Welcome to Mr.Swintak's Class

December Update

2009-12-03T15:03:00.000-08:00

Science Home Project

As we complete our unit of study, "Diversity of Living Things", Students will begin an end of unit project that requires students to research and present their findings on an endangered or threatened species in Manitoba. Alternatively, they can research a species that may also pose a threat or risk to other species (an invasive species), example being Blue-Green Algae in Lake Winnipeg. The species they select can be from any of the Kingdoms studied in class:
1. Plantae
2. Animalia
3. Monera
4. Protista
5. Fungi

Students are required to summarize their findings from a minimum of three different but credible sources of information. Sources of information can be from books, news clippings, interviews, credible web sites etc. Some general information they should have from their summarizing should consider answering the following questions:
1. What kingdom does it belong to?
2. What are its physical characteristics?
3. Describe its habitat and its range or area it may live in.
4. How is it adapted to its environment?
5. How does it interact with other species in its habitat?
6. What is its niche or job in its habitat and/or why is it important?
7. Why is it at risk or causing other species to be at risk?
8. What is being done or should be done about the situation?

Students will present their findings in a presentation using a form of technology, such as Photo-Story, Power Point or Movie Maker, to inform the rest of the grade six class of their findings. Their presentation should also include a table and a line graph of their results. They are also required to find a creative way to present their learning by presenting the information in the form of a story, song, poem, diorama, news story, board game, poster and/or any other creative means. Due dates will be announced for each stage. This is a home project that will require students use time management skills. Please click on the following links to acess learning targets for each phase of this project.

Students will be evaluated on:
1. Research skills
a. Summarizing
b. citing their sources in bibliography format
2. Writing Process

3. Creativity
4. Math Table and Line Graph
5. Presentation skills using Technology

Phase 1 of research, summarizing and completing a bibliography is due on Thursday Dec 10th 2009. If you have questions or concerns please contact me at gswintak@pembinatrails.ca

Mr. Swintak's Class Blog

2009-09-22T20:33:00.000-07:00

6 Swintak September 22, 2009
We're back to school and what a great two weeks it's been. The students had lots of great stories to share about their summers and are keenly interested to discover new things this year. There are many letters and handouts going home these days and I appreciate the quick return of these items. Students are also asked to bring in photos that compliment their personal narratives/ autobiographies, using their USB or to e-mail them to me as an opening photo story for their e-portfolios. These photos may include them with their family or perhaps them doing things of personal interest, such as sports or hobbies etc. All photos will be returned.

Some of our learning targets at this point involve
Science- the study of biodiversity or the “Diversity of Living Things”. In addition to the subject matter and knowledge they are acquiring, they are learning proper research skills such as how to summarize information and to give credit in bibliography format.

ELA- the writing process includes students to plan, draft, revise content and to publish a variety of writing pieces. Students are also learning to be reflective and passionate readers. Students are asked to read 30 minutes each night when possible. I encourage parents to read with their children and to discuss the content together. I realize that students and parents are often busy with extra curricular activities. However, it is important for us to encourage and support children’s’ interest in reading.

Math- students are reviewing number concepts and number operations. Students will be bringing home a Math homework book starting next week. The work will provide them an opportunity to practice some of the concepts covered in class. The students will have approximately 1 week to complete the assignments.
I am looking forward to spending the next few months with your child and to be a part of their learning journey. Please e-mail me if you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to meeting everyone at meet the teacher night.

Mr. G. Swintak

gswintak@pembinatrails.ca

February 24

2008-02-25T13:16:00.001-08:00

Students continue to work on their Dear Canada novel studies. Students should have their second letter completed and signed by their parents by tomorrow. They should be also prepared for their third literature circle with ideas to share about what they are noticing as they read. Students have been given an individual creative writing assignment based on the theme of their novel. Their plans for this creative writing assignment are due by Wed February 27/08. In addition, students are further researching their themes for the making of their board games which is being completed as a group.

In Science, students are asked to examine electrical appliances in their own homes and to look at what energy transformations occur and how many Watts are being used. I am also asking if students have any batteries at home, ex. 9v or 2 c or 2D batteries to bring them in for a project and examples of insulators and conductors. If you are thinking of replacing your old Xmas lights for energy efficient ones please donate them to our classroom as we will put them to innovative use.

