Friday, 31 May 2019

May 31st

What a beautiful day.

Here is what we've done so far (and what we plan to do).

Period 1 we were so into Frindle, that we read for almost the whole period and finished the book...so good!

Period 2 was reader's/writer's workshop.

Period 3 we did a little Drum Fit...I took some pictures and some video because they were so good at it...I hope the link works!
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18GhB4H20b8VKra_4beaRunfshaz44o12?usp=sharing

Period 4 we had the chromebooks.  We did a variety of things...but most kids either ended up on Prodigy or exploring this website for probability games:
http://interactivesites.weebly.com/probability.html

Period 5 we have library.  I may try to squeak outside for a moment to measure a ball throw toss.  Then we're off to the library.

Period 6 both grades have French with Mr. Woolley.

Have terrific weekends

Thursday, 30 May 2019

May 30th

Here is what today SHOULD look like.

Period 1 is health with Mrs. Coric.
Period 2 is reader's/writer's workshop (we'll review what this time should look and sound like...we've lost sight a little lately).

Period 3 the 4's are in French and the 3's are going to work on figuring out the parts of a plant.
Period 4-6 Mrs Pinnington will be in for me.  I'm in the school working with another teacher.
They'll start with some probability work.

Period 5 I'm hoping if the weather is nice we can finally get to the long jump measurements.
Period 6 I've left for finishing up (math) or any other outstanding work.  Possibly some free time??

NOTE- I'm still looking for some La Salle Park and RBG permission forms.

Wednesday, 29 May 2019

May 29th

Here is what today looked/looks like.

Period 1 Mrs Burns came in to do another emotional wellness lesson.  We made posters of ourselves in Red, Blue, Green and Yellow zones.

Period 2 was reader's/writer's workshop.

Period 3 the 4's had French.  The 3's used the chromebooks to continue to explore probability some more.

Period 4 we're going to continue to do some probability work.

Period 5 we have the gym and we'll be doing some drum fit.

Period 6 we have music.

Still looking for permission forms for Lasalle and RBG (apologies to the Grade 4's...we've set up cashless payment for the Lasalle trip now).

Tuesday, 28 May 2019

May 29th

What a yucky weather Tuesday.

Here is what today should look like:

Period 1 we started our first day of 'flexible seating'.  We came up with these rules as a class:
1. Pick a good 'learning spot' for you (be responsible)
2. New spot and new partner each day.
3. Work as a good community member to take care of our classroom (keeping the desk empty and clean...putting away materials...including/helping others).
4. Mr. Cross has the right to move anyone, at any time for any reason

We'll see how this goes...gulp!

Period 2 was reader's/writer's workshop.

Period 3 we're going to do some probability experiments...looking at the odds of certain events occurring (spinning a certain number).

Period 4 we have the computers.  The Grade 4's are going to do some research on their ancient civilization project they started last week with Mrs. Flindall.  The Grade 3's are going to explore this website in partners to investigate the parts of a plant (http://extension.illinois.edu/gpe/gpe.html).

Period 5 I'm hoping to have a closing community circle...talk about our first day of flexible seating (what worked, what didn't) and maybe play a few community games (heads up, seatball).

Period 6 Mrs. Haynes has them for music.

NOTE:  Permission forms went home yesterday for both Grades for our field trip to RBG...they're on a yellow piece of paper. 

Monday, 27 May 2019

May 27th

Happy Monday...no more EQAO!

Here is what today should look like.

Period 1 we practiced our 'flower' techniques in art class.  Then they went to music.
Period 2 we're hopefully going to apply our techniques to our masterpieces we've been working on for the last couple of weeks.

Period 3 we have math and we're going to look at probability.
Period 4 the 4's have French and the 3's are going to continue to work on math...or perhaps start science (plants and soils).

Period 5 we're going to do our weekend round up and talk about our new 'flexible seating'.
Period 6 I'd like to take both grades outside to practise for long jump.

Friday, 24 May 2019

May 24

Last day of EQAO!

The 4's are with Mrs. Flindall's class doing literacy and social studies for the first 4 periods.

