Language: Writing a Speech

Good evening boys and girls!
I told you to visit my blog today because I have a special treat for you. Now that we have begun to work on writing a speech in language I would like you to play a virtual game on The Travels of Wiglington and Wenks site - the game will take you through many places around the world. Be sure to let mom, dad, grandma or grandpa know that you will be playing the game for school!

After playing for a bit choose 1 country that you visited during your virtual adventure that you would like to write your speech about. Bring your choice to class tomorrow and we will be researching your specific country in the computer lab.

Here is the link to the website:
http://www.wiglingtonandwenks.com/

Have a great adventure!

Writing a speech is part of the Grade 4 Language curriculum (Writing 2.1 write more complex texts using a variety of forms). This year I would like to have the speeches focus on different countries and their cultures, so that students become more aware of diversity within our community and world. Being a global citizen is an integral part of world today and students should be learning to achieve this goal. 

Safety First!

Here is the second part to my safety lesson: "How to Create a Safe Environment". Like the "What to do in an Emergency" poster you can print this one out and share it with your family and friends!

http://ow.ly/i/4Zbc

Enjoy!

Science: Species at Risk

Now that we have learned about habitats in Ontario we will be focusing on species at risk. You may not think so but there are hundreds of species at risk or distinct in Ontario.

The link below will provide you with information on all the species considered at risk in Ontario. Have a look at some of them and think about which one you would like to do your report on.

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Species/2ColumnSubPage/246809.html

We will also be looking at an e-book of species at risk in class tomorrow!

Safety First

In Health we have been looking at safety and what to do in case of an emergency.
I put together a poster for you to keep at home and share with your family and friends.
By clicking on the link below you will be able to print out the poster and keep it at home!

http://ow.ly/i/4SJr

Remember that safety is key to a happy school and home environment!

Science: Natural Habitats and Human Impact

After today’s class lesson and discussion on natural habitats in Canada choose one of the conservation areas listed on the National Wildlife Areas in Ontario website. Read about that particular area. 

http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/wildlife/nwa/eng/index_htm-e.html

Your assignment is due in 2 weeks and will consist of four parts:

A) Identify the following from the text:

1.     Name and Location

2.     Natural features/habitat characteristics

3.     Wildlife

4.     Biodiversity of the area

B) List some of the negative effects that humans may have on that conservation area and what effects they would have on the habitat and wildlife in the area.

C) Write a short paragraph about how we can prevent these negative effects and how to conserve future areas in the future.

D) Draw a picture or create a piece of art based on your conservation area. Your piece must include the natural features and some of the wildlife found in that area. You will be displaying your piece in the class for our conservation day!

 

Grade 4 Science Cirriculum

     1.1   analyse the positive and negative impacts of human interactions with natural habitats and communities (e.g., human dependence on natural materials), taking different perspectives into account (e.g., the perspectives of a housing developer, a family in need of housing, an ecolo- gist), and evaluate ways of minimizing the negative impacts

Also please note that this assignment is not due for another 2 weeks, students will also have class time to work on their projects.

Just so You Know...

Since it’s the weekend I thought I would have some fun with you guys and share some sites/resources that I love to checkout regularly! Here is your chance to get to know me a little better through the Internet!

First, make sure you have permission from your parent/guardian to be on the computer and surfing Internet sites that are not part of an educational assignment.

Taken from: www.ecokids.ca

After you have the green light from mom or dad, grandma or grandpa, or someone else in your home that’s over 18, lets get started!

A great site for resources, games and activities about the environment and natural resources is Ecokids!
Check it out, play a game and leave a comment below about what you learned and your favourite game!

Can you guess what else I like to visit on the Internet?

I’m sure you have noticed or heard me talk about how much I love to read! I have so many books – in the classroom and at home!  When I’m done reading a book or just want to know what is new and exciting in literature I checkout:

http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/

http://www.scholastic.ca/ 

Now that I have my own classroom I also love to look at Scholastic
too! It is a great website for student-friendly books and activities. You will be seeing a lot of scholastic material that I bring in throughout the     year. Check it out and I’m sure you will find something interesting! Remember: Reading is food for the mind/imagination!

Social Studies: The Deadly Plague

It's that time of the year again – Flu Season is quietly and quickly creeping up on us again!

Even though our technology is as advanced as it is we still experience these waves of pandemics yearly. But imagine if it became more then that; would we as a society be prepared for that? 

Now think for a minute what it was like in 1348 England and you can’t go outside with your friends to play hide and seek because there is constant chaos and you don't know what to do but people are sick, everywhere! It was a time in Europe where people were afraid and uncertain of the future.

The links below will give you further information on the Black Plague of 1348 that spread through Europe. With your parents read about the Plague and it’s effects on European Medieval society.

Prepare for Tomorrow:


Who was most effected and why? What methods (or ways) did they use to stop the spread of the disease? Make a list of things we can do to prevent diseases from spreading so quickly. Write about what would happen if we experienced something like that today. 

On the History Television website do the Quiz as well to test your knowledge of the Plague!

Eyewitness to History:
http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/plague.htm


History Television:

http://www.history.ca/content/ContentDetail.aspx?ContentId=77

National Geographic:

http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/health-and-human-body/human-diseases/plague-article.html


Grade 4 History Curriculum Expectations
Knowledge and Understanding
- describe aspects of daily life for men,
women, and children in medieval societies
(e.g., food, housing, clothing, health, religion,
recreation, festivals, crafts, justice,
roles). 

Animal School: Which Animal are You?

Video: Animal School

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8limRtHZPs

The video that has been linked above is a realistic look at what is happening in our classrooms today; a problem that teachers and students meet on a daily basis. Each animal is faced with challenges and barriers in their education. I am sure we can identify with at least one of the animals whether it be the polar bear or the zebra. Each of us has a story and should be given the chance to shine in our class.

Stop and Think: Who do you identify with? How can we stop this from occurring in our classroom?
Share your comments and answers below!

Welcome!

Welcome Everyone!


I would like to welcome everyone to my very first education blog. Where it is all about...who? YOU, the students! In the future you will find lessons, resources and fun activities for the classroom. This school year gear yourself for learning in the 21st century, where learning meets technology!


Put your back-packs on and fasten your seat belts for a year full of fun and adventure in learning!