Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Marshmallow Challenge:
Reflect on the following in your Journal:

  • What building techniques make the tower stronger?
  • Does the placing of the marshmallows affect the strength of the tower?
  • Could you build a stronger tower with more of the same materials? What alternative materials would be better?
  • Does the size of the base alter the strength of the tower?
  • How do you think you worked as a group? Did you assume different roles? Did all groups work in the same way?


PAST DUE:
Kidblog:  Finalize your All About Me and Predictions Post
Line Drawing:  Finalize first draft



Monday, September 29, 2014

A big thank you to Kevin Sylvester for coming in today to discuss and inspire our young writers to never give up, keep trying and to keep become life long learners.

Math:  Finish any homework that has not been finalized in Fractions
Practice 4 times table

Kidblog:  Log into One for the Murphys
Complete the first draft for two different post that you started today.

Post 1:  All about me:
Include a brief introduction about yourself (don't include the name of family member, address) keep the introduction brief and describe your interest in and out of class.

Post 2:  Prediction-
(Include a catchy title as your post title)
Make a prediction based on the synopsis, cover and title of the book

Line Drawing:  Finalize your first draft


Field Trip forms have been sent home today... please return by due date signed and with funds (where applicable).

Friday, September 26, 2014

What a great week of learning and exploring we started to poetry writing, discussed how to write an effective descriptive paragraph.  We analyzed how to compare, order and find equivalent fractions.  

MATH:  
Grade 6:  complete entrance pass focussing on Fractions for Monday
Class time was provided finalize U8 L5 # 8 9 Reflect
            
POETRY:  Share your thoughts on What does poetry mean to you? in Padlet

KIDBLOG:  
Grade 5- Read 5-7 book recommendation blogs then respond to 2 blogs as a reader (eg would you want to read the book based on the recommendation, if you read the same book do you agree with the recommendation yes/no why?

Today in class your were introduced to our new read aloud book- One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt- our class will be participating in the Global Read Aloud Project were we will be discussing the book with other students in Canada and potentially the US.

Have a wonderful weekend :o)

Thursday, September 25, 2014

MATH:  complete entrance pass focussing on Fractions for Friday

POETRY:  Share your thoughts on What does poetry mean to you? in Padlet

KIDBLOG:  Finalize your book recommendation for Friday

Wednesday, September 24, 2014


READING: Students were introduced to their Kidblog: Great Books & Inspiring Leaders student blog today.  Students have been assigned to provide descriptive feedback in the comment section to a peers post. 

MATH:  students were introduced to common denominators as one strategy to analyze which fraction was greater or less than.  PAST DUE
5- U8 L3 #1 2 4 7 8 10 Reflect
6- U8 L3 # 1 2 4ab 5a 8-11 Reflect

5- Create a question that would involve equivalent fractions

Practice your 4 times table 

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

We would like to invite parents to join us tomorrow evening for CURRICULUM NIGHT.  Please begin your visit in Room 301 at 6:20 pm.

READING: Students were introduced to their Kidblog: Great Books & Inspiring Leaders student blog today.  Students have been assigned to provide descriptive feedback in the comment section to a peers post. 

MATH:  students were introduced to common denominators as one strategy to analyze which fraction was greater or less than.  
5- U8 L3 #1 2 4 7 8 10 Reflect
6- U8 L3 # 1 2 4ab 5a 8-11 Reflect

TERRY FOX RUN will be held this Wednesday September 24th, starting at 9:30 am

Monday, September 22, 2014

We would like to invite parents to join us tomorrow evening for CURRICULUM NIGHT.  Please begin your visit in Room 308 at 6:20 pm.


READING: Students were introduced to their Kidblog: Great Books & Inspiring Leaders student blog today.  Students have been assigned to provide descriptive feedback in the comment section to a peers post. 

