Want to freshen up your writing lessons?

Are you looking for something new, or something to inspire you, in terms of writing assignments? Here are some ideas of topics/genres/styles you can explore with your child's writing assignments:

Wondering how to get creative with presentation ideas?  For those whose children are already writing a lot, or for those students who resist writing, here are some ideas of things you can give your child the option of creating for different assignments he/she has to do:

Looking for Canada Resources?

Here's a site that has a collection of resources for you as you and your child(ren) learn about Canada.

Canada's History

Safer Internet Day

Another HCOS teacher sent out this information and I know that there are a number of you that have thoughts about internet usage and safety, while at the same time wanting to teach your child appropriate internet usage skills.  

For ages 10-16, Please have a look at a course called Cybersafe BC www.cybersafeBC.ca.   It is also an online course with a certificate at the end (which can be used as a Health & Career Sample). Students will watch videos, and do activities as well as learn about the dangers of the internet. They will learn about their digital footprint and online crime, including cyberbullying. IMPORTANT NOTE : parents should have a look at the course first because there is a component of the course that discusses sexual predators and "sexting.

For grades 3-4 (under the 'Resources' tab in Cybersafe.BC.ca) there is another resource that includes downloadable comics and other resources to teach this topic to younger students.  Link to it at Zoe and Molly

The internet is an amazing resource for all of us - let's help our kids to be wise and safe!

Portfolios are due February 19

It is that time again!  I know many of you are entering the decision time of what you will be including in your portfolios this term and I wanted to help you out with some ideas:

Bible: samples/explanations of what concepts your child has learned, your child's involvement in prayer/church/youth/devotions, and how your child views or engages in serving others

LA:  oral speaking sample (recorded, on Raz Kids, video), description of what your child likes to read for pleasure (or a reading list), comprehension and extension samples (evidence that your child can read 'between the lines' or go beyond what the text stated), and a variety of writing samples (creative, informative, personal, visual)

Math: concepts covered, sample workpages/worksheets

Science: units/concepts covered, samples of work/project, descriptions of any experiments

Social Studies:  units/concepts covered, samples of work/project

I took this photo while visiting families earlier this year. :)

PE and DPA: list of physical activities your child engages in and how often and for how long

Fine Arts: photos/recordings of images or performances, feedback or reports form instructors, descriptions of activities

Health: description of what topics your child has learned about in regards to healthy living, healthy relationships, safety, making goals, personal responsibilities and thinking of own future (wants/needs, careers, personal strengths/weaknesses...)

Foreign Language (for grade 5 and up): what program is being used, progress in program or lessons, if your child is growing in their language knowledge

MANY OF YOU HAVE INCLUDED THIS INFORMATION IN YOUR WEEKLY REPORTS!  WOW!!  For you, I will only need to see samples for LA, Math, Science and Socials.  If I need to clarify something for one of the other course then I will email you directly.  If you haven't been covering this information in your weekly reports, or feel that you have more information that would provide a more accurate assessment, then please include it in the portfolio you send.

Portfolios can be sent to be digitally, posted online with an invite to me to view it, faxed or mailed.  If you would like to fax or mail it to me, please email me directly for the number or address.  Thanks everyone!!