Classroom Update

Hello
Just a quick note about what the next couple of busy weeks before Christmas is going to hold for our grade 8 classroom. Tomorrow is our last Design and Technology day at Nationview Public School. The students are putting the "finishing" touches on their cranes and mousetrap cars while working on their wood working projects. The students will have a class or two back at South Branch to finish their designs before having to present them to the class in January. They will be expected to create a presentation of the project as well that covers the design process and their solution to the problem.
In Math we have started our unit on Circles and have begun to look at our new project which will be for Math, English, and Art. The Board Game project is now posted on my website on the assignments page. Students will begin working on their project designs on Wednesday.
We are almost finished the Outsiders novel and will begin to look at some of the bigger themes and issues covered in the book before we watch the movie next week. (All those famous actors as Greasers).
In English we had the locker project due today for which less than half the class had completed. The students have been reminded that rewards are earned and as a class we need to make sure we use our time wisely and be responsible for finishing our work.
We have wrapped up our watercolour project in Art class and will now be focusing on graphic design as part of our board game project. Stay tuned for our virtual art gallery...coming soon.
Next week we have a carolling session, a Christmas dance, a visit by the NGDHS band, a grade 7&8 outdoor activity morning (Predator vs Prey), a character assembly, a teacher vs student volleyball game, our Merry Melodies Christmas celebration (Tues night), and maybe even a class party (if homework gets done - 1 strike already...).
Hope everyone is having fun getting ready for that guy in the red suit...if only there was just a little bit of snow out there - not much, just a little...

Thanks
Mr.Brooks

Outsiders Chapter 8 & 9

1. Chapter Title and Reason Paragraph for Chapter 8 and Chapter 9
2. Timeline jot notes
3. Questions
a) How does what the doctor first says, on page 119, foreshadow Johnny's condition?
b) “We needed Johnny as much as he needed the gang. And for the same reason" (p.121). What do you think Pony means, and what is the reason?
c) If Darry didn't have Soda and Pony, why would he be a soc?
d) What does Cherry mean when she says Bob "wasn't just anyone" on p.129?
e) Why do the boys fight? Why is Pony different?
f) What do you think Johnny's last words to Pony mean?

4. Big Question
a) On the bottom of p.132, when Pony asks what kind of a world it is, what comment is he making about how society judges people?

Outsiders Locker Project

Here is the outline for the current Outsiders Locker Project the students are working on. Rubrics were included in the outline given to students in class.

Outsiders Locker Project
You are required to create a school locker that would be used by one of the main or major characters in the Outsiders (yes, even though some no longer are in school). Using your character sketch of the five traits of a narrative character you must design a locker that will represent that character. The locker will contain physical items, have decorations, the front door will be customized (painted), and personal memorabilia (newspaper clippings, notes, photos, etc.). You will create a rough and good copy of your locker, the rough copy does not need to be coloured.

Your audience should be able to infer who your character is and even if they did not read the Outsiders they would be able to piece together some of the characters story. Remember that you can use symbolic as well as actual physical items to help tell the story of your character.

You are required to create a table that will list the items that are going to be used in or on the locker. Each item must be explained in the second column – tell why it is included and why it is important to your character. This will help you plan your locker and be a useful prewriting tool to your justification paragraph.
You will provide a one paragraph character sketch of your chosen Outsider character. You will then use your locker and table to write 1-2 paragraphs which explains your locker and justifies your choices. You are expected to have a rough and good copy completed.

Your locker project will be graded on your creativity, use of facts and inferences from the story, your neatness and art in the locker, and your justification of your design.

Thanks
Mr. Brooks

Outsiders Chapter 7 Tasks & Questions

Chapter 7 Tasks & Questions
1. Plot Prediction Diagram
2. Chapter Title and Reason Paragraph
3. Timeline Jot Notes
4. Vocabulary - Find the meaning for the following words in this chapter: drawled, gleefully, brawn, genuine, assured
5. Complete Venn Diagram for comparing and contrasting Socs & Greasers (use Chapters 1 through 7 for information)
6. Questions
a) What condition is Johnny in after the fire?
b) Why would being crippled be worse for Johnny than someone else?
c) What was Bob's 'real' problem, according to Randy?
d) Why did Pony think it was better to see Socs as "just guys"? What do you think he means by this?

Old Outsiders Questions Chapters 4-5

For some of the students who have misplaced their Outsiders Tasks for Chapters 4 & 5.

