English Homework This Week:     Monday complete a Venn Diagram, or compose two or three paragraphs, that compare and contrast life in the 1930'scompared with today. Students should refer to our novel for specific examples read Chapter XVI (16) "Where The Red Fern Grows" Tuesday complete Cursive handwriting page # 52 read for pleasure (15 minutes) complete comprehension questions from Where the Red Fern Grows Wednesday complete Cursive handwriting page # 53 read for pleasure (15 minutes) Thursday complete Cursive handwriting page # 54 read for pleasure (15 minutes) Writing Activity - students will be asked to complete their final copy, two or more paragraphs, about our class discussion on Easter ("What is Easter all about? Why do we have an "Easter Week-end"? How did the traddition of the Easter Bunny begin?, etc).  

This Week In English: Students will be presenting Differentiated Projects on novel "Bridge to Teribithia" on Mon. & Tues. Novel - Where The Red Fern Grows - in class reading, vocabulary & comprehension exercises Writing - Exercises focussing on the Write Traits, Quick Writes & Self Editing   Homework: Monday         Cursive Writing P. 43                      Novel Study Chpt. VII                      Finish Projects (Bridge to Teribithia) Tuesday        Cursive Writing P. 44                      Novel Study Chpt. VIII Wednesday   Cursive Writing P. 45 Thursday       Cursive Writing P. 46                      Novel Study Chpt. IX

          In Class This Week: Cursive Writing Self Evaluation & Review Using Similes & Metaphors When Writing Novel Study "Bridge To Teribithia" Writing Using Imagery Spelling - No Excuse Words Homework Monday                  Cursive Writing p. 28                               Complete two Similes and prepare to share with class on Tues.                               Novel Study - finish to end of chpt. 9 Tuesday                 Cursive Writing p. 29                              Complete two Metaphors and prepare to share with the class on Thurs.                              Novel Study - finish to end of chpt. 10 Wednesday            Cursive Writing p. 30                              Novel Study - finish to end of chpt. 11 Thursday                Cursive Writing p. 31                               Novel Study - writing assignment

  This Week In Our Classroom:   Novel - Bridge to Teribithia - students will begin reading novel and completing comprehension questions. Cursive Writing - we will continue working through our cursive book as part of our homework exercises. Afghanistan Project - as mentioned previously, students will begin a differentiated project of their choice as a follow up to the the two novels we read (The Breadwinner and Parvanna's Journey). These projects could focus on Afghan Food, Afghan Clothing, Canada in Afghanistan, etc. Additional details for his project will be included with student's homework tomorrow. Write Traits - we will be focussing on the Conventions Trait with a particular emphasis on capitalization and punctuation. Afghanistan Presentations will begin on Thursday.   Homework This Week:   Monday - Bridge to Teribithia - Read Chapter 2               Cursive Writing p.19               Consider topics for Afghanistan Project and begin research   Tuesday - Bridge To Teribithia - Finish reading Chpt. 3                Cursive Writing p.20                Begin Afghanistan Project   Wednesday - Work on "Afghanistan Project"   Thursday - Work on Afghanistan Project if not finished.                 Cursive Writing p. 21 Afghanistan Project – Gr. 5 Aubry   Information for Students & Parents   This Differentiated Project is a follow up to the novels our class read prior to Christmas Break (The Breadwinner & Parvanna’s Journey).   It is called a “Differentiated Project” as it is intended to capitalize on the “different” strengths and interests of each child.   Following is a list of possible project topics students may choose from:   Afghan Food (ie. nan bread, rice dishes, etc.). This may or may not include actual food – this is up to the student & parent to decide) Afghan History and Geography The Canadian Military in Afghanistan Afghan Clothing (ie. burqa, shalwar kameez, etc.) Land Mines in Afghanistan War With Russia The Taliban The Islamic Religion Any other related topic approved by the teacher   The format for presenting your information can also vary. The final project presentation could take any one of the following formats:                                                                  i.      Power Point                                                              ii.      Poster Board Display                                                             iii.      Role Play and/or Skit                                                             iv.      Video Story                                                               v.      Food Preparation & Presentation                                                             vi.      Song/Dance                                                            vii.      Another format approved by the teacher   Although the actual project each child produces can be very different from one student to the next, most projects will follow these five steps:   1.   Research your topic Choose how you wish to present your information (format) Gather your information Piece your information together into a logical presentation Conduct an actual presentation of your material to the class     Afghanistan Project Grading System     Evidence of Research                                                  /25   Knowledge About Topic                                              /25   Written Materials/Final Product                                   /25   Presentation to Class                                                   /25        Total                /100      

        "In Our Classroom This Week" Thank You Letters to Volunteers & Business - final copies Christmas Concert Script Writing - "Yuletide Favorites" Cursive Writing - progress chart Parvana's Journey - Read Aloud Rehearsal for Christmas Concert Student Readings & Literature Circles - The Gift of the Magi Homework: Monday Cursive Writing p. 7 Read 15 min. - The Gift of the Magi -The Clarion Call Practise Huron Carol (girl's group) Finish Thank You Letter (cursive writing or typed) Tuesday Cursive Writing p. 8 Read 15 min. - The Gift of the Magi Practise Huron Carol or Yuletide Favorites Wednesday Cursive Writing p. 9 Read 15 min. - The Gift of the Magi Christmas Concert - Practise Song or Lines   Thursday Cursive Writing p. 10 Read 15 min. - The Gift of the Magi Christmas Concer - Practise Song or Lines    

Only one month to go before the Christmas Break :-)   A Glance at Our Classroom This Week:     Literature Circles - groups will continue to explore Literature Circles - roles and responsibilities Reading and writing activities - Literature Circles - from the Gift of the Magi  Letter Writing - parts of a letter, letters to Santa Introduction to Basic Handwriting Techniques Read Aloud - Parvana's Journey Quick Writes - pertaining to Parvana's Journey Special Note to Parents:  A few of you have expressed to me concerns regarding student handwriting. As a result, I have decided to incorporate into English class "Basic Handwriting" skills. An excellent resource for this is the consumable booklet entitled "Canadian Handwriting - Book E". I have ordered a class set of these booklets - one for each student. The cost of these booklets is $ 7.00 each. When our booklets arrive I will send along another note to remind you of this payment. If this cost is a problem or concern, please let me know and the school will cover the cost.   Homework Monday: Read 15 minutes. Finish Cursive Writing Assignment Complete letter to Santa Homework Tuesday: Read short story from Gift of the Magi "The Chapparel Prince". Discuss with a family member. Homework Wednesday: Read 15 minutes - student choice of reading Homework Thursday: Read short story from Gift of the Magi (to be assigned in class on Thurs.) Complete Literature Circle Activity    

Class Work This Week: John McCrae Biography - Follow Up Discussion & Comprehension Questions In Flander's Fields Recitation The Breadwinner - Read Aloud - Conclusion of Novel Differentiation Topics for Breadwinner Assignment Homework This Week: Read 15 minutes each night - student selection Memorize remaining two verses of In Flander's Fields John McCrae Bio - discussion with family Consider Differentiated Topic for Breadwinner Concluding Assignment