18th October

Today, the students of grade 5 did an interesting assessment for order of opertions. They went to the link http://amby.com/educate/ord-op/pretest.html and answered the questions appeared on page. The website gave results based on their accuracy and time taken. It also offered further practice based on their performance. The students enjoyed the task a lot and now look forward to such assessments.

In UOI, we formed groups based on the different materials that the students want to inquire into. These are: metal, plastic, soil, food, gases, rubber, wood and cloth. The students will be performing experiments on these materials to derive at their properties.

15th October

Today, the fifth graders completed their English summative assessment. The first draft is ready. They may edit the same and publish it on the coloured sheet given. An illustration can be included for better imagery.

In math, we completed our formative assessment for order of operations. Those who had completed the task got an extension task in which they had to fill in the missing number in an expression.

In UOI, we began with the 'finding out' stage for our unit of inquiry. The children will be finding answers to the open ended questions they had formed during the 'tuning in' stage. Each child was given an option to choose a method by which he/she would find the answers. For example: through the internet, printed text, etc. This is differentiation of the process through Multiple intelligences.

14th October

The reflected on the visit to the Chemistry lab yesterday. They got an opportunity to practise writing a topic sentence for their write up. I was glad to see that most of the children were able to write a good topic sentence.

We then tried to formulate questions as a result of the activities. The children were asked to come up with questions that were 'worth inquiring' and not just 'worth being familiar with'. The children are now able to ask open ended questions and will begin finiding answers to their questions soon!

In English, we had a summative assessment for our unit on 'writing to socialize'. The children were asked to write a poem to a friend of theirs. They chose the style through a lucky draw. The criteria for assesment were discussed and displayed on the smart board.

The children have recieved problems based on Order of operations. They need to fill in the missing numbers in the expressions. It is not mentioned in the wroksheet, but, it is supposed to be done using a calculator.

13th October

The first thing in the morning, we discussed the homework given on topic sentences. The children were supposed to analyze a few topic sentences and say whether it a good one or not. If not, they were asked to think of a better topic sentence along with guessing the topic. We discussed what each child's opinion was. They were also asked to justify their opinion. This gave them an opportunity to understand the concept of writing topic sentences better.

In math, we had a formative assessment on order of operations. The children were given an open ended task in which they were asked to think of four different number that could form an expression using the four operations and result to 24. The children were highly enthusiastic about solving this one as it involved a lot of critical thinking skills. Many children eventually got the trick!

In UOI, we had a tuning in activity. The children were taken to the chemistry lab. The lab attendant Mr. Govind performed a series of interesting experiments (liquids changing colour, litmus paper changing colour, metal ribbon burning with a bright flame, gases making 'pop' sound, etc.). This intrigued the children a lot and they were constantly in a 'questioning' mode. This is the exact purpose of a tuning in activity.

12th October

In English, we looked into how to begin a piece of writing with a good topic sentence. We viewed a PowerPoint presentation and tried to figure out the criteria for a good topic sentence. We had a group quiz too.

In UOI, we did the "Diamond Ranking" activity. Focusing on the visit to the kitchen, the children were asked to write nine words related to their (anticipated) learning in the upcoming unit. They were then asked to discuss the same in their groups. In groups, the children were again asked to finalize nine words that they thought would make the central idea. These words were written on post - it notes and arranged in the form of a 'diamond'. The groups then tried to form the central idea using the nine words. The five groups came up with different, yet similar central ideas. The pictures will give you a better idea.

11th October

Grade 5 had their assembly today. Will be uploading the pictures soon..!!

8th October 2010

We ahd a tuning in activity for the unit on materials today. The children were taken to the School kitchen to see what and how materials undergo changes. They were given a sheet to take notes and answer questions.

In math, we continued with BODMAS.

In English, the children began writing an essay. They were asked to choose from a list of idioms. This needs to be completed for homework.

We also practiced for our assembly on Monday.