Rewired - Communicate, Collaborate & Cause Change

Visual Research Tools - Getting Organised with Symbaloo and oOlone

2012-01-30T10:56:00.006+08:00

As we continue working on our Utopia Unit, to help us get organized all grade 6 students now have signed up to the visual organizer Symbaloo and were introduced to oOline a visual research tool.

City Connections Reflection

2012-01-19T11:53:00.001+08:00

You have completed your presentation and shared some of your story and knowledge from a city you’ve lived in. You’ve also learned to analyze different factors in the establishment and prosperity of a civilization.

In your blog, please reflect on the following (in paragraph form ~ remember to include examples and explanations to support your facts):

1) What you believe you did well on the project?

2) What you would improve for future presentations/projects?
3) What did you learn from your preparation (for your presentation) in addition to the presentations of others?
4) What is your analysis of your performance?

Lastly, include a link to your Google Docs city presentation on your blog.

Enjoy , Mrs. N

Graphics

1. The Nile River - http://www.next100.com/2010/01/

2. Sydney Harbour - http://www.greendiary.com/entry/barangaroo-at-sydneys-foreshore-will-employ-green-construction-practices/

New Years Resolutions

2012-01-06T09:23:00.012+08:00

Welcome to 2012!

At the stroke of 12:01am on the 1st of January, 2012, millions of people worldwide made New Years resolutions. It seems my resolutions are always to spend more time with my family, learn new things and to find a balance between my life at school and at home.

Reflecting on resolutions, I carried out some research on the world wide web. The website www.about.com listed information on new years resolutions. Among the top resolutions are:

Fit in Fitness
Tame the bulge
Enjoy life more

Other research revealed - to become organized, help somebody and to be kind.

The Task - New Years Blog Post.

For the first blog post of 2012 your mission is to:

1.Write 2 resolutions and goals for the coming year ~ Be sure to include rationale / explanations to support your ideas.

AND ALSO

2. Free Choice - Snapshot from your holidays, Exciting Christmas events, amazing experiences during the holidays.

Guidelines/ Expectations

* Minimum 4 paragraphs ( IN TOTAL )

* Please spellcheck, review capitalization and grammar
* Have a friend read / review your post .

Enjoy
Mrs.N

The first six months in review - Your Zeitgeist

2011-12-08T16:03:00.005+08:00

The term zeitgeist is from German Zeit- 'time' and Geist- 'spirit'
At the end of 2010 Google created their own Zeigeist, which showed the Year in review.

The search engine Bing also created a "Year in review for 2011" based on all the searches conducted on their website, ironically since adding this post the Bing review has been blocked in Malaysia.

According to Bing searches, "2011 was the year of musical superstars, continued celebrity fascination, concern for human tragedy and new royalty. From rising stars and weddings to intense trials and natural disasters, Bing has captured history through the searches that mark the year's most important people, places and moments in time".

Luckily Google has created their Zeitgeist for 2011.

The Assignment
Your task is to create a grade 6 semester 1, Zeitgeist.

Guidelines:

1. This is a reflection on the first 6 months of middle school ( it is not humanities specific).
2. The media to showcase your reflection is a 60 - 90 second imovie.
3. The imovie can be a combination of graphics, narrative, text and songs. ( song clips should not be more than 30 seconds or You tube may remove the song).
4. Planning is key. Create a doc google and plan the sequence of your graphics / information (before you start working on imovie).
5. Once completed upload your video to youtube and also create a Zeitgeits Reflection page under the humanities section on your eportfolio.

You have 3 lessons to complete the assignment.

Enjoy
Mrs.N

Rising Action ~ Literature Circle, Blogpost #2

2011-12-01T09:12:00.005+08:00

You are now halfway through your free choice, literature circle novel.
It's time to identify the series of events that are building and creating tension and suspense, or the rising action.

Choose one of the three prompts, and complete a well-constructed and edited blog post.

The minimum expectation is 3 well structured paragraphs.

Remember to include supporting evidence and examples in your paragraphs ; a paragraph contains a topic sentence , reason or detail or fact, evidence, examples and explanations and finally a concluding or transition sentence.

