Friday, June 17, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
Bitstrips!
Welcome students!
Access the following website today, called bitstrips.
You will be given your class access code so that you can find our class area on the website.
Today you are being asked to create your own "avatar" or what you will look like when on bitstrips and add it to the class picture.
You can also create a series of characters for future use in your comic strips that you will be creating in bitstrips.
Feel free to try and learn the interface early and create your own bitstrip today, but that will be our lesson for next computer lab. For now, make as many characters as you like.
When you are finished you should have made your avatar and at least one other character. If both you and your partner have done this, you may do any activity directly linked from this website.
The first bitstrips assignment is up...make your first comic and submit it today. Christine has already had her first comic published! Good job Christine!
Access the following website today, called bitstrips.
You will be given your class access code so that you can find our class area on the website.
Today you are being asked to create your own "avatar" or what you will look like when on bitstrips and add it to the class picture.
You can also create a series of characters for future use in your comic strips that you will be creating in bitstrips.
Feel free to try and learn the interface early and create your own bitstrip today, but that will be our lesson for next computer lab. For now, make as many characters as you like.
When you are finished you should have made your avatar and at least one other character. If both you and your partner have done this, you may do any activity directly linked from this website.
Class photo as of 5/2/2011 (Add your avatar today!)
The first bitstrips assignment is up...make your first comic and submit it today. Christine has already had her first comic published! Good job Christine!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Let's Get Logical.
Welcome to Computer Lab!
Today we're going to be playing logic puzzles, like we learned to do in class on the Smartboard.
To do this follow these instructions.
1. Go here.
2. Click on "New Game" near the top right corner of the screen.
3. Wait for the puzzle to generate.
4. Click "Start Game!"
5. Work on solving the logic puzzle with your parter. Remember to read the puzzle carefully and look at the information you have with which to solve the puzzle. Use the grid like we learned to do in class.
Have fun, think carefully, and LET'S GET LOGICAL!
Today we're going to be playing logic puzzles, like we learned to do in class on the Smartboard.
To do this follow these instructions.
1. Go here.
2. Click on "New Game" near the top right corner of the screen.
3. Wait for the puzzle to generate.
4. Click "Start Game!"
5. Work on solving the logic puzzle with your parter. Remember to read the puzzle carefully and look at the information you have with which to solve the puzzle. Use the grid like we learned to do in class.
Have fun, think carefully, and LET'S GET LOGICAL!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
The Thesaurus Game
Welcome to computer lab!
Today we'll be playing the Thesaurus Game.
A thesuaurus is a book of synonyms. Synonyms are interesting in that even in many dictionaries the word is listed as meaning two words with the "same" meaning. The truth is that synonyms don't usually have the exact same meaning. Most synonyms have subtle "shades" of difference in their meanings and the way they are used. In this way words are very much like colours. There are literally millions of shades of blue. In fact, some words can be synonyms AND antonyms (opposites). Depedending on how some words are used they can actually mean very different things...sometimes so much that they can be considered their own opposite.
Object: From the starting word, make steps. Each step in the chain is a synonym of the word before. The game ends when you reach a word that is an antonym (means the opposite of) the original word.
Game Procedure:
1. Open Microsoft Word
2. Select a word to start with. Look up the definition of that word and use it in a sentence. You can make up a word or use a random word generator. Simple adjectives often work really well.
random word generator: I suggest using adjectives. Don't forget to look up the word to find out what it means before you begin. Common words with a obvious antonyms work best. Don't be afraid to use this until you find a word you WANT to start with.
3. Type the word, spelled correctly into Microsoft word. Below it, use it properly in a sentence so you have demonstrated that you know what the word means.
4. Highlight the word.
5. Click "Tools" --> "Language" --> "Thesaurus"
6. To the right a thesaurus window will open. Sometimes it take 30 seconds or so for the search to be performed. A bunch of synonyms will appear (also an antonym...don't pick that one. It will be labeled.). The thesaurus groups words according to their general shade of meaning.