MATH:  students were introduced to common denominators as one strategy to analyze which fraction was greater or less than.  
5- U8 L3 #1 2 4 7 8 10 Reflect
6- U8 L3 # 1 2 4ab 5a 8-11 Reflect

Check out this online tool to support your understanding of equivalent fraction 

Friday, September 19, 2014

MATH:
5- U8 L2 #1ab 3ab 4a 5 6 7 Reflect
6- U8 L2 #1ab 2ab 3ab 4ab 5 6 7 

LINE DRAWING:  Finalize your rough draft

Have a great weekend :o)

Thursday, September 18, 2014


ART:  Finish your practice line sheets and start the rough draft of your line drawing


MATH: Past Due
Finalize math assignment, class time was provided to start this assignment.
Grade 5:  U8 L1 page 260 #1 2a 3 4a 5 Reflect
Grade 6: U8 L1 page 289 #1 3 7 10 11 Reflect practice your 3 timetables at-home
Check out these sites on the side bar for practice: 


READING: Students were introduced to their Kidblog: Great Books & Inspiring Leaders student blog today.  Please sign-in and read the posts in "Ms. Rambaran's' blog" prior to beginning your first post.  Remember, you can save your post as a draft or publish it once completed.  Published entries are due Thursday Sept. 18th.  PLEASE NOTE: class time will be provided for this task as many students are being introduced to blogging.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

ART:  Finish your practice line sheets and start the rough draft of your line drawing


MATH: 
Finalize math assignment, class time was provided to start this assignment.
Grade 5:  U8 L1 page 260 #1 2a 3 4a 5 Reflect
Grade 6: U8 L1 page 289 #1 3 7 10 11 Reflect practice your 3 timetables at-home
Check out these sites on the side bar for practice: 


READING: Students were introduced to their Kidblog: Great Books & Inspiring Leaders student blog today.  Please sign-in and read the posts in "Ms. Rambaran's' blog" prior to beginning your first post.  Remember, you can save your post as a draft or publish it once completed.  Published entries are due Thursday Sept. 18th.  PLEASE NOTE: class time will be provided for this task as many students are being introduced to blogging.

INTERNATIONAL DOT DAY:  Use the link to reflect on your experience today in participating in International Dot Day (double click anywhere on the screen and place your first name ONLY in the post; then in the section that says "write something", type your short reflection.  Padlet Dot Day





Tuesday, September 16, 2014

ART:  using your guiding sheets on how to create a variety of lines- practice drawing a variety of lines to prep for tomorrow's art class

BOOK RECOMMENDATION:  Read over "How to write a book recommendation" and start the first draft of your.... I am a reader of..... 

MATH: complete the ENTRANCE PASS focussing on equivalent fractions for tomorrow morning
today we continued to look at benchmark fractions 1/2, 2/3, 3/4

 practice your 3 timetables at-home

Check out these sites for practice:  Math is Fun  or Table Trees

Past Due: Gmail Account, Forms, Indoor Shoes, Class Supplies, Agenda $


Monday, September 15, 2014

Math:  Practice your 3 times table including the inverse operation

DOT Day:  Use the link to reflect on your experience today in participating in International Dot Day
Padlet Dot Day

Forms:  Submit all forms ASAP (medical, email distribution, etc. )

Past Due:
Indoor Shoes, supplies, Gmail account, agenda $

Student around the world today participated in international Dot Day.  A day dedicated to thinking about our individual and unique talents and unleashing our creativity.





Friday, September 12, 2014


Wow... week 2 is finished and we are building a strong learning community.  Monday is International Dot Day, come to class ready to unleash your creativity and unique personality.  Wear something with DOTS to celebrate this day.  
 
MATH:  
Class time was give, complete the following for Monday:
Grade 5 U2 L1 # 3 and 5
Grade 6 U2 L3 # 1-8 and Reflect

Practise your 2 timestable use a variety of strategies such as, flash cards, writing them out, reciting to member of your family, playing a game online or at home

Journal- Golden Rule
In a well developed paragraph respond to the following guiding question and develop a picture to support your thinking
*  How might you use the golden rule to help create change?
*  How might the golden rule help to support you as a person?

Forms: a series of letters and forms have been sent home today and we hope to have them all returned to school be the end of this week.  Please return the school package forms as soon as possible so that we may update school files.

