RMH

Reading Skills

This past month, students in Kindergarten to Grade 8 explored two key skills in reading class –predicting and making connections.  Inferring is an excellent skill that we use everyday in life, and that proficient readers use when reading anything from a reader to a picture book to a novel.  To practice predicting, JK-Grade 3 students enjoyed using post-it notes and drawing what they thought would happen next at different points of their books.  Grades 4-8 students also practiced predicting.  These students were reading Divergent by Veronica Roth.  At the beginning of class, before reading out loud, all students and the teacher made a prediction for what they thought would happen in the chapter.  After reading, as a class we revealed our predictions and evaluated if they were reasonable or not, and if they proved true.  For making connections, JK-Grade 3 students were encouraged to find books in the classroom that related to their own life experiences.  A Grade 2 student chose Robert Munsch’s Andrew’s Loose Tooth, and wrote “This book reminded me of when my dad joked around with me and said he was going to pull out my loose front tooth with pliers.”  Grades 4-8 students enjoyed talking and writing about the text to text connections they found between The Hunger Games and Divergent.  One key connection made was as follows, “In The Hunger Games and in Divergent, there is an important ceremony for teenagers that happens every year.  In The Hunger Games, this ceremony is called ‘The Reaping’ and in Divergent, this ceremony is called ‘The Choosing.’”

Canada

During a study of Canada, students learned about famous people/heroes who have contributed to Canada’s national identity.  Discussions revolved around individuals such as Terry Fox, Sir John A. MacDonald, Justin Bieber and Celine Dion.  Afterwards, students completed a variety of follow-up assignments depending on grade level.  Our youngest students were asked to write about heroes in their own lives.  It was touching to see how all of our students chose to write about family members, making comments that included “My mom is my hero because she does good things” and “My Dad is my hero.  He helps me with my Xbox games.”  Other students created their own Canadian stamp of a special Canadian.  Justin Bieber became a popular choice for this assignment.  Older students, particularly those in Grades 7 and 8, who were tasked with learning about Confederation, chose a famous Canadian and created a mock Facebook page.  It was very interesting to read the creative wall posts these students invented for Sir John A. MacDonald’s page.  It seems he has a lot of supporters.  You can check out some of these completed assignments in our art gallery.  Overall, all students gained a strong understanding of how people contribute to the creation and ever evolving identity of a country.  

Survey Says . . .

JK-Grade 3 students completed a very fun and exciting unit on Data Management this month.  Beginning with the infamous Smartie graph, which challenges even the most diligent students to get their tally chart finished before eating their Smarties, the unit started with lots of laughs.  Next, students enjoyed coming up with their own survey questions, and touring around Ronald McDonald House Toronto to ask everyone their questions.  Students inquired about people’s favourite instruments, favourite animals and favourite superheroes.  Afterwards, they created bar graphs showing the results.  You can check out the graphs they made throughout the unit in our art gallery.  The students’ favourite part about studying graphing was having a chance to interact with many of the staff and volunteers of the House to fill their tally charts.  Thanks to everyone who participated!

See artwork