For information on the new curriculum, click the following link. If you have further questions, please contact me.
Units of Inquiry
Children in the IB PYP program learn through a variety of teaching strategies, with guided inquiry being the most prevalent. This approach engages students actively in their own learning, stimulates their natural curiosity and essentially promotes the enjoyment of life-long learning. The IB PYP is concept-based rather than a content-based curriculum model. Furthermore, it provides an educational framework which complements and supports our provincial standards and prescribed learning outcomes. Many of the learning outcomes (mandated by the B.C. Ministry of Education) for the following subjects will be addressed in the six Units of Inquiry. Remember part of the Inquiry based program is to follow the student’s questions, so lesson plans are constantly adjusted to match the students’ interests.
Language Arts
Reading, writing, listening, and speaking are central to English Language Arts curriculum. Activities that will encourage the development of these skills include: novel study/literature circles, journal writing, letter writing, co-operative critical thinking, spelling, grammar, guided reading, silent reading, buddy reading, shared reading, reading strategies, creative writing, writer's workshop, and presenting. These and other activities in conjunction with the Reading 44 and Writing 44 programs developed by the District of North Vancouver, will enable students to develop an awareness of the nature and purposes of language and literacy.
Reading
Most reading will be from novels and graphic novels– please feel free to read the same novels as they are reading so you can participate in detailed and meaningful conversations about character development, author’s style, and plot. Try to refrain from asking questions that “test” your child’s comprehension. A student’s comprehension can be revealed through genuine conversations about the book.
Reading at home daily is necessary to improve fluency and vocabulary at this level. The choice of reading material is left up to the student and their family. The purpose is to instill a love of reading in your child and to allow them free choice in reading material. There are a wide variety of books available in the school and public libraries, as well as the classroom library, and I would encourage you to consult with the librarians if your child is unable to locate a suitable book. You can always ask me as well as Mrs. Robertson, our teacher-librarian, for recommendations.
Writing
· Most assignments will be done exclusively at school to evaluate writing process.
· It is extremely important that students be allowed to write at their own level. Research has shown that writing for an authentic purpose is an effective way to encourage children to express themselves. Be aware that not all pieces are brought up to a “publishable state”, and while it is good practice to encourage your child to proofread their work, it is in fact better to look for the ideas expressed in the writing.
· When assisting with editing, ask questions that focus on the revision of ideas first, and technical aspects of writing (ex: grammar, spelling) after all revisions to ideas have been completed.
· Make suggestions for change, but allow students to make their own revisions – research shows that changing words, phrases, and fixing technical aspects of writing for students is detrimental to their perceptions of becoming successful writers, and impedes learning.
· Spelling/Grammar/ Technical writing skills will be Covered through the writing process and writing assignments (instruction linked to revision process).
Listening/Speaking
In Grade Six, students are constantly engaged in speaking and listening. Students are constantly expected to engage in active listening throughout the day. This can take the form of listening to instructions from the teacher or listening to peers during group work. Furthermore, students must also be able to use their speaking skills to communicate their ideas, thoughts, and feelings. Speaking and listening can take place in a more formal setting (presentations, debates, discussions), however, the majority of speaking and listening takes place in the everyday classroom setting.
Mathematics
In Grade Six, students will build upon the mathematical skills learned in Grade Five. The program encompasses the following "Big Ideas:"
Use of a calculator is required for most homework due to the fact that the emphasis is on concept development beyond the basic skills of multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction. It is important for students to become proficient at using their calculator. A basic calculator is all that is needed, and students should have one they keep at home, and one they can keep at school.
Science & Social Studies:
These content in these areas will mostly fall under the umbrella of U of I. If you want more information about the concepts and content that will be covered, please click on the headings above and they will take you to the BC Curriculum.
Physical & Health Education
Exercise clothing (Gym Strip) is required for most PE periods. It is best for students to keep a bag at school containing running shoes, sports socks, t-shirt, shorts or track pants, deodorant, and a water bottle.
In the intermediate grades emphasis is placed upon activities related to the development of safety and health skills, setting goals, making decisions, communication, and developing an understanding of one’s own strengths and interests. We will also be discussing the changes occurring with puberty and the reproductive systems from a physiological viewpoint.
French
Students will be receiving instruction in French from Mme. Haddock who will be working on vocabulary building and oral language.
Fine Arts
Various activities including the elements and principles of design, drawing, painting, dance, music, and drama will be covered throughout the year throughout the year.
Library
Students will visit the school library for book exchange and lessons once a week with Mrs. Farrell.
