Flaming Text

Flaming Text is here.

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

Heraldry Links

You can make your own coat of arms here!
Also, try this challenging heraldry game!
Have fun!

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!

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.

Get Ready!

Prepare for tomorrow's science lesson by exploring this site!

World Math Day STARTS TODAY!

Start logging in tonight at 7pm!

In Science This Week...

To get ready, take a peek at this website!

Explorers Webquest

Follow this link for the Social Studies webquest assignment.

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!!! :)

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!

Christmas + Math

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

Science Project Link

Here is the link for your Incredible Science Project!

Canadian Hero Link

Here is the link for your social studies project!

Star Site of the Week x 2!

I missed out on last week's Star Site, so I'd better catch up with two this week!
The first is a site for extra support for our novel study, Number the Stars. We are into Chapter 3, and for extra practice or to extend your learning, you can go to this website.

We've also started learning about the INCREDIBLE Human Body! I found a great game to practice what you know about the various systems we are learning about. Try it here!

Star Site of the Week!

This week's Star Site is National Geographic for Kids. This website gives readers a chance to view videos, play games and learn about everything from how to make slime punch (mmm) to learning about how to conserve our oceans. There are brain teasers to challenge you, and plenty of interesting activities to try. This might even be a place you could use for your W5 assignment in Social Studies! For another excellent spot for research, try the National Geographic Homework Help. You can spend a lot of time on this site learning about a wide variety of topics, and have fun, too! Check it out!

Chemistry Link

I came across this site that supports our chemistry lessons this week. For an extra challenge and to learn more about the difference between physical and chemical changes, go to this site.

Star Site of the Week

I'm going to challenge myself to find one "Star Site of the Week" to post on The Chalkboard. This week's Star Site is easy! I've already shown it to the class, but go ahead and give it a try at home. BrainPop is loaded with excellent videos on hundreds of educational topics. Some of the movies are free to watch, while others require a subscription. However, you can watch any video when you sign up for a 5-day trial. Have a look!

Mathletics Link

Here is the link to mathletics.

Online Games!

Here are a couple sites with games that connect with what we are learning in 5M:
Proton Don- Test your knowledge of the periodic table!
Place Value Puzzler- Practice your place value skills!