January 22, 2008

2008-01-22T20:03:00.000-08:00

Students are gearing up for their upcoming presentation of their Early Canadian Wax Museum that will be presented to parents next week. Students were to research an individual that was considered to have impacted the development of early Canada in a significant way. The targets were a continuation of first term research targets, such as summarizing and in using a bibliography. Students held conferences on the writing of their monologues and were given a lot of formative feedback on the delivery and/ or presentation . They were also asked to make a poster to highlight who they were and what they accomplished.

Six Swintak class have been learning how to write and to interpret songs and poetry in ELA. They have also started their "Dear Canada" novel studies/ literature circles. Part of the literature circle is to share and discuss what they noticed of importance in the novel and to later write about it in their Reading Response journal.

In math we have been learning about statistics and probability and about number concepts.
We will be testing students on some of these concepts next week. This will be a snapshot of what they know and will help them to set goals or a plan of action as to what they need to learn. Many of the concepts can be practiced on math frog.com. Please ask your son or daughter to show you some of the activities online. We hope to see you next week at our Wax Museum open house.

January 10th, 2008

2008-01-10T13:07:00.000-08:00

Today we worked on our math sheets which are titled "Number Sense and Numeration: Comparing and Ordering Decimals" and "Number Sense and Numeration: Adding and Subtracting Decimals" These sheets are currently due for Friday, Jan. 11th. We also were assigned to write more poems using the Cinquain and Diamonte forms. These are due Monday. Preparation for Literature circles by completing assigned reading and sticki-noting points of interest and importance, as well as a title page, will be due Monday.

December 11th Agenda

2007-12-11T13:25:00.000-08:00

Today students had the opportunity to finish with Ms Sullivan and learned more about the Seven Teachings of First Nations People. They are asked to journal their experiences and what they learned. They should also share what they learned with there families. They are also asked to continue with their research on an early Canadian.

December 6th/ 07

2007-12-06T13:26:00.000-08:00

In Social Studies we are learning about early Canada as an emerging nation. Ms Sullivan the aboriginal consultant, work shopped with our class on Wednesday afternoon. Through songs and stories, students learned many aspects about First Nations people, such as beliefs, values, and their ways of life. Ms Sullivan will be returning next week with more stories and songs.

Today we were introduced to our Early Canadian Wax Museum project. Tonight, we are to begin researching to find information on an early Canadian of choice that we selected earlier in the day.

In science, last week, we had the great opportunity to have Dr. Booth, a microbiologist from the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg come to the classroom and to present about bacteria(Monera), viruses and disease control. Students even had a chance to try on the protective suits worn at the lab. It was a very educational experience.

This past Tuesday we also had Karen J. Scott PhD Education & Outreach Coordinator for Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium Inc. to come and talk about Lake Winnipeg and how growing Blue-Green Algae blooms are endangering fish stalks. Big thanks to her coming and to Marko for inviting her into the class as a result of his inquiry project. She has also invited our class to partake in scientific research aboard their research vessel the Nanimo this coming spring. More information about this endeavor will be forth coming.

Bibliographies and summaries for our Manitoba Endangered Species presentations are past due. Thank you Mrs Witherdon for the work on the Endangered Species of Manitoba bulletin board. This bulletin board is a must see for parents. Our French cartoons and Tenebrio Molitor Experiment are also due for hand in, complete with a good copy, data chart, and graph(s).

October 30/07

2007-10-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

Dear parents,

If you haven’t already heard, I thought I might let everyone know that Wednesday afternoon October 31, we will be having our first class party. For this party the girls are in charge of organising food, entertainment, decorations, and clean-up. The boys will organize one of the parties in the “distant” future. If you are one of the parents preparing food for the class please be aware that one of our students has a nut allergy. We also need to make an effort to bring healthy snacks as an alternative to chocolates. Students will be dressing up for the afternoon only, unless they are reading to Early Years students in the morning. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at gswintak@pembinatrails.ca or call 489-0799.

Mr. Swintak

October 18/07

2007-10-19T14:42:00.000-07:00

In Math we are nearing the end of our patterning unit and students will have a summative evaluation starting next week. The patterning criteria are linked to word document. Click on the word patterning to see what they are learning.

In ELA students are preparing a friendly letter in their reading journals for their parents and would like their parents to respond back to them. The students are trying to keep their N.O.S.E. in a good story and are wanting to share their thoughts. Click to find out more.

Students are nearing the end of their Diversity of Living Things and will soon be doing an independent research project. They have been practicing their summarizing as part of learning how to research. In the next couple of weeks we will be starting a project on endangered species. More information to soon be posted.

