Welcome and Classroom Expectations September.
Dear Parents and Students,
Hello and welcome to grade six, Division 4. I am very pleased to be teaching your children, and look forward to getting to know them better as individuals. The purpose of this letter is to provide an overview of the IB PYP program and the prescribed learning outcomes in the grade six curriculum. Other important information regarding classroom routines is also included.
Children in the IB PYP program learn through a variety of teaching strategies, with guided inquiry being the most prevalent. This approach engages students actively in their own learning, stimulates their natural curiosity and essentially promotes the enjoyment of life-long learning. The IB PYP is concept-based rather than a content-based curriculum model. Furthermore, it provides an educational framework which complements and supports our provincial standards and prescribed learning outcomes. Many of the B.C. Ministry of Education learning outcomes for the following subjects will be addressed in the six Units of Inquiry that will be explored this year. Remember part of the Inquiry based program is to follow the student’s questions, so lesson plans are constantly adjusted to match the students’ interests. (Check the classroom website for details)
In 2022-2023 we will be continuing to implement the new BC Curriculum. It is available to view through the BC Ministry of Education curriculum website. In some areas the actual content is not that different from previous years, however the approach to learning is different. Students will be taught through Big Ideas (conceptually based learning very similar to how we already teach in IB), and the Core Competencies of Thinking, Communication and Personal Identity and Social Responsibility. We will, of course, continue to follow all the IB Principles and Standards. I also stress to the children that I hope they will achieve a growth mindset throughout their education - what matters is whether you engage in lifelong learning, not what level or letter grade you were able to achieve.
Mathematics:
In Grade Six, students will build upon the mathematical skills learned in Grade Five. The program encompasses the following Big Ideas:
Students are expected to know the following
English Language Arts/Communication Skills
Reading, writing, listening and speaking are central to English Language Arts curriculum. Activities that will encourage the development of these skills include: novel study/literature circles, journals, letter writing, co-operative critical thinking, spelling, grammar, guided reading, silent reading, buddy reading, shared reading, reading strategies, creative writing, writer's workshop, speaking and listening, and presenting. These and other activities in conjunction with the Reading 44 and Writing 44 programs developed by the District of North Vancouver, will enable students to develop an awareness of the nature and purposes of language and literacy.
Reading
Students will develop their reading skills in a variety of ways, reflecting and responding to fiction and nonfiction text. They are also expected to read daily for a minimum of 30 minutes. The choice of reading material is left up to the student and their family. The purpose is to instill a love of reading in your child and to allow them free choice in reading material. There are a wide variety of books available in the school and public libraries, as well as the classroom library, and I would encourage you to consult with the librarians if your child is unable to locate a suitable book.
Writing
Students will be engaged in a number of writing activities as detailed above. We will be starting with a review of basic paragraph writing and grammar, and hone essay writing as the year progresses. Much of the writing activities are based on Writing 44 that focuses on eight writing skills, similar to the "6 traits of Writing". It is extremely important that students be allowed to write at their own level. Research has shown that writing for an authentic purpose is an effective way to encourage children to express themselves. Be aware that not all pieces are brought up to a “publishable state”, and while it is good practice to encourage your child to proofread their work, it is in fact better to look for the ideas expressed in the writing. That said, projects to be “presented” to the class are expected to have been proofread by the student, follow the basic rules for spelling and grammar (COPS), and be neat and organized. Encourage your child to take pride in their work on a daily basis, and ask them "Are you happy with what you have done?" Try to allow students to set their own standards, and act as a coach/mentor in encouraging them to take responsibility for their own success.
Listening/Speaking
Students will be expected to listen to directions, be respectful, and stay on task while participating in activities. In Grade Six they are encouraged to listen actively in order to engage in meaningful discussion to further understanding.
