Thursday 25 January 2018

Chris Nihmey Books

Our class enjoyed a very captivating presentation today by Chris Nihmey, a local author and mental health advocate. The presentation focused on:
  • creating a new perspective when it comes to reading and writing
  • demonstrating the strong connection between reading and writing
  • the writing process – sharing our own story
  • an author’s point of view
  • the power of the written word – the importance of “why” and “what” we write
  • how writing and reading change our world
Many of our students are interested in reading Chris's book 'Sally'. I have provided a link to the book on indigo.ca.

I do urge you to read the book before, or with your child. There are likely to be many questions that arise. Below is a blurb about the book as well as the link to Chris's website and the book on indigo.

"With its beautiful full-paged coloured illustrations, by Mario Jamora, Sally (Chipmunka Publishing, UK, 2015), is the heartwarming story of the unexpected friendship between a teenaged boy and a homeless woman showing the extreme necessity of compassion and acceptance for one another, especially in times of suffering or isolation. We are never truly alone. This is a story that demonstrates the strong connection between mental illness and homelessness. Sally was written for youth to adult in 2005 during my difficult battles with mental illness. It is a story for any age.
Sally carries a deep and profound message. I was convinced that the primary message was "reach out and help someone who is suffering and alone". Once I completed the story, I realized their was another hidden message. It is this: Give and you shall receive. Jesus shared this message with us 2000 years ago. Although Tom changes Sally's life forever by giving of himself, something even more magical happens. He realizes that his life has changed just as much, because of his acts of kindness. It is a powerful message of reciprocity. That's how love works. If only we all recognized it. "
Disclaimer: Tom is an 18-year-old student. He is an adult, and is therefore old enough to approach someone who lives on the street. If you are under 18, do not approach anyone without adult accompaniment.


Sally-Chris Nihmey (Indigo)

Author Website

Wednesday 24 January 2018

A look at Jan. 22-Jan 26

Math
We are continuing on with our data management and graphing unit. On Monday the class learned a new way to display their data-stem and leaf plots. They worked in groups to create stem and leaf plots, and calculate the mode, range, and median of the data.  We will spend the rest of the week practicing median, mode, and range

Language
We have had our detective hats on looking for clues in the text that will help us make inferences about texts. We will also be having an in class reading assessment. There is no need to prepare for this at home.

Homework

On Friday I sent home the duotang containing our lemonade stand project. See the homework page for due dates and an explanation



Around the School
Thursday we welcome author Chris Nihmey to our school. He will be speaking to the gr. 3's and 4's during 1st block. Check out his website!

http://chrisnihmey.com/

Thursday is also PJ day at St. Gab's. This is to celebrate national reading week. Students can bring in their favourite book to share with the class.

Friday is a PD day!