7. Choose one of the words...try to predict which one will lead to a different "meaning path" and type that word under the word you started with in the main window. Then click on that word in the thesaurus panel. It will then look up that word in the thesaurus.
8. Continue this process, each time typing the word beneath the last in the chain. Carefully select the next word to try to move the definition away from the original word you started with. Eventually you should be able to find your way to an antonym of the original word if you try.
9. When you get there, highlight the last word and count the number of steps it took you to reach the antonym. Take turns with your partner. Completing the loop is always a victory, but try to do it in as few steps as possible. Try using lots of different words, adjectives work best though.
Example of a game card:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
large
His shoe was so large that two of my feet could fit inside.
Synonym list
large
Today we'll be playing the Thesaurus Game.
A thesuaurus is a book of synonyms. Synonyms are interesting in that even in many dictionaries the word is listed as meaning two words with the "same" meaning. The truth is that synonyms don't usually have the exact same meaning. Most synonyms have subtle "shades" of difference in their meanings and the way they are used. In this way words are very much like colours. There are literally millions of shades of blue. In fact, some words can be synonyms AND antonyms (opposites). Depedending on how some words are used they can actually mean very different things...sometimes so much that they can be considered their own opposite.
Object: From the starting word, make steps. Each step in the chain is a synonym of the word before. The game ends when you reach a word that is an antonym (means the opposite of) the original word.
Game Procedure:
1. Open Microsoft Word
2. Select a word to start with. Look up the definition of that word and use it in a sentence. You can make up a word or use a random word generator. Simple adjectives often work really well.
random word generator: I suggest using adjectives. Don't forget to look up the word to find out what it means before you begin. Common words with a obvious antonyms work best. Don't be afraid to use this until you find a word you WANT to start with.
3. Type the word, spelled correctly into Microsoft word. Below it, use it properly in a sentence so you have demonstrated that you know what the word means.
4. Highlight the word.
5. Click "Tools" --> "Language" --> "Thesaurus"
6. To the right a thesaurus window will open. Sometimes it take 30 seconds or so for the search to be performed. A bunch of synonyms will appear (also an antonym...don't pick that one. It will be labeled.). The thesaurus groups words according to their general shade of meaning.
7. Choose one of the words...try to predict which one will lead to a different "meaning path" and type that word under the word you started with in the main window. Then click on that word in the thesaurus panel. It will then look up that word in the thesaurus.
8. Continue this process, each time typing the word beneath the last in the chain. Carefully select the next word to try to move the definition away from the original word you started with. Eventually you should be able to find your way to an antonym of the original word if you try.
9. When you get there, highlight the last word and count the number of steps it took you to reach the antonym. Take turns with your partner. Completing the loop is always a victory, but try to do it in as few steps as possible. Try using lots of different words, adjectives work best though.
Example of a game card:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
large
His shoe was so large that two of my feet could fit inside.
Synonym list
large
- generous
- liberal
- moderate
- restrained
- discreet
- unnoticeable
- imperceptible
- small
Small is an antonym of large! I completed the loop in 8 steps.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Welcome to Computer Lab.
Welcome to computer lab.
Grade 4:
1. You will be continuing work on your social studies project, developing castle characters.
2. In developing your character's coat of arms you may find the following resources helpful:
Coat of Arms symbols and their meanings
How to Make Your Coat of Arms (You can print a shield and work on it using the advice this page gives.)
Grade 5:
You will be researching your social studies innovations topic. Every group will be turning in a record of properly taken notes derived from today's lab period. We will review proper note taking procedure in class today, and you will receive your notes back once I've given you feedback and seen what you have accomplished.
Grade 4:
1. You will be continuing work on your social studies project, developing castle characters.
2. In developing your character's coat of arms you may find the following resources helpful:
Coat of Arms symbols and their meanings
How to Make Your Coat of Arms (You can print a shield and work on it using the advice this page gives.)
Grade 5:
You will be researching your social studies innovations topic. Every group will be turning in a record of properly taken notes derived from today's lab period. We will review proper note taking procedure in class today, and you will receive your notes back once I've given you feedback and seen what you have accomplished.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Computer Lab: Thursday February 24, 2011
Welcome to computer lab! Today we're going to be focusing on the following tasks.
