Entry 21: Cyberwelless - Handling Inappropriate content

Dear Cyber Kids,

Have you ever feel uncomfortable, weird, scared, confused or guilty about the content you see online? Here’s my story…Many years ago, when I was surfing the Internet for information on my project, I chanced upon a website with the following caption. - “LOSE WEIGHT FAST- 10 KILOGRAMS in 3 DAYS.”

The website provided 10 easy steps for ladies like me to lose weight. Though I found it a little unbelievable, I was tempted to give it a try. Just when I was engrossed in reading and understanding how to go around losing weight in the fastest way, my mother came into my room. She saw the content on the website and asked, “You are not going to follow the steps, aren’t you? How can you go without food for so many days? Is that the right way to lose weight?”

I came to realize that I might even cause harm to myself. I have learnt that in order to lose weight, it is important to have a balanced diet and exercise regularly. What about you?

- Have you ever seen anything online that made you afraid, uncomfortable or feel excited and yet guilty because you sensed that it was wrong?

- How would you discern if the content on the Internet is inappropriate?

- What should you do when the content on the Internet is inappropriate?

Entry 20: Cyberwelless - Cyber Addiction

Dear Cyber Kids,

I would like to share my personal experience on Cyber Addiction. For the past few weeks, I have been playing a game called “Waka-Waka”on the facebook, an improvised version of Pac-man. I have always enjoyed playing Pac-man since I was young. Soon, I was addicted to the game unknowingly.Negative behaviours such as spending too much time on the game and possessing the urge to play the game soon surfaced. My ultimate goal is to be the first on the score board. However after about a week, I realised that something was amiss. I wasn’t spending enough time with my family members. I began to reflect on the purpose of playing the game and how it has affected my daily routine. I came to understand the importance of having a balanced lifestyle and spending time with my family members. Now, I'll only play the game if I've completed my work and limit myself to at most 30 minutes of gaming every day.

That’s my story. What about yours? Share your experience on computer gaming and how you tried/ will be trying to overcome Cyber Addiction. Do make use of the following questions for your reflection.

1. What is your favourite computer game?
2. How many hours a day do you spend on playing computer games?
3. How has it affected your daily routine?
4. What can you do to prevent Cyber Addiction?
5. What advice would you give to your friend who is a game addict?

Entry 19: Effects of Preventive Measures on Pupils

Hi Everyone,

Since we returned to school a few weeks ago, we had to take our temperature twice a day. Some of the pupils could not return to school because they were on leave of absence. Our remedial, CCA and other activities have been cancelled or postponed. In this week's reflection, I would like you to discuss how all these have affected you. I have listed some questions below to help you with your reflection:
1. What do you think of the school's preventive measures for H1N1 such as temperature-taking, no assembly in the hall, cancellation of remedial lessons, CCA and other activities?
2. Which activities have affected you?
3. How has the cancellation of these activities affect you in your learning?
4. Do you think the school is less interesting now? Why?
5. Are you relationship with your friends and teachers affected? If 'yes', in what way/s?
6. What do you do with the extra time you have now?
7. Are you activities outside school affected?

Entry 18: Reflective Time for Science (Light Energy)

To be completed on 05 July 2009, Tuesday

Light helps us in daily life as well as for plant survival.

By completing this reflective task, you will be better at identifying the sources of light as well as in understanding its importance to everyday living.

1. At night, walks around your home, observe and write down at least 5 different ways that people in your home use light.
2. Write a paragraph to explain how light helps you and your family.
3. Write a paragraph on what you think life would be like if there was no light.

Entry 17: Classroom Cleanliness

To be completed on 02 July 2009, Thursday

Do you clean your classroom every day? For this week's journal writing, I would like you to reflect on your classroom cleanliness. To help you with this task, I will list some questions below:

1. Do you think your classroom is clean? Why/Why not?

2. Why do you think it is important to keep the classroom clean?

3. How do you keep your classroom clean every day?

4. Which classroom cleaning activity did you participate in? (sweeping the floor, emptying the basket, cleaning the whiteboard, etc)

5. What have you learnt from this activity?

6. What school values have you learnt from the classroom cleaning activity?

Entry 16: Influenza A H1N1

To be completed on 01 July 2009, Wednesday

There are more cases of the Influenza A H1N1 in Singapore now. For this week, I would like you to reflect on this topic. To help you, I will list some questions below:

1. What is Influenza A H1N1?

2. How does it spread?

3. Which countries in Asia have people with Influenza A H1N1?

4. How do countries try to prevent the spread of this disease?

5. Do you think the taking of temperature is effective in preventing Influenza A H1N1? Why?

6. What other preventive measures are being taken to combat the spread of this disease in Singapore?

7. What are you doing to prevent the spread of Influenza A H1N1 disease?

Entry 15: SA 1 Review

To be completed on 30 June 2009, Tuesday

The SA1 is over. Some of us have done well while others have not. For this week, I want you to reflect on your performance in this SA1. To help you do that, I will list some questions for you to ponder over:

1. Do you think the SA1 papers have tested you fairly? If 'Yes', which papers do you consider to be a fair test? If 'No', which papers do you consider to be unfair test?