Chapters 4 & 5 Tasks & Questions
1. Plot Prediction Diagram for Chapter 5 to 6
2. Chapter Title and Reason Paragraph for Chapter 4 and 5
3. Timeline Jot Notes for Chapter 4 and 5
4. Vocabulary - Find the meaning for the following words in this chapter: bewildering, premonition, gallant, eluded
5. Questions
a) Using a dictionary define irony in your own words. From movies, tv, or your own experience think of three ironic situations and describe them.
b) Irony is a happening or development in a story that is opposite to appropriate or expected result. Explain why Pony’s statement, “My dream’s come true and I’m in the country,” is ironic. (pg 63 but also take a peek at page 48)
c) What does Pony mean when he says, “There are things worse than being a greaser”?
d) What does Johnny mean when he says, “I swear, Ponyboy, you’re getting’ to act more like Two-Bit every day”?
e) What does Pony mean when he says, “I liked my books and clouds and sunsets”?


Mr.Brooks

New Music Classes On Tuesday

Mrs.Lance is very happy to be able to offer our class another Music class on Tuesdays at the end of the day. This class will be special as we get to share it with Mrs. Tylers' grade 8's. That's one big jazz band! So don't forget your instruments on Tuesdays - it is also band day.

Thanks
Mr.B

Hooray - Novel Study 1 Completed!

This week was a busy week for the grade 8 class at South Branch. They had both a major novel study due today and a big Math test. I was very pleased at the high percentage of students who turned in their completed novel study on time today (over 85% - a very good success rate). I know many students had been working hard on completing this assignment on time and that a number of them even completed it early. This was hopefully a good experience in time management for them as they had to schedule their time so that they had their novel read and the assignments completed without having to rush it at the end. This project format will be similar when their are assigned their Science Fair Project later in December.

The Math test seemed to go well today, most students found it long but were familiar with the Math enough that they really didn't need too much extra time to complete it.

In Art we are working on a water colour project from the site A Faithful Attempt. It involves birch trees, fall colours, and masking tape. Many of the students' works are beginning to look very good. Students also handed in their line art project this week and I hope to have them scanned and added to our website as many teachers and students have complimented on them as they walk past them in the hall. One of the main things I hope to teach the students through art is that like everything it takes time and patience to produce a good work, that to produce the best you can you need to listen to feedback and incorporate it, and finally that you can't limit yourself by your own disbelief in your abilities. To me art is not just about drawing pictures on a page and it is great when I see the students embracing these ideas in art class and producing some really good pieces.

I would like to thank the parents who showed up for our interviews last night and I look forward to next set of interviews next week. If you requested a phone or email update I will be calling or emailing you next week to touch base about your child's progress.

No homework this weekend as they have worked pretty hard this week in class (except if you are one of the ones who still owe a novel study or haven't finished Outsiders Chapters 4 & 5 Questions and Tasks). Enjoy!

Many thanks and I hope everyone has a good weekend.

Mr. B.

Outsiders Chapter 6 Tasks

Chapters 6 Tasks & Questions
1. Plot Prediction Diagram for Chapter 6 to 7
2. Chapter Title and Reason Paragraph for Chapter 6
3. Timeline Jot Notes for Chapter 6
Vocabulary - Find the meaning for the following words in this chapter: doggedly, cinders, hoarsely, plasma, billfold, horrified
4. Questions
a) Who is spying for the Greasers? Why do you think he/she is doing this?
b) Johnny states, “I got a good chance of being let off easy.” What does he mean?
c) From a Greaser’s point of view, what character flaw does Johnny possess?
d) Why does Ponyboy feel responsible for the fire?
e) What does Dally say when he sees Ponyboy leaning out the window after dropping a boy to safety?
f) What is Johnny’s condition after the fire?
5. Big Question
What's your own definition of a hero?
Do the three boys prove themselves to be heroes, according to your definition? Explain.

Science Test Coming Home for Signing

Just so you know the first science test of the season is coming home for a signature. The test was on the Scientific Process which we had been looking at for a number of weeks. We had used cooperative groups to study the steps and then did numerous activities in class prior to the test. The students had a question and answer sheet from which I chose the test questions from, so each student should have done fairly well. For those students who did not achieve the expected level I have decided to give a retest next week (this is not a usual occurence). Please sign the tests and return them to the school so that I can add it to the student's portfolio.