The 3's are writing Math in the morning and Langauge in the afternoon.

Period 5 we'll finish Holes.

Period 6 is French with Mr. Woolley. 

Have terrific weekends everyone!


Thursday, 23 May 2019

May 23rd

Two-thirds of the way done EQAO!

Today the Grade 4's did literacy, french and social studies with Mrs. Flindall's Grade 4 class.

The Grade 3's started the day doing the first section of Math EQAO.  Periods 3/4 they're working on Language (section C).

Period 5 and 6 I'll have both my classes, together again!  Hopefully we'll be able to start the movie Holes!  

Hard work, rainy day, amazing read aloud = perfect day to watch and enjoy the movie!

Wednesday, 22 May 2019

May 22nd

One third of the way through EQAO!

Both Grades worked hard today... The grade 4's got to spend time "doing real work" with Mrs Flindall, "the greatest teacher in the world".

The Grade 3's worked hard on 2 language booklets today.  Lots of reading and writing.

Period 5 both grades went outside to plant onions with Mrs. Walters.
Period 6 we have music.

Note:  Pink Permission Forms going home today for the end of the year La Salle Park trip.  Since we're in a primary/junior split, our Grade 4's are allowed to come too! 

Tuesday, 21 May 2019

May 21st

OK...here we are...EQAO week...starts tomorrow!

Period 1 we did a recap on the book Holes.  Then the kids went to music.

Period 2 we're going to have reader's/writer's workshop.  I'm hoping going to get around to my 'when and how to use comma's' lesson.

Period 3 we're going to continue to work with money and do a money worksheet.

Period 4 the Grade 4's are off to French, the Grade 3's will stay here for a quick 'probability lesson'.

Period 5 we'll do weekend round up.  I would also like to take them outside to practise for ball throw.

Period 6, if there's time, we'll start watching the movie Holes...we may save this for tomorrow too!

The Grade 4's will be working with Mrs. Flindall's Grade 4's during EQAO, following their schedule.

Here is a look at the Grade 3 EQAO schedule:
Grade 3 parents...please take a look at last week's post 'EQAO notes' about bringing quiet independent activities for the next 3 days.

Cross - 2017-18
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday

Friday
Jr. Blacktop (9:00)
Period 1
9:15 - 10:15


EQAO
Language 1
EQAO
Math 1
EQAO
Math 2
Period 2
10:15 - 10:55





Nutrition Break
10:55 - 11:35





Period 3
11:35 - 12:35


EQAO
Language 2
EQAO
Language 3
EQAO
Language 4
Period 4
12:35 - 1:25





Nutrition Break
1:25 - 2:05





Period 5
2:05 - 2:45





Period 6
2:45 - 3:45





After School
3:45 - 4:00



Parking Lot



Friday, 17 May 2019

EQAO notes

Attention Grade 3 parents.

The EQAO testing will happen next week on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

There are 4 language sections, and 2 math sections. 

The students are given as long as they need to finish each section...in one continuous sitting (e.g., they can't stop, eat lunch and go back and finish a section)

I've administered this test many times.  From my experience it takes most kids about 50-60 minutes to finish a section.  Some take longer, and some finish much quicker.

There are 100 minute blocks between nutrition breaks for the kids to write each section.

Clear as mud?

What that all means is most kids finish with plenty of extra time before we start the next section.  It is REALLY IMPORTANT that the kids who finish early remain quiet (and at their desks) so others can concentrate and finish at their own pace, without distraction.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE send your kids with some quiet activities do after they've finished.  For example colouring books, reading books/magazines, word searches, sketch books are all great quiet independent activities. 
No electronics (as they are very distracting to those around them). 

If you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email.


May 17th

Here is what today should look like.

Period 1 is Youtube Friday:
Emma:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQaa38FnGhk

Period 2 will be reader's/writer's workshop

Period 3 we have gym.

Period 4 I'm hoping to finish reading Holes.  Then we'll look briefly at measuring temperature and some benchmark temperatures (e.g., room temperature, a hot day, a cold day). 

Period 5 we have library.

