Sunday, 26 May 2019
Back to Regular Programming!
We are all glad to be back to regular programming after Grade 3 EQAO.
I am very proud of our Grade 3's for keeping with it, through three mornings of EQAO (four mornings for some of our crew). We ended it all with timbits and ice cream and lots of play time outside.
Thank you to the Grade 4's who agreed to be dispersed to other classes every morning, last week. They were team players who were supportive during this week.
Great job, everyone!
The classroom has been rearranged back to new group seating and we're going to finish the year off strong and with some great activities for June.
Upcoming Dates
June 4 - Track and Field for Grades 1 - 3
June 11 - Afternoon music and dance concert at Clairlea. Details to follow.
June 20 - Class trip to First Nations School for Pow Wow. Looking for volunteers!
Here we go!
Ms V.
Monday, 20 May 2019
EQAO Week
Hi everyone,
On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings, our Grade 3's will be writing EQAO tests, in language and math.
Over the last 2 weeks, we have reviewed content and students have been working on questions to help prep for what the test looks like.
Math
The test looks very different from any type of work Primary teachers do in class. EQAO is a pencil-and-paper assessment. In class, we work with hands-on math manipulatives, in partners and small groups, talking about our thinking and learning. Also, a math portion of EQAO has a separate "fill-in the bubbles" computer-generated sheet which is a new concept for my class. "Fill in the bubbles" multiple choice questions require students to understand the strategy behind multiple choice (2 answers are usually very wrong, 1 answer may be close to being correct and 1 is the most correct). We have been practising answering multiple choice questions and thinking carefully about "the most correct answer."
The open-response math questions require students to "justify your answer" and we are continually learning to talk and share in "good math language" about our thinking in class. The last few days have been spent reviewing content and concepts taught over many months (and from Grade 1 and 2).
Language
I have reviewed several reading passages in class and we have worked together on the multiple choice and longer answer responses - teaching students that they must write only on the several lines provided and within the text boxes. Nothing else is marked beyond those lines or outside the box, no matter how strong the writing.
The writing portion of EQAO requires students to write about given topics and the topics are usually general enough that students can engage and make connections. Sometimes students like the topics and other times they are unable to relate to the topics given. Professional development teaches us that student choice is a key factor for student success, however EQAO does not offer student choice.
The writing process that we follow in class and supported by the Ontario Curriculum follows this process: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing (and conferencing with a peer or teacher throughout the process). This is what we do in class. However, EQAO requires students to plan and write as a single process. Again, this is not what we do in real life.
My feeling is that a standardized-test scenario such as EQAO that prohibits teachers from guiding students with good prompts when students find questions challenging, does not allow students to seek meaningful clarification, requires students to work without talking or sharing ideas, is neither a fair nor adequate assessment of children at their very best - particularly students who are so young.
As I've been told to remember, EQAO is a snapshot of students pen-and-pencil work over three mornings in a non-interactive, single-seating environment. These marks do not impact student report cards. They are not a complete assessment of your children as learners and thinkers.
All that being said, we are approaching EQAO with an open mind and positive attitude. There will be lots of outdoor time in the afternoons and treats to end the week. Thank you all for working with your children in the last while and offering your support.
Ms V.
On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings, our Grade 3's will be writing EQAO tests, in language and math.
Over the last 2 weeks, we have reviewed content and students have been working on questions to help prep for what the test looks like.
Math
The test looks very different from any type of work Primary teachers do in class. EQAO is a pencil-and-paper assessment. In class, we work with hands-on math manipulatives, in partners and small groups, talking about our thinking and learning. Also, a math portion of EQAO has a separate "fill-in the bubbles" computer-generated sheet which is a new concept for my class. "Fill in the bubbles" multiple choice questions require students to understand the strategy behind multiple choice (2 answers are usually very wrong, 1 answer may be close to being correct and 1 is the most correct). We have been practising answering multiple choice questions and thinking carefully about "the most correct answer."
