Monday, February 3
We started the day with Math, where we went over some different strategies for two-digit by two-digit multiplication. We will continue with this work tomorrow. I know that students are finding the number of different strategies a bit overwhelming, but ultimately the hope is that they will find at least one strategy that consistently works well for them to solve these types of problems. As long as they have some way to solve these questions accurately, then I am happy! It might be a strategy we've gone over in class, or it might be a personal strategy or one they've learned elsewhere. As long as it consistently works, then that's great! It is not necessary for students to understand and use every single strategy we explore, though I would encourage them to try out some different ones in order to find the one(s) that works best for them.
In Science we continued creating our visual dictionaries for vocabulary related to electricity and magnetism. In Social Studies we had a mock fur trade, giving students an opportunity to roleplay being both First Nations trappers and the Europeans with whom they traded. We illustrated the language barriers by having one group speak only in numbers while the other spoke only in letters. Students quickly realized that tone, gestures, and body language were very important in communication. Some students had great strategies for getting the most goods in exchange for their pelts or for getting quality pelts for the cheapest prices. After our roleplay, we discussed the experience together and then students independently wrote reflections about it.
We also had Circle, Quiet Reading/Unfinished Work time, and Music today.
Tomorrow is our next Positive Choices Reward. Students have voted for some free computer time in the afternoon, and they are also welcome to wear pajamas and bring a stuffed animal if they would like.
A reminder that our first Winsport ski/snowboard day is this Wednesday, February 5. Students are welcome to bring their own helmets and/or goggles if they have them, but if they want their own skis/poles/snowboards, parents will have to transport those to the hill on their own, as this larger equipment is not permitted on the bus. All equipment will be provided for students at the hill as part of the lesson cost; they do not need to bring any of their own. Please ensure that students are dressed in layers and ready to be outside all day. A reminder that this year students are not permitted to purchase anything from the cafeteria, so it is important that they bring a solid lunch and any snacks they would like from home. Please ensure that all students and volunteers are at school by 9:00 am on Wednesday, as the bus leaves promptly at 9:15.
All Hawkwood School families are invited to our "Playing with Math" family math night this Thursday, February 6 from 6:30-8:00 pm. (See invitation below.) This is a great opportunity to play math games together and do some fun activities that your family can also do at home! I hope to see you there!
In Science we continued creating our visual dictionaries for vocabulary related to electricity and magnetism. In Social Studies we had a mock fur trade, giving students an opportunity to roleplay being both First Nations trappers and the Europeans with whom they traded. We illustrated the language barriers by having one group speak only in numbers while the other spoke only in letters. Students quickly realized that tone, gestures, and body language were very important in communication. Some students had great strategies for getting the most goods in exchange for their pelts or for getting quality pelts for the cheapest prices. After our roleplay, we discussed the experience together and then students independently wrote reflections about it.
We also had Circle, Quiet Reading/Unfinished Work time, and Music today.
Tomorrow is our next Positive Choices Reward. Students have voted for some free computer time in the afternoon, and they are also welcome to wear pajamas and bring a stuffed animal if they would like.
A reminder that our first Winsport ski/snowboard day is this Wednesday, February 5. Students are welcome to bring their own helmets and/or goggles if they have them, but if they want their own skis/poles/snowboards, parents will have to transport those to the hill on their own, as this larger equipment is not permitted on the bus. All equipment will be provided for students at the hill as part of the lesson cost; they do not need to bring any of their own. Please ensure that students are dressed in layers and ready to be outside all day. A reminder that this year students are not permitted to purchase anything from the cafeteria, so it is important that they bring a solid lunch and any snacks they would like from home. Please ensure that all students and volunteers are at school by 9:00 am on Wednesday, as the bus leaves promptly at 9:15.
All Hawkwood School families are invited to our "Playing with Math" family math night this Thursday, February 6 from 6:30-8:00 pm. (See invitation below.) This is a great opportunity to play math games together and do some fun activities that your family can also do at home! I hope to see you there!
