Monday: We continued on our mask, soon making the final product, but really, I was one step ahead on that day, because I already started making it. There was also “Game Time”! I’m not talking about video games, though. What I mean is our probability games that we have been working on. Our class had a chance to play each other’s game, and I must say, an interesting experience and also quite amazing to see the unique concepts and designs of the games!

Tuesday: We started Algebra! I, personally love Algebra. We continued designing and making our final product of the masks. Also, on last period, we had a discussion with two teachers about Safety. There were also some fun activities on the way!

Wednesday: Sports Day Assembly! I didn’t get a medal or anything like that, but it was still nice to attend the assembly. We also presented our math games to another class in Gr. 5. It was also a nice experience. We watched a video about Canada giving labor work to the Chinese back in the old days. It was a full length 45-minute documentary, and I must say, I normally hate documentaries, but this one was something else. It was not only educational, but it was also appealing, in a way.

Thursday: We finally finished our masks (final product) and handed it in. A new investigation has begun (a mini-like version of the Exhibition) where we need to investigate into “Power”. We choose our own topic matters, but some lines of inquiry and concepts have already been made for us, so it isn’t as challenging as the exhibition. Today was also the final day of the week! Because Friday is a holiday.

Friday: NO SCHOOL!

Overall, it was a brilliant week, with mixed activities and events happening. I’m looking forward to the final few weeks of school!

Monday: Festival of the Arts! It’s definitely a special occasion that should be pointed out. This week is filled with music in the halls! Each Gr. 6 class does a spotlight performance. In the spotlight performances, you present music. We’re doing ours this Friday! We worked in groups of 2~4 for practicing the CAMS test that is taking place on Wednesday. We also continued making designs of masks to show power, which leads to the main event of Monday. We had to participate in an activity, which relates to the new unit we just started. Power! Me and 7 others were in the yellow group, so we were like slaves compared to the blue and red group, which forced us into labor and even had free-time on computers! I found it very unfair, but probably not the other groups. It was a good learning experience, and by doing it, you get to understand that poverty, slavery and child labor is a real threat to this world right now. Throughout the afternoon, 1/2 the class went to rehearsals, so the other 1/2 did our probability board game that we had to do for our math summative task.

Tuesday: Mostly what happened on Monday, with the continuation of masks and practicing for the CAMS test. We also had 6 girls from 6A along with one girl from 6C singing an acapella! Not bad at all!

Wednesday: Wow! A large group did ballet dancing! It was amazing how everything was synchronized, very organized, and the talents of the people doing the ballet was incredible! Also, we watched a 6A student play on the piano a piece from Mozart! It was very well played, with all the scales and rapid movement. CAMS test was probably the most pressuring thing. 80 questions, with 16 different topics (fractions/decimals/percents, dividing and multiplying by 10′s/100′s, unit rates, algebraic expressions, etc) I personally found it not too difficult, maybe because I studied a lot for it.

Thursday: Final touches of the probability games, almost finishing up with starting designs of masks. We watched 6C do their spotlight performance (and 6D on Wednesday) I’d say 6C was more professional, but 6D still did a very good job!

Friday: Spotlight performance! We did it, and it was very nerve-wracking, but we successfully did it! Other points to mention is that we completed our probability games, and the final draft of the mask was handed in also.

Overall: Interesting, on-going week! Ever since the exhibition ended, I seriously felt more relaxed than ever. I’ll see you guys on the next blog post! Adios!

As a Gr. 6 student that has experienced the exhibition, I definitely undersand why most students would panic as their first reaction, but as time passes, you gradually develop confidence. When the night of the exhibition came, it wasn’t actually as bad as I thought it would have been. I was fully confident in my ability, taking on the role as a presenter.

The most important thing to know is “What is action?” “Action” is meant to be a self-initiative directed thing, influencing others to also take part of the action. It can be simply educating others, to actually going out and protesting for human rights, which could bring world-change.

We don’t have specific dates for doing our “action”, but we are certain on what we’re going to do: Educate other classes in our school, and perhaps even give a speech.