1. Read Jeffery's message to the class and send him a reply. Click the link, read the message then click on the link at the bottom of the message that allows you to write back to him. Include a salutation in your message and make sure you pre-read your message before hitting submit and decide whether you've fulfilled the success criteria for the task.
2. Read and discuss a web article about school uniforms with your partner.
3. Try to come to a decision with your partner which side of the debate you agree with. Together, complete a persuasion map to organize your ideas. Refer back to the original article to gather ideas to support your point of view.
4. If you have time and you or your partner need time to complete a reading record, take this opportunity to do so.
5. If you are finished all of these things, check in with Mr. Crunkleton so he he can see your persuasion map (yes, you can print it!) and then pick one of the previous lab's activities and revisit them.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Mail from Jeffery
I just received the following mail from Jeffery, passing it along to the class. You guys need to write him back.
Today is the first day of school. I did great and made a few friends today. My new school is like my Stilecroft but the only differences is that we eat in the classroom and there is a smartboard in every class.
To write back to Jeffery, click here. I will forward your messages!
To write back to Jeffery, click here. I will forward your messages!
Dance-a-thon Music Request
Request a Song!
Click here to request a song for our Dance-a-thon on March 4th.
Remember to type in the "group name". The "group name" should be very familiar and should be on your pledge envelope. No password is needed.
Online Pledge!
If you'd like to allow someone to make an online pledge, it's easy. Just direct them to our homepage and click here to make an online donation for our dance-a-thon. They will need to know your school name and they will need to know my name so they can give your class credit for the donation.
Click here to request a song for our Dance-a-thon on March 4th.
Remember to type in the "group name". The "group name" should be very familiar and should be on your pledge envelope. No password is needed.
If you'd like to allow someone to make an online pledge, it's easy. Just direct them to our homepage and click here to make an online donation for our dance-a-thon. They will need to know your school name and they will need to know my name so they can give your class credit for the donation.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Social Studies Exploration II
During today's computer lab you have the following options:
1. Complete a Reading Record. (click on the book to the right)
2. Explore Medieval castles.
3. Explore Medieval Life
4. Ask an expert: What was life really like in a castle?
5. The Medieval Arms Race
6. Building a real trebuchet.
7. Destroy a castle with a trebuchet.
1. Complete a Reading Record. (click on the book to the right)
2. Ancient Chinese Tanagram Puzzles
3. Learn about dragons!
4. Learn about the Chinese art of caligraphy.
Grade 4: Medieval times
2. Explore Medieval castles.
3. Explore Medieval Life
4. Ask an expert: What was life really like in a castle?
5. The Medieval Arms Race
6. Building a real trebuchet.
7. Destroy a castle with a trebuchet.
Grade 5: Ancient China
2. Ancient Chinese Tanagram Puzzles
3. Learn about dragons!
4. Learn about the Chinese art of caligraphy.
5. Try your hand at caligraphy. (Explore link 4 thoroughly first!)
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
More References Social Studies Project
1. Education in Canada (Telisha, Christine)
Whose responsibility is Education in Canada?
How does government shape education in Canada?
Give examples of how governments provide for the education of Canadian youth.
Who are the government representatives currently involved in delivery education in different areas of Canada?
Education in Canada
Council of Ministers of Education Canada
2. Levels of Canadian Government (Yousef and Samridhi)
How many levels of government are there in Canada?
What government services are the responsibility of each level of government?
What are the titles of the important representatives in each level of government?
Give examples of how each level of government shapes policy in one of the responsibility areas.
Levels of Canadian Government
Responsibilities of Different Levels of Canadian Government
Whose responsibility is Education in Canada?
How does government shape education in Canada?
Give examples of how governments provide for the education of Canadian youth.
Who are the government representatives currently involved in delivery education in different areas of Canada?
Education in Canada
Council of Ministers of Education Canada
2. Levels of Canadian Government (Yousef and Samridhi)
How many levels of government are there in Canada?