1. Describe an event from your novel that shows the protagonist (the leading character, hero, or heroine of a literary work) versus the antagonist (a person who is opposed to, struggles against, or competes with another; opponent) element.

2. Describe how one of the main characters changes or develops through one or two events that lead up to the climax.

3. Describe the details of two events from your book that are building and creating tension and suspense towards a climax.

Enjoy

Mrs.N

Conflict - Free choice Lit. Circle #1

2011-11-24T08:49:00.006+08:00

This week you've been working hard on your personal narrative, reading and completing your first literature circle, and getting back into the routine of things for the second trimester. Just like your stories, your lives have had some conflict!

We discussed the importance of conflict in writing your narratives, but now we're going to discuss the importance of conflict in your lives. None of us likes conflict, but it is an important part human experience.

In this blog post, you are going to answer the following questions (all three of them) with thoughtful and complete answers. Minimum expectation is 1 paragraph as a response to each question.

1. What is the conflict of your Literature Circle Novel? How do you know this? How do you think it is going to be resolved?

2. What is one conflict you recently faced in your life? How did you overcome it?

3. Why is conflict important in life? What role does it play in our lives?

Enjoy!

Mrs. N

Due Tuesday, 29th November.

Graphic source:

http://trendsupdates.com/constructive-conflict/

Guns, Germs and Steel

2011-11-10T09:57:00.003+08:00

Last week in class, all Gr. 6 Humanities students had the chance to view a portion of the PBS / National Geographic documentary " Guns, Germs and Steel". based on the book by renowned scientist / geographer Dr. Jared Diamond.
PBS describes this documentary as " Peeling back the layers of history, GUNS , GERMS and STEEL exposes the great forces that have shaped human history over the last 10,000 years". In the documentary Dr. Diamond put forward many theories as to why certain civilizations have flourished.
Now is the time for reflection...
Choose 1 of the following prompts and answer in a well structured 3+ paragraph response, plus graphics to support your ideas, along with examples and evidence.

Prompts

1. What role did geographic location and natural resources play in the the development of Malaysia?
OR

Young men from Papua New Guinea

2. Even though Papua New Guinea is located in the same region as Australia and New Zealand, why is it that Australia and New Zealand became technologically advanced and wealthy?

OR

3. Locate a topographical map of the world ( either using Google Earth or an atlas) carefully study the features evident on the map. Then answer "What hypotheses do you have about why most of the wealth in the world is found in the areas north of the Tropic of Cancer (23.5 degrees latitude North of the equator).

Enjoy
Mrs.N

Image Sources:
1. http://www.buyusa.gov/philadelphia/malaysiaconference.html
2. http://www.pbs.org/gunsgermssteel/index.html
3. http://www.fpi.org.nz/what_we_do/projects/papua_new_guinea
4. http://www.mapsorama.com/topographical-map-of-the-world/

Learning Profiles - How do I learn best?

2011-11-03T05:35:00.006+08:00

Have you ever struggled in class? Feeling the need to move or simply change seats that so that you could listen better with your left ear or view the whiteboard from a different angle?

The amazing characteristic about understanding your Learning Profile is that it will help you and your teachers know more about the best learning situations for each student; that is your strengths, your preferences and areas that we all can work on and improve. As well as empowering you as a learner.

Today's blogpost is a reflection on Learning Profiles, and now that you have a better understanding of your profile we would like you to write and share the information with the class. You may need to review the vocabulary list for definitions.

Using the profile information (The Dominance Factor booklet, and profile sheet) as a guide, in a well structured response, please reflect upon and answer the following ....

1. I learn best when......

2. I need to .....

3. The strategies that would help me in my learning....

4. I would like my teachers to know this about me.....

If you would like to know more, here is a very interesting video from Iain McGilchrist, titled "The divided brain and the making of the western world".

Enjoy

Mrs. N and Mr. Whiting.

