Monday, January 31, 2011

Math Word Wall

The word wall is a great visual reference as explaining a Math lesson. It’s an informative wall that contains all mathematical terms studied so far and helps in retaining them.
 Several activities are done using the “Math Word Wall”.
Grade 3 students play a math game using the Math Word Wall. A student chooses a word from the math word wall and has to act this word; students have to guess what the word is.
 We also use this wall to attach the “Math Journal”. In the “Math Journal” students document what they are learning during a math lesson and write down the steps that helped them solve a math word problem or exercise.
Moreover, this wall contains a corner for the names of “Super Math Students”. This way motivates students to do their best to have their name on the wall.

The Lunch Box Project


Plot Location: Beirut, Lebanon


brief audio introduction on Woices
click to hear some voices on the Woices Map in different languages

The Lunch Box Project on Wiki
The link to the project on wiki :  The Lunch Box

We've been recently involved in an interesting project, "The Lunch Box", an international language and cultural awareness project. The main goal is to use the second language for an authentic purpose and to become aware of the similarities and differences between cultures. There are five stages in this project and the activities in each stage are going to be completed by a certain date.

The participants are:


- Australia: Laurimar Primary School, Melbourne, VictoriaDoncaster Gardens Primary School, Melbourne, VictoriaOberthur Primary School, Perth, Western Australia , and  The Hutchins School, Hobart, Tasmania 

- The United Kingdom: Sinfin School, Derby
- Jordan: Mafraq 

We're currently in stage one of this project which needs to be completed by Friday, February 4th...and we're done! We have joined the group on google and also the teachers' blog on Posterous to go with the project and then located our country on the map and  recorded our voices on Woices Map.
Here is the link to the project on Posterous: "The Lunch Box"

blog on Posterous


Thank you Mrs. Jess McCulloch for organizing this project...it was so interesting to discuss this project with you on skype and share ideas!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Dicto- Comp Technique


the first step to Dicto- Comp...listening

Boys did the acting out, while the girls read the poem a second time.

Girls did the acting out, while the boys read the poem a third time.




Here is a video of how we acted out the poem.

writing one sentence for each action


Dicto- Comp Dictation is an effective exercise and a learning activity. We applied phonics skills and practiced the integrative use of listening and writing skills. 
Here are the steps we followed:
1. First, we listened to the poem several times.
2. Next, we read the poem slowly and acted it out.
3. We listened to the poem and all the students tried to act it out.
5. Teacher pantomimed the poem and we wrote one sentence for each action.
6. Peer- Correction
Thank you, Mrs. Tamara Nicolai Itani, for telling us about this technique. Dictation has never been so much fun!

Friday, January 28, 2011

Take- Home Lucky (2)

with a new bike

at the supermarket

taking a shower




Reading to Lucky is one of the best things you can do with him.


Thank you Muheiddeen for helping your sister, Marwa, read to Lucky.


Lucky's Diary

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Our New Japanese Friend, Hikari

Hikari with Flat Stanley

Hikari with Santa

reading Hikari's message


our gifts to Hikari and our Japanese friends

Lebanese flags





Hikari, a Japanese hairdresser, is our new friend. She has sent us a letter telling us that she has never visited Lebanon before and would like to know more about our country. Hikari, has also joined us in our Flat Stanley project and sent us beautiful photos. Thank you so much for communicating with us.
Here are our letters to Hikari:


