Book Club @ Randerson



Students gathered, food was eaten, great books were discussed, laughter occurred...what more could one ask for in a book club?  Today's book club, discussing Carl Hiaasen's book Hoot, was a great success. The discussion flowed from characters, to events, to setting.  It was non-stop!  The detail and POV from students was tremendous, including Courtney empathising with Roy for moving so often.


Book Club enjoying snacks before discussion

It took no time at all to dive into the story and discuss what we really liked about the book and what might have been a bit of a stretch. 

Stephanie loved how empowering the story was for young people. If three teenagers can save the owls against a conglomerate than we could do something like that too.  Mercedes liked the book but felt Roy's ability to 'take off' for hours at a time without his parents knowing where he was ....was a bit unrealistic. Austin really liked the character development, especially Roy, Mullet Fingers and the teacher who cared enough to bring his whole class to the opening to help. Cassidy enjoyed the book but felt Roy's parents weren't realistic in that they didn't seem as upset as she thought they should have been when he went missing.  Max was intrigued by Mullet Fingers and his ability to live in the Everglades and

catch the very fast mullet fish. Grace has read the book 3x and seen the movie.  She loved the book! 

Everyone had read the book and seen the movie and felt the movie was a close actualization of the book. Hannah felt the movie accurately portrayed the characters and the story and though the teacher role played by Jimmy Buffett, was a little more developed I the movie.  Annika enjoyed both the book and the movie, especially Beatrice the Bear, a strong female character.  Austin thought is was very cool that Beatrice took on and beat, the school bully Dana. 

We had so much fun discussing Hoot that we jumped into talking about other books we are currently reading or have read and loved.  Titles include; Mango Shaped Space by Wendy Mass, Sisters 8 by Lauren Baratz-Logsted,  Dear Jo by Christina Kilbourne (all the kids that had read this one...loved it!), Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Long Haul, Fault in our Stars (some loved it, while others thought it was way too sad) and Spirit Animals. 

Our next book club book is A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park.  You have 7 weeks to read up.  All students in Gr. 5-7 are welcome.  Your only ticket in the door is that you have read the book.  See you in March. 

International students join Randerson students for a Day of Science

Three grade 6 students share their day.

 

Hi! My name is Melina and on February 5th 2014 my class (Mrs. Epps 6/7) had a group of international students from across the globe came to OUR CLASS and we did a few experiments. There were 9 students. There were 2 from India, 1 from Brazil, 1 from Turkey, 1 from Mexico and 4 from China.  All the students are studying for their masters degree. Since Chinese New Year was on Friday January 31st the four students from China brought some traditional food from their country (rice crackers, coconut crackers, white rabbits, fortune cookies)  Before we ate we had a circle protocol.

Circle protocol is an activity that we do in our class. Everyone sits in a circle and we first acknowledge the traditional territories of Snuneymuxw and Snaw-Now-As. Then we pass the talking stick (a mini totem pole) around in clockwise direction from the teacher. Then we share how our week is going and how we think about how our inquiry and our learning is going. After we have passed the totem pole around the circle we are done.

So we did the usual in circle protocol, Mrs Epps assigned a few questions to a few students to ask the exchange students. After that we shared the snacks.

Science experiments:

Our science group asked “What happens to water when it is mixed with a bubble formula?” Our group leader was a lady from China.

The materials we used where:
v Big bucket of water
v Dish soap
v Glycerin
v Straws
v Pipe cleaner
v Plastic pipe
v Hanger formed in a shape
Our method was:
v Add a third cup of dish soap to a quarter cup of water
v Stir gently
v Glycerin already added
v Dip rim of glass into the bubble formula
v We made a homemade bubble blower with a pipe cleaner and it didn’t work so well
v Then we just used our finger and it worked really well
In the afternoon we taught our buddies our project and they loved it!

Conclusion: I learned that the bubble formed after we dipped the rim of the glass in the formula. But it would pop after a few seconds. So we added a little bit more of the formula to the water. And when we moved the glass around it changed colour. We found out that the smaller shape worked better.

Melina Gr. 6

 

 

Learning about school in the world

This Wednesday was our science experiment day; we had international students from around the world who now learn at VIU come into our classroom. It was quite an experience for all of us there were people from Brazil, Turkey, China, Mexico and India.  We got to ask them questions about their homeland and how it’s different or the same to our school. We learned that in China they just sit in their desks row by row and listen to the teacher teach them, the students would sit and listen and take notes. We also learned that in Brazil the air is much more polluted and even though they have the rainforest they don’t use it wisely. We learned very interesting things about very interesting places.

