Today...after a painful process of getting everyone registered and logged into Math Prodigy, I think we have successfully done it!
Math Prodigy is a fantastic math program that is tailored around the Ontario Curriculum, and modifies the questions by ability level.
I've found this program to be extremely engaging for kids in the past.
A few things I want to point out:
A) Prodigy is a business...and at points they'll ask if you want to become paid members...to unlock new outfits and gear...however, this does not change the level/content of math your child receives (it's all superficial)...I am neither for or against memberships...I'll leave that to each parents/family discretion.
B) The students were suppose to have written their log in info into their agendas...I believe it's tablet friendly...there may even be an app to support this.
C) There is a way for parents to link up with their child's account...How To Create A New Parent Account – Prodigy if you would like (I've never been on the Parent Portal).
D) I think if each child had their own headphones (instead of sharing with the school) might be a good idea? I know I bought a pair for my daughter from the dollar store. They could leave them in their desks.
E) The students start Prodigy by doing 'placement tests' so don't worry if the math you're child is getting is too easy or difficult, it just helps the program to know what they know....I saw a lot of frustrated faces today!
Any questions, feel free to email, and I'll try my best to answer them!
Monday, 10 September 2018
Monday September 10th
Hey everyone...Happy rainy Monday.
So it looks like Mondays and Thursdays I'm going to have to try and blog before school starts as my prep. periods are period 1.
Here is what I hope today looks like??
Period 1 the kids have music with Mrs. Haynes.
Then when they come back we'll have a Monday morning circle (I call it Weekend Round Up) where we share highlights from our weekend (if you choose to do so). It's a nice chance to build community and work on listening and speaking skills.
Then we'll attempt to break our reading stamina record of 7:45.
Period 3 We'll have our writer's workshop...today's mini lesson is on sketching out ideas and building upon them.
Period 4 the Grade 4's go to French and the Grade 3's are going to try logging on to Google Classroom for the first time to do an Internet safety activity.
Period 5 I'm hoping I can hold onto the chromebooks a bit longer and have both the Grade 3's and 4's log into Math Prodigy... a great website where the kids can practise Grade appropriate skills in math from the curriculum.
Period 6 I have the 'Sum It Up' game planned from last week...however, with the weather and the first Monday back, I may change this to something else...we'll see how everyone's brains are working.
So it looks like Mondays and Thursdays I'm going to have to try and blog before school starts as my prep. periods are period 1.
Here is what I hope today looks like??
Period 1 the kids have music with Mrs. Haynes.
Then when they come back we'll have a Monday morning circle (I call it Weekend Round Up) where we share highlights from our weekend (if you choose to do so). It's a nice chance to build community and work on listening and speaking skills.
Then we'll attempt to break our reading stamina record of 7:45.
Period 3 We'll have our writer's workshop...today's mini lesson is on sketching out ideas and building upon them.
Period 4 the Grade 4's go to French and the Grade 3's are going to try logging on to Google Classroom for the first time to do an Internet safety activity.
Period 5 I'm hoping I can hold onto the chromebooks a bit longer and have both the Grade 3's and 4's log into Math Prodigy... a great website where the kids can practise Grade appropriate skills in math from the curriculum.
Period 6 I have the 'Sum It Up' game planned from last week...however, with the weather and the first Monday back, I may change this to something else...we'll see how everyone's brains are working.
Friday, 7 September 2018
Friday September 7th
First week of school in the books! We made it!
I already love this class, school and community. Thank you for the warm welcome.
Here is what we did today:
We wrote/drew our highlights from this week in our Red Light books. Apparently using the guitars and chromebooks are fan favourites.
Then we read about Joe, who couldn't count...but actually he sort of could...just not properly.
Then we tied yesterdays time for 'building reading stamina'.
After that we had our first Writer's workshop. We talked about ideas for writing and then the kids wrote for 10 minutes (the quiet 10). After that, they had a chance to work with partners (co-write, edit, share). They were amazing.