Gmail Accounts:  Please create a gmail account for your child using the information sent home today.  Use the username and password provided.  Sign the media release form and return for Monday Sept 8 and keep one copy to ensure that you have the password and user name.- Past Due

Indoor/Outdoor Shoes:  - minimizes dirt on our classroom floor as we do sit on the floor often and to ensure safety in the gym during physical activities. Ensure these are in on Monday

Class Room Supplies and Agenda Money- Past Due

Thursday, September 11, 2014

I AM A READER: Students have been asked to bring in one or two objects and their favourite book to share during the assigned time.  This activity "What's in the Sack" will continue to build our classroom community.  Please review the task/handout in order to be prepared for your sharing next week.

Monday:  Hanna, Maryanna, Olivia, Oscar, Julian - Congratulation to Monday's Group for coming to class prepared and ready to share.
Tuesday:Rafeed Victoria Cameron Elias Calypso Coen- Student today were able to reflect on how the objects related to them as a person
Wednesday: Bradon, Tess, Tatiana, Jaidan, Fordan, Rashaun- Students today were able to share a variety of books that they have recommended to the class.
Thursday Lucas, Ikenna, Miyu, Nathan, Juliana, Junior
Friday:  Finlay, Zoe, Ainsley, Cattleya, Henok

MATH:  Practise your 2 timestable use a variety of strategies such as, flash cards, writing them out, reciting to member of your family, playing a game online or at home

Forms: a series of letters and forms have been sent home today and we hope to have them all returned to school be the end of this week.  Please return the school package forms as soon as possible so that we may update school files.

Gmail Accounts:  Please create a gmail account for your child using the information sent home today.  Use the username and password provided.  Sign the media release form and return for Monday Sept 8 and keep one copy to ensure that you have the password and user name.

Indoor/Outdoor Shoes:  - minimizes dirt on our classroom floor as we do sit on the floor often and to ensure safety in the gym during physical activities.

Class Room Supplies and Agenda Money- Past Due

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

MATH: Leap Frog Challenge   Throughout the year, students will be encouraged to take on a variety of math challenges focussing on making mistakes, getting through them and appreciating the value of looking at misconceptions and restarting ideas.


I AM A READER: Students have been asked to bring in one or two objects and their favourite book to share during the assigned time.  This activity "What's in the Sack" will continue to build our classroom community.  Please review the task/handout in order to be prepared for your sharing next week.

Monday:  Hanna, Maryanna, Olivia, Oscar, Julian - Congratulation to Monday's Group for coming to class prepared and ready to share.
Tuesday:Rafeed Victoria Cameron Elias Calypso Coen- Student today were able to reflect on how the objects related to them as a person
Wednesday: Bradon, Tess, Tatiana, Jaidan, Fordan, Rashaun- Students today were able to share a variety of books that they have recommended to the class.
Thursday Lucas, Ikenna, Miyu, Nathan, Juliana, Junior
Friday:  Finlay, Zoe, Ainsley, Cattleya, Henok

MATH:  Practise your 2 timestable use a variety of strategies such as, flash cards, writing them out, reciting to member of your family, playing a game online or at home
Forms: a series of letters and forms have been sent home today and we hope to have them all returned to school be the end of this week.  Please return the school package forms as soon as possible so that we may update school files.

Gmail Accounts:  Please create a gmail account for your child using the information sent home today.  Use the username and password provided.  Sign the media release form and return for Monday Sept 8 and keep one copy to ensure that you have the password and user name.

Indoor/Outdoor Shoes:  - minimizes dirt on our classroom floor as we do sit on the floor often and to ensure safety in the gym during physical activities.

Class Room Supplies and Agenda Money- Past Due

Tuesday, September 9, 2014


Thank you to Angela Misri a former parent of McMurrich and author of Jewel of the Thames for coming in on Monday to discuss her process as a writer while inspiring our students to tell their own stories.


Indoor/Outdoor Shoes:  - minimizes dirt on our classroom floor as we do sit on the floor often and to ensure safety in the gym during physical activities.

MEDIA LITERACY: Success Poster planning sheet bump up planning sheet based on student-generated success criteria.
How would you define the term "success"?