2. Why do you think the papers have been a fair or unfair test?

3. Do you think you have done well in this semester? If 'Yes', what factors contribute to your success? If 'No', what factors contribute to your poor performance?

4. Do you think the remedial or enrichment classes in school were useful? If 'Yes', why? If 'No', why?

5. If you have home tuition (either by tutors/parents/relatives/etc), do you think this has been useful in improving your results? If 'Yes', why? If 'No', why?

6. What actions would you take to improve on your results after SA1?

7. What actions do you think the school should take to help you with your performance after the SA1?

SA1 Revision (Grammar and Vocabulary)

Please visit the websites:

VOCABULARY

Unit 1: Vocabulary (Odd Word Out)
E.g.: Silly, Smart, Clever, Intelligent
http://a4esl.org/q/h/vm/oddwordout02.html

Unit 2: Vocabulary (Adverbs)
E.g.: Please observe the plant carefully.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/words/grammar/interestsentences/adverbs/quiz.shtml

Unit 3: Vocabulary (Describing Words)
E.g.: Wavy hair, dirty track shoes.
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/cgi-shl/quiz.pl/adjectives_quiz.htm

Unit 4: Vocabulary (Word Webs)
E.g.: Communication Network – a telephone, email connection, a mobile phone
-

Unit 5: Vocabulary (Antonyms)
E.g.: busy -> free, easy -> difficult, soft -> hard
www.softschools.com/quizzes/vocabulary/antonym/quiz279.html

http://www.usingenglish.com/quizzes/38.html

Unit 6: Vocabulary (Collective Nouns)

E.g.: A swarm of bees
http://www.oxbow.org.uk/webquiz/quizzes/genknowquiz301205.asp

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GRAMMAR

Unit 1: Grammar (Articles)
E.g.: the Prime Minister, a cat, an ant

More examples:


Unit 2: Grammar (Adverbial Phrases)
E.g.: Of place: Keep the ant farm in a cool dry place. (where)
Of frequency: Feed the ants at a regular time. (How often)
Of duration: Put your books away for a while. (How long)
Of manner: Read your observations in your own words. (How)
Of reason: Apply the glue for a secure join. (Why)

More examples:


Unit 3: Grammar (Comparative Adjectives)
E.g.: Tall, Taller, Tallest,
Beautiful, More beautiful, Most beautiful
Pretty. Prettier, Prettiest

More examples:


Unit 4: Grammar (Expressing Future Time)
E,g.: I will be going to school tomorrow.

More examples:


Unit 5: Grammar (Present Particples)
E.g.: I heard them whispering just now.
I saw him moving further away from me.

More examples:


Unit 6: Grammar (Compound Sentences)
E.g.: and, but, or

More examples:

Entry 14: Kindness

Hi Everyone,

The Singapore Kindness Movement has designated April as the month of kindness. Well, we are coming to the end of April. What acts of kindness have you done? For this week, I would like you to reflect on 'kindness'. To get some ideas, you might want to visit the website of the Singapore Kindness Movement at:

http://kindness.sg/

Here are some questions to help you get your journal writing going:

1. What do you mean by 'kindness'?

2. Is it important for people to be kind? Why?

3. How can people show their kindness?

4. Could you describe an act of kindness which you have done?

5. How did you feel after doing that act of kindness?

6. What other act/s of kindness would you like to do either in school, at home or in the community?

7. How can you yourself promote the message of kindness to your friends?

I am looking forward to reading your reflection.

Entry 13: International Friendship Day

Hi Everyone,

For this year, the International Friendship Day focussed on friendship within ASEAN. Making friends among the countries of ASEAN is important as they are our closest neighbours.

For this week, we will reflect on friendship among the people of ASEAN.

To help you with your journal writing, I have listed some questions below:

1. Why do we celebrate International Friendship Day?

2. Do you know how International Friendship Day come about?

3. What does ASEAN stand for?4. Do you know a lot about ASEAN? Try this game at this website:http://www.ifd2009.com.sg/What is your knowledge about ASEAN?

