Halloween Writing, Endoscopy, and More!

Hello, 5B families!

In Language Arts, we have been exploring different types of expository writing.

Our inquiry on Monday afternoon challenged small groups to “think like teachers” and read and assess four different “Halloween How-to” writing samples using a rubric. They were invited to write corrections and advice on the writing samples, evaluate them in the categories of Meaning, Style, Form, and Conventions, and give them each a final grade.

The purpose of this task was to familiarize students with the features of great writing and to reflect upon the ways their own writing is similar and dissimilar to each of the writing samples. We will continue working on these Halloween expository pieces this week through the proofreading and revising stages. (Students looking for extra writing practice and support may always write additional works for me, and I am happy to provide feedback.)

On Monday, we had a very special guest: Vanessa, a registered nurse in the department of endoscopy in the local hospital—this visit was a perfect tie-in to our Science unit on the digestive system! How did we get so lucky!?

Our students were fascinated to see and operate the endoscope and Roth net devices she brought in. We passed around these instruments as she described their functions in various procedures and situations. This was high-level medical learning!

Not only did Vanessa share her rich medical expertise with us, we were inspired by her character qualities that clearly add so much to her success in her profession. We could imagine how a calm, caring, and gentle demeanour and patience would be appreciated by patients, especially during times when they may be nervous about procedures.

The students asked so many excellent practical questions, and we advanced our understanding as a class tremendously! We now have more students interested in work in the medical field. Thank you, Vanessa!