Science experiments

We got set up in groups of 3 or 4. Our leader’s name was Kim she was a student from China. Our group was learning about frost and dew. We learned that you rarely see dew and frost together because when the temperature is below zero there will usually be frost and when the temperature is above zero there will be dew.

The reason there is dew and frost is because when there is moisture in the ground it freezes in below zero temperature but if there is moisture in the ground and it is above zero it turns into dew. That’s why you might walk through a patch of grass with dry feet and come out with wet feet.  We got to teach our little buddies our experiment and share our learning with them. I liked how we got the experiment about water and how there is liquid, solid and gas.

Halle Gr. 6



We had a really cool learning experience this week when International University students studying at VIU came to visit our Gr. 6/7 class to do science experiments. We started with a circle meeting (something our class normally does to check in and see how the 5C’s are going). We got to ask questions about their culture, homeland and sustainability in their country.   I learned some really interesting facts.  In China you just sit in your classroom and take notes all day.  I found this really surprising because in our class it is the exact opposite!  In my class we all get a say we all listen to each other.  We learn from each other and we teach each other. 

Kaylin Gr. 6



Wab Kinew visits Randerson

Randerson Ridge had the pleasure of hosting Wab Kinew. Wab was named by Post Media News as one of the "9 Aboriginal movers and shakers you should know." He is a dynamic speaker, passionate about issues affecting Indigenous Peoples.  Wab is the Director of Indigenous Inclusion at the University of Winnipeg. He has won numerous awards for Journalism and as a hip-hop artist.
We would like to give a huge thanks to Mr. Pavan and Mrs. Epps for this opportunity.  We would also like to thank the students in Gr. 6/7 who worked hard on creating meaningful questions for Wab. 

Wab with Randerson students

Three students offer their reflections on Wab's visit.


I learned from Wab Kinew that the Aboriginal People’s couldn’t keep doing their trapping and fur trade, so they moved to work in the Oil Sands in Alberta. The Oil Sands are also affecting Aboriginal Peoples up stream, with no clean drinking water, causing them to have rare cancers.  I also learned that Aboriginal Children get less support than other Canadian children if they are going to school on a reserve or if they are in foster care.  We should be more aware of the lack of equity towards Aboriginal Peoples in Canada and fight for Social Justice.  Some things we can do are, write a letter to a politician (1 letter=500 emails), advocate for Social Justice, and attend more Aboriginal ceremonies open to the public.

Emily Gr. 7           

Enjoying a visit with Wab

       

Visiting Wab was a very interesting experience.  Wab is a great advocate for both social justice and sustainability issues.  One of the major things I learned that Aboriginal children get LESS money than non-aboriginal children do in foster care for their care.  This is absurd, as the Aboriginal children NEED more money than non aboriginal children do.  Usually people think of equality as a good start to our future, but equity is the way to go.  

The First Nations peoples have had extremely hard times, and their poor children have to still suffer the consequences of residential school… Dreadful stuff.
Another thing I found interesting was is that there are no black or white answers to the Northern Gateway Pipeline.  Being extremely environmentally minded or industrially minded won’t do the trick.  Many of the Aboriginal people are fighting against the pipelines and the oil sands, when they aren’t doing much to change our Earth either.  We have to mind the common ground in the middle, and it will prove to be one of the toughest decisions to make in our country’s history.

I think that doing smaller things like Wab said could make a difference.  Being an advocate, writing letters to politicians and participating in Aboriginal culture is a very good place to start.  I enjoyed Wab visiting us, and I hope he enjoyed the work put into organizing our artwork and the food.

Ryan Gr. 7               

Gift for Wab created by the Gr. 6/7 students in Mrs Epps and Mr. Pavan's class

 
Wab was very knowledgeable about reconciliation and sustainability.  I enjoyed his sense of humor.  He liked the gift we gave him.  We gave him a drawing of a thunder raven flying over a ridge.  I learned that there are more than 2 sides to the pipeline.  Like some of the Aboriginal leaders starting working for pipeline companies because of the money even though it was bad for the environment and you must meet in the middle.  I also learned that Aboriginal children get less support than other kids if they go to school on a reserve.  Aboriginal kids get less money than other children.  We can write letters to politicians, advocate for social justice and take part in aboriginal events.   

