My Goal in Life

Challenge Questions

What is the value of angle s?

To do...Dec. 13

1. Math - 3.8 #1-8, 14
2. Rubrics need to be signed: Alegra Unit test, Geometry checkpoint, Digital tools blogpost and Orbiting Jupiter assessment
3. Thinking Book (ongoing)

Montreal - deadline on School Cash Online is tomorrow. The second and third installments will also be paid on School Cash Online later this year.

To do...December 12

1. Math - "Parallel Lines" #19, 20; 9.6R #4 g, h
2. Checkpoint - angle relationships (alternate, co-interior, corresponding)
3. Math Unit Test - next Tuesday

Deadline: Montreal - deposit and registration form

To do...December 7

1. Math - #15, 17, 18 (proper communication!!!)
2. Seedfolks - make sure character chart is done for Kim
3. History - letter or political cartoon due Monday
4. Science - 6.4 #2-6 and bold words

Montreal Trip - deposit due on School Cash Online & form to Mr. Congram

Digital Tool example

Callum's Duolingo

To do...December 1

1. Math - p. 138 #5, 6, 11 
2. Math test - Monday (review: p. 135 #2, 3; p. 145 #1-4; p. 147 #1-3)
3. History - p. 62-69 (Debates on Monday)
4. Science - p. 140-142 #1-6 and 8 bold words
5. French test tomorrow

The deposit for the Montreal Trip should be working on Cash Online now. Deadline is December 14.

Example of Procedural Writing

• What FEATURES are included?

To do...November 30

1. Math - 2 problems on worksheet (p. 138 #5, 6, 11)
2. Math assessment - graphing a pattern - Thursday
3. Math test - Monday
4. Literacy - bring in an example of procedural writing (instructions)

Grade 8 Montreal trip information meeting - 6:30 pm in school library

CMEC online

To do...November 28

1. Math - p.132 #3-9 (complete class work)
2. Math TEST - next Monday (patterning and algebra)
3. Science test - Wednesday, November 30

Montreal Trip - information night: Wed., November 30 at 6:30 pm (school library)

"Human Family" - Maya Angelou

Graphing Patterns

• what do these graphs tell us about the patterns they represent?
• what numbers would represent the patterns?

To do...November 23

1. Math - p. 132 #7-9, 12-14
2. Digital Tool Presentations continue tomorrow
3. Report Cards go home today (Wednesday)

Parent/Teacher Interviews take place Thursday evening and Friday morning. I tried to mention the time to your child earlier in the week and it has also been included with the report card. If I didn't receive an interview form I haven't set a time, but if you would like to meet with me, please send an email or call the school.

Upcoming dates:

• Wed., November 30 - Montreal Trip Information Meeting @ 6:30 (library)
• December 2 - Superhero Day
• December 6 - Young People's Theatre Trip

Orbiting Jupiter - Response #6

Response #6

How do you feel about what happened to Joseph and his father?

What do you think about Jack’s parents adopting Jupiter?

Do you feel like this was a good ending to the story?

Grade 8 trip information night

Montreal Trip Information will take place on November 30 @ 6:30 pm in the Highview library.

Ballots for a $50 discount should come home today.

Digital Tool - example

What is Windows Live Movie Maker?

Windows Live Movie Maker is a great way to create a slideshow using your own music, photos and videos. I find it is an alternative to using PowerPoint, and I have used it in several presentations for school and it has been very successful in the past.There are several features to this app, some which include of visual effects on your photos/videos, adding text to your images, and creating transitions (such as; dissolve, fade etc). But that's just the basics, movie maker is much more advanced, but these are the simple features in which we will be discussing today.

When is the appropriate time to use movie maker?

I have used movie maker for many projects in school such as; for our dance unit my friend Maddy and I created a film as if we were on the show 'So You Think You Can Dance". I have also created a video for a social studies on facts about rice and while the video played in the background I continued to talk over top of it. But not only is this use for school, it also a phenomenal tool to use outside of school. For example, for my father's birthday I created a video of all the memories we've had explaining how many wonderful years it's been spending time with him.

