Randerson Gr. 4-7 students and staff enjoyed a visit from Canadian author
Eric Walters. Author of more than 90 books, Eric took us on a journey from
his teaching days in the Peel School District of Toronto, where he penned his
first novel, to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, where Between Heaven and
Earth sprung to life. Eric's enthusiasm for life, social justice,
and the power of reading was prominent in his
presentation. Student's learned of how his books come to life through ideas, research, experiences, and involvement in his community. We saw pictures of Eric with
two Siberian tigers at a school, walking/running the Sahara Dessert in an ultra
marathon and fending off poisonous snakes, elephants and lions in Africa. Eric brought us into his stories through his
tales of adventure, his great visuals and his dynamic mannerism.
Creation of Hope is
an orphanage in Kenya that Eric and his wife Anita began after a chance meeting
with a young boy in Kikima, Kenya. He spoke of the important role we all play
in becoming global citizens. He talked about how small acts of kindness go a
long way and how respect begets respect.
Thank you Eric Walters for visiting Randerson.
* Remember our next book club is on October 30th where we will be discussing the Series 7 created by Eric Walters and written by Eric and six other Canadian authors.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Terry Fox Run ~ A Big Success at Randerson
On Thursday September 26th, Randerson students, staff and parents took to the streets for a 2.6 km
run around our neighbourhood in the annual Terry Fox run. Joined by six members of the Nanaimo
Clippers students, ran, walked and jogged their way through the event.
*See all the pictures in the foyer at school - thanks Mackenzie (Gr. 7) for being our official photographer for the day!
Mr. Rosenau's Grade 4 class blogged about their experience.
Terry Fox’s Run
TERRY FOX RUN
Emma
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| Mr. French nearing the finish line! |
Clippers students, ran, walked and jogged their way through the event.
*See all the pictures in the foyer at school - thanks Mackenzie (Gr. 7) for being our official photographer for the day!
Mr. Rosenau's Grade 4 class blogged about their experience.
Today we ran 2.6km in the Terry Fox run. We ran to help raise money for cancer research. It was sunny, so the weather was nice to run in. We also ran with the Clippers, when we got back plenty of kids got the Clippers autographs. It was exhausting, but plenty of fun!!!! Angela
Today we ran for Terry Fox to raise money for cancer research! We ran 2.6km around the neighbourhood. It was so hot out I was sweating so much when I got back but it was fun anyway. It was also very very sunny out. Rylan
Today we did the Terry fox run. It was fun .We did the hole neighborhood
Was exhausting. I had to walk some of it. Dafydd
TERRY FOX RUN
Today was the Terry-Fox run
We ran 2.6km
I’m really happy that everybody showed strength.
We ran all the way past Oliver-woods.
GO TERRY GO.
Because he’s still running even though his body’s died his soul isn’t.
Terry Fox Run
Today we ran 2.6Km
It was fun but tired. Everybody ran.
Grade 2 and down ran around the school.
The Clippers ran too!
We ran around Oliver Road.
People were standing at every corner.
Isabela
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| Nanaimo Clippers hockey players joined us |
Terry Fox run
About the Terry Fox run
Terry fox ran all over all over Canada with one leg. But he was running with Cancer. I was third place with my pal Kai. Jake
Terry Fox Run
The Run was long
We ran with the Nanaimo Clippers
Terry Fox was a hero Alex
ABOUT THE TERRY FOX RUN
TODAY OUR SCHOOL WENT FOR THE TERRY FOX RUN.
ME AND MY PAL JAKE RAN TOGETHER THE WHOLE WAY!!!!
AT THE END ME AND JAKE WERE SOOOO TIRED WE THOUGHT WE WERE GOING TO COLLAPSE!!! Kai
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Get Caught Reading this Summer
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| Chillin' with a great book!
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| Reading at the Lake |
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Summer Reading
I just finished Mockingjay last night. After reading Hunger Games a few years ago my daughter has been encouraging me to finish the series. My first summer reads this year were Catching Fire and Mockingjay. Suzanne Collins knows how to write adventurous novels!
I thoroughly enjoyed Catching Fire with its twists and turns leading up to the Quarter Quell. Just when you think you've guessed the ending something new pops out to take the characters in a whole new direction.