I AM A READER: Students have been asked to bring in one or two objects and their favourite book to share during the assigned time.  This activity "What's in the Sack" will continue to build our classroom community.  Please review the task/handout in order to be prepared for your sharing next week.

Monday:  Hanna, Maryanna, Olivia, Oscar, Julian - Congratulation to Monday's Group for coming to class prepared and ready to share.
Tuesday:Rafeed Victoria Cameron Elias Calypso Coen- Student today were able to reflect on how the objects related to them as a person
Wednesday: Bradon, Tess, Tatiana, Jaidan, Fordan, Rashaun
Thursday Lucas, Ikenna, Miyu, Nathan, Juliana, Junior
Friday:  Finlay, Zoe, Ainsley, Cattleya, Henok


The ARTS: For your reference, please visit the Colour Terminology Prezi.  Class time will be provided next week to complete the Colour Package   :o)

MATH:  Practise your 2 timestable use a variety of strategies such as, flash cards, writing them out, reciting to member of your family, playing a game online or at home

Forms: a series of letters and forms have been sent home today and we hope to have them all returned to school be the end of this week.  Please return the school package forms as soon as possible so that we may update school files.

Gmail Accounts:  Please create a gmail account for your child using the information sent home today.  Use the username and password provided.  Sign the media release form and return for Monday Sept 8 and keep one copy to ensure that you have the password and user name.

Class Room Supplies and Agenda Money- Past Due

Friday, September 5, 2014

Wow what an amazing first week of school.  We have connected as a class community and are ready to take on the challenge of this school Year!  Have a great weekend.

Students completed on online survey today focussing on our attitudes towards ourselves as a writer.  This information will help to inform me on how to best program for students within the class and as individuals.

Gmail Accounts:  Please create a gmail account for your child using the information sent home today.  Use the username and password provided.  Sign the media release form and return for Monday Sept 8 and keep one copy to ensure that you have the password and user name.

Indoor/Outdoor Shoes:  
students are reminded to bring in a second pair of shoes to leave at school (in their lockers) to wear during the instructional day.  This minimizes dirt on our classroom floor as we do sit on the floor often and to ensure safety in the gym during physical activities.

School Room Materials
*  5  Duo Tangs
*  Pencil, Sharpener, Eraser, 
*  1 Ruler (10-15 cm)
*  USB Key
*  1 package of paper
*  2 tissue boxes
*  McMurrich Agenda $5
*  Lunch Bag with reusable containers
*  Pencil case or Tidy Box
*  1 package of 24 Pencil crayons

Agendas: each student has received an agenda as we will be using them on a daily basis to schedule class activities, trips and teams events for the school year.  A $5.00 fee is requested for your child's agenda. 

I AM A READER: Students have been asked to bring in one or two objects and their favourite book to share during the assigned time.  This activity "What's in the Sack" will continue to build our classroom community.  Please review the task/handout in order to be prepared for your sharing next week.

Monday:  Hanna, Maryanna, Olivia, Oscar, Julian
Tuesday:Rafeed Victoria Cameron Elias Calypso Coen
Wednesday: Bradon, Tess, Tatiana, Jaidan, Fordan, Rashaun
Thursday Lucas, Ikenna, Miyu, Nathan, Juliana, Junior
Friday:  Finlay, Zoe, Ainsley, Cattleya, Henok

SUCCESS POSTER:  How might you define success?  Brainstorm ideas on your planning sheet to discuss during your conference time on Monday.  Due Monday September 4, 2014

The ARTS: For your reference, please visit the Colour Terminology Prezi.  Class time will be provided next week to complete the Colour Package   :o)

Thursday, September 4, 2014


Students completed on online survey today focussing on our attitudes towards ourselves as a math learner.  This information will help to inform me on how to best program for students within the class and as individuals.

MATH: math is everywhere.  Complete the entrance pass sheet and place it in the entrance bin by Friday Sept. 5th.

