Inquiry Time

As some of you may know, Division 2 students have begun an inquiry on topics around the theme of "Refugees."  Some students have chosen to research ISIS, some Syria, some women's rights, and numerous other interesting and exciting questions.   As much of this research is internet based, we have been working with SetBC on a project to explore Google Chrome Extensions and Apps.  Part of this project qualified our class to use 7 brand new laptops!  Plus, we have learned about some cool programs that really help kids in their online research.  We encourage you to download them and see:

Readability

SummarizeThis

Scribe

Please ask your child about their inquiry question.

The following is a photo of our homework board for the week.  Grade 7s have a math test on Tuesday.  We are also skating Tuesday afternoon.  Just a reminder that there is a Professional Day on Friday where the teachers will be learning about the new curriculum.  

The following week, Division 2 will be heading over to the Terry Salman branch of the library to continue our inquiry project.  All students should have their library cards with them.  The Friday before the break, the Grade 7s have their 2nd Ancient Worlds Inquiry due as well.  

Have a great week!

Term 2 Goals

As the term comes to an end, many students are meeting their term two goals.  A special shout out to Fiona, Peyton, and Danny who were the first to hang their visual goal on our board of honour!  More to come as the year progresses.

Just a reminder that Pink Day is this Wednesday!  We would like to encourage all students to wear pink to celebrate diversity and to remind one another that bullying is not accepted in our community.

There is lots of assignments coming up in the next 2 weeks, so students should be putting in some time on homework each night this week.  Check out the homework board for more details.

 
Here are a couple of other fun shots from some of our classroom adventures:

The Countdown to Spring Break is on!

...and thank goodness the sun is out! There is a lot going on in Div 2 this month and we have a few photos to share.  First off, Global Play Day was a great success!  The students were happy and engaged without technology for a whole day.  The staff were super impressed with their creativity and problem solving skills.  We hope to do it again next year (maybe more than once).

In science, we continue to explore Electricity.  We have examined atoms, static electricity, and this week, are looking at circuit electricity. 

In L.A, students have finished both their biographies and their Lit Circle novels.  All students are working hard to put together a newspaper with their Lit Circle group using Publisher.  Not to worry if you don't have Publisher at home, students can complete their articles in Word and then copy and paste them into a Publisher file at school.  Also in L.A. we are making some inquiries into conflicts in the Middle East.  We have just started reading The Breadwinner as a class and we are learning all sorts of new things about Afghanistan.  We are using that knowledge to make connections to what is happening in Syria.  Students will use this information to compose an Inquiry Question and write a 5-paragraph essay answering their question. 

And finally, the following is a photo of this week's homework board.  Please note there is a lot due next week, so your child should have some work to do each night this week, even if it's just studying French vocab!  

Great Reading in Division 2

Students in Gr. 6/7 are about half way through their Literature Circle novels.  We have really enjoyed listening to their discussions and insights.  Students are currently working on a Background Knowledge assignment for their novel.  Each group member was given a general topic related to their novel.  They need to research and write a short report about their subject.  The objective of this assignment is to help kids make real life connections to their book.  This week our Lit Circle discussions are Tuesday and Friday, because of Global Play Day. 

Speaking of Global Play Day, it's Wednesday! The day will be completely unstructured.  Students are encouraged to bring toys, games, pillows, books, and sports equipment.  There will even be an area in the staff parking lot reserved for wheels (with the exception of bikes) provided students have helmets. We spent some time this morning discussing ideas and even making some plans.  We are excited to participate and hoping students will get reacquainted with play!

We are also skating this Friday.  All permission forms should be in before then.  If any parents would like to join us, we'd love to have you!  Not only do we need help with skates, but we'd love to have you on the ice.  

Finally, I read a fantastic book this weekend that I suggest for all parents.  Nurture Shock by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman.  It's a series of essays about children, teens, and child development. It's essay format, which makes it easy and fun to read and the topics vary from sleep to racism to parenting truthful teens.  I loved it as a parent and a teacher.  Check it out!  There is a copy in our school library for parents to check out.   http://www.nurtureshock.com/

Mrs. Soper & Miss Kelly