Pros

-Free of charge
-Virus free
-Easy to use
-Rotate photos
-Over 20 different transitions
-Easy to upload to YouTube
-Can join, fade and trim clips (video, audio etc)
-Record videos with webcam

Cons

-Only available for windows (not available for apple products etc) which would make it hard to use for school
-No voice over available
-Not available on phones
-Not available for Windows RT or Windows RT 8.1

How to use Movie Maker

1. First type in your search engine 'Windows Live Movie Maker', there will many websites in which you can download this tool, depending on what version is compatible with your computer should be the one you shall download.

2. After Movie maker has been downloaded, you can start your movie by clicking on the add videos and photos. Once you have done that, you can click on the visual effects title and there will be different options on how you can alter your photo. In addition to this, there is a small icon on the right which is labelled brightness in which you can adjust the brightness.

3. Next, you can add the music by clicking on the add music (on the right of where it says add photos and videos) and it gives you two options. The first option is add music and the second is add music at current point, you can do either or depending on your choice.

4. Following, you can add a title to your video (you can do this in the beginning if you'd like instead) by clicking on title, you can drag that slide to the beginning of the film. You can also change the background of the title by clicking on where it reads video tools/edit. In this same section you can alter the timing of your video.

5. Lastly to create transitions you need to have more than one image (video, photo, title). Then move the vertical bar across to the start of the second slide (anything just not first) and click on animations. Once you have clicked on animations, there will be a large amount of options for transitions.

Video

Down below is a video in which I have created in grade six for an art project. The entire project was just used with Movie Maker.

Digital Tools Blog Post

Learning Goal:

·        find and demonstrate a NEW digital tool to use in your learning at school (needs to be accessible for most: Chrome extension, mobile app, online tool etc.)

Success Criteria:

ü  summarize the tool (what it does)

ü  how it could be used

ü  create an example using the tool

ü  list advantages and disadvantages

ü  provide some instructions on how to use it

Example

Due: Friday, November 17

Possible tools:

Epic BYOD toolchest

Google Drive Apps

Chrome Apps

Digital Tools Rubric

To do...November 11

1. Thinking Books - be prepared to hand in beginning on Monday
2. Enjoy your weekend!

Upcoming dates:

• Photo retake day - Nov. 15
• Williams Information Night - Nov. 17 @ 7 pm
• Progress Reports go home - Nov. 23
• Parent - Teacher Interviews - Thurs., Nov. 24 and Fri., Nov. 25 (forms went home)
• Young People's Theatre - Dec. 6

To do...November 9

1. Math test - FRIDAY (review p. 330-331 #1-28 choose what you need to work on; #17, 18, 24, 28 mandatory)

Note regarding "Holiday Baskets" fundraising came home today.

Young People's Theatre - School Cash Online is available now for short period of time for the families that still need to sign up.

To do...November 7

1. Math - worksheet (fraction problems)
2. Thinking Books - collected week of Nov. 14

Math Checkpoint (Tuesday) - order of operations

Math Unit Test - Friday

Remembrance Day Assembly - Friday, Nov. 11 @ 10:45 (bring donation for poppy on Friday)

Young People's Theatre - School Cash Online (if you haven't already signed up it should be available for the next couple of days online)

Writer's Notebook

Your prompt: "Think about a dance you went to at Highview. Zoom in on all the details you remember."

Include the sense: what did you see? hear? feel? smell? tastes?

