HALEEMA JAFER - The season of chilly nights and warm pumpkin lattes is upon us, and there is just so much to teach in October! Food, Shopping, Nutrition, and Recipes, are just a few topics that could be a natural precursor to teaching about Thanksgiving.
Download October's Recommended Topics and Themes here
We had some great activities posted last week and here are a few internet research actives on fall fun (posted in PBLA and Teacher Created Worksheets):
As well, Irene has shared some great materials on the topic of health. We couldn't post it all, but here's one relating to Canada's Food Guide (2015).
First, divide your class into groups of 3 or 4. Each group is given a piece of chart paper and marker. On the board write “Fall” at the top, and under write: nouns/verbs/adjectives/holidays. Do a few as an example: leaves/hike/colourful/Thanksgiving. Students brainstorm as much vocabulary as possible in 20 minutes or given time.
Next, I take up our answers on the board, but also try to incorporate some listening. As the groups share their answers I write the words on the board. The other groups must listen carefully and put a check mark beside the words they have on their charts, so we don’t have repetition when reporting back.
Once we have all the words on the board, the groups are given another chart paper and together as a group, must write a story about fall.
Finally, after all the stories are completed, each group posts their story on the board. The group writer gets to choose the group reader. Students read their stories to the class, and we correct each one as a class. Presto - a listening, speaking, reading and writing activity in one!
By now, most of your students have received their Language Companions and we can begin to get into the habit of “feeding the binders.” We all have our stock assessments and go-to skill-using activities, but it’s sometimes a challenge to get the students to fill out those weekly reflection sheets.
Rather than have students work individually to come up with meaningful content for what they learned the previous week, why not get your class to do it together? There are a number of sample templates that are available. Choose one you like, project it on the board and brainstorm answers together. Rather than my usual Monday morning “How was your weekend? “warm-up, I may just do Monday morning reflections!
For a teaching Calendar from Halton/Peel Linc clink on this link: Teaching Calendar October
Thank you everyone for sharing the great activities and resources! Please continue to share, and remember to check/subscribe to our blog for ideas!
Cheers,
Your PBLA Leads