I have just completed assessing the math test that I gave the students earlier this week and things are not so good. More than 50% of the class showed me that they have not mastered fractions. It is evident from this that we need to continue working on fractions some more. Since fractions are going to be a big part of their math for the rest of their education, I feel that they need to strengthen this area before we move on to multiplication and division of fractions next week. You will be getting the unit 3 assessments on Monday.
This week we start our own independent research project for writing a report. I have emphasized that the subject is not the concern. Most important is the students showing they have learned the research process for reading, taking notes, drafting, revising and then for this report, publication. There are lessons on understanding vocabulary, primary sources, citing photos and pictures, writing for deeper meaning and revising for completion as part of the rest of this unit.
This is our last week of the Migration unit and we will summarize it all up by looking at our own migration stories. There is a comparison of refugees children to us to complete, a website on migrant children and then a final pallet with all sorts of things all about us. It should be a great way to both finalize the subject and also reflect on it.
Thank-you for helping your student with the Hanbok on Friday - with all the changes in the schedule for that day, I am proud to say that we had it well in hand and everything went off without a hitch. I have added the pictures I took to this letter. Please feel free to download any you want.
With things getting a little more regular here in Korea, I am hopeful that we are going to be back to school full time soon. It is something I pray for every day. Even so, we must always be prepared for the unexpected, especially since we cannot tell the future. This is always on my mind as a plan my lessons and days ahead. I want to thank-you for all you do to help your student when they are on virtual learning. I think it really makes a difference.
On a personal note, I want to let everyone know that I will be retiring from teaching at the end of this school year and returning to Canada. I have had a great 33 years of teaching of which 29 of it has been overseas and the memories and experiences shall live with me for many years to come. Even so, I will continue to provide the best learning for your student until the last day of school.
Please stay healthy and safe.
