Happy 2012!
I hope everyone had a restful and fun-filled break!
With the new year upon us and report cards quickly approaching, we'll be very busy in the upcoming weeks. Here is what we've been up to so far:
In Language, we've started Literature Circles. Students will be reading novels in small groups, and will have plenty of opportunities to discuss the novel with their peers. Please talk to your child about the novel he or she is reading.
In Mathematics, we've been focusing on Fractions. As I'm sure your child will tell you, "Math is fun; Fractions are your friends"!
In Drama, we've been practicing presentation skills - sounding confident even if you're really nervous (eliminating "um", "ah", and "like" from our brief presentations). Students will be presenting a rant (topic of their choice), and they'll also be connecting their skills to a presentation based on their literature circle novel.
In Science, we've been discussing the Canadian Seal Hunt. Students will be debating the pros and cons of the hunt, and they'll be asked to prepare an opinion essay based on their thoughts.
Last but not least, we've been focusing on Square Dancing in Phys. Ed./Dance. This is quite possibly one of mine and Mr. Bax's favourite units in Grade 8, and it quickly becomes a favourite of the students, as well. By the end of the unit, our Grade 8s will be teaching the Square dances to primary students. Lots of fun!
We had Mr Shank visit our class last week - he shared various highschool courses with our students, explaining which were compulsory and which were optional. Students brought home course selection sheets to discuss with parents. These sheets need to be returned to the school with a parent signature as soon as you're comfortable with your decisions. If you have any questions, please contact me at the school and I can help you with the course selection. One thing to keep in mind when making your choices is that if circumstances change and a course needs to be changed or a level needs to be changed, it is no problem for me to contact Mr Shank with these requests. Nothing is set in stone!
Happy January!
Miss Skelton :)