What government services are the responsibility of each level of government?
What are the titles of the important representatives in each level of government?
Give examples of how each level of government shapes policy in one of the responsibility areas.
Levels of Canadian Government
Responsibilities of Different Levels of Canadian Government
Social Studies Resources for Research Projects
Grade 4 Resources:
What are the major cities, towns, geographical features?
What are notable places to visit in your province?
What is the economy like in your province, how do people make money?
What is the wildlife and climate of your province/territory like?
Who lives in your province?
What is there to do in your province/territory?
What makes your province/territory special?
Nunavut (Jeriel, Alvin)
General information
Nunavut Information: Library of Canada
First Nations
Economy of Nunavut
Cities and Towns of Nunavut
Wildlife
Tourism: Nunavut
Ontario (Amanda, Kari)
General: Onatio
Tourism Ontario
Saskatchewan (Rahul and Steven)
General Information
Official Website Government of Saskatchewan
About Saskatechewan: Official
Virtual Sasketchewan: Places of Interest
First Nations of Sasketchewan
Tourism Sasketchewan
Quebec (Sahar, Jeffery)
Quebec: General
Quebec Official Government Website
Tourism: Quebec
Newfoundland and Labrador (Amy, Keshawn, Elif, Aaliya)
Aboriginal Peoples
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfound and Labrador: General
Grade 5 Resources:
1. The Queen (Calvin and Andy)
What function does the Queen perform in Canadian Government?
How has this function changed over the years?
Monarchy of Canada
Debate over Monarchy in Canada
History of the Monarchy in Canada
Dictionary.com: Monarchy
2. The Provincial Government of Ontario (Sarosh, Liem)
Official Government Website: Province of Ontario
Wikipedia: Province of Ontario Government
3. Structure and Members of Toronto Municipal Government (Joshua and Nicole)
How is the Toronto Government structured? What positions are incolved?
Who are the current elected officials?
How do things get done?
Where does the government of Toronto meet?
Municipal Government of Toronto
Official Website of Toronto
4. The Houses of Federal Parliament (Keon, Quang, Liam)
1. What are the names of the 2 houses of Parliament? What is some important information about each and how they are different and similar to each other?
Parliament of Canada
Senate of Canada: Official Webpage
Official Parliament Webpage
5. Canadian Citizenship and Immigration (Mackenzie, Anu)
Who is response for Canadian Citizenship and Immigration affairs in Canada? How does this process work? Give examples and describe the process. What branch of government is involved?
Citizenship and Immigration in Canada
Official Website: Citzenship and Immigration Canada
What are the major cities, towns, geographical features?
What are notable places to visit in your province?
What is the economy like in your province, how do people make money?
What is the wildlife and climate of your province/territory like?
Who lives in your province?
What is there to do in your province/territory?
What makes your province/territory special?
Nunavut (Jeriel, Alvin)
General information
Nunavut Information: Library of Canada
First Nations
Economy of Nunavut
Cities and Towns of Nunavut
Wildlife
Tourism: Nunavut
Ontario (Amanda, Kari)
General: Onatio
Tourism Ontario
Saskatchewan (Rahul and Steven)
General Information
Official Website Government of Saskatchewan
About Saskatechewan: Official
Virtual Sasketchewan: Places of Interest
First Nations of Sasketchewan
Tourism Sasketchewan
Quebec (Sahar, Jeffery)
Quebec: General
Quebec Official Government Website
Tourism: Quebec
Newfoundland and Labrador (Amy, Keshawn, Elif, Aaliya)
Aboriginal Peoples
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfound and Labrador: General
Grade 5 Resources:
1. The Queen (Calvin and Andy)
What function does the Queen perform in Canadian Government?
How has this function changed over the years?
Monarchy of Canada
Debate over Monarchy in Canada
History of the Monarchy in Canada
Dictionary.com: Monarchy
2. The Provincial Government of Ontario (Sarosh, Liem)
Official Government Website: Province of Ontario
Wikipedia: Province of Ontario Government
3. Structure and Members of Toronto Municipal Government (Joshua and Nicole)
How is the Toronto Government structured? What positions are incolved?