Learning Profiles from Class of 2017 you tube video.
Examples of Blogposts - The Class of 2017

Resources:

1. http://qwickstep.com/search/learning-brain.html

2011-11-02T10:15:00.003+08:00

Last year all 6th graders had the opportunity to uncover their learning profiles.
This year for many of you , once you view
the Domni Profiles it would be no surprise that my learning profile is "A" ; Logic Domain, Right eye, ear, hand and foot dominant. When Mr. Whiting used me as a guinea pig it was the second time I had also completed the activity . I'll let you in on a secret - all teachers also completed their learning profiles during an in-service last year as well.

Myself and Learning
As an Adult

For me as a humanities teacher and even with technology one needs to focus on details. We spend a large majority of our time planning, scaffolding and creating learning experiences that spiral / scaffold on each other.
I do like structure just like an essay, I enjoy puzzles and solving problems - methodically.
Often in team meetings, I don't like surprises ~ I like to have the information beforehand so that I can review, highlight, analyze and question.
It's rare that I become stressed, but if I do I can't see reason and I tend to focus on the tiniest details to bring me back to earth.
If there is an issue, I like to be told directly.
I need a tidy environment to work (even at home), if there are books and papers around I can't focus. I clean them up, relax and then take on the task at hand.
I enjoy working with gestalt colleagues like Mr. Thomas, Mrs. Whiting, Mr. Whiting and Ms. Palko - it's refreshing throwing caution to the wind and not having a plan. This strategy works for a while but eventually I like the comfort and familiarity of a logic team member such as Ms. Smith, often we are on the same wavelength and anticipate each others next plan.

In Middle School

In middle school I thrived on structured learning; the majority of the subjects I studied were traditional; Latin, History, Economics. My creative side was supplemented by studying textiles and design.

I liked to be presented with all the details. From A through to Z.
I didn't need an organized learning environment, my desk was always a mess and every inch of wall space was covered in posters from Rolling Stone Magazine.
Most of my best friends were Gestalt.

On reflection many of us adapt to our learning environment, we develop strategies that assist us with our learning. For me, although I chose to follow a path that led me through two careers; computing and then teaching the combination of the two has afforded me the best of both worlds; and two very distinct ways to teach students. I know that when I am teaching humanities I am logic dominant ( with elements of gestalt) but with I.T. I'm afforded the opportunity to let my gestalt characteristics rule.

Maroo of the Winter Caves - Chapters 13~ 16. The end.

2011-10-27T08:54:00.001+08:00

"Maroo and Otak walked with their people along the trail to the winter caves, and the dog trotted beside them."

Now that you are at the end of the novel, it is time to think back upon the story. When we look back at a book and attempt to learn from it, we are doing much more than reading for entertainment, we are reading for a purpose.

Choose one (1) of the three reflection questions below and answer them in a well structured paragraph, completely and thoughtfully.

The minimum expectation is 3 paragraphs.

Please also insert an appropriate graphic (with citation).

1. When we read to discover the purpose, one of the main things we are looking for is the "theme" of the story. The theme is the central idea or message the author wants to communicate. Often the theme has nothing to do with the characters, but rather is a universal thought the author wants the reader to learn.

What do you think the theme of Maroo of the Winter Caves is? Be sure to use examples and evidence from the novel to support your ideas.

2. In a good story, the main character changes or evolves as the novel progresses.

In Maroo of the Winter Caves, how does Maroo change? Be sure to use examples from the book to support your ideas.

3. A symbol in a story is something the author uses to represent something else, usually a big idea like happiness or peace.

In Maroo of the Winter Caves, what do the "winter caves" symbolize?

Graphic Source:
1. "The Thinker" image courtesy of: http://freelyassociating.org/2011/08/reading-on-the-riot-act/the-thinker/

Chapters 9 ~ 12, Maroo of the Winter Caves - Blogpost #2

2011-10-19T09:19:00.006+08:00

With the death of Areg, the tribe must quickly make some important decisions or die from starvation.

For this weeks blog post you have a choice of prompts (minimum 3 paragraphs):

1. "By the time they reached the plain, the weather changed. The days were gray and darkness came early. Once a flurry of snowflakes reminded them of the danger they were in. It was as if winter were a giant striding behind them, his shadow already looming". p69

The author Anne Turnbull compares winter to a giant. Describe the danger and hardships that winter poses for the tribe.