French
Students will be receiving instruction in French on Tuesdays and Fridays from Ms. Denny and myself
Socials and Science:
Topics will usually be integrated into our units of inquiry and will be transitioning to include the following new curricular areas :
Science BIG IDEAS
Socials BIG IDEAS
Physical and Health Education
In the intermediate grades emphasis is placed upon activities related to the development of safety and health skills (including healthy use of social media), setting goals, making decisions, communication, and developing an understanding of one’s own strengths and interests. We will also be discussing the changes occurring with puberty, and substance abuse. More information will come home regarding the more sensitive issues at that time.
Gym days are Tuesday and Thursday. Focus will be placed upon movement education and skill development (Physical Literacy), co-operative games, and activities we can do outside. Students will participate often (hopefully daily) in some form of exercise (which may be outside) in addition to their scheduled P.E. class; therefore it is advised that students wear running shoes daily, or leave a pair at school. ***It is also strongly recommended that students use deodorant and/or shower regularly so the classroom remains fresh. As the weather changes, it is prudent to have an extra pair of shoes and socks at school. These items should be labelled and hung in a bag on the student’s cloakroom hook.
Careers (formerly health and careers)- includes such concepts as Goal setting, decision making, community culture, building learning communities and self evaluation.
Applied Skills and Design (new area) - Digital Media, entrepreneurship and marketing, food studies
Agendas
Agendas are an important component of Personal Planning since they facilitate the development of organizational skills and personal responsibility. The agenda is a means of providing ongoing communication between home and school. The agenda will be sent home daily and must be returned the next day. While simple questions or notes regarding appointments can be written in the agenda, please remember this is a tool for your child to assume responsibility for their work and help them with organization and time management. I will sign agendas for the first month or so to help develop good work habits, after that students will gradually assume responsibility for their own time management.
Library:
Mrs. Farrell will be visiting each class to facilitate library lending. We also have a class library that students are able to borrow books from and keep in their desks. I do ask that these books don't go home.
Fine Arts:
Students will participate in a variety of visual art activities including such areas as the elements and principles of design, drawing, painting, printmaking, clay work, collage, and mask making. Students are evaluated based on their use of materials, ability to follow criteria and process skills. Much of art evaluation is self evaluation and I encourage students to learn how to critique themselves and the arts in general using the appropriate vocabulary and constructive feedback (kind, specific and helpful). Fine Arts will also include Drama, Music and Dance throughout the year. Mr. Kostamo will be teaching music once a week in our class this year on Wednesdays.
Classroom Assessment and Evaluation
Assessment is a systematic gathering of information about what students know, are able to do, and are working toward. Assessment evidence will be collected using a variety of ways such as:
• Teacher observation
• Student self-assessment and peer assessments (kind, specific and timely)
• Quizzes and tests (written, oral, and practical)
• Projects (criteria and rubric usually provided)
• Oral and written reports
• Journals and learning logs
• Portfolio assessments
Students will be given on-going opportunities in the classroom to display their understanding of concepts taught using these methods. They will be provided with clear criteria or rubrics as to how assignments will be assessed, and often be involved in self-assessment. Some tests and quizzes will be sent home for your signature and should be returned promptly (please!) to school so that they can be filed in individual student portfolios.
Reporting: There will be two formal written reports, one in February and one in June. We will also be continuing with our parent-teacher-student conferences in early November (though the format may be different), and student led conferences close to Spring Break (hopefully).
Attendance:
Students should arrive at school on time and wait outside at their class spot until picked up by their teacher. Punctuality is very important as the children will be led inside for hand washing at 8:50 am. If you know of an upcoming appointment or absence, please send a note with your child (may be in the agenda) or a short e-mail the night before, inform the office and sign your child out and in. Students are also encouraged to have a “study buddy” who they can phone to find out what they missed while away. (I’ll help too). Late comers must sign in at the front door near the office. If your child is sick, please do not send them to school.
If you are planning a holiday during regular school days, please inform the office and myself. While I am not able to provide work packages for your child, I will certainly help them to catch up on their return.
Students are expected to be kind, co-operative, polite and well behaved at all times. Each day please ensure your child is healthy, has plenty of rest and a nourishing breakfast, and is dressed for the weather.
