Friday, June 6, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Looking for Costume Ideas?
Here's a great place to start! Of course, no need to buy- just a starting spot for some ideas!
Medieval Recipes
For those who really want to dive into the spirit of Medieval flavors and fun, here is a super site with recipes and more!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wiki-History Report Links
Here are great links to get you started on your wiki-history research:
http://www.kathimitchell.com/middleages.htm#Art
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/medieval/
http://www.kidskonnect.com/MiddleAges/MiddleAgesHome.html
http://www.learner.org/exhibits/middleages/feudal.html
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
The Charity Club Sale: Part 2
It was a smashing success! This time around things went more smoothly, having learned a few tricks from our first experience with the sale. I'll let the 5M gang tell the story on their own in the next newsletter, but for now, here are a handful of pictures from today's event!
PS: Today we raised over $1,000 for World Vision. A tremendous effort!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
The Charity Club Sale
Today was a special day in our classroom. Led by an ambitious group of 5M girls (known as The Charity Club), the class enjoyed hosting a sale with proceeds going to our World Vision child. There were all kinds of things sold: home-made bracelets, used books, glossy rocks, toys, and more! We learned a lot about how to organize a sales event and work as a team. It is hard work but worth it when you can raise $490 for World Vision! What an exciting day! Awesome!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
A Few Pictures
Tracing the outline for the medieval people
Time to paint!
An amazing surprise birthday party for the teacher! Wow!!
What's New?
There is plenty "on the go" in 5M these days! Here are some highlights:
-We have started the "5M Book Clubs" in English Language Arts. We have four Book Clubs reading four different novels. The books include: The Indian in the Cupboard, The Year of the Dog, Anne of Green Gables, and The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. Tomorrow we will have our first "Club Meeting". Before the meetings, students come prepared with a special role for the meeting. The goal of the meeting is to review the section of the book that was read, discuss issues and main ideas, as well as make connections to our lives.
-We have wrapped up our poetry unit and 5M work is now on display in the classroom. We have some fantastic poets among us!
-Our classroom is looking more and more "medieval"! We now have a castle wall adorned with various "people of the Middle Ages". Each student is now developing their own "Coat of Arms".
-In Science, we have begun a Plantastic new unit. :) We are learning all about plants!
-In Math, we are wrapping up our unit on adding and subtracting fractions. Next up is multiplying and dividing fractions!
Today we are celebrating our fourth fill of the Smartie Meter. Well done, 5M!!!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Heraldry Links
You can make your own coat of arms here!
Also, try this challenging heraldry game!
Have fun!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Science Fair Shots!
We had a great time at the Science Fair on Friday night. Thanks to everyone involved for their hard work and participation in the event. Here are some pictures of the night:
Monday, March 17, 2008
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
March 17 is St. Patrick's Day. Here is your bonus assignment of the day: learn about the history of St. Patrick's Day. Where does it come from? What do people do on St. Patrick's Day? Why is it celebrated? When you find out, post your information on the class blog! Here's a site to get you started.
I found an awesome site for online photo-editing. Give it a try; it's very easy to use. It's called Picnik. Just take a picture from your computer and explore all the ways you can change your picture and add creative effects! Here is an example, in honor of St. Patrick's Day!
Friday, March 14, 2008
The Empty Castle...
Good morning, 5M! It's a quiet Friday afternoon, and that's a bit unusual! Yesterday I spent time getting your homework ready, as well as meeting many of your parents. I always enjoy that.
You can email me (hmcmillan@cais.edu.hk) or call me through the office if you have any questions about your homework. I look forward to reading your poetry on the blog. Have a great weekend, everyone!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The Earthquake Experts!
Follow the links below to search for information in your area of expertise:
Slick Scientist- Question 1, Question 2, Questions 3-4, Questions 3-4
Historical Hero- Questions 1-3
Superstar Seismologist- Questions 1-2, Questions 1-2, Questions 3-4
Tsunami Teacher- Questions 1-3, Questions 1-2
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Science Fair Links
For help in searching topics related to environmental issues, browse the links provided here. Start here if you have not yet selected your topic.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
Friday, February 29, 2008
Farewell Yusuke!
