As part of our preparation for EQAO, we're having Wednesday Workshops. The boys and girls will complete practice activities that are very similar to EQAO-type exercises.
As you know, EQAO preparation is built into my instruction, so this means the students have been preparing for their booklets since day one. But the Wednesday Workshops are more intense practice opportunities with actual EQAO resources and practice materials.
Today's workshop focused on a non-fiction article about the Venus Flytrap. I had everyone's attention when I told them we'd be learning about a really gross plant that would fascinate them. By the looks on their faces throughout the lesson, they were indeed fascinated! It was so fun to see them light up with question after question about this very special plant! They were just bubbling with enthusiasm!
After the lesson, the boys and girls where then asked to write about how this is an unusual plant by providing evidence from the text and their own ideas. We call this an RRWEP (Reading Response With Evidence).
The boys and girls were told that there are many interesting facts, photos and videos to view on Youtube. I reminded them that if they wish to learn more about the Venus Flytrap online, they'll need your assistance and permission.
They loved watching this video created by some botany students from the United States. A while back, we talked about how the music in a video or movie is chosen very carefully to evoke a response from the viewer or to set the mood. I'm sure you'll agree, this piece of music was a perfect choice!