To do...November 3

1. Math - worksheet #14, 17, 18, 19, 24, 27
2. Checkpoint - dividing fractions tomorrow
3. Literacy Activities - due Monday
4. Thinking Books - week of Nov. 14
5. Young People's Theatre - permission on School Cash Online
6. French test signed

To do...Nov. 2

1. Math - p. 314 #18, p. 319 #13, 20
2. Math Checkpoint - Friday (dividing fractions)
3. Thinking Books - week of November 14 for assessment
4. Literacy Activities due end of Friday

Young People's Theatre trip - Tues., Dec. 6th (found on School Cash Online) - deadline: Friday, Nov. 4th

Four Corners - Do you agree with the by-law?

Read the article at this link and be prepared to discuss:

Halloween By-law

A couple of reminders...

1. Halloween Dance - $3 (afternoon)
2. Halloween Maze - $2 (proceeds go to Dekpor School)
3. Permission forms for trip to G.W. Williams S.S. - Wednesday
4. Sketchbooks for ART - hand in to Mrs. Nye on Monday

To do...October 26

1. Math - question on the blog
2. Literacy activities - you should be keeping up and completing as we go
3. History - stakeholder group work - due Tuesday
4. Permission form - trip to Williams S.S.

Friday is a PA day.

Monday, Oct. 31 - $3 for Halloween Dance

Can you model these questions?

This is your HOMEWORK! You should have some attempts that you are prepared to share.

To do...October 25

1. Math Checkpoint tomorrow (multiplying fractions)
2. History - p. 38-41 (Before reading p. 38 & during reading p. 38)

To do...Oct. 24

1. Math worksheet - 5.5 #1-6, 11-14, 21-24, 31-34
2. Science - Genetic Testing Project due Wed.
3. French - retest tomorrow

To do...October 20

1. Math - worksheets (multiplying fractions)
2. Literacy - your first two activities should be done
3. Thinking Book - ongoing
4. Drama Monologues continue tomorrow
5. Science Test - Monday

SPIRIT ASSEMBLY - wear your colour!!!

Multiplication models

Fraction Strips


Multiplying fractions - array

Math Homework - what is the math algorithm?

To do...October 14

1. Math - p. 292 #6a, 8b, 9ab (choose one & model it); 7b, 10
2. Math - checkpoint on Tuesday (adding & subtracting fractions; improper, mixed)
3. Drama - monologues begin Wednesday

To do...Oct. 13

1. Math - p. 288 $4-6, 11, 12 def, 15
2. Literacy: Read - "Don't Give up the Fight!"
3. History - read p. 30-34 (p. 30 and 32 During Reading)
4. Art - be prepared to go outside
5. French - conjugate verbs on worksheet

To do...Oct. 12

1. Drama Monologue presentations begin as early as Wednesday next week
2. Make sure your Blogpost is displayed properly
3. Math test signed
4. Math - p. 285 #1-4, 5a, 6ab, 9 & "Fractions of Shapes"
5. History - p. 26 and 27 (During Reading p. 26 and After Reading p. 27)
6. ART - be prepared to be outside on Friday

To do...October 11

1. Math - p. 22 #7, 8 & worksheets
2. Literacy - "Memorable Read" due tomorrow
3. Read - "The Lottery" (be prepared to complete a plot diagram)
4. Survey - Grade 8 trip (see links below for information on the options)

Grade 8 trip options:

Niagara for 2 days / 1 night – approximately $350

http://www.brightsparktravel.ca/student-tours/niagara-falls-barrel-fun

Montreal for 3 day / 2 nights - approximately $550

http://www.brightsparktravel.ca/student-tours/montreal-cest-la-vie

Mr. Congram's Favourite Monologues from the Movies

To do...Oct. 5

1. Math test - tomorrow
2. Drama Monologue - written by Tuesday, Oct. 11
3. "Memorable Read" blogpost - due Wed. Oct. 12
4. ART - sketch due tomorrow (ex. Banksy)
5. History - p. 25 After reading #2

Created with Padlet

To do...Oct. 3

1. Math - find 2 numbers: GCF = 30 and LCM = 2250
2. History due tomorrow
3. Math test - Thursday

My Most Memorable Read

Learning Goal:

• Create a one page poster persuading others to sign out your “most memorable read” from the library

Success Criteria:

• Short summary or blurb about the book
• Explanation about why you chose the book (why did you love it?)
• Include a visual of the book cover
• Target audience (who should read it? Poster should meet audience)
• Your creative additions (themes, favourite quotes etc.)
• short reflection on your blog about your choice

Find example in Google Classroom. Due Wednesday, October 12.