October11/07

2007-10-11T14:38:00.001-07:00

In Math we have been learning about patterns that repeat and grow. Some of the essential targets are learning how to recognize, build, and extend patterns. We are also learning how to communicate our learning. Students are learning that once they find a rule, they can predict the pattern.

1. Building the next term/model
2. Making a T chart and/or
3. Graphing data will all help to find the rule

The slides below are some of the examples we have been using on the SMART board.

In Science we have been learning research and experimental skills. The students researched and summarized information about Tenebrio Molitors (alias "the mealworm"). However, they are not worms, rather they are anthropods.

In ELA we are continuing to revise the content of our stories. We are trying to use powerful words and phrase to enhance our writing such as adjectives and adverbs. We are also trying to use dialogue to draw our audiences closer into the action of the story, to create mood and setting and to develop the characters. In our Home Reading Program we are also trying to notice how the words and phrases develop the story elements. We encourage parents to continue to focus their discussions, when reading with their child, on similar goals.

I encourage parents to continue reading with their child, to practice some of the interactive math games they are learning and to review daily what they are learning.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact me at gswintak@pembinatrails .ca.

Friday Recap Sept. 7th/2007

2007-09-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

We're back to school and what a great week it's been. The students had lots of great stories to share about their summers and are keenly interested to discover new things this year.

There are many letters and handouts going home these days and I appreciate the quick return of these items. Scholastic orders and Owl forms are to be returned by Tuesday. Students are also asked to bring in photos or to e-mail them as an opening photo story for their e-portfolios. These photos may include them with their family or perhaps them doing things of personal interest, such as sports or hobbies.

Students are encouraged to practice some of their math facts this weekend by playing interactive activities such as SKUNK and Multiple Rap with their families. I also encourage parents to read with their children and to discuss the content together. Just a friendly reminder for parents to write a letter to me about how they see their child as a learner and as a person.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and it's great to be back. Please e-mail me if you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to meeting everyone at meet the teacher night.

Update June 6/07

2007-06-08T14:20:00.000-07:00

In ELA students are continuing reading as a small group a selected Dear Canada novel. They are completing reading journal entries approximately every 10% of the story and are asked to have entries 7 and 8 completed by Tuesday. They have received feedback on their first four entries and should have goals for improving. Their creative writing piece reflective of a happening or theme in the novel is past due. If students wish to improve their last persuasive writing evaluation they can work on the option package provided in class. This option must be completed at school and must be completed by Thursday June14th.
They will also complete a board game group project by June 14th. This activity will require additional research and will be reflective of social studies outcomes. The outcomes include research approximately three sources of information, summarizing, and a bibliography.
Other: In Science students are continuing to explore concepts related to Space. In Math we are learning about integers, computation, and graphing. Students are encouraged to review new outcomes on a daily basis. If anyone has any questions or concerns please contact me at gswintak@pembinatrails.ca.

May 27/07

2007-05-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

In ELA students are currently reading as a small group a selected Dear Canada novel. They are to complete reading journal entries approximately every 10% of the story. They are to share their entries with other groups and to discuss the historical events occurring in their stories. This journal is to replace the letter writing journal of Term 1 and 2. However, students are encouraged to continue home reading and to use their targeted reading goals in their new journals as characters. Each student is to begin a creative writing piece reflective of a happening in the novel. If students wish to improve their last persuasive writing evaluation they are encouraged to meet with me prior to June 1st/07 to outline their options.

They will also complete a board game group project by the end of the novel. This activity will require additional research and will be reflective of social studies outcomes. An outline of targeted outcomes on this activity will be forth coming.

Other: In Science students are exploring concepts related to Space. In Math we are learning about integers and computation. Students are encouraged to review new outcomes on a daily basis. A permission letter for an end of year outing will be going home on Monday May 28/07. if anyone has any questions or concerns please contact me at gswintak@pembinatrails.ca.

Assignments Wed. April 18/07

2007-04-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday in Science we were discussing how aircrafts fall into two categories: those that float and those that fly. Demonstrations and talks began with concepts related to why aircraft such as hot-air balloons and blimps float. We explored how we can make air less dense by heating it up, causing the molecules to expand or move apart. Furthermore, we talked about how gasses, such as helium, are also less dense allowing objects such as helium to float upward.