Homework:
Homework comes in a variety of forms! Teacher assigned work may include completion of assignments started in class, extra practice, special projects, gathering of materials in preparation for an assignment, and review for tests and quizzes. Student assigned homework may include reading, extra work in goal areas, journal or writing practice and regular review of new concepts. If a student does not complete their Homework assignment on time, they may be asked to stay at recess or after school to plan how they are going to complete their work.
At the grade 6 level students who apply themselves in class and develop good time management skills, should not have more than 60 minutes of homework a night (special projects excepted). If your child consistently has more than 60 minutes each night, please contact me.
Assistance:
I am available to help any student after school (3:00 to 3:30) most days. I will try to inform the students if I am not available due to other commitments. Wednesday afternoons are reserved for IB meetings generally. I will also be available on TEAMs for questions most days.
Thank you for taking the time to review this letter. If you have any questions or concerns I may be reached through the school at 903-3370 or via e-mail to schedule an appointment or ask a quick question. Please make an appointment (phone for now) for items requiring discussion as I find personal communication to be more effective than e-mail. You may also write a brief note in your child’s agenda.
I am looking forward to getting to know all of you this year. I hope it will be a wonderful and exciting year for your child!
Sincerely Yours,
Mrs. Belinda Harnden
Div. 4 grade 6
Capilano Elementary School
Dear Parents and Students,
Hello and welcome to grade six, Division 4. I am very pleased to be teaching your children, and look forward to getting to know them better as individuals. The purpose of this letter is to provide an overview of the IB PYP program and the prescribed learning outcomes in the grade six curriculum. Other important information regarding classroom routines is also included.
Children in the IB PYP program learn through a variety of teaching strategies, with guided inquiry being the most prevalent. This approach engages students actively in their own learning, stimulates their natural curiosity and essentially promotes the enjoyment of life-long learning. The IB PYP is concept-based rather than a content-based curriculum model. Furthermore, it provides an educational framework which complements and supports our provincial standards and prescribed learning outcomes. Many of the B.C. Ministry of Education learning outcomes for the following subjects will be addressed in the six Units of Inquiry that will be explored this year. Remember part of the Inquiry based program is to follow the student’s questions, so lesson plans are constantly adjusted to match the students’ interests. (Check the classroom website for details)
In 2022-2023 we will be continuing to implement the new BC Curriculum. It is available to view through the BC Ministry of Education curriculum website. In some areas the actual content is not that different from previous years, however the approach to learning is different. Students will be taught through Big Ideas (conceptually based learning very similar to how we already teach in IB), and the Core Competencies of Thinking, Communication and Personal Identity and Social Responsibility. We will, of course, continue to follow all the IB Principles and Standards. I also stress to the children that I hope they will achieve a growth mindset throughout their education - what matters is whether you engage in lifelong learning, not what level or letter grade you were able to achieve.
Mathematics:
In Grade Six, students will build upon the mathematical skills learned in Grade Five. The program encompasses the following Big Ideas:
- Numbers can be represented in many forms and reflect different relationships.
- Numeracy helps us to see patterns, communicate ideas, and solve problems.
- Patterns allow us to see relationships and develop generalizations.
- Geometry and measurement empower us to make meaning of the world
- We can apply mathematics to inquiry questions and use it to communicate information and data.
- Data enable us to draw conclusions and make predictions in an unstable world.
Students are expected to know the following
- whole number percents and percentage discounts
- improper fractions and mixed numbers (ordering whole numbers, fractional numbers, proper and improper fractions)
- small to large numbers (thousandths to billions)
- factors and multiples, greatest common factor and least common multiple
- order of operations with whole numbers
- multiplication and division of decimals
- multiplication and division facts to 100 (developing computational fluency)
- increasing and decreasing patterns, using expressions, tables, and graphs
- functional relationships
- one-step equations with whole-number coefficients and solutions
- perimeter of complex shapes
- area of triangles, parallelograms, and trapezoids
- angle measurement and classification
- measurement units and referents for volume and capacity
- transformational geometry in the first quadrant
English Language Arts/Communication Skills
Reading, writing, listening and speaking are central to English Language Arts curriculum. Activities that will encourage the development of these skills include: novel study/literature circles, journals, letter writing, co-operative critical thinking, spelling, grammar, guided reading, silent reading, buddy reading, shared reading, reading strategies, creative writing, writer's workshop, speaking and listening, and presenting. These and other activities in conjunction with the Reading 44 and Writing 44 programs developed by the District of North Vancouver, will enable students to develop an awareness of the nature and purposes of language and literacy.