Wednesday, January 26, 2011

BLUE PEACE

“The blue peace: Rethinking Middle East Water ‘’ by the Strategic Foresight Group The water crisis in the Middle East can be transformed into an opportunity -the blue peace where any two countries with access to sustainable water resources don’t feel motivated to engage in military conflict. And this can be only achieved through new short term and long term regional policy instruments for water security in seven countries in the Middle East: Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, and the Palestinian Territories. This was the conclusion drawn from the Strategic Foresight Group which is a leading think tank based in India with global reach headed by Mr.Sundeep Waslekar. The Strategic Foresight Group report was discussed in the “The blue peace: Rethinking Middle East water” event which was held on Wednesday the 19th in Carnegie Middle East Center. This report was prepared with input from almost 100 leaders and it provides scenarios for water availability for the seven countries under different circumstances by 2030 and recommends new policy measures. According to the statistics found in the report,the river flows in Turkey , Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan have depleted by 40% from 1960 to 2010.For instance, the Yarmouk River declined from 600 million centimeter(MCM) to about 250-300 MCM per year while the Jordan river ,which its basin covers parts of 5 states: Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine declined from 1300 MCM to 100 MCM. The flow of Euphrates in Iraq decreased about 18 billion centimeter in 2009 which was considered a drought year. The drought impact is strongly felt in the leanest months in Turkey, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq where the average monthly flow of a river is 3-5 % of the annual flow. The Jordan River does not exist for almost six months and the average flow in the leanest month can be only 1 MCM. With regards to Yarmouk, Euphrates and Tigris, riparian countries continue to disagree about the actual amount of flow of the rivers across boundaries. In fact, in 2010, the world witnessed disagreements, depleting rivers, climate risks, economic limitations and low technological base. But through the 6 components of the Cooperation Council for Water Resources which are: principles of cooperation, standardizing measurements, common goals for sustenance, regional climate change model, new technologies and basin level joint projects we can reach in 2020 the rejuvenation of Rivers, climate cooperation, economic growth and high technology .According to the National climate change reports and international experts, the summer temperatures will rise from 2.5-3.7 degree Celsius and the winter temperatures will rise by 2-3.1 degree Celsius over the next 50-70 years, resulting in faster evaporation of surface water in the Middle East. Regarding desertification, it is expected to affect Syria ,turkey ,Iraq and Jordan-around 60% of the land in Syria faces this threat. In turkey ,about 80% of the depletion has occurred over the last decade and the konya basin faces complete desertification by 2030.Dust storm have worsened due to the drought and decrease in vegetation. Practically, the report calls for a regional developed climate change models for 2010 -2100 to combat climate change and desertification. The strategic foresight group report indicates that the present water level in the Dead Sea is 420 meters below sea level and will be 450 meters below sea level by 2040.The water surface area has reduced about 313 square km. If the surface water level in the Dead Sea continues to erode it will be reduced to a lake in 50 years, and will eventually disappear altogether. Moreover, there is unequal internal distribution of water due to the countries topography and geography. For example, Damascus and Hama are in the western part of the country while the Euphrates flows are in the eastern part. So the report recommends to address the internal disequilibrium. Dr .Fadi Comair, the president of Mediterranean network of river basin organization (MENBO) introduced a new concept called “Hydrodiplomacy of international watercourses in the Near East region “.Actually, it is based on the application of regional cooperation that creates dynamics of transboundary basin economic development. Nowadays, any nation development depends on water quality and quantity availability. The conflicts on transboundary watercourse between riparian states will intensify and a number of steps should be taken to guarantee the equitable use of water resources for the population of the south east of the Mediterranean basin: 1-Shared water resources management: -Regional cooperation framework to provide the countries domestic water needs and food security. -Economic development policy while preserving the international basin ecosystems. 2-legal aspects which are still texts for conflict resolution: -UN 1997 convention on the non-navigational of international -European Union water framework directives -Union for the Mediterranean water strategy (which is still rejected by Israel) 3- The Transboundary Basin Organization -Equitable sharing and reasonable utilization -obtain necessary funds to develop the basin’s water management and infrastructure -Decision making and efficient solutions 4-Develop information systems to access the results of the hydrological measurement, the analysis of the basin water quality, the hydroelectric production with a preliminary annual program for every country 5-Develop research programs concerning resources, socio-economic aspects of basins. 6- Sharing knowledge by organizing of national and regional forums on water. Dr. Fadi discussed the hydrodiplomatic negotiation for the rationalization of agricultural practices and domestic water use: 1-Irrigation sector: -Improvement of Irrigation and fertilization methods -Implement water users association -Reuse treated wastewater for this sector -Improvement of irrigation and fertilization 2-Environmental preservation: -Apply the “pollutor-pays” concept -Implement technical control system to prevent river degradation -Establishment of wastewater treatment plan From 1984 to 1994, the conflict about Nahr el Kebir River between Syria and Lebanon was on its peak, but through Nahr el Kebir agreement there was a cooperation from 1999 to 2002.Nahr el kebir agreement states that: 1-Lebanon allocates 40% of the total flow 2-Syria allocates 60% of the total flow 3-projects: -Joint stocking dam -Surface area of irrigation 4-Installation, maintenance, measurement of meteorological data, volume and flow of water 5-The watercourses states must protect and preserve the ecosystem -The joint committee of water and/or the ministries of both states Problematic with Lebanon: 1) Issue of the Hasbani-Wazzani: - Water stress situation in Lebanon: 50l/day 2) Issue of Shebaa farms: -Identity issue The report of the foresight group recommends that the total of Jordan river basin conventional water and non conventional water which is consisted of canal red-dead sea/Med-dead sea, treated waste water, desalination and sea water springs are a 4 billion m ³/yr which should be equally divided between the shared basins in order to return Golan heights (Syria) and Shebaa farms (Lebanon).To sum up, water can be the force of understanding and promote the application of the “peace culture” in the ME.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Toys and Joys: Gymnasium 140, Russia


Favorite Toys of Russian students of Gymnasium 140

Thank you Ms. Galina Merezhko, the international projects coordinator at Omsk Gymnasium School in Russia, for participating in our project on the e-languages website. We loved the way you described your toys...your toys are beautiful!
We are learning English by playing and we learn the most when it's fun to learn! We all have our toys and enjoy our time sharing them with great friends, don't we?

