What’s Happening

The Grade 5/6 students in Ms. D’Silva’s class have been learning to build and program robots. They used VEX IQ kits to learn about the purpose, main components, and logic of robotics.

They started out by building a Standard Drive Base. They controlled their completed robots both autonomously (using code) and non-autonomously (using a controller). They were asked to create programs to get their robot to drive in a square, do a figure eight, and complete a maze.

They then learned how to use sensors on their robots in order to make their programs more complex. This allowed them to create code to get their robot to do things like drive like a Roomba. Some groups got creative by adding sound and lights to their robot.

Finally, the students added on to their robot to build the Clawbot. It was fun to try and pick up different objects with the robotic arm.

Thank you to the Burnaby DLRC for providing our students with this valuable resource!

 

On Thursday, Division 4 came into the library for a book tasting. No, that doesn’t mean we were licking the fiction section! A book tasting is when you sample a variety of different books to try to find something that interests you and is at your “just right” level. In order to “taste” a book you should look at the front cover, read the blurb on the back or inside flap, and read the first few pages.

The menu on Thursday was a feast of novels which are set in different times and under different systems of government. Through these novels, Division 4 will be exploring the Big Idea “Systems of government vary in their respect for human rights and freedoms.” As they tasted, students were asked to write down what they did and did not like about the book. Next week, they will be put in groups based on the books they chose.

Over the next few weeks, the groups will be reading their books together and meeting for weekly literature circle discussions where they can talk about their reading.

Is there any food better than a good book?

Our school observed Orange Shirt Day on Wednesday, September 30th.
We are fortunate to have so many Indigenous authors and illustrators with published books so that we may learn about Indigenous culture and ways of knowing, residential schools and their impact, and ways in which we can come together in reconciliation.

Shi-shi-etko, by Nicola I. Campbell, inspired Ms. McQueen’s class to connect with nature and usecottonwood leaves to create heart-shaped rubbings for Orange Shirt Day.  We explored the significance of the land in the story which connects Shi-shi-etko to her family, her traditions, and her culture.  Please read more about this beautiful, powerful story here.

Welcome to another school year!  While it is a very different start than what we are used to, our ability to share in the joy and wonder of reading never changes!  

 

 

 

 

 

In recent years, a fun and enjoyable way to begin the school year is for me to read Peter H. Reynold’s book, The Dot to classes.  This is the story of a young girl who is struggling with her art and her confidence.  The theme of the book is to make your mark and see where it takes you.  This year I am teaching one day a week in Ms. McQueen’s class, so we celebrated Dot Day on September 15th by exploring with dot painting, nature mandalas, patterning, the 3D Quiver app, and made links to Metis art.  In connection to the book, we wondered, “How can we leave a positive mark on our school community this year?”.

Enjoy this video from Peter H. Reynolds and Happy Belated Dot Day!

This document was created by a group of educators to develop awareness of diversity, human rights, and inclusion in connection with the Black Lives Matter movement.  Thank you to Mrs. Martone for sharing this resource.  When you go to the document, click on a book to listen to the story.