Friday, February 24, 2012

The Scorpio Races Awesome Book to get!


It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.
At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.
Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.


So I asked Mrs. Folk to pick up yet another book for the Library.... The Scorpio Races


If you can't wait for her to buy it, and trust my opinion, then pick up The Scorpio Races (see pic below for the cover... Maggie Stiefvater). It's a book written from the perspective of two characters, Puck and Sean (that's pronouned "Shawn"... in case you don't know that Gaelic spelling). Usually every chapter the perspective changes, so you always get a chance to see the different points of view, but it all depends on what that character would find important. If you love horses then this book is for you... well actually, maybe not... imagine a world where you are living on an island. Horses are pretty much part of everyday life... then imagine in addition to a "normal horse" there is yet another breed of horses... The capaill uisce otherwise known as a water horse... sounds sweet and beautiful right?? Guess again! These horses are predatory carnivores who are basically beautiful monsters that you must protect your small pets and livestock from... because well, the capaill uisce eat meat. Sound weird? Well imagine a race where these horses are captured and "tamed".  Keep in mind, the water horses are never really tamed... Can you really "tame" a tiger or a lion?? Well you can fool yourself into thinking that until your hand is bitten off! Anyways I digress, imagine a race where there is so much money to be won if you get first, it's well worth the risk.


Now this book has a bit of romance in it... but not the sappy, moony-eyed romance of Twilight (by the way, I can say this, because I do begrudgingly love Twilight!)... the romance is one where the characters are still more in love with the race than anything else... Oh I hope I haven't ruined this for those who hate romance! Actually, guys you would even like this book... It's just cool! Anyways, I bought it if you want to borrow it and see for yourself. The only problem I have with this book is that there's no sequel. That's just how good it is.


*By the way, the pronounciation of this horse never really rolls off the tongue... I didn't learn how to pronounce the name until half way through the book! I still don't really know... I think you have to speak Gaelic to get it, and that's Gaelic, not garlic!


Stewie


Here's the video with music performed by the author (and another person name Kate something...) The music gives you the feel for the setting...





This is a sample from the book, different chapters from Sean and Puck's perspectives (remember "Shawn" not "Seen")... Where was this video when I was trying to say             capaill uisce?? The images in this video may help give the reader a reference point for the setting...





Here's a link to the site for the book... yes I'm obsessed... http://maggiestiefvater.com/the-scorpio-races/

The Scorpio Races

Reportcards are coming...




I am totally ripping this off Jason's site... but I thought it was an awesome widget and it seems appropriate for the upcoming Term 2 Reportcard......


Remember....March 29th is theTerm 2 Reportcard...


All overdue assignments for Term 1, are to be completed by Friday, March 2nd!! Even if you moved into another class! Your grades will follow you!


All students who were in my class up to the February break, will still receive a reportcard from me for Term 2. All grades given at the beginning of March will go on the Term 3 Reportcard with the teacher you are assigned to. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me or the school. This transition is new for all of us... but it will bring some fantastic new changes to our school, especially with our newest addition to our staff, Mrs. Matt. I look forward to planning and team teaching units in ELA with her! So grade 7's who are moving to other class, we of course will miss you... but we will continue to do some of the great things we planned... just as a team! :-)


(BTW, Ms. Matt is also pumped about the Hunger Games movie coming out!!! I can barely contain my excitement! I know, you're thinking, "Me too!" or perhaps "Get a grip Stewie!" Sorry, I just LOVE that book!!!!!!!!!)

Friday, February 17, 2012

When technology frustrates you...

The grade 7/8's often chuckle about how frustrated I get when technology doesn't work properly..... like the speed of downloading at school.... In those moments when I shake my fits at technology and reach for my scream pillow... and count to 107 so I don't blow up.... I realize the importance of keeping of keeping it in perspective....

Watch this guy, he definitely needs a scream pillow!

http://youtu.be/TZbxL-gCBg0



Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Current Events Costa Concordia

Part 1: Here is the Getting Inside the Picture assignment given in class for the current events assignment, "The Sinking of the Costa Concordia". You can do this question on kidblog.org/missiontomakeadifference/ if you prefere.

Look at the picture below and write 2 sentences to respond to the questions that relate to the senses (see your handout...)