Although I enjoyed the trilogy, my favourite in the series was Catching Fire. The characters grew in depth and we learned more about the districts absolute loathing of the Capitol. I did find parts of Mockingjay a bit confusing as at times I wasn't sure if the characters were dreaming or experiencing the events.
Randerson kids and staff, don't forget to be taking those great 'get caught reading' photos.
I thoroughly enjoyed Catching Fire with its twists and turns leading up to the Quarter Quell. Just when you think you've guessed the ending something new pops out to take the characters in a whole new direction.
Although I enjoyed the trilogy, my favourite in the series was Catching Fire. The characters grew in depth and we learned more about the districts absolute loathing of the Capitol. I did find parts of Mockingjay a bit confusing as at times I wasn't sure if the characters were dreaming or experiencing the events.
Randerson kids and staff, don't forget to be taking those great 'get caught reading' photos.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
June Book Club ~ Great Discussion, reflection, connections and of course yummy treats
An excited group of Gr. 5 and 6's gathered in the library at long recess today to discuss our book club choice of the month 'Out of My Mind' by Sharon Draper. The conversation started with one student voicing her dislike of the ending, especially when Penny was injured in the car accident. We all thought it was a surprising twist, that added hardship to a family that had been through so much. Of course the drama in these details kept us reading and wanting more.
Ayden said she has never read a book so fast and was sad when it was over as she still wanted more. Many agreed. Everyone felt Melody was brave, smart and funny. One student felt that Mr. Dimming was not the teacher that she would want because he didn't stand up to the meanies Claire and Molly, he didn't phone Melody's family when the plane was early and he was really mean saying "the test must be easy if Melody did well on it" . We all didn't think he behaved well as a teacher nor as an adult.
Catherine and Mrs. V really began creating life-changing opportunities for Melody and found ways she could have a voice. We all loved these characters.
My favourite thing about today's book club was the non-stop chatter among the students about characters, feelings and comparisons to other characters in other stories. I loved the empathy each student spoke of and the attention to detail they showed in their conversations. Mercedes spoke of how she could relate to Melody's use of songs for inspiration and telling a story, even creating moods and describing songs as colours and temperatures. The discussion led to connections with Rules by Cynthia Lord and Wonder by R.J.Palacio.
I thank all our students who attended the book clubs throughout the year. I get so much out of our discussions. I look forward to many more book club discussions. Remember if you want to discuss books this summer e-mail me or blog.
Happy Reading
Mrs. Martineau
Ayden said she has never read a book so fast and was sad when it was over as she still wanted more. Many agreed. Everyone felt Melody was brave, smart and funny. One student felt that Mr. Dimming was not the teacher that she would want because he didn't stand up to the meanies Claire and Molly, he didn't phone Melody's family when the plane was early and he was really mean saying "the test must be easy if Melody did well on it" . We all didn't think he behaved well as a teacher nor as an adult.
Catherine and Mrs. V really began creating life-changing opportunities for Melody and found ways she could have a voice. We all loved these characters.
My favourite thing about today's book club was the non-stop chatter among the students about characters, feelings and comparisons to other characters in other stories. I loved the empathy each student spoke of and the attention to detail they showed in their conversations. Mercedes spoke of how she could relate to Melody's use of songs for inspiration and telling a story, even creating moods and describing songs as colours and temperatures. The discussion led to connections with Rules by Cynthia Lord and Wonder by R.J.Palacio.
I thank all our students who attended the book clubs throughout the year. I get so much out of our discussions. I look forward to many more book club discussions. Remember if you want to discuss books this summer e-mail me or blog.
Happy Reading
Mrs. Martineau
Monday, June 10, 2013
I wonder? Connecting to Our World Through Inquiry
Randerson students are finishing up the year presenting answers to their I wonder questions. Throughout the year we have worked on the power of strong questions, how the right question can create strong learning and discovery opportunities and how hard it is to come up with meaningful questions.
I'm pleased to see the wonderful, innovative, curious questions our students have come up with.
" I wonder how Jackie Robinson impacted my life today?"
" I wonder how Pink Shirt Day impacts me on a day to day basis?"
"I wonder why you can see the moon during the day?"
"I wonder what obstacles Audrey Hepburn had to overcome at the beginning of her career?"
From these questions, students researched, using skills developed over this year and past years including; use of databases, narrowing a google search, using webcat in our library to find the right books and subjects and asking questions collaboratively. Students were also encouraged to interview members of the community to gain insight and understanding. The strongest connections came when students interviewed family members.