Reading
Students will develop their reading skills in a variety of ways, reflecting and responding to fiction and nonfiction text. They are also expected to read daily for a minimum of 30 minutes. The choice of reading material is left up to the student and their family. The purpose is to instill a love of reading in your child and to allow them free choice in reading material. There are a wide variety of books available in the school and public libraries, as well as the classroom library, and I would encourage you to consult with the librarians if your child is unable to locate a suitable book.
Writing
Students will be engaged in a number of writing activities as detailed above. We will be starting with a review of basic paragraph writing and grammar, and hone essay writing as the year progresses. Much of the writing activities are based on Writing 44 that focuses on eight writing skills, similar to the "6 traits of Writing". It is extremely important that students be allowed to write at their own level. Research has shown that writing for an authentic purpose is an effective way to encourage children to express themselves. Be aware that not all pieces are brought up to a “publishable state”, and while it is good practice to encourage your child to proofread their work, it is in fact better to look for the ideas expressed in the writing. That said, projects to be “presented” to the class are expected to have been proofread by the student, follow the basic rules for spelling and grammar (COPS), and be neat and organized. Encourage your child to take pride in their work on a daily basis, and ask them "Are you happy with what you have done?" Try to allow students to set their own standards, and act as a coach/mentor in encouraging them to take responsibility for their own success.
Listening/Speaking
Students will be expected to listen to directions, be respectful, and stay on task while participating in activities. In Grade Six they are encouraged to listen actively in order to engage in meaningful discussion to further understanding.
French
Students will be receiving instruction in French on Tuesdays and Fridays from Ms. Denny and myself
Socials and Science:
Topics will usually be integrated into our units of inquiry and will be transitioning to include the following new curricular areas :
Science BIG IDEAS
- Multicellular organisms rely on internal systems to survive, reproduce, and interact with their environment.
- Everyday materials are often homogeneous (solutions) and heterogeneous mixtures.
- Newton’s three laws of motion describe the relationship between force and motion.
- The solar system is part of the Milky Way, which is one of billions of galaxies.
Socials BIG IDEAS
- Economic self-interest can be a significant cause of conflict among peoples and governments.
- Complex global problems require international cooperation to make difficult choices for the future.
- Systems of government vary in their respect for human rights and freedoms.
- Media sources can both positively and negatively affect our understanding of important events and issues.
Physical and Health Education
In the intermediate grades emphasis is placed upon activities related to the development of safety and health skills (including healthy use of social media), setting goals, making decisions, communication, and developing an understanding of one’s own strengths and interests. We will also be discussing the changes occurring with puberty, and substance abuse. More information will come home regarding the more sensitive issues at that time.
Gym days are Tuesday and Thursday. Focus will be placed upon movement education and skill development (Physical Literacy), co-operative games, and activities we can do outside. Students will participate often (hopefully daily) in some form of exercise (which may be outside) in addition to their scheduled P.E. class; therefore it is advised that students wear running shoes daily, or leave a pair at school. ***It is also strongly recommended that students use deodorant and/or shower regularly so the classroom remains fresh. As the weather changes, it is prudent to have an extra pair of shoes and socks at school. These items should be labelled and hung in a bag on the student’s cloakroom hook.
Careers (formerly health and careers)- includes such concepts as Goal setting, decision making, community culture, building learning communities and self evaluation.