2. " But old mother shook her head, "We may reach the White Mountain, but we will never reach the hunting grounds now. Winter has overtaken us. We are too late", she said... " at once Maroo and Otak remembered their plan. Maroo caught Rivo and tied him up in the snow house.... (p.83)

What was Maroo and Otak's plan? What effect would this have on the tribe?

3. "I have chosen Maroo as leader because she is the elder and also because I can trust her to be sensible and cautious". Old Mother said "The mountain is dangerous. You must cross it softly and quickly, like the hare on new snow, before it feels that you are there". (p.90).

How will the qualities of being sensible and cautious help Maroo on their journey? Provide evidence , examples and explanations as to why Old Mother selected Maroo as the leader of the expedition?

Graphic Sources:

1. White Mountains

2. Dog in Blizzard

Chapters 6 ~ 8 , Maroo of the Winter Caves.

2011-10-11T21:25:00.013+08:00

Chapters 6, 7 and 8 of Maroo of the Winter Caves take us on a spectacular journey; To the sea, On an Ibex Hunt, on the search for the men and Areg's death.

Please choose one (1) of the following prompts, and write a well structured response (minimum three paragraphs):-

1. "A few days later, Maroo saw for the first time the thing she had smelled. They came to a gap between two hills, and looking down, instead of the expected green plain they saw a gray expanse of water that stretched forever". (p.36).

Describe Maroo's family's enthusiasm about the sea. What is it they like so much?

2. "That night the adults talked together and decided that Sovi's group should leave the next day and that Areg's group would follow in their trail a few days later". (p.45).

Why would it have been better for Areg's group to travel with Sovi's group than to travel alone?

3. "The ground fell away steeply, forming a small cliff. Vorka was trapped halfway down. When he stood up they saw that his right arm hung oddly as it if were broken. And then Maroo looked past Vorka and saw something else; the huddled shape of Areg lying at the foot of the cliff". (p.56)

How does Maroo feel about her father's death? How does she mourn it?

Enjoy

Graphic Sources:

1. http://www.perma-bound.com/ViewDetail/190985-maroo-of-the-winter-caves

2. http://images.businessweek.com/ss/08/05/0528_peace_valley/source/3.htm
3. http://vitruviusfootsteps.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/week-10-autumn-leaves-and-traditional-limewash-on-stucco/

Tanjung Rambutan Rocks!

2011-10-06T06:05:00.018+08:00

What an amazing trip to Tanjung Rumbutan ~ The Tambun cave paintings (that date back to the neolithic era) , tin panning,investigating eco-systems and much more, plus the opportunity to hang out with your friends! Now that we are well rested and back in Kuala Lumpur, it's time to write a blogpost reflection..

For our blogpost reflection you have a choice of three different prompts - Please chose only (1).

1. Write a narrative from the point of view of a baby prawn when 6th grade descended on their habitat (the river or fresh water stream).

OR

2. Choose 2 of the School Wide Learning results and provide evidence and examples how you best exemplified the SLR's on the field trip.

OR

3. Protecting and maintaining the Tambun cave paintings (and their environment) is one simple way in which you can ensure that artifacts from the past are saved for future generations. Devise a plan as to ways in which we could actually have this happen.

Guidelines:
-minimum 3 paragraphs
-correct spelling and grammar.
- include graphics (photos can be downloaded from the slideshows at the end of the blogpost).

Enjoy
Mrs.N

6A Superstars

2011-09-08T08:22:00.000+08:00

What an amazing start to the year for Grade 6 students; remembering locker combinations, organising homework and schoolwork and getting used to the schedule have all been learned.
Phew! Let's take a deep breath and reflect on the past 5 weeks.
In this blog, write about ( in paragraph form) :-

1.The successes that you have had so far ~ things that you believe you are coping very well with in Middle School.

2. The unexpected "struggles" or problems that have come up.

3.The things that you know that you need to work harder on/pay attention to.