5. Do you like the activities organised by the school on International Friendship Day? If not, Why? If 'yes', why?

6. Do you have any friend/s in the ASEAN countries?

Tell us how you get to know him/her.

7. What activities do you think the school should organise to help pupils develop friendship with the ASEAN countries?

I hope to hear from you soon.

Entry 12: Improving the School

Hi Everyone,

Last week, Mrs Nam spoke about the loss of things during CCA in the school. She invited the CCA leaders to come up with suggestions to solve the problem.

For this week, I would like everyone to think of ways of improving our school. This could be the improvement in physical facilities such as the field, toilets, classroom, canteen, library, art room, computer lab and other facilities or the people who provided services to you such as the office personnel, teachers, book shop lady, school bus drivers and even the cleaners.

In short, you can think of any aspects of the school that needs to improve so that the lives of pupils will be better.

To help you, I have listed some questions below:

1. Which aspect/s of the school do you like very much? Why?

2. Which aspect/s of the school do you think you dislike? Why?

3. What do you think can be done to improve it/them?

4. What other areas of the school should be improved?

5. How can pupils help in the improvement of the school?

These questions are just a guide to help you start writing. You are free to to give your own opinions and suggestions. I hope to read your suggestions soon.

Entry 11: Positive Feelings about School

Hi Children,

As discussed in class earlier, please reflect and post up 3 positive feelings you have about school in this entry. Your reflection should be presented in image form. Have fun and I can't wait to find out how you feel about school.

Mrs. Tan

Term 2 Week 3 Check (2)

Dark Knight - All blog entries are completed (Entry 1 to Entry 10)

Looking at Entry 10: APSVoice

• Berenice - Why do you think it is safe to leave your belongings unattended? Don't you think your mischievous school mates may move your bags to another corner of the school? How do you prevent this from happening?

• Finian - I know you are in Golf CCA. Before the CCA starts, all of you are asked to keep your belongings locked up in the Art Gallery. After CCA, did the Golf members check that their belongings are intact after they retrieve them from the Gallery? Should all of us stay back to do it together? How do we prevent our members from losing their belongings in buses?

• Weikiat - It is a good idea "to make sure our belongings will not be stolen,we write our names on our pencil box,water bottle and the rest". Do remember to include your class as well. Please share this with your CCA mates and teachers.

• Zheng Wei - Was the classroom locked after you put your belongings? What other ways can you play your part in taking care of your things in school?

Entry 10: APSVoice

To be done on 05 April 2009, Saturday

Dear Children,

As mentioned, the school would like to hear a greater voice from you over school issues concerning you, with the aim to increase your sense of ownership and belonging to the school.

For a start, I would like all of you to think and discuss the measures you can take to ensure that your belongings will be safe during your CCA time. In your entry, please discuss the following points:

(1) Where do your CCA mates keep their belongings (i.e., school bags, files, and etc) before & during CCA?

(2) Discuss & propose the appropriate place & the steps (i.e., how will it be done & who will be in-charge) your CCA group will take to ensure that your CCA mates' belongings are safe before and during CCA time.

Please note that I will email all the good suggestions/ responses from our classes to Mrs. Nam, HOD for Character Education. I'm looking forward to read your reflection. Have fun everyone!

Entry 9: Activities for Becoming Better Readers

To be done on 04 April 2009, Saturday

Dear Children,

There are many activities you can do to become better readers. As a matter-of-fact, they are so fun that all of you won't believe they are activities for learning! Most of the activities are simple and can be done anywhere.

Here are some ideas:

• Think of a word and see how many times you can find it in the newspaper or magazine
• Read the advertisement that come in the mail.
• select which cereal to buy in the grocery store by reading the boxes.

