Crazy Holiday Outfit Reminder

Hello there,

Sorry for the lack of posts last week. We had a jam-packed week that involved a field trip and the Holiday Concert. I think we were all knackered by the end of it all. Thanks to all the amazing parent volunteers who joined us on the trip. We almost had as many volunteers as students. Thanks for not stressing about the TTC.

Don't forget to dress your child up in over-the-top holiday clothes for Monday. The tackier, the better.

The kids were great at the concert. I'm hoping Christina's mom can somehow get the filmed version to us so we can upload it to the blog for your enjoyment.

Bye for now,

Erin Hawkins

Decorations Needed

Hello there,

Thanks to those who brought in decorations for our holidazzle basket. We could still use a few more donations if you are able to send in one or two decorations by Wednesday.

Thank you again,

Erin Hawkins

Here's my favourite Christmas song and video.

And here's the great Kate Bush with a nutty, but sweet song for the holidays. Enjoy!

This Week in Room 108

Expressions make language so much richer, don't you think? I can't believe "A piece of work" came from Shakespeare, not Joan Rivers.

Yes, just as I thought, getting ready for the Holiday Concert did eat somewhat into our instructional time last week. We still did quite a bit of work, but not as much as we'd usually do.

Please refer back to last week's This Week in Room 108 to see what we will continue working on this week. We will be moving on with procedural writing, capacity/mass and graphing this week. As well, we'll move on with short vowels o and u.

Homework: This week, students will complete unfinished work from class. This work will be stapled together. All marked work and signed and returned spelling tests can be saved at home. As well, we will be working on the expression, "That's the way the cookie crumbles." This week's spelling quiz will be on Thursday.

It looks like we have almost all of the returned permission forms for the field trip to the Scarborough Museum. We are going to have a lot of fun.

Please remember that there is no school on Friday.

All the best,

Erin Hawkins

Scroll down to see our procedural writing and daily food group graphing.

Students learned how to draw a house, the Ed Emberley way.

They followed step-by-step instructions...

They drew the house...

And now, they're writing about how to draw the house.


Look at those pensive minds! We're a class full of budding and blooming writers.
All the daily food group data collected by your children is slowly being added to a communal class food graph. When this is completed, we will analyze the data to find out more about what we're eating from the different food groups.

Christmasy Fun at MacKenzie House

Here's an email I received with tons (or metric tonnes) of activities over the holidays that don't cost an arm and a leg. I took my son to the MacKenzie house during Doors Open Toronto and we had a blast learning about this spirited one-time mayor of Toronto. Break out the bagpipes!

- Erin Hawkins

Hello Friends of Mackenzie House,

Here's what's coming up in December!

A Victorian Toronto Christmas: Tuesday, November 22 - Sunday, January 8

Tuesday to Friday, 12 to 4 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m.

December 24 & December 31: 10 to 3 p.m.

(Closed Mondays, December 25, 26 & January 1st)

This festive season, take a step back in time to Victorian Toronto and experience the magic of a traditional Christmas in 1859. Discover how families celebrated Christmas in the 19th century as you tour this festively decorated house. Enjoy mulled cider and a biscuit in the warmth of the historic kitchen. From November 22 until December 24, children are invited to Write a Letter to Santa Claus and mail it in our special Christmas mail box! Adults $5.71, Seniors/Youth $3.81, Children $3.33 (plus tax).

Print a Victorian-style "Happy Christmas" Card

Saturdays: December 3, 10, 17 & 24, 10 a.m. to Noon

On Saturday mornings in December, print your own copy of a seasonal greeting card on the 1845 printing press in the printshop! Afterwards, take a tour of the festively decorated mid-19th-century house. Enjoy mulled cider and biscuits in the warmth of the historic kitchen. Adults: $5.71, Seniors /Youth: $3.81, Children: $3.33 (plus tax).

Santa Stories: Family Storytelling Time for Ages 4 and up

Sunday, December 11, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Gather in the cosy family room and listen to Christmas tales from the Victorian era. Pre-registration required: $10.50 plus tax per person includes cider and cookies in the historic kitchen. Please call 416-392-6915 to register.

Kids’ Crafts

Tuesday December 27 to Sunday, January 8, 12 to 4 p.m.

December 24 and 31, 10 to 3 p.m.

Closed Mondays and Holidays

Bring the family to visit the last home of Toronto’s first mayor, William Lyon Mackenzie, then enjoy printing in the recreated printshop and doing an historically-based craft. Included with admission. Adults: $5.71, Seniors /Youth: $3.81, Children: $3.33 plus tax.

Hogmanay!

Wednesday, December 28, 7 to 9 p.m.

Enjoy an evening of Scottish music and tastings of holiday foods at this traditional celebration of the New Year. The decorated house will be illuminated by gas and candlelight. The always entertaining Gin Lane will perform traditional music. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. Admission: $22.50 plus tax

"Here's to the Year that's Awa!"

Saturday, December 31, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

See the old year out at Mackenzie House! Print a souvenir copy of "Auld Lang Syne", hear about Scottish traditions regarding the passing of the old year and ringing in the new. Enjoy mulled cider and biscuits in the warmth of the historic kitchen. Adults: $5.71, Seniors /Youth: $3.81, Children: $3.33 plus tax.

Follow Mackenzie House on facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/mackenziehouse

Mackenzie House
Museum Services, Cultural Services

Economic Development & Culture

City of Toronto
Phone 416-392-6915
FAX 416 -392-0114
82 Bond Street
M5B 1X2