4. Report on the progress that you have made on the goals from your first blog post.

5. Next, in middle school we often reflect on the work that we have done. It's a great strategy to always ensure that you do your best work possible. Its a reflection of who we are and also best illustrates our school wide learning results. Provide one (1) example that demonstrates each one of the School Wide Learning Results.

Live Ethically
Think Creatively
Collaborate Constructively
Learn Enthusiastically
Communicate Effectively
Reason Critically

6. Lastly, include 2 graphics to visually symbolize your school year so far. (remember to include citations (in smaller font) at the end of your blog post.

Enjoy.

Citations: http://famousat54.blogspot.com/2010/05/famous-at-54.html

Which Social Scientist are you?

2011-08-17T12:14:00.002+08:00

This week during Humanities class you have been introduced to and discussed Social Scientists (Archaeologists, Historians, Anthropologists, Paleontologists and Geographers). Now is the time to make a choice as to which of the five Social Scientist jobs you would like to do! Perhaps you love dinosaurs, or digging in dirt? Maybe you're really interested in the climate or the terrain? Or do you just love it all? Either way, please tell us which of the three Social Scientist jobs you would most like to do.
Provide a minimum of 3 reasons and explanations (3 paragraphs in total) as to why you think you would be great at that job, as well as two graphic images (with sources cited) that represent your dream Job.

Welcome to Grade 6 ~ (Team 6A, Awesome)

2011-08-08T16:52:00.002+08:00

Welcome to 6th Grade and welcome to your humanities course! In keeping with the ever changing world, a large majority of our assignments are going to be done online- via this blog site.
As you know Middle School students are "rewired" , that is have the ability to multitask. You are at your happiest doing your homework with music blasting, videos playing and msn chat popping up on your computer screens. A large amount of your time is spent on the computer. Today in class, each one of you will be setting up your own blog !

To learn more about the purpose of blogs, Lee Lefever from a company called Common Craft has created a video.
Click on the video, sit back and enjoy.

Even though some of you may be familar with blogging and use other blog sites, we use Blogger as it is owned by Google and is already integrated with our Panther Apps and provides an interface to many other google tools; igoogle, google docs, google earth and sky and gmail.

Blogger also allows you to create multiple blogs under your user name - this means you can also start blogs for other classes or just for fun to share with your friends.
Uploading videos, photos, cool gadgets such as google earth, twitter and quotes of the day is so easy with Blogger. In addition, you have the choice of amazing template designs to individualize your blog, you can also find other colorful templates on the world wide web.

Enough chat, now its your chance to create your own blog.

NEXT....

This first blog assignment is an introduction of yourself- so you will need to answer the following questions on your blog page. Be sure to answer them all completely, and I will be checking spelling and grammatical content- so be sure to proofread your work before you post it!

Blog Post #1:

1. First, introduce yourself. Write a brief paragraph about who you are and where you are from.

2. What are the last three books you have read? (Include authors names please!)

3. What is the last movie you have seen?

4. What is one academic goal you have for this year?

5. What is one social goal you have for this year?

6. What is your favorite vacation memory?

7. List 5 adjectives to describe yourself.

Have fun! Can't wait to read them all!

Enjoy, Mrs. N!!

Welcome to Grade 7

2011-06-09T09:27:00.003+08:00

The school year is finally over, you are no longer 6th Graders!
Remember our last team time, the messages that we gave you all were heartfelt, Mr. Smith, Mrs. Smith and I would like to thank you for being such amazing students in Grade 6 ~ we know that this will continue in Grade 7.

To transition to grade 7, the humanities teachers have provided some information regarding novels that you will be reading and sites to get you prepared for the year.

THE NOVELS THAT YOU WILL BE READING DURING THE YEAR ARE:

Shadow of the Minotaur ~ by Alan Gibbons
Boy in the Striped Pajamas ~ by John Boyne
Hunger Games ~ by Suzanne Collins
Crispin (The cross of lead) ~ Avi

PLEASE NOTE : IN GRADE 7, HUMANITIES NOVELS ARE NOT SUPPLIED, YOU NEED TO BUY YOUR OWN BOOKS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE A HEAD START OVER THE SUMMER, THE ISKL BOOKSTORE DOES HAVE SOME IN STOCK NOW!

