The Human Body!

Hello Grade 5,

In science, we are working with the human body correct?  I want you to review the parts that make up the human body so that we can move forward to how they work!  If you are familiar with the names of the parts of our body, it will be easier for you to learn their purpose.

However, I want you to be able to remember them!  Follow the link below, and you can use an interactive labelling activity where pictures represent the different parts of our body and where they are placed.  If you get an answer wrong, don't give up!  This is just practice, you will learn from your mistakes.

http://www.softschools.com/science/human_body/diagram/

This website will be working towards the following curriculum expectations:
-investigate the structure and function of the major organs of various human body systems.
-demonstrate an understanding of the structure and function of human body systems and interactions within and between systems.

-identify major systems in the human body (e.g., musculoskeletal system, digestive system, nervous system, circulatory system) and describe their roles and interrelationships

This website is an excellent opportunity for you to review the parts of the human body as they will be important to know as we dive into the Human Body unit.  It will be difficult for you to show your knowledge of how a particular system works within the human or about the function of different organs if you are unaware of where the different parts are within the human body structure.

Cooperative Group Work

In class today, we were assigned to a group.  There were four different groups and each group started off at a different station and rotated through four different stations throughout the class period.  This model of teaching was an effective way to have us working cooperatively with one another.  We were able to work independently on our own tasks, with the assistance from our peers readily available.  I found this a very effective teaching strategy because the tasks were often difficult and confusing.  Instead of the teacher having to address each student individually, students were able to go to their peers for help first, and then contact the teacher if their peers were unable to address their problems or concerns.  The activity types used within this class involved both individual and group work.  We were able to work through each station and seek assistance at our own leisure.  This strategy could be used in several different content areas.  For instance, if students were asked to research a topic and were required to use a variety of sources, teachers could have the students in groups, having each station a different type of source (eg. journal article, online article, book, etc.).  This is an efficient way to have students cover all forms of sources without too much chaos from all the students researching using the same source at the same time.  Teachers could take this a step further in other content areas by enforcing the jigsaw method.  Students rotate through the stations, but instead of every student covering every station, the group meets back and each member of the group shares what they have learned. 

A number of tools were used throughout this lesson - the SMART Board, microphones/headphones, a recording program, an audio soundtrack, SlideRocket, YouTube, Educational websites, and Twitter to name a few.  This variety would have created an information overload for the students if they were not given step-by-step instructions on how to use the tools properly and appropriately.  Although students were working individually on their own work, each group was working on the same relative task.  Therefore, cooperative group work was evident due to the fact that group members could work together to discover the ways they could complete the assigned task. 

Technological tools such as the ones used in class today can often be difficult to use if students are not familiar with the tool.  Even with guided instructions, it is not unusual for students to struggle.  Therefore, cooperative group work is an excellent way to heighten student learning through the use of technological tools.  With cooperative group work, students are spending less time trying to figure out how to use the tool, and more time learning with the assistance of the tool.  This is a common strategy for teachers to use when there are lab periods, or lessons that involve technological tools such as video recording devices and/or audio recording devices.  The students who are familiar with the tools can assist the other members within the group in order to complete the task in an efficient and effective way.

Today I learned that it is hard to incorporate a number of technological tools within one lesson without the students spending too much time figuring out how to use the tool.  Although I was able to use the tools properly, I was not able to grasp a great understanding of how to use each one since my time was limited with each station.  I also learned that it can become extremely chaotic if new tools are introduced to the students and there are few people readily available to assist the students with these tools.  In solving this issue, it would be wise for the teacher to ensure there is at least one student within each group who is confident with using technological tools.  In doing this, it takes some pressure off the teacher, as fewer students will likely be requesting for assistance at the same time.  Cooperative group work can often become loud and overwhelming when the students are conversing with one another.  It is important that the teacher continues to have control over the class and is able to get the entire class's attention at any point if needed.
Although this class was hectic at times, I found the technological tools to be very useful and the stations to be a very strategic form of instruction.

Let's Explore Algebra!

Hawthorne Elementary School. (2011).
"Math Frog" [Online Image].
Retreived from http://bit.ly/pgLvIi

Math Frog is full of mathematical games at the Grade 4, 5, and 6 level.  This website can be very useful for you to complete Grade 4 activities if you need review in any areas, Grade 5 activities to practice material we are working on this year, and Grade 6 activities if you feel confident in certain math areas and would like a challenge!

We are currently working on Patterning and Algebra.  Why not practice with an engaging game? 