To do...Sept. 29

1. "On the Sidewalk..." - add the CONFLICT (provide evidence)
2. In from the Cold - padlet question
3. Math Checkpoint - Friday (using prime factorization to find CF and CM)
4. Math Test - Thursday, Oct. 6
5. Science - 10 bold words and 2 cell drawings

In From the Cold (decisions)

Created with Padlet

To do...September 28

1. Math - p. 14 #4, 7, 9, 10, 16
2. Math - Checkpoint - Friday (use prime factorization to find common multiples and factors)
3. Literacy - complete plot diagram & questions due tomorrow
4. History - p. 18-19 (questions - during and after reading) due Friday
5. Science - glossary, sheet and questions due Friday

MADD presentation tomorrow

Meet the Staff night tomorrow

To do...September 27

1. Math - worksheet 1.3 & CHECKPOINT tomorrow (prime factorization)
2. Literacy - read "On the Sidewalk Bleeding" (be prepared to complete plot diagram)

Meet the Teacher - Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30

What we like about READING

Terry Fox Run

Highview's Terry Fox Run will take place on Friday, September 30 (1:30 pm approx.)

If you would like to make an online donation, find the link below:

Terry Fox Fundraising - Highview

Created with Padlet

To do...Sept. 21

1. Math - p. 7 #23 (convince me); p. 10 #5 a, b (stacked); 10 (tree diagram)

Upcoming dates:

Monday, Sept. 26 - PA day (no school)

Thursday, Sept. 29 - Meet the Teacher Night

Friday, Sept 30 - MADD presentation (permission forms signed)

Friday, Sept. 30 - Terry Fox Run (afternoon) Bring a "Toonie for Terry"

Which one doesn't belong?

To do...September 20

1. Math - p. 6 #8, 11, 14, 22
2. Literacy - Identity Web (what is missing? what would your parents include?)
3. History - read p. 12 & 13 (Before #1 and 2; BIG question)

The Sweater, Sheldon Cohen, National Film Board of Canada

Personal Identity

My High Score is 27 so far!

Is it Prime?

Which One Doesn't Belong?

To do...Sept. 19

1. Math - divisibility rules worksheet
2. French Test tomorrow

To do...Sept. 16

1. Literacy - "The Hockey Sweater" (rising action, climax, falling action, resolution)
2. Thinking Book (need your book by end of week)
3. Math - complete 100 chart (PRIME numbers)
4. Complete PARENT CONTACT information (if you haven't done so already)
5. Permission for MADD presentation
6. Yellow form from office/ Lunch permission
7. French - Tuesday
8. History Presentation - Monday
9. ART - mandala
10. "Bring Your Own Device" permission form

To do...Sept. 14

1. ART - bring sketchbook
2. Literacy - complete SUMMARIZING activity 

Literacy - Sept. 13 (in the library)

This afternoon, we will meet in the library. Half of the class will be working in the library on the tasks below. The other half will be taking part in another activity in the classroom:

1. Independent reading
2. Summarizing article (see Padlet below) - turn in when complete
3. ONE word blog post (ensure it is complete and ready for viewing)
4. Choose an influential book (why it is important to you, can be found in library, you would recommend someone else to read it)
5. Read "The Hockey Sweater" (if there is time)

                 

Summarizing - what is important?

Created with Padlet

Week of Inspirational Math - day 5

Our Brains Think about Math Visually from Citizen Film on Vimeo.

