Science

I returned the checkpoints and we discussed ways to improve.

I calculated my ecological footprint at https://www.footprintcalculator.org/. Please calculate your footprint. 

Drama

Today we did some activities that got us in the swing of improvisation, directed gesture and creative scene creation (tableau). Tell you family at home about the word at a time story, same gesture circle and the family portrait.

History/Identity

What does it mean to belong? We looked at the story "The "In" Group. Please answer the following questions:

1. In this story, who was the victim?
2. Who were the perpetrators?
3. Who were the bystanders?
4. Who were the upstanders?
5. Why do you think people do nothing even when they know something happening around them is wrong?

 High School!

Coming up in November, RHHS will be bringing the school to us! They will be sending us a "virtual" intro to high school. In order to make sure they are answering all of your questions they have asked that you fill out the google form below by Thursday Oct. 29th.

RHHS Google Form

Math

Alain is purchasing a pair of jeans that is on sale for 25% off (or has a sales discount of 25%). As the sales person is calculating the final price, Alain asks her to take the discount off before adding the sales tax so that he gets the best price. 

The salesperson states that by adding on the tax and then removing the discounted amount, the price will be lower.

Who is correct? Why does your answer make sense? Give a convincing argument.

Identity - History/Literacy

Please complete your perspective writing assignment for Monday. (see yesterday's blog post)

Team Building

Today we did an activity called "Grid Walk"

What role did you take on in the group? Were you proactive? Did your work to help the group? Did you sit back and let others do the work?

Have a great weekend!

 

We began the day by talking about the importance of name as a part of our identity. We need to make sure we are always respectful and caring with naming in our community.

Thankful Thursday. - We officially began our gratitude practice; a weekly gratitude journal.

High School! - Ms. Rifle spoke to the class today about upcoming dates for information nights and applications of specialized programs (IB, Fine Arts, Sports)

Math 

We did some mental math around calculating tips. Please make sure you have completed the laptop question from yesterday we will continue our discussion around this.

Science

We reviewed the components of a system and had a little in-class checkpoint on our understanding of systems, subsystems, mechanisms, inputs and outputs.

History - Identity

We took a look at the word portraits of "We" and "They" and discussed what it is like when "they" becomes personal. I introduced a perspective writing assignment. We choose a group or community that we belong to and choose a regular event for that community. Write a description of that event from the perspective of a community member - within the group. Now write a second description of the same event from the perspective of someone who is not part of that community. This assignment is due Monday and you will have some class time to work on tomorrow.

• Each description should be a minimum of 150 words
• Ensure that each description is from a different perspective (voice)
• Please proofread for spelling, punctuation and proper use of capital letters

Generally at this time of year we have a meet the teacher night. We are not having one here at Moraine Hills, but if you have any questions or concerns - as always -  please feel free to reach out by email or telephone. 

michelle.nye@yrdsb.ca

Take Me Outside Day

Although not the best weather for the official Take Me Outside Day, we still made sure we got outside.

 

Math

Please answer the following questions using pictures, numbers and words.

1. Suki buys a dress for 20% off the original price. She saves $40.

    a) What was the original price of the dress?

    b) What did Suki pay?

2. Shanice is buying a laptop. She finds one she would like for $995. 

    a) If she buys the laptop today, what would she pay after the tax (13% HST) is added?

    b) Tomorrow there is a one day sale of 20% off. What would she pay, including tax, if she waited until tomorrow to make her purchase?

French

Please make sure you have finished and submitted your poem assignment.

Music

We worked on a class body rhythm composition in preparation for our group composition project.

Science

Please make sure you have completed your systems vocabulary list with definitions.

History - Identity

We talked about "We" and "They" and how this is played out in communities and society.

Using words from the Rudyard Kipling poem we looked at today, please create a portrait in words of "We" and  a portrait in words of "They".

 Perspective and Acceptance Tuesday

We talked about the fact that Premier Ford has essentially cancelled trick or treating for this Hallowe'en. We were able to accept this as a reality of the time we are living in and understand that although this is not ideal, it should keep the Covid numbers down. We also realized that we may get to choose our candy rather than get a variety of different candies we may not like. Bonus!

Tomorrow - Wacky Wednesday. How will Michael, Masih and Parsa make us laugh?

Math

Continuing with fraction, decimals and percents. We looked at percents larger than 100%.

How do you find a percent that is less than 1? How do you find a percent that is between 1 and 100? And how do you find a percent that is greater than 100? Please complete the practice sheet we started today.