Branden grade 7                

 

Gr. 6 & 7 Book Club The Seven Series

It was a full house for our book club today as we discussed The Series 7 by 7 great Canadian authors. Normally we have one book to discuss but with author John Wilson visiting us last May and author Eric Walters visiting us last month we opted for The Series 7.  Your ticket in the door was to have read one of the seven books.  Not surprisingly many of the students had read at least two from the series and some had read more. 

All seven books were enjoyed by at least one of our book clubbers. We discussed the series as a whole and each book individually.  We looked at connections and differences between the books and the authors' writing styles.  We discussed how each authors' style brought out different aspects of the seven cousins.

Here's reviews by two students:

                                                               Review on 7 series
I read Close to The Heel and Between Haven and Earth!  It was very well thought of, of how there were 7 different authors and they all connect in some way.  I liked Close to the Heel more because it was funny and got interesting really quick!  I highly recommend the whole series and I definitely want to read them all!
 Jacob Grade 7

                                                          Review on Devil's Pass
It is an awesome engaging book with intense scenes.  I would highly recommend this to a friend. I would say this book is for kids with a grade level and maturity of about 5-7.  This is the boss book
and you have to read it if you enjoy funny stories with some combat scenes. Read more reviews for more information. 

Branden (B Dog) Gr. 7

 

 

I was really proud of the depth of discussion our Gr. 6/7 students demonstrated. Their character knowledge, connections and inferences were excellent.

Thank you to our Gr. 6/7 students who took part in book club.  It was a dream discussion.

Wonder by R.J Palacio

I have just read my favourite book of 2012 and it's called Wonder by R.J. Palacio.  Wonder is a story of 10-year-old Auggie Pullman and his trials and tribulations of going to school for the first time after being home-schooled K through 4.  Auggie is a regular happy kid in many ways. He loves Star Wars, his dog Daisy and his family.  He is nervous about going to school and wonders if he should just stay home.  Auggie has a syndrome known as mandibulofacial dysostosis which means due to a mutant gene he was born with facial abnormalities.  He has had 27 operations in his short life and likely will have more.  

 

Wonder takes us through Auggie’s Grade 5 year at Beecher Prep School.  Auggie is a lovable character you will not soon forget.  Wonder is told from Auggie’s perspective for the most part, but also through the eyes of his sister, and his friends.  In reading Wonder, I experienced all the emotions a great book allows including crying, laughing out loud, pure joy and great sadness.  I was inspired by Auggie and his family and truly believe in this quote from Auggie’s mom. 

            “But I really believe, and Daddy really believes, that there are more good

people on this earth than bad people, and the good people watch out for

each other and take care of each other.” (p. 279 Palacio c.2012.)

 

I would recommend Wonder to students in Gr. 6 and above. It’s a great book for youth and adults and is beautifully written by first time novelist R.J. Palacio.  Thank you Mr. Rosenau for introducing me to this wonderful book.  I have now purchased a copy for our library and look forward to sharing this great novel with all of you.

Guest blogger Donovon

                                  Lacrosse

          I have a place for lacrosse in my heart

          We have a place for passion in our bodies

           She has a place for running in the arena

          He has a place for scoring in the game

           They have a place for sportsmanship in their team

           Our family has a place for believing in me

           Our school has a place for exercise in the system

           This city has a place for arenas in the community

          Our world has a place for faith in this game

          Where is your place for the game of lacrosse?

   

Guest bloggers today Elizabeth and Shayla

Through the Eyes of a Tree

I have a place for roots in the ground.
We have a place for life in the dark.
They have a place for destruction in our land.
Our world has a place for peace in our home.
Where is your place for benevolence in our world?

Elizabeth's Poem

Creativity

I have a place for art in my heart.
We have a place for creativity in our minds.
She has a place for peace in her imagination.
They have a place for originality in their community.
Our family has a place for love in artistic things.
Our world has a place for hope in all forms.
Where is your place for happiness and appreciation?

Shayla's Poem

Guest Blogger Gr. 6 student Elizabeth shares a class poem

School

I have a place for children in my classroom.
We have a place for learning in minds.
She has a place for joy in knowledge.
He has a place for success in school.
They have a place for laughter in the playground.
Our family has a place for education in our lives.
Our school has a place for opportunities in our students.
This city has a place for schools in our community.
This country has a place for inclusion in our hearts.
Our world has a place for wisdom in our elders.
Where is your place for hope for our future?

May, 23/12     Div.2     Grade 6/7     Randerson Ridge Elementary School