To do...Sept. 12

1. ONE word blog post due Tuesday
2. History - p. 4-11 (complete scanning template) and developing questions
3. Science due tomorrow (see previous "To do"
4. French worksheet

Tomorrow - meet outside the library for LITERACY

Porcelain Unicorn

What are the FEATURES of a narrative (fiction)?

In from the Cold - making inferences

Created with Padlet

Week of Inspirational Math - day 4

Speed is not Important from Citizen Film on Vimeo.

To do...September 9

1. Math binder with 5 dividers/Literacy binder
2. Literacy - introduction survey due Monday
3. Literacy - ONE word blog post due Tuesday
4. Science - p. 100 #3-5 & A, B, C due Tuesday

Thank you for a great start to the year everyone (even with the heat)!

Created with Padlet

Week of Inspriational Math - day 3

Believe in Yourself from Citizen Film on Vimeo.

ONE word Blogpost

Learning Goal: present the ONE word you have chosen that will make a difference this year

Success Criteria:

• visually represent your word
• explain the meaning of the word (it might have more than one meaning)
• why did you choose the word?
• give at least one personal experience that illustrates why the word makes sense for you

Due date: Tuesday, September 13th

Week of Inspirational Math - Day 2

Mistakes are Powerful from Citizen Film on Vimeo.

"MAKING SACRIFICES"

• what does this mean to you?
• how does another person sacrifice for another?

Week of Inspirational Math - Day 1

Brains Grow and Change from Citizen Film on Vimeo.

To do...Sept. 6

1. Show parents the class blog (parent contact information/sign up to blog)
2. House Captain application (Friday, 3:05)
3. ONE word
4. Reading material
5. Math binder (5 dividers by Monday)
6. Literacy binder
7. Science - p. 96 #1, 2; bolded words and title page

Book Talk

ONE WORD

Questions to think about as you look for your word:

• what do I need?
• what do I want?
• what gets in my way?
• what do I need to focus on?
• what do I want to do this year that I haven't done before?
• what do I want to do better this year?

First Day Checklist

timetables

lockers

textbooks

homework/blog/agendas

Lunch routines

Entry/Exit/Fire Procedures

Personal devices (iPods/iPhones/iPads/laptops)

House Captain applications

Questions/concerns

Writing Diagnostic Task

Group Challenge

Drop the Golf Ball

1. Each group has 30 straws, 100 cm of masking tape and a golf ball.
2. The goal is to build a container that will catch a golf ball dropped from about ten feet. Your group will have 25 minutes to design and build your container.
3. Each group selects a “ball dropper” who stands on a table and hold the golf ball at eye level.
4. Each team places its container on the floor under where they think the ball will land.
5. Each group gets three attempts and the group that gets a ball to go into their container and stay wins.

Parent Contact Information

Welcome to our classroom blog. 

This will be my primary means of communicating with you about what is happening in the class each day. On the top right corner of the page, you can subscribe to our blog and receive a daily email between 3 and 5 pm directly to your email. Before the students leave at the end of the day, the students and I will complete a blog entry indicating all homework, upcoming assignments, and important events happening at our school. Agendas will not be mandatory in my class this year. My hope is that between home and school we can develop a plan that will work for the individual student. However, agendas are available to buy from the school.

On the blog I will be posting a great deal of useful information, such as:

• homework assignments
• assessment information (how work is being marked)
• learning goals for literacy and math
• links to provide students with extra practice
• texts (videos, readings etc.) for students to enrich class discussions and activities 
• links to all online tools we will be using in class

I would also like to compile email addresses for the parents/guardians in the class, so that I can occasionally send out group emails about important events, projects, etc. You can click on the link below to fill in the contact information of up to two people for each student:

PARENT CONTACT INFORMATION

If you need to contact me, I would prefer if you email me directly using my board email address timothy.congram@yrdsb.ca or call the school at 905-727-6642 (email is probably the most reliable if you looking for a timely response).


Thank you for taking the time to fill out this form. I'm looking forward to a great year!