Feb. 11, 2010 - Glogster!

We've just become aware of a new internet poster-making technology called glogster (edu.glogster.com). Have a look at the neat possibilities it offers!

Sample Glog with audio and video!

Jan. 28, 2010 - Comics & Class Expectations

Hello on a very frosty January afternoon!

Students are greatly enjoying the new Bitstrips For Schools (see link above) for its excellent media literacy and written language components.  This software allows students to have fun while creating interesting and visual narratives in a comic strip format.

We have unveiled a new behaviour management system in 6/7A in order to counteract some behavioural issues that have been problematic of late across the intermediate division.  Students were made aware of the clear penalties for misbehaviour during a lengthy in-class discussion.  The list of infractions and time consequences are as follows:

Leaning in Chair - 2 min

Speaking Out / Too Loudly / In a Disruptive Way - 5 min

Unprepared for Class - 5 min

Wandering / Up and About Without Permission - 5 min

Gum Chewing - 5 min

Work Avoidance - Discretionary Amount of Time

Fighting/Arguing - 25 min

Defiance (Failure to Respond to Behavioural Instructions) - 25 min

Cheating (Talking During Tests; Plagiarism, etc) - 25 min + Note to be signed

Gross Misconduct" (Issues that, while unexpected, grossly and clearly undermine the classroom climate) - 25 min

Already, the system has had a positive impact on the classroom.  Many students report a much more peaceful and quiet atmosphere, allowing them to focus more on the work and discussions at hand.  Similar initiatives are being implemented across the intermediate division, though all rotary students should be prepared to abide by their teachers' expectations.  If you have a question about this, please send me an email at my address, listed below.

All the best, and stay warm!

-Mr. A.

Sep. 20, 2009 - Hello, and welcome back to another fun filled year at the Dhu!

To build on last year's experiences, the class wiki project will be growing for the 6/7 class as we continue to find new and exciting ways of incorporating technology into our learning! If you've lost the address, the wiki can be found at http://sites.google.com/site/mrandersonswikisite/.  Not all class members have been added yet, but those participating will be added shortly.

As I am committed to open communication with parents/guardians which can suffer from conflicting schedules, I urge parents to feel free to contact me via email.  You can do this at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please note: I cannot respond to student requests via email.  The only time any email will be sent to your child on my behalf will be when the wiki site grants him or her access privileges.  Students with school-related questions may raise them in the public forum in the wiki's Q&A section.

Some advantages of the wiki:

- Ability to ask and answer questions regarding schoolwork

- Ability to edit, and practice constructive criticism with others' work

- Ability to showcase students' work

- Opportunity to become more capable with online technologies

I look forward to meeting you (or becoming reacquainted!) at the Meet the Teacher night, Wed., Sept. 30.

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