Units of Inquiry
Children in the IB PYP program learn through a variety of teaching strategies, with guided inquiry being the most prevalent. This approach engages students actively in their own learning, stimulates their natural curiosity and essentially promotes the enjoyment of life-long learning. The IB PYP is concept-based rather than a content-based curriculum model. Furthermore, it provides an educational framework which complements and supports our provincial standards and prescribed learning outcomes. Many of the learning outcomes (mandated by the B.C. Ministry of Education) for the following subjects will be addressed in the six Units of Inquiry. Remember part of the Inquiry based program is to follow the student’s questions, so lesson plans are constantly adjusted to match the students’ interests.
Language Arts
Reading, writing, listening, and speaking are central to English Language Arts curriculum. Activities that will encourage the development of these skills include: novel study/literature circles, journal writing, letter writing, co-operative critical thinking, spelling, grammar, guided reading, silent reading, buddy reading, shared reading, reading strategies, creative writing, writer's workshop, and presenting. These and other activities in conjunction with the Reading 44 and Writing 44 programs developed by the District of North Vancouver, will enable students to develop an awareness of the nature and purposes of language and literacy.
Reading
Most reading will be from novels and graphic novels– please feel free to read the same novels as they are reading so you can participate in detailed and meaningful conversations about character development, author’s style, and plot. Try to refrain from asking questions that “test” your child’s comprehension. A student’s comprehension can be revealed through genuine conversations about the book.
Reading at home daily is necessary to improve fluency and vocabulary at this level. The choice of reading material is left up to the student and their family. The purpose is to instill a love of reading in your child and to allow them free choice in reading material. There are a wide variety of books available in the school and public libraries, as well as the classroom library, and I would encourage you to consult with the librarians if your child is unable to locate a suitable book. You can always ask me as well as Mrs. Robertson, our teacher-librarian, for recommendations.
Writing
· Most assignments will be done exclusively at school to evaluate writing process.
· It is extremely important that students be allowed to write at their own level. Research has shown that writing for an authentic purpose is an effective way to encourage children to express themselves. Be aware that not all pieces are brought up to a “publishable state”, and while it is good practice to encourage your child to proofread their work, it is in fact better to look for the ideas expressed in the writing.
· When assisting with editing, ask questions that focus on the revision of ideas first, and technical aspects of writing (ex: grammar, spelling) after all revisions to ideas have been completed.
· Make suggestions for change, but allow students to make their own revisions – research shows that changing words, phrases, and fixing technical aspects of writing for students is detrimental to their perceptions of becoming successful writers, and impedes learning.
· Spelling/Grammar/ Technical writing skills will be Covered through the writing process and writing assignments (instruction linked to revision process).
Listening/Speaking
In Grade Six, students are constantly engaged in speaking and listening. Students are constantly expected to engage in active listening throughout the day. This can take the form of listening to instructions from the teacher or listening to peers during group work. Furthermore, students must also be able to use their speaking skills to communicate their ideas, thoughts, and feelings. Speaking and listening can take place in a more formal setting (presentations, debates, discussions), however, the majority of speaking and listening takes place in the everyday classroom setting.
Mathematics
In Grade Six, students will build upon the mathematical skills learned in Grade Five. The program encompasses the following "Big Ideas:"
- Mixed numbers and decimal numbers represent quantities that can be decomposed into parts and wholes.
- Computational fluency and flexibility with numbers extend to operations with whole numbers and decimals.
- linear relations can be identified and represented using expressions with variables and line graphs and can be used to form generalizations.
- Properties of objects and shapes can be described, measured, and compared using volume, area, perimeter, and angles.
- Data from the results of an experiment can be used to predict the theoretical probability of an event and to compare and interpret.
Use of a calculator is required for most homework due to the fact that the emphasis is on concept development beyond the basic skills of multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction. It is important for students to become proficient at using their calculator. A basic calculator is all that is needed, and students should have one they keep at home, and one they can keep at school.
Science & Social Studies:
These content in these areas will mostly fall under the umbrella of U of I. If you want more information about the concepts and content that will be covered, please click on the headings above and they will take you to the BC Curriculum.
Physical & Health Education
Exercise clothing (Gym Strip) is required for most PE periods. It is best for students to keep a bag at school containing running shoes, sports socks, t-shirt, shorts or track pants, deodorant, and a water bottle.
In the intermediate grades emphasis is placed upon activities related to the development of safety and health skills, setting goals, making decisions, communication, and developing an understanding of one’s own strengths and interests. We will also be discussing the changes occurring with puberty and the reproductive systems from a physiological viewpoint.
French
Students will be receiving instruction in French from Mme. Haddock who will be working on vocabulary building and oral language.
Fine Arts
Various activities including the elements and principles of design, drawing, painting, dance, music, and drama will be covered throughout the year throughout the year.
Library
Students will visit the school library for book exchange and lessons once a week with Mrs. Farrell.