Just a reminder that I need all of the progress reports signed and returned to the school by Friday. I will be copying the returned progress reports with the student's reflection on it and returning a copy home for your records. I believe it is important that the students as well as the teacher have a copy of the reflection as it shows the student's plan for future success and improvement.

Many thanks
Mr.Brooks

Progress Reports

Yesterday the school has sent home your child's Progress Report for your viewing and signature. Each student is expected to review the report (especially the Next Steps) to see how they are progressing so far this year. Each subject that has been covered is given one of three levels of achievement - Progressing Well, Very Well, and With Difficulty. This is to let the parent know how the student is doing in general terms without attaching a specific grade level to it. Many students at this point in the year are Progressing Well. However, some may be having some difficulty in learning some of the new concepts in class and need seek extra help or to put more effort into their work in order to raise their achievement levels.
In February the students will receive their first term report cards which will include a grade for each subject(including work that has been covered prior to the progress reports).
A communication letter was sent home with the report as well. At this time in the school year I don't feel that all students need a face to face interview as they have already been demonstrating good study habits and work in class. Some students have a teacher requested interview scheduled for next Thursday so that we can discuss how to best prepare the student for success for the rest of the year. If parents wish to touch base but were not scheduled by me for an interview you have the options of a telephone call, email, or a face to face interview if it is desired.
If I cannot fit your interview within the scheduled time next Thursday I will make alternate arrangements so that we can still meet. I feel that the early year interview are the best way to set straight any bad habits or behaviour for the rest of the year.
If you have any questions please let me know.
Many Thanks
Mr. Brooks

Last Couple Weeks

Over the last couple weeks many activities have been happening in class and in the school. Last week the boys and girls soccer teams both played in the area tournament. While the girls succeeded in moving to the regional finals my boys team fell to St. Mikes during the semi finals. Congratulations to both the teams. As a coach I really appreciated the Intermediate Boys Team's enthusiasm and good sportsmanship during the games.

This week the school had its regular Walkathon fund raiser. The school raised over 12 000 dollars and the grade 8 class made their class goal by raising over 600 dollars. Many thanks to all the students who raised money and to the family and friends who supported them.

In class we had our first real Math test returned, students are to get the front reflection page signed and complete the two reflection questions. Once returned the test goes into their portfolios at school. Overall the test was a good learning experience for myself and the students. I now have a better idea on how the students are actually doing when they have to work independently on a test. During class I do encourage students to work together and help each other out. However, I do often warn them not to be dependent on those around them as they need to be sure that they do understand the concepts being taught independently. The results of the quiz were that many students landed in the level 2 range and then quite a few earned level 4's. There were not many level 3's on this test and that is the level we want to see more students at. From reading the reflection sheets on the test it seems many students who struggled spent a short amount of time preparing and did not only the night before. I highly reccomend that students start studying/reviewing earlier and longer so that they can ask specific questions to me prior to the assessment. It will also help them complete the tests faster as they will know what procedure to do to get the answers. I will be starting the Math Club soon where students needing extra help will be "invited" to join me at recess to extra help.

In English we are continuing to work on connections while looking into Mechanically Challenged Teens and starting to study about youth street gangs (getting ready for the Outsiders).

A reminder that the independent novel study project is due on the 18th of November. I have told the students to bring in what work they have completed so far in on Monday so I can check what they have completed. When I assigned this project I gave each student a calendar for Oct and Nov. We then walked through each part of the assignment and assigned milestones and deadlines for each. This lesson in time management was meant to make sure that no one is scrambling the night before it is due. The project is large but the students will have about 6 weeks in total to complete it. Procrastination is the enemy...

Hope everyone has a good weekend.
Thanks
Mr Brooks

Weekly Wrap Up Sept 23rd

Thanks to all the parents who showed up at the open house last night. It was great to meet all of you and get to put some faces to names. I would also like to thank all the great feedback and support you showed for your children and their education.

This week we worked on our rough copies of our memoirs and will be revising them next week. Students should have their rough copies typed up by Tuesday to start editing them as the good final copy is due next Friday. A project outline and rubric has been handed to the class already.

In math we were working on order of operations and solving equations. We have discussed isolating variables, inverse operations, and balancing the equations. We will have a short quiz on Monday to review the basic concepts. At the end of next week there will be a review and a unit test will follow during the first week of October.