Go to: http://cemc2.math.uwaterloo.ca/mathfrog/english/kidz/Games5.shtml

Scroll down to the section called "Patterning and Algebra".

Find the activity "Equation Maze" and click on Play the Game (in green).

This game works with equations and finding the value for "n".  It will allow you to take control of your learning through active participation. 
The game challenges you to answer the question correctly in order to enter the next room.  If you are wrong, you must return to a previous room, scaffolding your learning (gradually building upon knowledge).

Parents/Guardians:
Why is this game beneficial for learning?
Mathematics can often be frustrating for students.  Through this engaging computer game, students are more likely to be an active participant in learning.  This game challenges students and if their answer is wrong, they are required to repeat the previous question as well as the question they answered wrong in order to enter the next level.  Therefore, students are able to achieve a deeper understanding!

Curriculum Expectations:
-Students will demonstrate, through investigation, an understanding of the use of variables in equations.

What's Your Interest?

Hello Grade 5,

Personally, I love math!  To those of you who are not on board the math train - believe it or not, math can be made fun!  To prove it to you, I've added some links below that will take you to websites that provide activities for mathematics.  These aren't just boring old math problems though, these sites have mathematical games for you to explore.  Plus, you can find the difficulty level that you believe suits you and hopefully work your way up to more challenging problems! 

FASTT Math - http://www.tomsnyder.com/fasttmath/index.html  Click on the category "kids" at the top and find the game that best suits your interest.

Funbrain - http://www.funbrain.com/brain/MathBrain/MathBrain.html  Click on "Math Arcade" at the top.  If you are new to this website, you can select your gender and grade.  A selection of math games will then appear, hopefully you can find the one that suits your interests!  Choose the game that looks the most interesting to you.  Some of the games may include material that has not been covered yet.  Don't worry, we will get there!  You can always go back to the Grade 4 activities for review.  This website offers games for other subject areas as well.  Don't feel as though you can only play the math games!

funschool.com - http://funschool.kaboose.com/parent-teacher/5-6/games/
This link will take you to funschool.com where a variety of math games are available!  Playing these games can help you with your fluency with particular math problems.  Plus, it's fun - trust me some of the games can get you addicted! 

As always, give me your feedback!  Which link did you like the best? Why?

Enjoy!

Brainpop!

Good morning Grade 5!
I would love for you to explore the world of Brainpop!  It is an excellent website that provides you with some extremely fun and interesting games!  They are educational games - but you might not even notice you're learning because they're THAT fun!

Try it out:

http://www.brainpop.com/

Let me know what you think :)

Welcome!

This blog will be an excellent tool for both students and parents to use...and I'll tell you why!

Students: Hello Grade 5! I will be posting assignments, resources, and interesting material that relates to what we are working on in the classroom!  By logging on to this blog, you will be able to keep up with current tasks that have been assigned and materials that may be useful for completing the tasks or to learn more about certain topics.  On this blog, I will provide you with links to websites, WebQuests, and several other technological tools that can easily be accessed with a simple click of your mouse!

Right now, we are working on the Underground Railroad, remember?
Today we introduced the underground railroad by finding out what we already know about this topic through group discussions.  I was very impressed with the amount of information everyone already knows!!
In the next couple social studies classes, we will be going to the computer lab and working on a WebQuest called "Unraveling the Underground Railroad".  I will be going over how to use a WebQuest and what your tasks will be as a group tomorrow.  However, if you would like to have a bit of a head start, feel free to take a look at the WebQuest:

http://questgarden.com/88/01/4/091112091643/index.htm


Parents/Guardians:  I hope you enjoy reading my blog!  As I have still to meet some of you, this is an excellent way to keep in touch.  You will be able to access material students are using through this blog.  I will update information regularly, and ensure assignments and tasks the students are currently working on are listed.  In addition to this, I will post links to websites and other online tools that can assist students with their learning (either to complete their assigned task or to further their own learning).

We are currently studying the underground railroad.  We started this unit today in social studies and will be working on material regarding this topic for the next several lessons.  Feel free to check out the link listed above for the students to explore!  The WebQuest outlines the tasks students will be asked to explore, as well as how the students will be evaluated.

The following are the main Ontario Curriculum Expectations that will be covered during this unit:
-make connections between some elements of modern life and similar elements from early civilizations
-use primary and secondary sources to locate information about early civilizations (eg. Internet sites)
-identify some scientific and technological advances made by two or more early civilizations


I hope any concerns or interests you may have are answered through this blog.  However, if there are any further inquiries, feel free to e-mail me at: elliheath24@hotmail.com

Enjoy! :)

Miss Elliott