The open-response math questions require students to "justify your answer" and we are continually learning to talk and share in "good math language" about our thinking in class. The last few days have been spent reviewing content and concepts taught over many months (and from Grade 1 and 2).
Language
I have reviewed several reading passages in class and we have worked together on the multiple choice and longer answer responses - teaching students that they must write only on the several lines provided and within the text boxes. Nothing else is marked beyond those lines or outside the box, no matter how strong the writing.
The writing portion of EQAO requires students to write about given topics and the topics are usually general enough that students can engage and make connections. Sometimes students like the topics and other times they are unable to relate to the topics given. Professional development teaches us that student choice is a key factor for student success, however EQAO does not offer student choice.
The writing process that we follow in class and supported by the Ontario Curriculum follows this process: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing (and conferencing with a peer or teacher throughout the process). This is what we do in class. However, EQAO requires students to plan and write as a single process. Again, this is not what we do in real life.
My feeling is that a standardized-test scenario such as EQAO that prohibits teachers from guiding students with good prompts when students find questions challenging, does not allow students to seek meaningful clarification, requires students to work without talking or sharing ideas, is neither a fair nor adequate assessment of children at their very best - particularly students who are so young.
As I've been told to remember, EQAO is a snapshot of students pen-and-pencil work over three mornings in a non-interactive, single-seating environment. These marks do not impact student report cards. They are not a complete assessment of your children as learners and thinkers.
All that being said, we are approaching EQAO with an open mind and positive attitude. There will be lots of outdoor time in the afternoons and treats to end the week. Thank you all for working with your children in the last while and offering your support.
Ms V.
Monday, 13 May 2019
May 13 - 17
This week
Friday, 17th - Track and Field Day (weather permitting)
- Lunch Lady
Tuesday and Thursday - Running Club - Please remember to check this blog for weather updates. If the weather is rainy, there will be no Running Club.
EQAO - We will continue to review for EQAO, this week.
Upcoming Dates
Monday, 20th - Victoria Day, no school
Tuesday 21st - Thursday 23rd - EQAO (Grade 3)
Looks like we are in for a wet and rainy week and indoor recesses. Hang tight!
Ms Vincent
Friday, 17th - Track and Field Day (weather permitting)
- Lunch Lady
Tuesday and Thursday - Running Club - Please remember to check this blog for weather updates. If the weather is rainy, there will be no Running Club.
EQAO - We will continue to review for EQAO, this week.
Upcoming Dates
Monday, 20th - Victoria Day, no school
Tuesday 21st - Thursday 23rd - EQAO (Grade 3)
Looks like we are in for a wet and rainy week and indoor recesses. Hang tight!
Ms Vincent
Tuesday, 7 May 2019
Running Club
Good Morning!
Running Club is cancelled this morning due to the rain.
See you at school at the regular time!
Ms Vincent and Ms Callahan
Sunday, 5 May 2019
May 6 to May 10
I'm so excited to see this musical! Friday was a big day with the arrival of sound equipment and lighting. The gym has been transformed into a theatre! Tickets still available! Bring the family and come join us for some great Seussical singing and dancing!
This week
To our Muslim community observing Ramadan
Please let me know if there are food restrictions (re, snack program) or how I can support during Ramadan.
Wednesday, May 8
Pizza lunch
Class viewing of Seussical
Pizza lunch
Class viewing of Seussical
Coming Up
Thursday, May 16
Firefighter's class visit
Firefighter's class visit
Friday, May 17
Lunch Lady
Monday, May 20
Victoria Day, No school
Tuesday, May 21 - Wednesday, May 23
EQAO (mornings only)
EQAO (mornings only)
Friday, June 7
PA Day, No school for students
PA Day, No school for students
Thursday, June 20
All Nations Pow Wow
All Nations Pow Wow
Thursday, June 27
Last day of school for students
Last day of school for students
Looking forward to a great week together!
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