Now, it's your turn to reflect on at least 10 interesting reading activities and share them with all of us. Please explain your proposed activities in greater details. in You can begin this entry by saying ...

~~~

Dear Mrs. Tan,

The following activities enable us to become better readers:

1. ...
2. ...
3. ...
4. ...
5. ...
6. ...
7. ...
8. ...
9. ...
10. ...

Term 2 Week 1 Check (1)

High School Musical - All blog entries are completed (Entry 1 to Entry 8)

Looking at Entry 4: Journey Earth Hour 2009

Michelle: Good attempt to state how you can help to fight climate change.

Jiaqi: A few good illustrations of how you can conserve energy.

Arjun: Need to observe copyrights. Please include some examples of how you can fight climate change in school or at home.

Lucas: The idea of recycling used plastic bags is a good example to save the earth.

Shyn'zi: Good illustrations to show how adults can help to fight climate change. Do include how you, as a pupil, can help to converse energy in school or at home.

Star Wars - All blog entries are completed (Entry 1 to Entry 8)

Looking at Entry 5: Activities Outside School

Emmanuel: A meaningful CCA that constantly reminds you to be conscious of our environment. It's time to help out in the household chores if you find you home too dusty.

Cheng Kang: A week filled with activities. If you feel stress at times, do remember to take a break by engaging in some activities you like.

Kitson: Wow Kitson, your week is filled with many enrichment activities. Do you feel stress? If so, do remember to take break in-between these actitivities.

Calson: Your blog skin doesn't allow the inclusion of both titles and comments. Do consider changing your blog interface. What else have have you learned from the Environmental Club?

Pradeep: A good mixture of both sports and brain-stimulating activities. You have an interesting way to keep yourself refreshing.

Entry 8: Review of T1 Target-Setting Exercise

To be done on 20 March 2009, Friday

We have set our targets for the various subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science and Mother Tongue for Class Test 1.

For this entry, I would like you to reflect on this exercise. As usual, I will list some questions to help you with the reflection.

1. What is the purpose of setting targets for the various subjects?

2. Do you think this is useful? If 'Yes', why? If not, why?

3. How did you go about setting the targets for yourself?

4. What are you doing to help you achieve your target? Do you have a plan? If so, what is it?

5. How are your parents helping you achieve your targets?

6. What will you do to motivate yourself towards achieving the targets?

7. What do you think your teacher/the school can help you achieve the targets?

I'm waiting anxiously to read your response.

Entry 7: Festivals in Singapore

To be done on 19 March 2009, Thursday

Dear Children, In Term 1, we celebrated Chinese New Year. This is one of the many festivals celebrated by the Chinese. The Malays, Indians and other races also celebrate their own festivals.

For this entry, I would like you to reflect on the meaning of these festivals and how we can preserve racial harmony in Singapore. To help you with your reflection, I have listed some questions/pointers below:

1. Tell us about the festival you celebrate.

2. Why do you celebrate this festival?

3. How do you celebrate the festival?

4. Do you know what are the festivals celebrated by the other races? If so, could you name a few? Also tell us who celebrate them and why they celebrate them.

5. Do you think the celebration of the various festivals help in strengthening racial harmony among the various race in Singapore? If so, how?

6. In your opinion, how can we develop stronger bonds among the various races in Singapore?

Entry 6: March Term Break

To be done on 18 March 2009, Wednesday

Dear Children,

Every morning, we have silent reading. Pupils read a variety of books and magazines. Reading is a habit. The more you read, the more you want to read.

In this week's journal writing, I would like you to reflect on the importance of reading and its influence on you. As usual, I will list some questions below to help you with the journal writing.

1. Why do you think the school gets the pupils to read every morning?

2. Do you like it? Why?

3. Do you like reading? Why?

4. What kinds of books do you like to read?

5. Do you think reading will help you with your school work? Why?

6. How can the school encourage pupils to read?

7. Could you recommend a book you really like to read? Write the author and tell us why you like to read his/her book?

Hear from you!

Entry 5: Activities Outside School

To be done on 17 March 2009, Tuesday

Many pupils are involved in lessons outside school. They include tuition, music, art, ballet, swimming, Sinda classes, religious lessons and so on. There are just too many activities for me to list them.

For this week's journal writing, I would like you to reflect on your involvement in all the activities outside school. To help you with your writing, I have listed some questions below:

1. What are the activities you are involved in outside school from Monday to Sunday?

2. How many days do you spend on these activities?

3. How many hours do you spend in each of these activities?

4. Why are you involved in these activities?

5. Do you think these activities are necessary for you? If 'Yes', how have these activities help you? If 'No', why are you taking part in these activities?

6. Do you think these activities affect your school work/studies? If so, how?

7. Do you feel stressed with all these activities? Explain.

7. In your opinion, do you think pupils should be involved in outside school activities? Why?

Entry 4: Journey Earth Hour 2009

To be done on 16 March 2009, Monday