Science

 Is a hammer a system??? Very controversial. 

Building our systems thinking vocabulary. As we move forward in our study of systems I will expect that you will be using vocabulary such as: 

• physical systems
• social systems
• natural systems
• man-made systems
• subsystems
• mechanisms
• inputs
• outputs

Please finish the examples on the "Components of a System" sheet.

Identity

Further to our discussions about Toronto today, please answer the following questions:

1. What is a society?
2. What is the difference between a community and a society?

 Math

We created a "living number line" collaboratively. Please prove to me that we were correct. Also complete the "percent, fractions, and decimals" practice page for tomorrow.

French

Remember to rehearse your presentation!

Joy

We devised a weekly Joy routine to help us maintain mental wellness in our lives.

Monday- Setting our intentions for the week. What will I do this week to promote joy for me and the people around me?

Tuesday - Perspective. We will examine a current topic at school or in the media and put that topic into perspective and look for the positives and opportunities that come with it.

Wednesday - Wacky (humour) Wednesday - We will take turns encouraging laughter and smiles. This week Parsa, Masih and Michael have volunteered to make us laugh.

Thursday - Thankful Thursday - Gratitude journals.

Friday - Forgiveness Fridays. We will look back on the week, think of people or things that have weighed us down and look to forgive and let go of those things. We will also check in on our intentions set on Monday and see how we've done for the week.

Science - Systems Thinking

We began talking about systems. Talk to the folks at home about how we illustrated the idea of a system with yarn. Please complete the discussion sheet "What is a System?"

Identity

Today we looked at a definition of community. Write your own definition of community. Based on your definition, write a list of the communities to which you belong. Pick two of these communities and answer the following questions for each: What do you have in common with other members of the community? What responsibilities or obligations does membership involve? Who is not part of the community? Why?

 Math - Friday fun day!

We worked on Fractured Fractions puzzles. Keep working on these over the weekend.

Identity

We looked at our masks today (again) and started to put together the identity of our class. Please complete the reflection questions we started in class. 

Voices from the Land

We revisited our ephemeral art. It's still there although starting to fall apart a bit.

The poetry performances were well done!

 Math

We talked about dividing by fractions.

Please answer the following using pictures, numbers and words:

Jamal has a piece of wood that is 3/4 of a meter long. To complete a project he is working on, he needs 15 pieces of wood that are 1/16 of a meter. Does Jamal have enough wood to complete his project?

Voices from the Land

Today we created poetry as a response to our ephemeral art work in the forest yesterday. We will present these as spoken word poetry tomorrow. Here is what I'll be looking for in my assessment:

Writing

• Creative use of the words recorded from yesterday
• Descriptive language

Oral

• Clear and easy to understand
• Expressive voice
• Focus - (no silliness or giggling)
• Body language - Bonus!

We spent the afternoon talking about Caring and Safe Schools. Share with your family at home about what we talked about.

 A wonderful day in the forest!

A beautiful day to make ephemeral art.

Gifts for our community who walk the trails.

 

So nice to see you all in person today!

Community Building

We worked on community building with a few games. Tell your families at home about the games we played outside. What role did you take on in the team? How can you make things easier for others around you?

Math

We looked at this fraction talk. We will continue this tomorrow...

Literacy

I continued to read from Miles Morales. 

We also talked about my expectations for assignments. Please remember that you are all capable of excellence. Don't settle for less than that. 

With these expectations in mind, you have until Thursday to complete the assignments that were due today:

- mask

- Dr. Joy response and letter

- health magazine ad for nutrition

- art - shattered image

 I'm looking forward to seeing you all again on Tuesday!

Work that needs to be done for Tuesday:

• Art - shattered image 
• Did you follow the steps outlined in class?
• Did you show a full range of value in each shape?
• Did you take your time and pay attention to detail?
• Literacy - Dr. Joy letter and response
• Does your response include:
• an acknowledgement of the problem
• an outline of your advice as to how to deal with the problem
• reference to al least two different pillars of joy in your advice
• reasons as to why the pillars are important and will help
• a closing statement
• Please be ready to hand in all of your planning and drafts with your final draft.
• Health - Nutrition magazine advertisement
• a one page 81/2 x 11 ad for a magazine aimed at people your age
• contains:
• an explanation of the new Canada's food guide
• the benefits of healthy eating
• visually appealing to young people

 Math - Today's checkpoint question:

Health

Today we looked at nutrition labels like this one below. What can you tell me about this food based on the label?

