Remembrance Day

Throughout our country's history, Canada has shown their strength as a military leader, participating in many global disputes, but most notably World War 1 (1914-1918) and World War 2 (1939-1945). Although not directly impacted on the home front, "Canada was eagerly ready to support the United Kingdom against Germany and its allies". Some of Canada's greatest contributions in World War 1 were at Vimy Ridge, Passchendaele, and the Somme. 

Today, many roles the Canadian Armed Forces take are as peacekeepers. Veterans Affairs Canada say that Canada is a leader in peacekeeping around the world. 

Here are two videos that share some of the wars and battles that Canada has been involved in. 

In a well organized, detailed paragraph comment on this blog post using the guiding questions below. Please ensure that you have: done some research, composed your thoughts, EDITED YOUR WORK!!! EDIT EDIT EDIT. 

1. What is one word that describes Canadian soldiers? What does this word mean?
2. Why would you use this word to describe a Canadian soldier?
(USE EXAMPLES FROM THE WEBSITES OR THE VIDEOS TO SUPPORT YOUR ANSWER).
3. Conclude your thoughts!

Sequence Paragraphs

Today in class we continued our discussion on sequence paragraphs. We developed success criteria as a class. We know that this type of paragraph needs to:
- have a topic sentence
- use sequential words (ex. first, then, next, after, finally, etc.)
- list materials or ingredients
- include clear, well-organized steps
- have a concluding sentence
- edit and revise final copy and check for COPS (capitals, organization, punctuation, and spelling). 

Remember that some of these steps (topic sentence, well organized ideas, and concluding sentence) are needed in all written paragraphs. 

Here is the hook we used in class today!!! Enjoy.

  

Lincoln Alexander

On October 19, 2012, at 90 years of age, Lincoln Alexander, a former Member of Parliament, Cabinet Minister, and Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario died. Not many can say that they were a Federal Cabinet Minister, the Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, or even a Member of Parliament, but Mr. Alexander, or Linc as he was known by many, was. Linc held these titles at various points in his life as the first black person to do so. He leaves behind a great legacy. Lincoln Alexander's body lies in state for people to visit and remember his life of accomplishments and firsts at Queen's Park. There will be a state funeral for Lincoln Alexander on October 26. 

CTV News presents an excellent article and video about the recent events of Lincoln Alexander. 

In a well developed paragraph, please comment on the following questions. 

1. What are your thoughts about the death of a public figure? 

2. Many of you probably do not know who Lincoln Alexander was or what he accomplished. Why is it important for us, students and adults, to learn about people who made a difference in our country?

3. Sometimes when a person dies, community flags are lowered to half-mast? Why is this a tradition? What does this mean?

4. Read and comment on one other blog post. Be sure it is meaningful, on topic discussion.

A New Catholic Saint with a Canadian Connection

St. Kateri Tekakwitha was canonized a saint on October 21, 2012. Here are two news outlets that share articles and videos about St. Kateri's life and her canonization. The first is from the Globe and Mail  the second is from CTV.

In a well developed paragraph, please post your answers to the following questions. 

Who is Kateri Tekakwitha?
What are your thoughts about St. Kateri's life? 

In our world today, who do you think should be canonized a saint? Why?

Please reply to one other blog comment. Make sure that it is on topic and meaningful discussion.

Felix Baumgartner

Ready...Set...Jump...

Did you watch Felix Baumgartner break the sound barrier? Click here to watch the jump and read more about it!

War of 1812

As we prepare for our field trip on October 16th, look at this Graphic Novel from the CBC website. 

War of 1812: Been There, Won That, Click Here

Post a personal reflection to the graphic novel! What are your thoughts? What are you looking forward to learning tomorrow on our field trip? What are you looking forward to seeing on our field trip tomorrow?

This Is The War of 1812

The Battle of New Orleans, 1814

Monster In a Jar

Think of two things:

1. Respond by brainstorming some ideas in the comment box. Put your first name after your post.  

If you were going to create a monster, what would it look like? What kind of descriptive words would describe your monster? Would it smell? Would it be small? Would it have fur, scales, or feathers? Would it talk? Would it move? Would it be a blob? Start generating some ideas of a monster you could create over this long weekend!

2. If you were going to design a science lab, what are some things that it would have in it? Come to school with a quick sketch. Use GOOS paper for this activity!

Add Detail

Hi Class... Remember to add lots of details to your writing. Watch the Flocabulary video and look for key words that can help remind you to expand your ideas when writing. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MByd3HYWwRE