Sunday, May 31, 2015

Math Lesson: Measuring Angles with the Leaning Tower of Pisa

As a post-lesson that reinforces identification of angles, estimation of the degree of an angle, and measuring angles, complete the following on-line lesson:

Measuring Angles with The Leaning Tower of Pisa - Gr. 4-6 - Geometry - Ontario Curriculum (14:40 mins)

Created by Ryan Tindale

In this video, google earth is used to help teach a geometry lesson to grade 5/6 students to identify acute, right and obtuse angles and begin measuring them with a protractor. The bell tower in Pisa is used to make the video more authentic and relevant, with cross curricular links to social studies. Construction on the bell tower in Pisa began in 1173 (Medieval Times) and took 200 years to complete.  It's purpose was to let the citizens know that the church (near the tower) was beginning. The bell tower is 150 feet high and has been slowing falling to one side over the last 950 years (therefore, it is known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa).  With its cross curricular connection, this video links very well to our Social Studies unit on early societies.

The objective of the video is to use angles to measure how many degrees this building has fallen over using smart technology (lines and protractor). You are to name the angle, estimate the degree of the angle, then help to participate in measuring the degrees of the angle using smart technology.  After the video, you are to identify, estimate and measure other building angles

NOTE: Ryan Tindale is a teacher in Ontario who loves to teach math through smart technology.  He has created a few videos in his series, Teaching Smarter.  His website is a great resource!


Wednesday, May 13, 2015

We NEED Poetry!

We need poetry!  Poetry promotes literacy, builds community, and fosters emotional resilience.  It can cross boundaries that little else can.

I wrote a poem from the information I compiled from interviews of students with special needs.   I asked these students to describe to me, in one of two words, their exceptionalities and what it was like to learn.  In some cases, I had to modify the questions to meet the needs of the student.  For example, the title credits go to a student who is non-verbal.  I asked him what he thought of his EA.  He looked directly at her, gave her a huge smile, and gestured a thumbs up sign!  


Thumbs Up! (Perspectives)

I can’t talk;
I can’t walk;
I can’t read;
I can’t write;
I can’t hear;
I can’t see;
I can’t count;
I need medicine;
I have anxiety;
I need help.

BUT…

I have dreams;
I can smile;
I have likes;
I can communicate;
I can feel;
I have hope;
I am included;
I have friends;
I can laugh;
I can play;
I have goals;
I can succeed.

I am a student with special needs.
I am a person.
Thank you for seeing what I CAN do!
Thumbs up!

Now it is your turn!  Here is the link to your next lesson, where you are going to use poetry to tell me about yourself - where you come from and who you are!  

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Who is Mrs. Park ?

     I am a teacher !
     I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher.  As I went through my academic career, I looked back on the values and ideas that had been instilled in me as a student by my teachers, and once I realized the impact that one person had on me, everything clicked.     
     I have been teaching at this school since 1998 and I think I have the best job in the world!  I graduated from the University of Western Ontario in London, ON, where I studied Human Geography, Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology.  After university, I attended D'Youville College in Buffalo, NY, where I received my teaching certification.
     I have many interests, such as reading and following storm chasers!  Also, I love to travel!  I have been to England, Belgium, France, Italy, and Ireland.  I have many more places on my bucket list that I would like to go to, but right now, my family comes first!
     My husband and I live in Exeter, with our daughter and son.  We spend most of our extra-curricular time in a hockey arena or on a soccer field for our children's activities, but we wouldn't have it any other way! 
     To sum up, I am passionate about this school and community, and the people in it!


Welcome 5th Grade Student !

Dear New 5th Grade Student,
     Welcome to Room 205!  I am so happy to have you in class.  It is already that time of year to start thinking about your new teacher and classmates. I hope you had a wonderful summer and are ready to tell me all about your fun activities.  I was busy planning your year in 5th grade and reading many great books.  5th grade is going to be an amazing year and I look forward to meeting you on the first day of school.  
     The homework and reading expectations are listed on the right of my blog under Homework and Reminders, as well as on the Calendar.  I encourage you to take a peek and wander around my site.  I hope you take a few moments to read over your class responsibilities, and pay particular attention to your homework expectations, in the letter to your parents (on the Parent's Page). 
     Should you have any questions, please feel free to email me at any time. I look forward to meeting you and being your 5th grade teacher! 


Sincerely,
Mrs. Park  :)