In relation to why objects fly, we were experimenting with Bernoulli's principles as to how moving air above the wing of an aircraft will create less pressure on it and how the underside with stationary air or not moving air will exert a higher or greater pressure causing lift. Due Thursday, students were to draw labelled diagrams and write explanations, with vocabulary given, on an experiment for each concept taught.

In Math, students continue to explore concepts about geometry. Students were learning about 3D shapes using a variety of nets that they were constructing in class. Another Sir Cumference book was read to also help solidify there understanding. Students were also given practice sheets, due Wed. for review. Rainforest Math is an excellent web site for practicing concepts about geometry. On this site students should explore both the 2D and 3D sections. There are a variety of subsections that they can practice that will also help for them to better understand concepts taught in class. For both science and math students should be taking there books home for review on a regular basis.

Wed. April 11/07 Assignments

2007-04-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

Students were read a story "Sir Cumference and the Great Knight of Angleland". The story helped students to better understand concepts such as: right, straight, acute, obtuse angles. They also learned about degrees, perfect circles, parallel lines and how to use a protractor. After reading the story students were asked to draw a picture that showed a variety of angles and vocabulary discussed. The picture is due for tomorrow and students should be able to explain vocabulary embedded in the picture.

Students were also experimenting with air and water over the last two days. The experiments are helping students to better understand properties of air, such as air takes up space, expands when heated and contracts when cooled, hot air rises and cool air will drop. These factors must be considered for flight.

First drafts of persuasive letters are due Thursday and good copies are due Friday. Please see yesterdays blog for a "meeting" exemplar and the targeted outcomes for this assignment.

April 9/2007 Work in Progress

2007-04-09T19:59:00.000-07:00

Students are currently working on a persuasive letter voicing their opinion about if we were to adopt school uniforms, which side they would take and why. Besides the two articles given, they are expected to support their argument from at least two other sources of information. They were given several exemplars at various levels. From these exemplars we discussed what criteria were needed and together we established a persuasive letter rubric that would help them complete their task. This assignment is due by Friday April 13/07.
In Social Studies the Prime Minsters Time line and Power Point presentation are passed due. The students must reflect on a self-evaluation prior to handing it in.
In Math we are discussing inverse operations, angles, and measurements which is also being integrated into our flight unit.
A reminder to please return school registration forms, plant fundraiser forms, and report envelopes and slips. Another reminder for students to practice #40 for Band.

Assignments March 7/07

2007-03-07T05:43:00.000-08:00

A math review and practice has been underway the last few days as we prepare for Thursday's Math test. Please ensure your child is using the practice sheets available on this blog. Reminder band practice should be a ongoing and a part of your child's daily routine. Another reminder is to read with your child as a participant in the Home Reading Program.

March 5, 07

2007-03-05T13:15:00.000-08:00

The following items have been assigned for homework: Reading Journal final edited and revised copies due Tuesday. Please include your self reflection sheets with each entry. Spelling test will be given on first set of words. Please use Strategic Spelling steps to practice words. Students are encouraged to review their math for a summative assessment on Thursday.
In French please practice your poem daily. On a final note it is not too late for students to bring in $2.50 for project love. If students wish to make a donation please hand in money as soon as possible.

Assignments: March 2/07

2007-03-02T12:18:00.000-08:00

Study French poem and memorized by Wednesday.
Spelling words are due Tuesday.
Reading Journals are past due.
Monday last call for project love.
Band Practicing for weekend.

Assignments February 23/07

2007-02-23T12:50:00.000-08:00

For this weekend students are encouraged to continue on their home reading.
Research on their individually selected Prime Minister will be due on Monday, Feb. 26th. Students are reminded to record their resources for a bibliography.
In French students should be studying for an up in coming test for next week.
In Math we are studying power of 10 and place value. Math worksheets #21 to #25, which were assigned and classtime given to work on, are due for Monday.
In band students are reminded to practice their instruments for a test on Monday.
Have a great weekend!

February 21/07 Assignments

2007-02-21T14:26:00.000-08:00

Students have a French Dictee tomorrow. They have been asked to write a letter in their journals to their parents. This letter should be focused on their reading goals . They were given class time to write their letters in class. Parents are encouraged to write back. Next week they will write one more letter to me and then their journals will be evaluated. In Social Studies, students should select four or five Prime Ministers that they would like to conduct further research on. They will have their names drawn randomly tomorrow in class and will be able to select only one Prime Minister to research and to present on. The linked web sites will help them to narrow their decisions. Science presentations on a renewable and non-renewable source of energy will begin this week. A reminder if anyone is interested in the "Movie Night" to please read handout given to students. On a final note, a big thanks to the students and parents that attended the student tri-conferences. The students were very proud to show off their e-portfolios. I would also like to thank everyone for their kind words and gifts given during staff appreciation week.