On Wednesday we said goodbye to Yusuke. He is moving to Japan. We were sad to see him go. There is no doubt that we will miss his bright smile and his very positive attitude. Yusuke sets a good example for others by showing he cares. He showed that even as he left, leaving each one of the 5M gang with a bookmark. We'll miss you, Yusuke, but we know you will shine wherever you go! 
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Book Talks!
5M students did such an excellent job of their book talks! Here is a sneak peek into the presentations:
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Exciting Developments in 5M!!!
I'm really excited about a new online project that we are starting! It is our classroom blog. This is one example of a blog. It is useful because I can communicate news and events to parents and students. However, I am the only one writing! Even though I love to write and can always use practice, it is the students who we really want to write, write, write!!! So, I have initiated a blog where every student will have their own writing space. I will be posting writing assignments that all students need to complete, as well as "STRETCH" writing assignments, for students who would like to take an extra challenge!
For parents to access our blog, go to Blogmeister. Then type in my email address: hmcmillan@cais.edu.hk.
That will take you to our blog! I'll let you know when we have student writing up. Students will have their own log-in and password.
Write on!!! :)
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Go Lions Go!
Today we enjoyed our second annual "pep rally" at CAIS! It was a lot of fun to cheer on our basketball teams and celebrate their seasons, and express our school spirit!
Here is the movie I made for the pep rally. Go Lions!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Great for everyone to take to heart...
This week's memory verse is one that I'm holding close to mind and heart:
The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
Sometimes we need the reminder, the affirmation of God's deep love for his people.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Welcome to 2008!
We're back in action at CAIS! I hope you had a restful and refreshing Christmas holiday. As for me, I enjoyed two weeks in Thailand with friends. It was a real treat, and my favorite part was spending 5 days in Chiang Mai. I plan on sharing more about my trip to the Elephant Nature Park with the class sometime in the near future. I learned a lot and had such a good time!
As the new year starts, we have also started a couple of new units. In Math, we are studying Measurement. In Science, we have kicked off a unit on Geology. In Social Studies, we are learning about Canada's First Nations people, as well as focusing on our Heritage through Language Arts. In Writing, we have moved on to the topic of Voice. It's time to add some zip and zest into our writing!
Students are currently selecting a book for their Book Talk assignment. Each student will choose a book and then use symbols and a decorated container to give a presentation on their book (without revealing the ending!). Book Talks will be presented during the last week of January (29-31). Most of this assignment should be completed at home, though we will take time in class to practice the delivery of the Book Talk.
That's all for today! This evening my parents will fly in to Hong Kong, so I am looking forward to introducing them to the class on Monday! Blessings to you, and best wishes for the year ahead!
How to Balance on Ice Skates by Valerie Pang
We have a couple of very enthusiastic and talented figure skaters in our class. One of them is Valerie Pang. In this piece of "how-to" writing, she gives us helpful advice on how to learn how to skate!
Do you know how to ice skate? Well, if you were searching, you're on the right page. It is easy as cake as soon as you get used to it.
Before you start, you will need these: the ice rink, rented ice skates, yourself, and your gloves. Don't forget to have faith and patience to learn!! First, hold on to the bar to get used to the ice. Try sliding on the ice. How does it feel? Fresh? Clean? Free? I feel fresh!
After that, you should try to let go of the bars. Just relax. One step at a time, slowly, like you're walking but on ice. But remember to put your hands out like a straight line across your body to balance.
Now, try to skate on the ice without holding the bar. Don't be scared. If you fall on the ice, don't worry and get back up. Remember, if you fall on your bottom, sweep the ice off. You won't want people to laugh at you! Then you can keep going without any worries!
Remember to get ready for the big day for skating! Won't want to miss anything, will you? No, so have fun!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)