Senses - What might you hear, smell, taste or touch? What colours, textures, sounds, movements do you experience?

Images - What details in the photograph create vivid pictures in your mind?

Feelings - What do you feel when you look at this image? What might the people in the photgraph be feeling?

Words - What powerful words describe the scene? What might you think, wonder, say if you were there?



Part 2... Go to kidblog.org and complete the "Beyond the Lines" assignment...
Writing From Perspective... As a Costa Concordiea passerger in a lifeboat heading to Giglio, post a tweet to your Twitter account describing what you have just gone through.... A tweet is less than 140 characters... provides a clear snapshot of the event, and is interesting and attention grabbing....

Monday, February 13, 2012

Sun for a Day - Leboldus Spend a Day

On Wednesday, February 15, we have the grade 8 Leboldus Spend a Day.
The grade 8's will engage in activities for grade 9 team building (you will meet
the other future grade 9's from the feeder schools), participate in mini-lessons for
grade 9 in a variety of subjects.


Lunch is provided, but if you have allergies, bring a lunch.
(Usually we are served pizza).


We will leave shortly after 9 am and stay at Leboldus until 3:00.

If I receive more information, I will post it asap.
Ms. Stewie

Grade 8 Math Quiz

Thursday, February 16... grade 8 math quiz on multiplying and dividing fractions and whole numbers. Basically 6.1 - 6.3 concepts.

Making a Difference... One Penny or Loonie at a Time!

The students at Deshaye have been participating in a CSCC (Home and School) Fundraiser, "Pennies for the Playground". Thanks to all who have given their support! Feel free to bring other forms of money like silver and bills!


In addition to this fundraiser, we are also raising money for Holy Childhood Mission for Lent. Students will be playing Bingo on Tuesday to help raise money for this cause. A bingo card is $1... seems like such a small amount to help make a difference around the world!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

What does it mean to volunteer?

Why is it important to make a positive difference in the world? Why is apathy not an option?


Make a difference with the hands God gave you... Be the change you want to see in the world. -Gandhi


Have you ever thought, "What could I possibly do? I don't have any special skills... I'm just a ..." 


You're wrong... you just need to give what you can, to make a difference.


What does it mean to volunteer? Watch and learn... How can you make a big difference in a small way?



Why volunteer?
If you ever feel like you are missing something... Try giving of yourself to help others.





Why Volunteer? by John Legend and Agape Choir

If you hear this message, wherever you stand
Im calling every woman, calling every man
Were the generation
We cant afford to wait
The future started yesterday
And were already late

Weve been looking for a song to sing
Searched for a melody, searched for someone to lead
Weve been looking for the world to change
If you feel the same, then go on and say

If youre out there, sing along with me
If youre out there, Im dying to believe that youre out there
Stand up and say it loud
If youre out there, tomorrows startin now
Now now

No more broken promises
No more call to war
Unless its love and peace that were really fighting for
We can destroy hunger, we can conquer hate
Put down the arms and raise your voice
Were joining hands today

Oh I was looking for a song to sing
I searched for a leader, but the leader was me
We were looking for the world to change
We can be heroes, just go on and say

If youre out there, sing along with me
If youre out there
Im dying to believe
That youre out there
Stand up and say it loud
If youre out there
Tomorrows starting now
Now now
Oh now now

If youre ready we can shake the world
Believe again, it starts within
We dont have to wait for destiny
We should be the change that we want to see

If youre out there oooh ooooh ooooooh

If youre out there
And youre ready now
Say it loud scream it out

If youre out there
Sing along with me
If youre out there
Im dying to believe
That youre out there
Stand up and say it loud
If youre out there
Tomorrows starting now

If youre out there
If youre out there
If youre out there

If you hear this message, wherever you stand
Im calling every woman, calling every man
Were the generation
We cant afford to wait
The future started yesterday and were already late
Volunteers Are All Around You...
Watch the video. Name at least 5 categories of volunteers. Why are these volunteers needed? How do they make a difference in the lives of Canadians?




Where can you find out about volunteering?
http://www.unitedwayregina.ca/impact/impact_volunteeropps.html

http://relocatecanada.com/regina/vol.html

Heart and Stroke Big Bike Video
http://www.bigbike.ca/site/c.qmL5JmO7KzE/b.4702063/k.7366/About_Big_Bike.htm


U of S Students Flash Mob for Philanthropy!