Then it was time for lunch.
Period 3 we had gym, we played some Indiana Jones and some Boomerang.
Period 4 we did a little mindfulness activity about being the pond and watching the fish. Then we did our first art lesson examining the colour wheel, and using warm and cool colours to colour our names. The real focus was taking pride in our work.
Period 5 we had a little circle, read about Todd then played guitars! Today was just about learning how to hold the guitars properly. By the time we were done that, Mr. Woolley had arrived to take the class to French for Period 6.
All in all, a great day.
Just a quick note...I've only got emails from 5 of 21 parents...if you haven't already, could you please just send me a quick email, let me know your current email address...and any other important information you think might help me understand your child a bit more? (see previous post)
Also, a green Glenview BBQ ordering form is going home with the youngest or only children today.
Have a great weekend.
I already love this class, school and community. Thank you for the warm welcome.
Here is what we did today:
We wrote/drew our highlights from this week in our Red Light books. Apparently using the guitars and chromebooks are fan favourites.
Then we read about Joe, who couldn't count...but actually he sort of could...just not properly.
Then we tied yesterdays time for 'building reading stamina'.
After that we had our first Writer's workshop. We talked about ideas for writing and then the kids wrote for 10 minutes (the quiet 10). After that, they had a chance to work with partners (co-write, edit, share). They were amazing.
Then it was time for lunch.
Period 3 we had gym, we played some Indiana Jones and some Boomerang.
Period 4 we did a little mindfulness activity about being the pond and watching the fish. Then we did our first art lesson examining the colour wheel, and using warm and cool colours to colour our names. The real focus was taking pride in our work.
Period 5 we had a little circle, read about Todd then played guitars! Today was just about learning how to hold the guitars properly. By the time we were done that, Mr. Woolley had arrived to take the class to French for Period 6.
All in all, a great day.
Just a quick note...I've only got emails from 5 of 21 parents...if you haven't already, could you please just send me a quick email, let me know your current email address...and any other important information you think might help me understand your child a bit more? (see previous post)
Also, a green Glenview BBQ ordering form is going home with the youngest or only children today.
Have a great weekend.
Thursday, 6 September 2018
Thursday September 6th
OK...so Mr. Cross made yet another mistake today. I thought Mrs. Coric was teaching us health period 2 today...but it's actually period 1!
I'm going to have to improvise a little, and that means write my blog Period 1.
Here is what today is suppose to look like...
Period 1 - Mrs. Coric is teaching Health
Period 2 - We'll have a circle, and discuss what we can do to be better community members (build up our Kiva). Then we'll read another chapter of Wayside and work on building up our Stamina. If we have time, I'd like to introduce the Writer's Workshop.
Period 3 the Grade 4's are off to French. The Grade 3's and I are going be working on Google Drive...practising logging on and working on documents about our summer's.
Period 4 I might keep the computers a bit longer (if possible) and set up Math Prodigy accounts with the kids...I've also got a 'getting to know me cube' activity planned with the kids. I'm hoping to discuss with the kids about taking pride in their work.
Period 5 we're going to the Library for our Orientation.
Period 6 I'm hoping to play an addition game called Sum it Up
At the end of the day, if there is time, we'll try to play a game of Silent Seatball.
I'm going to have to improvise a little, and that means write my blog Period 1.
Here is what today is suppose to look like...
Period 1 - Mrs. Coric is teaching Health
Period 2 - We'll have a circle, and discuss what we can do to be better community members (build up our Kiva). Then we'll read another chapter of Wayside and work on building up our Stamina. If we have time, I'd like to introduce the Writer's Workshop.
Period 3 the Grade 4's are off to French. The Grade 3's and I are going be working on Google Drive...practising logging on and working on documents about our summer's.