The first unit that you will be studying is Mythology.

Some interesting sites suggested by the Gr. 7 Humanities Teachers:

1. This I believe - A short story website

2. Encyclopedia Mythica - A site dedicated to myths from around the world.

3. Gods,Heroes and Myth

Remember, there are also many sites on the world wide web dedicated to Myths.

Enjoy

Mrs.N

The final Giver and Tripod Blogposts.

2011-03-30T06:03:00.009+08:00

You have now become Jonas and it is the night before your planned departure from the community. You decide to write a farewell letter to Asher, Fiona, The Giver, Rosemary or your parents (choose one) to explain to him or her why you must leave.

A successful letter will explain:
• What you have learned about society and life as a Receiver of memories. Use specific examples from the text to support your ideas.
• Explain what you now understand about freedom and choice,that has convinced you to leave .

Grading Criteria
To receive an A grade for this assignment, please view the following information:

Content
• Clearly explains what Jonas has learned about society and life
• Explains why he need to leave
• Contains some specific examples from the text
Organization
• The letter is clear and easy to follow
• The letter flows from idea to idea (transitions)
Word Choice
• Precise, specific vocabulary enhances meaning
• The paper contains some vivid verbs
Mechanics
• All capitals, spelling and punctuation used correctly
• Correct grammar and usage (subject/verb tense)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You have now become Will , you are triumphant and have reached the White Mountains. You decide to write a letter to your family and the citizens of Wherton telling them about your journey.

A successful letter will explain:
• Explain what you now understand that convinced you to leave to leave Wherton.
• What you have learned about society and life, the importance of freedom and choice. Use specific examples from the text to support your ideas.

Grading Criteria
To receive an A grade for this assignment, please view the following information:

Content
• Clearly explains what Will has learned about society and life
• Explains why he needed to leave
• Contains some specific examples from the text
Organization
• The letter is clear and easy to follow
• The letter flows from idea to idea (transitions)
Word Choice
• Precise, specific vocabulary enhances meaning
• The paper contains some vivid verbs
Mechanics
• All capitals, spelling and punctuation used correctly
• Correct grammar and usage (subject/verb tense)

Enjoy Mrs N

Graphic Source
1. Giver Picture.

2. White Mountains Comic.

Guns, Germs and Steel

2010-10-26T09:37:00.011+08:00

Young men from Papua New Guinea

2. Even though Papua New Guinea is located in the same region as Australia and New Zealand, why is it that Australia and New Zealand became technologically advanced and wealthy?

OR

3. Locate a topographical map of the world ( either using Google Earth or an atlas) carefully study the features evident on the map. Then answer "What hypotheses do you have about why most of the wealth in the world is found in the areas north of the Tropic of Cancer (23.5 degrees latitude North of the equator).

Enjoy
Mrs.N

P.S. This blog post is due on Friday, 29th October 2010.

Image Sources:
1. http://www.buyusa.gov/philadelphia/malaysiaconference.html
2. http://www.pbs.org/gunsgermssteel/index.html
3. http://www.fpi.org.nz/what_we_do/projects/papua_new_guinea
4. http://www.mapsorama.com/topographical-map-of-the-world/

Which Social Scientist are you?

2010-08-12T13:46:00.046+08:00

This week during Humanities class you have been introduced to and discussed Social Scientists (Archaeologists, Historians and Geographers). Now is the time to make a choice as to which of the three Social Scientist jobs you would like to do! Perhaps you love dinosaurs, or digging in dirt? Maybe you're really interested in the climate or the terrain? Or do you just love it all? Either way, please tell us which of the three Social Scientist jobs you would most like to do.
Provide a minimum of 3 reasons and explanations (3 paragraphs in total) as to why you think you would be great at that job, as well as two graphic images (with sources cited) that represent your ddream Job.

Time for reflection

2009-09-03T09:18:00.008+08:00

Enjoy.

Citations: http://famousat54.blogspot.com/2010/05/famous-at-54.html