This past week is quite eventful! It was the parents interview week, there are many things that teachers had to prepare for the interviews: every students file (their school work, tests, notes, etc.) I wasn't able to sit and listen during the interviews of my grade 5 students, but I was fortunate to be an interpreter for two grade 6 ESL student's parents. They've just came to Toronto recently and didn't know much English. The parents were very concern about their child's progress in English learning and questioned whether it would affect student's academic learning in math and science. I think the two grade 6 teachers whom I was helping translating were very caring and encouraging, their answers were very comforting for the parents. I could relate to both of these parents' concerns because I've experienced being an ESL student before. The parents were also concerned about their child's social development in school life. Integrating to the education system and school life isn't easy. So the teachers recommended that the ESL students can join lunch or after school programs that are not too heavy in communication, so the ESL students can make friends and be more involved in school community.
The book fair was also held last week for three days in the school's library. My students were very excited, almost all of them bought books. (which means they finally have something to read during silent reading time, and I will hear no more complains about them not having interesting books to read). some of them even visited the book fair every recess everyday. I've also noticed this wristbands trend. Students would spend their extra money on this "stop-bullying" wristband. some of them even bought 10 of them ($1 per wristband). I'm not sure whether they bought the wristband because they really want to promote "stop-bullying" or it's just because they think it's cool to wear so many of them on their wrist.
The students also went skating on Wednesday afternoon, at a walking-distance skating arena. They had lots of fun. It's too bad that I can't skate. Watching them skate made me really want to learn as well.
One more event that happened on Monday was the music prologue of Hansel and Gretel. I personally liked it and I think it was a good introduction for the kids to Opera singing.
Hi YiLin! Thank you for posting on my blog. And I see that you had a busy week too. I would love to go skating sometime this winter, maybe you would like to come too?
ReplyDeleteI also think it's great to have book fairs at school. Students can choose and buy reading materials they are interested in. I am also glad that your students are enjoying silent reading now.