Literacy

Please have your first draft of your Dr. Joy assignment ready for editing tomorrow. Please make sure that you have covered the success criteria (in yesterday's blog post).

 

I am prepared to pay up for our bet!

Math - Fractions

Checkpoint (quiz) tomorrow!

1. You add two fractions. Each fraction is worth less than 1 and the sum is slightly less than 1 1/5. What could the fractions be? Think of three or more possibilities. Please use pictures to illustrate your answers.

2. Make the smallest difference by filling in the boxes using the whole numbers 1-9 no more than one time each. Now make the largest difference.

 

3. Use the digits 1-9 each once to make a true statement.

Health

Today we talked about how your body signals your nutrition needs - feeling full or feeling hungry. What happens when we ignore those signals?

Literacy - Joy

Today you received a letter to Dr. Joy. Now your job is to respond to that letter as if you are Dr. Joy. Your response letter needs to include (success criteria):

1. An acknowledgement of their problem

2. An outline of your advice as to how to deal with the problem

3. Reference to at least two different pillars of joy in your advice

4. Reasons why the pillars are important and will help

5. A closing statement

Begin by writing a point form list of ideas you want to include in your response. Next look at that list and group your ideas and decide on a good order. Run your ideas by a classmate (or family member) before you start to write your first draft. I will expect you to hand in all steps of your writing process.

 Hello everyone! I hope you are all well!

Remember - if you have questions or need help with anything we are working on, please contact me by email (michelle.nye@yrdsb.ca) or jet me a note on google chat. 

Math

1. Take a look at this problem below. Can you use pictures to illustrate your answer?

Choose two fractions so that when you add them the sum is 2/3 greater than the difference when you subtract them. What could these fractions be? Are these the only possibilities? How do you know whether these are the only possibilities?

2. We reviewed how to convert whole numbers and mixed numbers into fractions and then completed this practice:

Fractions and Whole Numbers

Fractions and Mixed Numbers

Health

Continuing with nutrition - analyze what you had for breakfast (and lunch and dinner too). How does it fit in with Canada's new food guide?

Art

Please continue working on your Shattered Image - Value project.

Ask Dr. Joy Advice Column

For today please write your letter to Dr. Joy. We will be answering these letters  this week. Choose a problem that is typical to people your age. Here is an example:

Dear Dr. Joy,

I am 13 years old and I find that all my friends are on social media all of the time! I don’t really like spending time on social media, but I think if I stop I will have no friends. What should I do?

Signed Ann T. Socialmedia

Identity/Miles Morales

Please complete your masks for tomorrow. Remember - they will be hung in the classroom. Pease spend time on yours and make it something that best represents you and that you are proud of.

Welcome to our new class members!

I look forward to being back with our complete and awesome new class next week!

Math

Today adding and subtracting fractions was discussed. Remember you need to have a common denominator before your add or subtract. Please complete the following for practice:

Adding Fractions

Subtracting Fractions

Identity/ Miles Morales

Last week we created masks for Miles the front being the identity he wants the world to see and the back being the identity he keeps to himself. Now, you are creating a mask for yourself. What identity do you want the world to see? Put that on the front. What identity do you keep to yourself, put that on the inside or back. I expect you to spend some time on this  - be creative! You can print off images or glue different artifacts to your mask. These will be displayed in the class - with the inside hidden of course...

Health

While I am away I have left a mini health unit on nutrition.

1. Using the new Canada's food guide - design your own personalized food guide that includes your favourite foods.

2. Design a menu for one day - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks that meets your daily nutrition requirements.

 

 So nice to see so many of you today! I miss you.

Math

Below are some of the many ways you can quarter the cross. Remember! in math (and everything else too!) always try to look and find different ways of doing things. 

Art  

Shattered Images - Study in value

1. Choose and image and draw an outline of it. 

2. Draw a set of lines across the page to "shatter the image". The lines could be straight or curvy.

3. With each shape that is created, shade in the full value range from light to dark. Make sure that shapes beside each other and shaded in reverse to each other.

Success Criteria

- did you follow the steps?

- did you show the full range of value in each shape?

- did you take your time and pay attention to detail?

Joy

We have taken an individual look at each of the eight pillars of Joy now. In you journal of joy please write a short paragraph (2-3 sentences) for each pillar. Your paragraph should include why that pillar is important and how that pillar improves your mental well-being.

 Hope you have a wonderful weekend!