The students are still working on their group project for understanding the Scientific Process and will be soon learning how to write a lab report by watching a Mythbusters episode (those guys can blow up anything).
Next week we have bus evacuations on Monday and Tuesday (two days because we are helping the kindergarten classes). South Branch's Terry Fox walk is next Wednesday at Riverside Park.

South Branch's annual walk a thon will be held on October 11th, forms and pledge collections have been sent home today. All money collected is due in cheque form on Oct. 11th at the latest. Our class goal is 600 while the school goal is 10 000 - if reached we get the see some superheroes in the office.

How everyone has a great weekend.
Mr. B

Week 2 Update

Well our first full week of school has ended nicely. This week we really hit the books and started into our various subjects.
In English students were working on researching and reading memoirs while practicing the reading strategy of making connections to the text. We read a number of memoirs written by young adults and have started to plan out our own memoirs that we will begin to write next week.
In Math we had our first quiz on exponents and prime factorization today. At first look it seems most have a good grasp on the lessons taught this week. Once marked the quiz will be sent home for parental signature.
We have started looking at the scientific process in Science class. The students have been divided into various groups and are learning how to work effectively to break a large problem down into smaller parts so to better reach their collaborative solutions.
Next week we hope to start the Intermediate Boys soccer tryouts and we continue to hone our soccer skills in gym class.
Please remember that next week is picture week, open house, and the book fair. Notes have gone home from Mrs.Lance regarding the music program so please check in with your child as there is some information regarding music books.
Hope everyone has a great weekend and has a chance to enjoy the wonderful weather and the Richmond Fair.
Mr. Brooks

Week 1 Wrap Up

Well it has been a good first week for the new grade 8's at South Branch. I am really impressed with how focused the class is and how they are showing to be mature young adults in the school and classroom.
This first week has been the getting to know you phase in which I have monitored the students in a variety of individual and group activities. We are now beginning the real work portion of the school year. A number of homework assignments have already gone home and while there was a disappointing first showing all the students made sure to have their work done for the second assignment.
This week we have started reviewing some basic Math concepts and worked on the skills we will need for our first Math term which covers exponents, factors, and scientific notation. In English we are starting with the reading strategy of making connections and are starting to plan our first writing assignment - memoirs. The first unit of science will be focusing of the scientific process and the skills needed to be successful in science class.
A thank you to all those who have returned all necessary school and classroom forms. If you haven't sent in the forms or agenda money please do so early next week so I can send all the paper work to the office for processing.
If you have any questions please let me know.
Hope everyone as a great weekend (I know Fridays have more meaning now than in the summer...)

Thanks
Mr. B

New Novel Study Questions

The Giver Questions Chapters 11 – 15

Vocabulary
Pick 4 (here’s the deal, you don’t need to find it in the novel just look it up and use it in a sentence)
admonition, assimilated, phenomenon, skeptically, assuage, vibrance, chaos, daub, excruciating

Questions
1.(Q) Why was the transmittal of the memory of snow so exhausting to the old man?
What does this reveal about the community?
2.What do you think is the most severe pain?
3.How did the Giver explain the visual phenomena that Jonas witnessed? What did this reveal about the community?
4.(Q) Why did the community give up the ability to see colour?
5.Why was it important for the community to have a person who could “see beyond”?
6.(Q) Why was The Giver bitter about the Council of Elders?
7.(Q) What do you think the Giver will transmit to Jonas to give him his first real impression of pain?
8.How was Jonas’s second experience with snow unlike the first?
9.(Q) According to The Giver, why did Jonas have to receive and store memories of pain?

Due Next Wednesday

Thanks
Mr. Brooks

Photos for Grad Night Letter

Dear Future Graduates and Parents/Guardians of Said Future Graduates,
Graduation is fast approaching and Mr. Watson has graciously donated his time and energy to assist in creating our media presentations for the evening. To make this a fun success we need 3 photos of each grad - a photo of them as an infant/toddler, one about they were about 7 or 9 years old and then something from a favourite current activity. To quote Mr. Watson, “The cuter or more embarrassing the photos are, the better.” This is supposed to be an entertaining look back .

Please have photos brought in by next Friday. They can be in digital or hard copy (which we will scan and promptly return).
Many thanks,

Robb Brooks Brenda Tyler

Science Fair May 26th

The Giver

We are starting a new novel in class this week called The Giver. We have had great class discussions on various themes that we will be tying into the novel, such as Utopia vs Dystopia, Community, Rules, and Individuals.