Who are the current elected officials?
How do things get done?
Where does the government of Toronto meet?
Municipal Government of Toronto
Official Website of Toronto
4. The Houses of Federal Parliament (Keon, Quang, Liam)
1. What are the names of the 2 houses of Parliament? What is some important information about each and how they are different and similar to each other?
Parliament of Canada
Senate of Canada: Official Webpage
Official Parliament Webpage
5. Canadian Citizenship and Immigration (Mackenzie, Anu)
Who is response for Canadian Citizenship and Immigration affairs in Canada? How does this process work? Give examples and describe the process. What branch of government is involved?
Citizenship and Immigration in Canada
Official Website: Citzenship and Immigration Canada
Monday, November 1, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Stilecroft Press Volume III Number 2 October 2010 Sent Home
The latest version of the Stilecroft Press newsletter was sent home yesterday. It includes the monthly calendar for this year and plenty of important information on what is going on at school.
Some dates:
Wednesday October 13: Re-take of Time Measurement Test
Tuesday October 26: Family and Friends Photo Night at the school. Seating fee and reservation/form required to attend. (write a note in your child's journal if you don't have a form and are interested.)
Wednesday October 27: Pizza Lunch ($2.50 1 slice+juice, $3.50 2 slices+juice)
Friday October 29: Halloween at school, pumpkin carving contest, costumes, general merriment.
Some dates:
Wednesday October 13: Re-take of Time Measurement Test
Tuesday October 26: Family and Friends Photo Night at the school. Seating fee and reservation/form required to attend. (write a note in your child's journal if you don't have a form and are interested.)
Wednesday October 27: Pizza Lunch ($2.50 1 slice+juice, $3.50 2 slices+juice)
Friday October 29: Halloween at school, pumpkin carving contest, costumes, general merriment.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Meet the Teacher Night
It was really nice connecting with all the parents last night and giving them a bit of a view into how the class works, what we'll be doing this year, and how we can support students together by keeping in close communication.
If anyone missed the event, just send a note in the planner and I'll be happy to send home the handouts that were distributed last night. You are of course welcome to stop by, please just let the office know ahead of time. I'll even break out the slideshow of our first few weeks that was shown for the first time last night.
416-395-2910: Stilecroft School Office
mr.crunkleton@gmail.com (my email contact)
I also always reply to notes in student agendas, provided I see them. Remind your student to show me your note.
If anyone missed the event, just send a note in the planner and I'll be happy to send home the handouts that were distributed last night. You are of course welcome to stop by, please just let the office know ahead of time. I'll even break out the slideshow of our first few weeks that was shown for the first time last night.
416-395-2910: Stilecroft School Office
mr.crunkleton@gmail.com (my email contact)
I also always reply to notes in student agendas, provided I see them. Remind your student to show me your note.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Social Studies Underway
Grade 5 students are reviewing the responsibilities of the 3 levels of municipal, provincial and federal government.
The following link may be of service for students looking to review this material.
Grade 4 students are currently learning the names of the provinces of Canada and will soon be learning about the regions they belong to and many things that makes different parts of this great country special.
Facts about the Canadian Provinces and Territories.
The following link may be of service for students looking to review this material.
Grade 4 students are currently learning the names of the provinces of Canada and will soon be learning about the regions they belong to and many things that makes different parts of this great country special.
Facts about the Canadian Provinces and Territories.
Exploring Line and Texture
 |
| Exploring Line and Texture Class Model |
This week we've been exploring line and texture in Art class. Students have been identifying and using a variety of different ways of using line by varying a host of characteristics and using repetition to achieve different textures. Students reflected upon the importance of investment of the self in their art, and room 205 is proving to be home to a host of artists who put quite of bit of themselves in every piece they create.
The above example was made as an example of the abstract project the class created this week. The students asked for it to be posted to the class Blog. I'll try to post some scans of student work as soon as possible.
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