Applied Skills and Design (new area) - Digital Media, entrepreneurship and marketing, food studies
Agendas
Agendas are an important component of Personal Planning since they facilitate the development of organizational skills and personal responsibility. The agenda is a means of providing ongoing communication between home and school. The agenda will be sent home daily and must be returned the next day. While simple questions or notes regarding appointments can be written in the agenda, please remember this is a tool for your child to assume responsibility for their work and help them with organization and time management. I will sign agendas for the first month or so to help develop good work habits, after that students will gradually assume responsibility for their own time management.
Library:
Mrs. Farrell will be visiting each class to facilitate library lending. We also have a class library that students are able to borrow books from and keep in their desks. I do ask that these books don't go home.
Fine Arts:
Students will participate in a variety of visual art activities including such areas as the elements and principles of design, drawing, painting, printmaking, clay work, collage, and mask making. Students are evaluated based on their use of materials, ability to follow criteria and process skills. Much of art evaluation is self evaluation and I encourage students to learn how to critique themselves and the arts in general using the appropriate vocabulary and constructive feedback (kind, specific and helpful). Fine Arts will also include Drama, Music and Dance throughout the year. Mr. Kostamo will be teaching music once a week in our class this year on Wednesdays.
Classroom Assessment and Evaluation
Assessment is a systematic gathering of information about what students know, are able to do, and are working toward. Assessment evidence will be collected using a variety of ways such as:
• Teacher observation
• Student self-assessment and peer assessments (kind, specific and timely)
• Quizzes and tests (written, oral, and practical)
• Projects (criteria and rubric usually provided)
• Oral and written reports
• Journals and learning logs
• Portfolio assessments
Students will be given on-going opportunities in the classroom to display their understanding of concepts taught using these methods. They will be provided with clear criteria or rubrics as to how assignments will be assessed, and often be involved in self-assessment. Some tests and quizzes will be sent home for your signature and should be returned promptly (please!) to school so that they can be filed in individual student portfolios.
Reporting: There will be two formal written reports, one in February and one in June. We will also be continuing with our parent-teacher-student conferences in early November (though the format may be different), and student led conferences close to Spring Break (hopefully).
Attendance:
Students should arrive at school on time and wait outside at their class spot until picked up by their teacher. Punctuality is very important as the children will be led inside for hand washing at 8:50 am. If you know of an upcoming appointment or absence, please send a note with your child (may be in the agenda) or a short e-mail the night before, inform the office and sign your child out and in. Students are also encouraged to have a “study buddy” who they can phone to find out what they missed while away. (I’ll help too). Late comers must sign in at the front door near the office. If your child is sick, please do not send them to school.
If you are planning a holiday during regular school days, please inform the office and myself. While I am not able to provide work packages for your child, I will certainly help them to catch up on their return.
Students are expected to be kind, co-operative, polite and well behaved at all times. Each day please ensure your child is healthy, has plenty of rest and a nourishing breakfast, and is dressed for the weather.
Homework:
Homework comes in a variety of forms! Teacher assigned work may include completion of assignments started in class, extra practice, special projects, gathering of materials in preparation for an assignment, and review for tests and quizzes. Student assigned homework may include reading, extra work in goal areas, journal or writing practice and regular review of new concepts. If a student does not complete their Homework assignment on time, they may be asked to stay at recess or after school to plan how they are going to complete their work.
At the grade 6 level students who apply themselves in class and develop good time management skills, should not have more than 60 minutes of homework a night (special projects excepted). If your child consistently has more than 60 minutes each night, please contact me.
Assistance:
I am available to help any student after school (3:00 to 3:30) most days. I will try to inform the students if I am not available due to other commitments. Wednesday afternoons are reserved for IB meetings generally. I will also be available on TEAMs for questions most days.
Thank you for taking the time to review this letter. If you have any questions or concerns I may be reached through the school at 903-3370 or via e-mail to schedule an appointment or ask a quick question. Please make an appointment (phone for now) for items requiring discussion as I find personal communication to be more effective than e-mail. You may also write a brief note in your child’s agenda.
I am looking forward to getting to know all of you this year. I hope it will be a wonderful and exciting year for your child!
Sincerely Yours,
Mrs. Belinda Harnden
Div. 4 grade 6
Capilano Elementary School