About 40 U of S student volunteers choreographed and practiced this "Thank You" flash mob dance to show their gratitude to our alumni for their continued support of students. The Annual Giving office at the University of Saskatchewan spearheaded this campaign to raise awareness of the support alumni give to students and to encourage more giving to the Annual Fund Campaign for Students. The performance was during Orientation on September 1st, 2011 to show our gratitude and allow first year students to become familiar with the generous support they receive from our alumni and friends. Please visit give.usask.ca to find out how you can make a difference in a student's life with a donation today. Every dollar makes a difference. Thank you to all the student volunteers for putting this flash mob together.



Math Games and Sites

Math sites and games… Random stuff I found… from J.Stewart-Mitchell

probability - dice game
http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/chances/dice_handler.asp?NUMROLLS=3

Other probability games
http://www.learn-with-math-games.com/probability-games.html

Hands on games... pig... dice rolling game
http://www.learn-with-math-games.com/probability-math-games.html

On-line games... pig... dice rolling game
http://cs.gettysburg.edu/projects/pig/piggame.html

Fractions Review - video
http://www.kidsolr.com/math/fractions.html

Fraction basketball... just need paper and a "basket"
http://www.learn-with-math-games.com/fractions-for-kids.html

Fraction Strips - teacher activity
http://www.learn-with-math-games.com/fraction-strips.html

Four Sum Math Games
http://www.learn-with-math-games.com/fraction-math-games.html

Fraction Hands on Math games and videos...
http://www.learn-with-math-games.com/fraction-games-for-kids.html

Fraction Number Line Lesson
http://www.learn-with-math-games.com/fraction-number-line.html

On-line fraction games...
Fraction Strips... on-line...
http://fractionbars.com/Equations_Game/

Fraction Multiplication spinner game
http://fractionbars.com/Multiplication_Game/

http://www.learn-with-math-games.com/online-fraction-games.html

http://www.funbrain.com/brain/MathBrain/MathBrain.html

http://www.learn-with-math-games.com/middle-school-math-games.html

http://www.funbrain.com/kidscenter.html


http://www.funbain.com/numbers.html


http://www.fun4thebrain.com/


http://www.coolmath4kids.com/


http://www.coolmath-games.com/

http://www.mathsisfun.com/games/index.html


http://www.mathsisfun.com/


This one is pretty fun! http://funschool.kaboose.com/arcade/math/


http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/math.htm


Order of Operations and basic math practice… http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/math.htm#mixedoperations


Pretty primary… http://www.mathplayground.com/


http://resources.oswego.org/games/


Fun… see coordinates with Billy the Bug… http://resources.oswego.org/games/


Must join… http://ca.ixl.com/promo?gclid=CMqVseH4160CFeYBQAodnyvElA&phrase=Search+-+International+-+grade+seven+math+games&partner=google


http://cemc2.math.uwaterloo.ca/wired_math/


http://www.math-play.com/7th-grade-math-games.html


Must register… http://www.math-play.com/7th-grade-math-games.html


A variety of skills… http://www.linktolearning.com/math.htm


Information and Help… and games… moderately fun… http://www.aaamath.com/grade7.htm#topic44


A site with a little practice… http://www.kidport.com/grade7/math/mathindex.htm


Dr. Mike’s Game links… http://www.dr-mikes-math-games-for-kids.com/seventh-grade-math-games.html


Collection of Math Games for Middle Years… http://www.free-training-tutorial.com/percentage-games.html

Monday, February 6, 2012

The Creation of Humans: Prometheus

After you read the myth, reflect and respond on www.kidblog.org/missiontomakeadifference/ 
to the following questions. This will be due Wednesday, February 8th...



1. How do Prometheus and Zeus differ in personality?


2. Why is Prometheus a "true father" to humans unlike Zeus?


3. Why was Zeus' punishment so harsh?


4. What does this harsh punishment say about the Ancient Greeks and their values? Hint: think about who ruled the society...

5. Create a "poem" in Tribute to Prometheus. Use part of your response to assist you... as you will use the response and paste it into wordle.net


 Here's Micaela's wordle as Tribute to Prometheus... Well done!



