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!

Monster Smartie Party!!!

Today we earned our 30th SMARTIE! This means that tomorrow we will celebrate with a Monster Smartie Party- with a Christmas theme!! Plus, we will enjoy a pizza lunch as a reward for reaching our Read-a-thon goal. For the Monster Smartie Party, students may bring treats to share among the class. I will provide drinks, and of course, the Monster Smartie Cookies! Students are also invited to bring their favorite board games to enjoy. Way to go, 5M!

Candyland!

Yesterday was a fantastic day! In the morning, we worked on "How-To" writing pieces. We practiced by creating together, "How to Make an Easy Gingerbread House". This was quite helpful when it came to actually making our gingerbread houses (more on that adventure later!).

After recess, Elasti-Girl came to 5M, along with the members of the Official Committee. The Committee listened to the Incredible science presentations. It seems too difficult to eliminate any one of the body systems- they are all FAR too important!

Gingerbread house making was a definite highlight of the day. One of our goals for the activity was to apply the Golden Rule in "thinking of others before ourselves". It was encouraging to see how well students shared their candy treasures- they did a fine job and we had a lot of fun together.

Here are a few pictures, including a picture of our "Pop Can Carolers" craft that we finished last week. Thanks for your help in sending supplies!

Christmas + Math

Looking for some seasonal practice with math? There are great ideas here!

A Broken Heart...

That describes the heart of the cow we dissected yesterday in 5M! It was so interesting to learn about how blood flows through our heart by examining a real HUGE cow's heart. We even learned about the tricuspid and bicuspid valves! Everyone was very brave! :) I learned a lot, too!

God's Gift Day

On Monday it was "God's Gift Day". A pair of Moses, Angel Gabriel, Joseph, Ruth and Naomi, Mary (and baby Jesus), David (featuring a sling shot), a Wise Woman, and Jesus (the older version) all showed up! It was fun to interview each guest! Great job, 5M.