Questions for the novel and templates students will be using in their novel study will be made available on my website http://www.mrbrooks.ca as well as provided in class.

A digital version of the novel (in case someone forgets their's in the desk) can be found by searching google for "free novel the giver online" - turns out there are many sites out there (thanks Ryan).

A great book that can be read at many different levels.
Enjoy.
Mr.Brooks

Science Fair Update & Drummer HW

So our science fair is moving along. The students have been performing their experiments and working on the lab report templates. We have a number of students who are falling behind on their work so please check to see how your child is progressing on this project.
The some of the dates have changed due to scheduling conflicts and deadlines not being met (in larger than acceptable numbers). We have a project tracking wall at the back of the classroom where each student moves their name to the milestones that need to be completed in this project. It is a good visual for myself and the students to make everyone aware of how they are progressing. Please visit the website mrbrooks.ca for more details of the work the students must complete.

The new dates for the science fair:
- May 26th the actual day of the fair in the gym
- May 4/5th the rough copy of lab report (all template information typed up)
- May 11th backboard is 50% finished and brought into school for feedback
- May 17th final project (display and report) are completed

Hopefully students take advantage of this extra time and work on creatig a high quality project.

***************
Note to Drummers

Be sure to check the website for updates on your work you need to finish while on the road - don't fall behind.
I will be updating the language, math, and science pages with downloads and readings that need to be completed.

Many thanks
Mr.Brooks

Blog is Back

Well I have decided to try the blog again.
It has been a while but we have been busy in the classroom. We have finished our in class presentations and this Wednesday we are having our Presentation Finals in the gym with 8 intermediate students facing off in a PowerPoint duel. It starts at 11:40 and parents are welcome to come and watch. The classroom rubric and grading has been sent home for a signature.
Science fair has started as well with the students picking their partners (optional and usually results in some drama as the projects progress) and their topics. Many students have been keeping up already with the due dates. Keep track at http://mrbrooks.ca as all the due dates and templates are available there for reference. The actual science fair is tentatively booked for May the 12th from 11:40 until 3:00 pm at South Branch.
In Math class we are working through fractions and small fraction quiz is tomorrow just on subtraction. An addition quiz was given last week and will be sent home for a signature tomorrow. Homework for tonight was pg 146 2,3,4aceg,9 and Reflect.

Thanks,
Mr Brooks

Boiling Water + Cold = Snow

Check out the link for something to try on a cold winter day...

Make it snow

And as we found out today...dying the boiling water doesn't really do much to the snow ;) (good question though...)

Mr.B

Important - High School Transition Meetings

Hello Parents
A newsletter is going home on Tues this week which gives a number of dates for information regarding next year's course selection at NGDHS. Tuesday Feb 1st the guidance staff will come to school during the day and discuss course options with the students. That evening at 6:45 the highschool will host an event in the South Branch gym for parents to get more information regarding programming choices.
On Wednesday Feb 9th NGDHS will host an open house from 7-9pm for students and parents.
All these are opportunities to get more information about your child's future choices within the Upper Canada School Board. Please try to attend.
If you cannot attend one of the parents nights please contact the high school with your questions.

Many thanks,
Mr.B

Welcome Back

I hope everyone had a relaxing and fun holiday break, now back to work...
Both of the science classes are preparing to present their finished Design and Tech projects next Monday. 8A will be presenting with PowerPoint while 8B will be demonstrating their working models followed by an oral explanation of their solution.
We started a new unit in Math this week (Data Management) and we will be looking at how to collect and analyze data in a reliable and valid manner.
In English we are working on a short narrative story that I have provided a prompt for in the form of a WW2 photograph. The students are completing their templates and will begin their rough copies tomorrow. The final revised copy will be due next Tues/Wed. The students will be then able to write their own narrative story using the same templates but choosing their own subject matter.
In Reading we are working on creating Jot Notes (something they will need next year) from a nonfiction selection. We have already done jot notes on a health related reading and they are going to use these notes in creating an Art and English project - Healthy Eating for Teens poster.
A reminder that gym is on Monday and Thursday so gym clothes are required (a number of students are not coming prepared). We will also going outside over the next couple months to enjoy the winter wonderland so please help make sure that the students are coming to school with the required hat, mitts, and boots - we live in Canada ... it gets cold.




Thanks
Mr.B