Period 4 I might keep the computers a bit longer (if possible) and set up Math Prodigy accounts with the kids...I've also got a 'getting to know me cube' activity planned with the kids. I'm hoping to discuss with the kids about taking pride in their work.
Period 5 we're going to the Library for our Orientation.
Period 6 I'm hoping to play an addition game called Sum it Up
At the end of the day, if there is time, we'll try to play a game of Silent Seatball.
Wednesday, 5 September 2018
September 5th
Another good day at Glenview in the books!
Here is what today looked like.
Periods 1 we started working quietly in our Red Light books, writing and drawing our thoughts on breakfast foods. Then we had a circle and talked about KIVA (a first nations word for community). I shared my observations of kids I noticed doing a good job of promoting KIVA yesterday (e.g, Lylah and Tahura stacking chairs, the group of boys that cleaned up the LEGO ect...).
Period 2 we started reading Sideways Stories from Wayside School. The kids are glad I'm not Mrs. Gorf. Then we sang, and recorded our version of Willougby Wallaby Woo. Here is a link (sorry about the out of tune guitar and voice).
Then we practise building our up our Stamina for independent reading...the kids surprised me by reading for 7 minutes uninterrupted today...not bad for our first try! The kids are encouraged to bring reading material from home too!
After that we had enough time to use the RANDOM NUMBER GENERATOR to pick our desks. We'll sit in these spots until September (or until I get a Smartboard and need to rearrange the room again).
Period 3 the Grade 4's went to Mr. Woolley's class for French. The Grade 3's and I discussed partner reading (EEKK) what good and not-so-good reading looks like. We practised, and nailed it. Then we played the blanket game.
Period 4 I messed up and thought we had gym...so we got a little free time.
Period 5 we actually did have gym, we played a super quick game of Indiana Jones, because we had a bit of hard time getting to the gym quietly.
Period 6 the kids are with Mrs. Haynes for music...
Remember to get that paperwork that went home yesterday in as soon as possible.
Here is what today looked like.
Periods 1 we started working quietly in our Red Light books, writing and drawing our thoughts on breakfast foods. Then we had a circle and talked about KIVA (a first nations word for community). I shared my observations of kids I noticed doing a good job of promoting KIVA yesterday (e.g, Lylah and Tahura stacking chairs, the group of boys that cleaned up the LEGO ect...).
Period 2 we started reading Sideways Stories from Wayside School. The kids are glad I'm not Mrs. Gorf. Then we sang, and recorded our version of Willougby Wallaby Woo. Here is a link (sorry about the out of tune guitar and voice).
Then we practise building our up our Stamina for independent reading...the kids surprised me by reading for 7 minutes uninterrupted today...not bad for our first try! The kids are encouraged to bring reading material from home too!
After that we had enough time to use the RANDOM NUMBER GENERATOR to pick our desks. We'll sit in these spots until September (or until I get a Smartboard and need to rearrange the room again).
Period 3 the Grade 4's went to Mr. Woolley's class for French. The Grade 3's and I discussed partner reading (EEKK) what good and not-so-good reading looks like. We practised, and nailed it. Then we played the blanket game.
Period 4 I messed up and thought we had gym...so we got a little free time.
Period 5 we actually did have gym, we played a super quick game of Indiana Jones, because we had a bit of hard time getting to the gym quietly.
Period 6 the kids are with Mrs. Haynes for music...
Remember to get that paperwork that went home yesterday in as soon as possible.
Tuesday, 4 September 2018
...just a couple of things
Thanks again to everyone for a great first day.
I'm not sure how everyone is feeling after their first day back, but I can tell you everyone in my house is exhausted! Including me.
I just want to put out a few things (before I fall asleep and forget about them).
1. Here is a link to our TENTATIVE class schedule. There are a lot of moving parts at Glenview, and I'm still trying to figure my way around...so things could very well change!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RSPlSFIzb3wL5vHcjbii4dAR7Hpp199oIEnDF-Cqk24/edit?usp=sharing
2. I would love if every parent could send me a quick email just to say 'hi' and then I would know/have everyone's email addresses. It would also be helpful if you could let me know the best way for me to get in contact with you (email works best for me) and any other information you'd like me to know about your child.
