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!!! :)

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!

Crazy Hair Day

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.

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!