Period 6 both grades are off to French.

I hope everyone has a fantastic long weekend...see you on Tuesday!

Thursday, 16 May 2019

May 16th

Here is what I hope today looks like:

Period 1:  Health with Mrs. Coric.
Period 2: We'll do a 'youtube friday' check in.  Then we'll have writer's workshop...about using comma's properly.

Period 3 The 4's are going to French.  The 3's are going to stay here for a super quick 'capacity' lesson...and we'll talk a little about EQAO that starts next Wednesday.
Period 4 we're going to continue to look at money, and making change.

Period 5 and 6 we've got the computers and we're going to do a 'Holes' activity on Pixton.  Then we'll have some time to explore the 'probability fair' website.

Wednesday, 15 May 2019

May 15th

Here is how today should look...it may be a little different because today is actually the relay meet...Good luck to all the kids in our class and at Glenview!

Period 1 is reader's workshop.  I'll read 1 short story from And Then it Happened...and then our mini lesson will focus on how mistakes characters make can lead to lessons learned.

Period 2 is writer's workshop.  Hopefully we can work on when to use comma's in our writing.

Period 3 the Grade 4's are off to French and the Grade 3's will stay here to work on some EQAO practise.

Period 4 I hope to introduce money in math class.

Period 5 we have the gym.

Period 6 is music.

Tuesday, 14 May 2019

May 14th

Here is what today looked like.

Period 1 - Mrs. Burns came in and did a mental wellness lesson with our class.
Period 2 was reader's/writer's workshop.

Period 3 and 4 we did math.  We looked a little closer at mixed fractions and improper fractions.

Period 5 we're going to read aloud and have a class discussion about 'keeping it together' these last few weeks.  The last 2 days haven't been too easy in room 115 (I think that's our room number).  Maybe a game of seatball to inspire collaboration and cooperation?
Period 6 we have music with Mrs. Haynes.

Monday, 13 May 2019

May 13th

Happy Rainy Monday.

Here is what today is supposed to look like.

Period 1- we'll continue on with part 2 of our art lesson with Mrs. Perks.  Then the kids will head to music.
Period 2 we'll hopefully finish the second stage of our art.

Period 3 we're going to look at improper fractions and mixed numbers in math:

Period 4 Grade 4's are off to French and the Grade 3's and I will look a little closer at some EQAO stuff (we write next week).

Period 5 will be weekend round up.
Period 6 will be reader's/writer's workshop.  Week B letters due this week.

Friday, 10 May 2019

May 10th

Here is what today should look like:

Period 1 - Youtube Friday
Jon:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRc0kmOYgzQ&app=desktop
Period 2-5 the Grade 4's are in the gym for a medieval presentation.
The Grade 3's are going to do some reader's writer's workshop period 2.

Period 3 we're supposed to have gym...but it's being used by the Grade 4's...so we may try to get outside...weather permitting.

Period 4 we're going to work on some art.

Period 5 we have the library.

Period 6 we have French with Mr. Woolley (he's back!).

Have great weekends and Happy Mother's day to all the mother's out there!


Thursday, 9 May 2019

May 9th...

Here is what we did today.

Period 1 was health with Mrs. Coric.
Period 2 we had reader's/writer's workshop.

Period 3 Grade 4's went to french...the Grade 3's went to safety village for Bike Safety.
Period 4 the Grade 4's went to Mrs. Sylvester's for social studies.

Period 5 we got back from safety village and had some lunch and recess (outside)time.
Period 6 we had 'free time'.

Tomorrow is the last day for the 'games night' donations for our class raffle basket.
Grade 4's have their medieval times presentation in the gym!

Safety Village Today

Sorry I was absent yesterday.  Just a reminder.  The Grade 3's are going to safety village today (rain or shine).  We'll be leaving around 12:30 and coming back around 2. 

Remember your helmets.

Tuesday, 7 May 2019

Tuesday May 6th

Another great day almost in the books.

Here is what we did today.

Period 1 - Reader's workshop.  Today's mini lesson was about making 'deeper' book to book connections between the read alouds we've read so far...some pretty smart thinking.