My email address: crossa@hdsb.ca
3. Lastly, we have a box of Halton District School Board facial tissues in our classroom...but if you would prefer your children not wiping their noses with sandpaper...please consider donating a box to our class? Thank you!
Thanks again for a wonderful welcome...your kids are terrific.
I'm not sure how everyone is feeling after their first day back, but I can tell you everyone in my house is exhausted! Including me.
I just want to put out a few things (before I fall asleep and forget about them).
1. Here is a link to our TENTATIVE class schedule. There are a lot of moving parts at Glenview, and I'm still trying to figure my way around...so things could very well change!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RSPlSFIzb3wL5vHcjbii4dAR7Hpp199oIEnDF-Cqk24/edit?usp=sharing
2. I would love if every parent could send me a quick email just to say 'hi' and then I would know/have everyone's email addresses. It would also be helpful if you could let me know the best way for me to get in contact with you (email works best for me) and any other information you'd like me to know about your child.
My email address: crossa@hdsb.ca
3. Lastly, we have a box of Halton District School Board facial tissues in our classroom...but if you would prefer your children not wiping their noses with sandpaper...please consider donating a box to our class? Thank you!
Thanks again for a wonderful welcome...your kids are terrific.
September 4th 2018
Welcome to the blog.
Also, thanks for welcoming me to Glenview.
It's only been one day...but I can I already tell I'm going to love it here. What a great school.
I'm going to try my best to blog everyday...usually just a few lines explaining what we did each period...or reminders about important information (e.g., field trip forms).
Here is what today looked like:
Periods 1 & 2: I read the book 'First Day Jitters' and we talked about being nervous for school. Most kids were excited, which is great to see. We went through our daily routines, announcements and attendance (the fun stuff).
After we sang the 'Walking Song' did a little tour of the classroom, where all the various materials are kept.
Then we reviewed the Nutrition Break Rules right before the break.
Period 3 we talked about 'Fair isn't Equal' and what that means to us. I showed them this picture:
Also, thanks for welcoming me to Glenview.
It's only been one day...but I can I already tell I'm going to love it here. What a great school.
I'm going to try my best to blog everyday...usually just a few lines explaining what we did each period...or reminders about important information (e.g., field trip forms).
Here is what today looked like:
Periods 1 & 2: I read the book 'First Day Jitters' and we talked about being nervous for school. Most kids were excited, which is great to see. We went through our daily routines, announcements and attendance (the fun stuff).
After we sang the 'Walking Song' did a little tour of the classroom, where all the various materials are kept.
Then we reviewed the Nutrition Break Rules right before the break.
Period 3 we talked about 'Fair isn't Equal' and what that means to us. I showed them this picture:
Then I made the kids a promise...if they can follow our 3 class rules, I'll give them the best year of school yet. Class rules:
1. Be respectful (kind)
2. Try your best
3. Have fun!
Then we did the Gentry developmental spelling test just so I could get a general idea of how they spell.
Period 4 we had an assembly.
I messed up the times and got them ready extra early for 2nd break (I'm still learning too).
Period 5 we talked about my blog and had some 'free time' to explore my room and practise cleaning up!
Period 6 Mrs. Haynes takes the kids for music for the first 30 minutes. At the end of the day we'll have a circle to discuss our day and hopefully practise singing Willougby Wallaby Woo by Raffi.
Note: Lots of paperwork went home today...especially if your child is the youngest or only child at Glenview. Please check it over and return any of the forms you're suppose to.
Student Verification, Medical Danger, Milk, Kidssentials lunch, insurance are all the forms I can remember sending home as well as my own introduction letter.
Thanks for a successful first day.
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