Dear Children,

At 8.30 p.m. on Saturday, 28 March 2009, people all over the world will turn off their lights for just one hour - Earth Hour - to show that by working together we can make a difference in the fight against climate change.

This year, Singapore is officially taking part in it alongside some 370 countries.

Task 1:

Below are some websites for your information and if you are interested visit them for more information on how we can play a part.

• Earth Hour Official Site ~ http://www.earthhour.org/
• Singapore ~ http://www.earthhour.sg/60/

Task 2:

Below are two youtube videos you may find useful to use to raise awareness among ourselves (with a short write-up on each).

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkq7Zady4IQ On 28 March 2009 millions of people around the globe will unite for one hour and switch off their lights to show that they care about our living planet. Join them at http://www.earthhour.org/

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkA-2Mg181k
  The Walt Disney Studios will celebrate Earth Day 2009 (April 22nd) with the debut of "Earth," the first feature-length nature documentary from its new production banner, Disneynature. This amazing new film is from award-winning British producer/director Alastair Fothergill, whose credits include the Emmy and Peabody award-winning "Planet Earth" series (BBC and The Discovery Channel) and "The Blue Planet."

So do consider doing our part to raise the awareness and fight climate change.

Task 3:

In your entry, you can discuss other ways that help to fight climate change. You can surf the Internet to read up on the topic or you can refer to books for more information. I'm looking forward to read your ideas. Have fun, children!

Microsoft Excel

Dear children,

Today marks the last Baseline ICT lesson (Term 1) with Ms. Elle. I would like to thank our Residential Trainer for sharing her expertise with all of us! Ms Elle, you are a fantastic teacher! Mrs. Tan has learned many useful tips from her and I believe you are now an expert user of Microsoft Excel too. Good job, everyone!

Task 1:

Now, I would like you to post up your work as the next entry in your blog. You should include the following worksheets (save them as JPEG files and upload them as your latest entry):

• My Timetable
• The Four Operations
• My Visit to the Bookshop

Task 2:

Next, I would like you to reflect on the following:

• 3 things you have learned about Microsoft Excel.
• 2 things you like about Microsoft Excel.
• 1 way in which Microsoft Excel is useful to you.

Task 3:

Remember to read your friends' reflections. You are strongly encouraged to leave constructive comments on their blogs. I'm looking forward to see your beautiful work and to read your reflections and comments. Have fun, children!

TDD 2009:Intra-level Blogging Competition

Entry 3: My Visit to Thye Hua Kuan Hospital

Dear children,

I hope you have discovered important lessons and values after our Community Involvement Programme at Thye Hua Kuan Hospital last Saturday.

Now, I would like to hear from you:

• What did I see?
• How did I feel?
• What did I learn?
• How can I offer my service to the community?

I hope you will continue to have passion for life and be of service to the community.

CIP at Thye Hua Kuan Hospital

Click to view larger image

Entry 2: School's Vision, Mission and Values

Hi Everyone,

Mr Tan mentioned the school's vision, mission and values on the first day of school. In this week's reflection, I would like you to show me whether you remember the school's vision, mission and values and to give your views about them. To help with your reflection, I have listed some questions below:

1. What are the school's vision, mission and values?

2. What do you think of the school's vision, mission and values?

3. Do you believe in the school values? If 'yes' or 'no', why?

4. Do students think of the school values when engaging in activities in school or outside? If so, how?

5. How can you, as students, live up to the school values?

6. What activities do you think the teachers can organise in class and in school to help students learn the values?

I look forward to reading your views soon.

Entry 1: Blog Netiquette

Hi children, welcome to blogosphere!

In order to maintain a conducive virtual environment for engaged reading, writing and reflective thinking, it's crucial that we observe blog netiquette at all times.

In my opinion, blog netiquette is to:

1) Increase reader friendliness

• It's useful to keep our writing brief by summarising main points and using bullets and numbered lists wherever appropriate.

• We can proof-read our writing for grammatical errors and ambiguity.

• We can ensure the colours of background and fonts are contrastive to ease reading.

2) Observe web courtesy

• It is important to exercise racial, religious and political sensitivity.

• We have to make feelings/intentions explicit as our readers can only interpret our feelings/intentions from the writing.
  
• We should identify ourselves (using pseudonym) if we add comments to our classmates' blogs so that they can reply to our contribution.

3) Respect copyright

• We must remember to acknowledge the sources of facts cited in our postings.


• We can link the original sites so that readers can find out more or verify our post.

4) Protect privacy

• It is good to be discreet about revealing photographs of and information about ourselves.

So, what is blog netiquette in your perspective? Please share your views in your blog.

Remember to find out what blog netiquette means to your classmates too. You can leave your constructive comments on their blog! Have fun, children. I'm looking forward to read all your entries.

Note:All images used in this entry are taken from Yahoo! Search.