Period 2 was writer's workshop.  Our mini lesson was focused on 'To And or Not to And?  When and when not to use the word 'AND'.

Period 3 we played Fraction War (ask your kids to play with you).
Period 4 we watched this video introducing decimals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FH6YiLWIuE . Then we did a couple of worksheets converting fractions to decimals. The class worked hard.

Period 5 we read some Holes and watched this Bill Nye video on sound: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPwl3Y7wG28

Period 6 Mrs. Haynes has them for music.

NOTE:
I am still missing 2 Grade 4's permission forms for their activity on Friday.
I am also missing 5 Grade 3's permission forms for their FREE field trip on Thursday.


Monday, 6 May 2019

May 6th

So far, so good.

Here is how today has gone, and how it should go.

Period 1 we watched Brenden's Youtube Friday video to begin.  Then we read a chapter of Holes.  Then the class went to music.
Period 2 we did art with Mrs. Perks.  We started painting the backgrounds for our portraits.

Period 3 we continue working our masterpieces...special thanks to Mrs. Perks for staying late and Emma S for cleaning all our trays!

Period 4 the Grade 4's went to French and the Grade 3's stayed here and are working on equivalent fractions on Google Classroom.

Period 5 we're going to do weekend round up.
Period 6 is reader's writer's workshop...week A letters due!

I still need a few more permission forms from the Grade 4's and the Grade 3's. 







































Friday, 3 May 2019

May 3rd

What a great day!  Your children are great...
It's last period and I am still stuffed by the amazing lunch the parent community put together for us...amazing. 

Here is what we did today.

Period 1 was Youtube Friday:
Logan:
Cross: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3puGb9f50unRnRYdk1PZDVURGc/view

Lots of great videos and smart conversations.

Period 2 was our best reader's/writer's workshop in a long time.  Everyone was engaged.

Period 3 we played some 'bean bag golf' in the gym.

Period 4 we had the chromebooks and we created Pixton comics, that show off something we know about fractions.  Check out the finished ones:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1j95MzHSfCPcdeEedm77jUbF080gjjlm3Rexl1g0hpQ8/edit?usp=sharing

Period 5 we had the library.

Period 6 the kids are off to French.

I hope everyone has an excellent weekend.

Thursday, 2 May 2019

May 2nd

Today should be another 'different' day with the dress rehearsal and actual performance upon us.  I'm sure kids will be in and out of the room like crazy.

Here is what I am hoping today will look like?

Period 1 -Health Mrs. Coric.
Period 2 -Reader's Workshop

Period 3 -4's to French.  3's to practise some EQAO esque writing.
Period 4 -math- introduction to equivalent fractions.

Period 5 and 6 -is the actual performance, so I am hoping we can stay in the classroom until our 'song(s)' and finish up any of the work that is still lingering.

NOTE-
-show starts afternoon at 2:15 (I believe)
-the night time performance is at 6:30, kids are to be dropped off in the classroom around 6:15 (I believe)
-still need Grade 4 permission forms for the in school presentation.
-still need Grade 3 permission forms for safety village.
-Youtube Friday is tomorrow...still waiting for a few people to send me their clips.
-still collecting 'family games night' donations for our raffle basket
-there is probably something else that I am forgetting!!

Wednesday, 1 May 2019

May 1st

Is there seriously only 2 months left of school?

Today is a little chaotic.  We've done a rehearsal for the musical the last 2 periods.  It's going slower than expected and we'll need to continue to rehearse period 3.

Hopefully period 4 we can do some math...and look at equivalent fractions.  Period 5 was suppose to be gym and the gym is off limits...outside doesn't look too pretty either...so I suspect we'll do our seating swap (my choice this month) and hopefully get some reader's workshop in.

Period 6 is supposed to be music.

We got a couple more 'family game' donations...we could still use more.  Grade 4's still need to bring in their permission forms....Grade 3's are going home with their permission form for our trip to safety village.


Friday November 20

Dear Parents, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for a wonderful year so far. It has been a joy working with your children, and I’m...