A Gr. 5 student interviewed her 97-year-old Great Grandmother on clothing styles in her day vs. those today.
A Gr. 5 student interviewed her Dad and it turned into a family discussion on how he is passing his Chilean culture on to his children while living in Nanaimo. This discussion led to the whole family coming up with ideas to celebrate and learn more about their Chilean heritage. It truly was a powerful connecting opportunity.
Several students interviewed their coaches (hockey, fast-pitch, karate) on what it takes to be the best athlete they can be, what sacrifices are needed, what rewards are possible. They spoke with their coaches about the coaches' experiences growing up in the sport. This too connected the young athlete and coach at a greater level than prior to the interview.
Students are presenting their findings in the final weeks of class. We are seeing iMovies, Power Points, videos and artifacts brought in to best showcase their answers. We are learning how to hip-hop as taught by a Gr. 6 boy, how bubble-gum is made (complete with a recipe that was handed out) and how influenced Walt Disney was by his wife's opinions.
Students who may have been reluctant to present to an audience have made wonderful iMovies, complete with pictures, diagrams, voice-overs and details on the research they did. They have been happy to sit back with the class and watch their movie. Response from their classmates has been phenomenal.
I have been inspired, encouraged and simply entertained by these wonderful inquiry projects by our talented students.
Thank you Randerson kids for making my job the best one in the world! I applaud you!!!
I'm pleased to see the wonderful, innovative, curious questions our students have come up with.
" I wonder how Jackie Robinson impacted my life today?"
" I wonder how Pink Shirt Day impacts me on a day to day basis?"
"I wonder why you can see the moon during the day?"
"I wonder what obstacles Audrey Hepburn had to overcome at the beginning of her career?"
From these questions, students researched, using skills developed over this year and past years including; use of databases, narrowing a google search, using webcat in our library to find the right books and subjects and asking questions collaboratively. Students were also encouraged to interview members of the community to gain insight and understanding. The strongest connections came when students interviewed family members.
A Gr. 5 student interviewed her 97-year-old Great Grandmother on clothing styles in her day vs. those today.
A Gr. 5 student interviewed her Dad and it turned into a family discussion on how he is passing his Chilean culture on to his children while living in Nanaimo. This discussion led to the whole family coming up with ideas to celebrate and learn more about their Chilean heritage. It truly was a powerful connecting opportunity.
Several students interviewed their coaches (hockey, fast-pitch, karate) on what it takes to be the best athlete they can be, what sacrifices are needed, what rewards are possible. They spoke with their coaches about the coaches' experiences growing up in the sport. This too connected the young athlete and coach at a greater level than prior to the interview.
Students are presenting their findings in the final weeks of class. We are seeing iMovies, Power Points, videos and artifacts brought in to best showcase their answers. We are learning how to hip-hop as taught by a Gr. 6 boy, how bubble-gum is made (complete with a recipe that was handed out) and how influenced Walt Disney was by his wife's opinions.
Students who may have been reluctant to present to an audience have made wonderful iMovies, complete with pictures, diagrams, voice-overs and details on the research they did. They have been happy to sit back with the class and watch their movie. Response from their classmates has been phenomenal.
I have been inspired, encouraged and simply entertained by these wonderful inquiry projects by our talented students.
Thank you Randerson kids for making my job the best one in the world! I applaud you!!!
Friday, May 3, 2013
Bookfest Authors visit Randerson
Randerson Ridge had the pleasure of hosting three Bookfest authors
this week. Our K’s and 1’s got to do Yoga with Kathy Beliveau. They loved
playing the Yoga Game and
especially liked the Lion Roar, the Cobra and the tree poses.
Our 2’s and 3’s were delighted by Maryann Kovalski’s talented drawings. It was amazing how she told a story and drew
the pictures as she went along. We learned that there is a drawing alphabet.
(circle, square, rectangle, cube and triangle) Our 3, 4’s and 5’s loved their interaction with David Ward. He captured their imaginations and thoroughly stoked their writing interests. “It was so cool to hear him read from E. A book he hasn’t even published yet. We might have been the first kids to hear it.” Gr. 4 student
Thank you to our wonderful guest authors for delighting and enriching our students. Thank you Bookfest organizers and volunteers for celebrating the joy of reading and writing each year with these wonderful Canadian authors.
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| Author David Ward |
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