February 19/07 Assignments

2007-02-19T13:17:00.000-08:00

Today in L.A. student's received an article assignment titled "Highwater" please ensure this assignment is completed for tomorrow.
Students are encouraged to continue reading for 30 minutes per day and be sure to continue to read with them. Students are asked to prepare for journal entry on their home reading. In
French tomorrow there will be a dictation test. For those families interested a note went home today on Movie Night. We encourge you to come and enjoy snacks and the provided movie "Flushed Away".

Assignments February 7/07

2007-02-07T15:23:00.000-08:00

Students are putting together their portfolios for the upcoming conferences. At this time their science research should be completed and ready to be placed in their e-portfolios and for presentations. Students are also putting finishing touches to their poems. They are asked to have their images ready to be scanned in with their poems. The students are being assessed on whole numbers, decimals, metric conversions, and on perimeter and area this week. However, the assessment is formative in nature and is providing me with insights into how I can continue to support student learning.

Assignments February 5/07

2007-02-05T14:05:00.000-08:00

Students are beginning science interviews this week. They will also be evaluated on their plans and house models . I would like students to review the criteria for their plans and house models and make any final changes before their final eavaluation.

Free verse poems were introduced today. Students are to select two poems and to use the Writing Process to improve them. These poems will be selected for their e-portfolios. Students are to complete their bibliography for their science research using the online program Citation Machine http://citationmachine.net/index.php. All entries should be copied and pasted in proper format on a word document and saved on their USB to be brought to school. Images for their research can also be saved on their USB.

Assignments February 2/07

2007-02-02T12:10:00.000-08:00

Several reminders to students and parents: appointments for upcoming conferences are being booked with the office. The pink sheets sent home for bookings should be returned. Band permission slips are due for return. Students will start their science interview on Monday and will continue throughout the week. They have had the questions well ahead of time and should have completed their answers. The written answers can not be brought into the interview they need to orally demonstrate their knowledge and understanding. The Home Reading program is ongoing throughout the year. Scholastic book orders are due Monday.

Assignments February 1/07

2007-02-01T14:27:00.000-08:00

Students continue to work on discovering the author's craft. This is a targeted goal that they are working on in reading and writing. An exemplar for writing a letter about the author's craft was provided and role modeled in class. Parents are reminded to continue reading and discussing content with their child. I encourage parents to focus their conversations on a specific reading goal. This will help their child to later focus the content of their letters in their reading journals. Students are also encouraged to share recent feedback in their journals with their parents. Click on Home Reading Program for more information and for extra log sheets.

Science Project Due Dates and Outcomes Jan 31/07

2007-01-31T15:40:00.000-08:00

Students are engaged in an electricity science project that includes many phases. Their wired houses are due today. They should also be studying for their interview test beginning Feruary 5th/07. See document "Wiring a House 23" for more specific details.

Early Canadian Monologues

2007-01-10T13:22:00.001-08:00

In this Wax Museum project students conducted research on early Canadians from the time period of approximately 1850-1900. Students learned basic research skills of how to summarize and to cite their information in a bibliography. Later they spent time engaged in the writing process in developing a realistic but dramatic monologue. Students dressed in costumes and were positioned in the halls of our school. For three days classes toured our wax museum allowing a lot of opportunities for valuable feedback. On the final day parents and grandparents were a part of the final tour group. After the tour was completed, characters, parents and grandparents met for snacks and a sing along of early traditional Red River songs of that era. The event was a great way to begin the holiday season. Thanks to all those in attendance.

Chow Dong Hoy
Nelly McClung (N.O.)
Keeseekoowenin
Alexander Graham Bell
James Naismith
Sir Joseph Hickson
Emily Carr
Nelly McClung (F.S.)
Marie-Anne Gaboury
Allen McLean
Louis Riel (I.K.)
Louis Riel (J.L.)
Tecumseh
Su-pu-luck
Mary Isabella Drever
Lizette Duval
Won Alexander Cumyow
Isobel G. Simpson
Jack Sully
George-Etienne Cartier
John Howison
William Epps Cormack
Janet French
Sir John A. Macdonald
Thomas Clarke
Victoria King
Sir Adams George Archibald