May 11 – May 15

Grade 4/5 students:

Great job on your ‘Home Learning’ students!  I am very proud of your efforts and thank you to those who have sent me their reading response to my email (cheryl.carroll@nbed.nb.ca).  I enjoyed reading them and gave students some feedback.  Here is your schedule for the week:

1. Math – Login to Dreambox and complete a minimum of two activities each day (10 activities for the week).  Remember that the activities with a calendar icon are ones that I have assigned.

   Last week, 6 out of 11 students completed all 10 activities.

2. Writing Journal – Spend 15-20 minutes each day writing a journal entry.

3. Weekly Writing Task - Spend 15-20 minutes working on the assigned writing task so that you have a finished good copy by the end of the week (remember to spend some time revising and editing your work).  Email to cheryl.carroll@nbed.nb.ca

   This week you will write an information piece.  For your information piece or report, you will include an introduction, a minimum of 3 body paragraphs (one paragraph for each subtopic that you choose), and a conclusion.

View the following four teaching videos on informational writing.  Please note that the video refers to writing a ‘book’, however you will be writing in an essay format and each ‘section’ will be in a paragraph.  Adding photos is optional but you may do that if interested:

1. Informational Writing for Kids- Episode 3: Making a Plan  Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehzBzAo3h44&list=PLTCzXKdxBpDDcTXBNyvPmR1r_nOg-26sX&index=3

   2.  Informational Writing for Kids – Episode 4: Writing an introduction  Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6BTfNQiXXI&list=PLTCzXKdxBpDDcTXBNyvPmR1r_nOg-26sX&index=4

3. Informational Writing for Kids – Episode 5: Writing a draft  Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0y_HvsIP_s&list=PLTCzXKdxBpDDcTXBNyvPmR1r_nOg-26sX&index=5

1. Informational Writing for Kids – Episode 6: Writing a Closing  Link:

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90TT0q2mHws&list=PLTCzXKdxBpDDcTXBNyvPmR1r_nOg-26sX&index=6

    

   I have attached a blank graphic organizer as well as a sample information piece that I wrote (including my graphic organizer that I filled in ). I chose to write about climate change and found my research information on the site ScienceFlix (see link below). 

   Topic ideas:

• Choose an animal that you know a lot about (or like). Write an in informational essay about that animal.  https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/

• Think about what you want to be when you grow up.  Write an informational essay about the career you would like.

• Think of a hobby or sport that you enjoy.  Write an informational essay about the sport or activity.

• Choose a topic related to Science and write an information essay about the topic http://scholastic.ca/education/free_digital_resources/ (click on Trueflix or ScienceFlix)

   

  The above videos give a basic framework for informational writing.  However, I noticed that she started her sentences in the same way many times and started each sentence on a new line.  Remember, we have been focusing on writing good paragraphs.  Start each paragraph with a topic sentence, then write a minimum of 3 – 4 sentences that include details, facts or examples, and finish each paragraph with a closing sentence.  Please put the facts that you find into new sentences in your own words (no copying!).  I look forward to reading your informational essays (send it to cheryl.carroll@nbed.nb.ca ).

   

I am attaching the District’s weekly STEAM newsletter for those who are interested in doing additional activities.

• Reminder that students should spend 30 minutes each day reading and doing physical activity.  The calendar for May is also posted for Social Emotional Learning.