Read the poem, "Prometheus" by Lord Byron. Complete the questions on the sheet.

Dividing Fractions Rule

Remember this "gangsta" rule.... Yes I know I should not encourage "gangstaisms"... but it will help you remember how to divide fractions....

"YOU CAN'T DIVIDE FRACTIONS, YOU CAN ONLY 'FLIP 'N' MULTIPLY' THE SECOND [FRACTION]!"
Actions.... shake your head as you say "You can't divide fractions",
Flip - "Twirl" your hands... mambo style,
Multiply - "cross forearms... in an "X"
the second... gesture with 2 fingers...

Get your son or daughter in grade 8 to demonstrate the actions for you....

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Hunger Games is coming!



Are you pumped for the release of Hunger Games... the movie?? Can't get enough dystopian literature?
You find yourself muttering things like, "Down with the Capitol!" and you don't know where that came from??? Well satisfy all you Hunger Games needs with this link...
http://hungergamesdwtc.net/

If that's not enough check out Taylor Swift's video....




Hunger Games Quotes

Latest Jabberjay Transmissions:
Quotes for the week of January 31 – February 4, 2012

Archived Jabberjay Transmissions:
Part I:  “The Tributes”
My fingers stretch out, seeking Prim’s warmth but finding only the rough canvas cover of the mattress. She must have had bad dreams and climbed in with our mother. Of course, she did. This is the day of the reaping.Katniss Everdeen, p. 3
Prim’s face is fresh as a raindrop, as lovely as the primrose for which she was named. My mother was very beautiful once, too. Or so they tell me. Katniss Everdeen, p. 3
Entrails. No hissing. This is the closest we will ever come to love. Katniss Everdeen, p. 4
But there is always food if you know how to find it. My father knew and he taught me some before he was blown to bits in a mine explosion. I was eleven then. Five years later, I still wake up screaming for him to run. Katniss Everdeen, p. 5
District Twelve. Where you can starve to death in safety. Katniss Everdeen, p. 6
In the woods waits the only person with whom I can be myself. Gale. Katniss Everdeen,  p. 6
Leave the district. Run off. Live in the woods. You and I, we could make it. Gale Hawthorn, p. 9
How could I leave Prim, who is the only person in the world I’m certain I love? Katniss Everdeen, p. 10
Once it’s in the soup, I’ll call it beef. Greasy Sae, p. 11
I protect Prim every way I can, but I’m powerless against the reaping. Katniss Everdeen, p. 15
Quack. Primrose Everdeen, p. 16
I could be shot on a daily basis for hunting, but the appetites of those in charge protect me. Katniss Everdeen, p. 17
Anyway, Gale and I agree that if we have to choose between dying and a bullet in the head, the bullet would be much quicker. Katniss Everdeen, p. 17
Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor! Effie Trinket, p. 19



Where is Panem anyways?? Check out the map, from the official fan site...
So Regina, Saskatchewan is just above District 9... Good to know....

 panem hunger games districts    The Most Well Researched Map of Panem?   c9b2092f98fd021ae398e8f5ff47b402

There is some debate about what exactly the map of Panem looks like; and if you’re anything like me, while reading The Hunger Games you found yourself wishing Suzanne Collins would have painted the picture in a little more detail.  Perhaps that is some of the lure – the mystery and opportunity to imagine it on your own.  That is exactly what V. Arrow did, in very thorough detail.  While authoring Smart Pop’s The Panem Companion: An Unofficial Guide to Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games  (December), she researched not only the novel, but also the placement of tectonic plates and possible flood regions.
I chose to center part of the cataclysm in the Gulf of Mexico as a tectonic shift and moved the Yucatan Peninsula, rather than sinking it. Mostly this is because I ♥ Finnick/Annie and wanted them to have a little island for the D4 Victor’s Village. Plus, it doesn’t really alter the topography of any other District, so hey!  While feasible, it wasn’t really jelling for me.  [Her collaborator] brought up that there would be a natural floodbreak at the Sierra Nevadas and, likely, the Grand Canyon.  Incidentally this went into a long discussion about the Mississippi River being the dam that broke in the 70th Games, but that’s not really pertinent!.”