Toys and Joys: Massachusetts, USA






Mrs. Deb Grady, a home educator in Massachusetts in the USA, has joined our project "Toys and Joys" on the e-languages website. James, Delia, and Maggie, our new cute friends, have shared a presentation and recorded their voices to tell us about their favorite toys. Your toys look really great! 
Thank you Ms. Grady, we are so pleased you have participated in one of our favorite projects and would like to share some of the wonderful learning experiences with you.
This is the link to their presentation on their class website: Mrs. Grady's Website
and here is the link to "Toys and Joys" project on the e-languages website: TOYS AND JOYS

Saturday, January 22, 2011

وفوز أيضآ في كرة اليد

بعد أن تألق فريق كرة السّلة في فوزه البارحة تميّز فريق كرة اليد أيضآ اليوم بعد أن فاز على مدرسة أبي بكرالصّديق بنتيجة 9-4 وذلك ضمن بطولة المقاصد المصّغرة.مع تمنياتنا بالتوفيق لتلامذتنا في جميع المباريات

Friday, January 21, 2011

Flat Friends from Japan

Marina and Haruka 

Nanami and Kyoko 



Our lovely Japanese friends have put their final touches on their Flats and will send them to us hoping they will have great adventures in Lebanon. They have made them alive with colors and beautiful clothes. We promise you, Marina, Haruka, Nanami, and Kyoko to take good care of your Flats and will make them feel at home! Stay tuned for some adventures with Flats!
Flat Stanley, have a safe flight...can't wait to meet you :)
Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Farnsworth...We very much appreciate your collaboration!

مباراتنا الأولى وبداية مشّجعة

مع انطلاقة بطولة المقاصد المصّغرة لهذا العام،أقيمت اليوم مباراتنا الأولى في لعبة كرة السّلة على ملعب مدرسة أبي بكر الصّديق بين فريق مدرستنا وفريق مدرسة عمر بن الخطاب وكان الفوز حليفنا.كانت بداية موفّقة وألف مبروك لتلاميذنا

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Dictogloss Technique





Dictogloss Dictation


Dictogloss Technique is a classic activity where we are required to reconstruct a text by listening and noting down key words which are then used as a base for reconstruction. We practice listening, reading, writing and speaking by working in cooperative groups and use the vocabulary we have already learned (body parts, fruit, and vegetables) in order to complete the text and make up our own poems.

Special Thank You to Mrs. Tamara Nicolai Itani. We have learned a lot from you and this activity is one of the unforgettable activities that makes dictation active and task based...and brings lots of laughs!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

How to Build a Snowman





"Build a Snowman" is a song we love to sing and pretend we are making a snowman. There are no rules to be followed to build a snowman. It will be prefect no matter what we do and this is one of the reasons we like to build him. To us, he will come alive even for a little while. 
How we wish it would snow in our beloved city, Beirut! Nothing would make us happier than playing in the snow, making a snowman, and having a snowball fight!

Monday, January 17, 2011

My Home on the Map

All on the Map


naming places shown on the map


 "All on the Map" cards as an aid to completing the graphic organizer chart:
 Photos and Maps



telling about a time when a family member used a map to find a place




It's the end of the selection '"All on the Map" and here is one of our post- reading activities. We drew maps of our neighborhood and located where our houses are. Then we shared our maps and explained what we drew. At the end, we described similarities and differences of where we live.

Grade 3 Special Visitor

The last Math period was not the same as everyday for grade 3 students. A special visitor was present in our class. Mrs.Nada, a student’s mom, was invited to attend the math class. She became grade 3 Math teacher for 55 minutes.
Grade 3 students studied how to classify triangles according to their sides. Collaborative work started when students were divided into 5 groups. Each group’s task was to create triangles using clay and sticks and classify them. Each group selected 2 reporters to present the group’s results to the whole class. Finally students watched a power point presentation that illustrates the concept of classifying triangles according to their sides.   
When special guests are present in our class Learning becomes definitely so much fun!

Students Council

On Saturday 15 January 2011, a students’ council was assigned, who will be responsible to set –up a display corner for partner school/country in U.k. The students’ names are: -Youssef Halabi (Grade 2) -Ahmad Melhem ( Grade 3) -Mohammad Darwiche ( Grade 4) -Hadi Nasser and Reine Farsakoury ( Grade 5) -Omar Ghawi ( Grade 6)

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Creating Winter Lapbooks










Lapbooking is a tool for learning. It's easy to make and learn project.  We have created winter lapbooks covering details that we have already studied about winter. It's a great way to include hands- on activities and  a review tool that we can refer to it over and over again.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Cooperative Learning Method: Jigsaw

Jigsaw is a cooperative learning technique that promotes better learning, improve students’ motivation, increase enjoyment of the learning experience, and increase positive educational outcomes. Just as in a jigsaw puzzle, each piece (student) is essential for the completion and full understanding of the final product. Here is what happened today during the math session in grade 5. Students were studying about classifying triangles according to their sides (equilateral, isosceles, and scalene) and to their angles (acute, obtuse, and right) so I divided students into 6 groups each group is responsible to explain a type of triangles for the whole class. Each group selected a reporter.
Group A reporter was responsible to explain acute triangles.
Group B reporter was responsible to explain obtuse triangles.
Group C reporter was responsible to explain right triangles.
Group D reporter was responsible to explain equilateral triangles.
Group E reporter was responsible to explain isosceles triangles.
Group F reporter was responsible to explain scalene triangles.
Reporters presented their work using power point presentation.