Indoor/Outdoor Shoes:  students are reminded to bring in a second pair of shoes to leave at school (in their lockers) to wear during the instructional day.  This minimizes dirt on our classroom floor as we do sit on the floor often and to ensure safety in the gym during physical activities.

Agendas: each student has received an agenda as we will be using them on a daily basis to schedule class activities, trips and teams events for the school year.  A $5.00 fee is requested for your child's agenda. 

I AM A READER: Students have been asked to bring in one or two objects and their favourite book to share during the assigned time.  This activity "What's in the Sack" will continue to build our classroom community.  Please review the task/handout in order to be prepared for your sharing next week.

Monday:  Hanna, Maryanna, Olivia, Oscar, Julian
Tuesday:Rafeed Victoria Cameron Elias Calypso Coen
Wednesday: Bradon, Tess, Tatiana, Jaidan, Fordan, Rashaun
Thursday Lucas, Ikenna, Miyu, Nathan, Juliana, Junior
Friday:  Finlay, Zoe, Ainsley, Cattleya, Henok

SUCCESS POSTER:  How might you define success?  Brainstorm ideas on your planning sheet to discuss during your conference time on Monday.  Due Monday September 4, 2014

Wednesday, September 3, 2014


Students in grade 5 have completed an online survey today focussing on the Multiple Intelligences (we all have strengths).  This information will help to inform me on how to best program for students within the class and as individuals.

Reading: students are reminded bring a book to school to read, they are also invited to borrow books from the classroom.  Daily reading at home is encouraged.  When the school library schedule is created, we will be visiting it regularly to sign out books for enjoyment or research.  The Toronto Public Library is a wonderful place to borrow and sign out books or ebooks. 

Math: math is everywhere.  Complete the entrance pass sheet and place it in the entrance bin by Friday Sept. 5th.


Indoor/Outdoor Shoes:  students are reminded to bring in a second pair of shoes to leave at school (in their lockers) to wear during the instructional day.  This minimizes dirt on our classroom floor as we do sit on the floor often and to ensure safety in the gym during physical activities.

Agendas: each student has received an agenda as we will be using them on a daily basis to schedule class activities, trips and teams events for the school year.  A $5.00 fee is requested for your child's agenda. Thank you to the School Council who covers the remainder of the cost.  Connect with your child regularly to share and discuss any dates for upcoming events throughout the school year  :o)


I am a reader of.... Class Community: Students have been asked to bring in one or two objects and their favourite book to share during the assigned time.  This activity "What's in the Sack" will continue to build our classroom community.  Please review the task/handout in order to be prepared for your sharing next week.




Mr. Perretta, Ms Tavares and myself accepting the ALS challenge to raise awareness and funds for those with the disease.  

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Students have their Room 301 welcome letter to share with parents.  Please, both parents and students, initial or sign the welcome sheet to indicate that you have both read and understood the information shared.

Students, please share with your parents how to navigate through this homework blog.
Remember to visit daily  :o)

Review your agenda:
1.  McMurrich Code of Conduct
2.  Behaviour Code of Conduct

Indoor/Outdoor Shoes:  students are reminded to bring in a second pair of shoes to leave at school (in their lockers) to wear during the instructional day.  This minimizes dirt on our classroom floor as we do sit on the floor often and safety in the gym during physical activities.
 

Welcome Back :o)

WELCOME BACK everyone!  It is an honour for me to have the opportunity to teach, learn and explore the curriculum and new initiatives with each of you this school year. This blog will compliment your school agenda as a homework communication forum for class assignments and school activities. Items posted within the left side of the blog will be archived after a few days and can be retrieved from the Archives link at the bottom right of the blog. The items/gadgets on the right side of the blog will be updated as needed. Some items will remain in view throughout the year. Special events within the class and school community will also be posted within the right side of this blog.

Homework Blog Purpose

The purpose of this blog is to provide students with updates of class activities, timelines and due dates of assigned tasks throughout the week, month and school year. This blog will showcase activities of student engagement and include links to active discussion via blogs and collaborative engagement within wikis. Links to subject specific blogs and wikis will be added as students are engaged in a variety of initiatives set up by staff and new challenges they organize themselves.