What is the “action” on the ladder of participation? The ladder of participation is made of 8 sections: 1) Manipulation 2) Decoration 3) Tokenism 4) Assigned, but informed 5) Consulted and informed 6) Adult-initiated, sharing decisions with children. 7) Child-initiated/directed and lastly, child-initiated and decisions shared with adults. I personally think on the scale, it would be most likely a 5. It’s nothing too major, but again, it does help other people understand and convince them to take some sort of “action” to go along with the influence.

Before the exhibition, I was really nervous and I panicked a lot. I didn’t know what to expect, like who would be in my group, if we will succeed or if we meet the expectations. But from hearing the perspectives of those that have already passed the exhibition, I felt more confident in doing the exhibition, and it actually turned out to be quite good!

My group did Disease Pandemics, which are basically worldwide diseases. We focused into Bubonic Plague, AIDS, Malaria and SARS. We managed to find out a lot of information within a two-week period. Following the Inquiry Cycle was essential, which consisted of 6 steps. First is the Tuning In, getting into the issue, but not researching yet. Finding Out is the longest process, researching and finding out information through different sources, such as books, websites, interviews or even just through observing. Sorting Out is the process of organizing all the information and seeing which information is missing. From the missing information, it leads to Going Further. After finally going further, you would draw conclusion, summarizing and concluding everything you and your group have learnt. But what do you do with all that information? You have to take some sort of “action”, meaning that you should do something that might lead to change, or raise awareness and get people to be influenced to do something that will help with the issue or matter.

After going through that process, it was time to design our booth, which we presented to an audience (students, other students not from CDNIS, staff members, principals, and parents). We had one whole week to design the booth, and even having the whole school day to do the booth. It sounds like a lot of time, but really, it’s almost the exact opposite. We had to rush a lot to get the design of the booth done. If we didn’t, we could’ve actually failed to complete it, which would result badly. After the final day of designing the booth, I felt nervous, thinking that our booth wasn’t the most attractive, and so I panicked.

It wasn’t only until the next Monday where we put up everything, and it was quite chaotic, with people tripping and going on chairs to put the displays. Tuesday was already the day where we started presenting to students (from Prep to Grade. 12). We even got assessed from our homeroom teachers, and it was scary, but once again, it turned out well in the end. Wednesday was the real night of presenting, where all the parents came, and I really stressed a lot. It was a one-hour and a half of talking and talking to adults that could’ve been scientists, or professors from universities. It was really nerve-wracking, but time did pass quite fast. After the exhibition finished, the whole library was filled with screams of joy and relief. Even I was quite happy that the exhibition was finally complete!

So what advice do I have for people that are going to soon do the exhibition? Well, two main things. Time-management and cooperation. Without these two skills, the exhibition is going to be the toughest project of your life.

In the next post, I’ll be discussing more about “action”, since this post is probably going to be too long if I add “action” in.

During our trip, we went to some shopping malls such as 1Borneo Hypermall and Suria KLCC. We also visited amazing places like the Upside-Down House, which showed a upside-down house with upside-down objects and items. Besides visiting areas, we went to museums and river rafting. The only concern was the location of the hotel, so we ended up renting a car, which was more convenient and efficient.

We had a semi-private beach, which was amazing because all the sand was smooth sand. However, we saw very tiny crabs digging holes, a few small jellyfishes and one enormous jellyfish near shore. It was scary because crabs can bite hard, and jellyfishes can sting and make your skin turn really bad. Besides that, I still splashed around the big tides when there were no creatures nearby.

It was a total of eight (8) days, filled of fun, but after CNY ended, it was time to go back to school. It was Wednesday when we first went back to school. Our desk system changed, and now we only have temporary desks, which lasts for one day. After one day, we switch, and it repeats until the end of Grade. 6. The reason for this is because the teacher wants us to adjust to the change in Grade. 7. We had visual arts to make up for the one we missed on Monday. We also received our Draft #1 report (sense of community project) with comments from the teacher.

On Thursday, we worked on fractions by playing on different stations. Each station has a sheet filled with 10 question related to the station’s topic. There was an assignment we had to do about analyzing public spaces. We started this with a partner and continued on Friday. We also had to complete our Draft #2 report (sense of community project).

On Friday, we played one period of “World Maths Day”! I had time to do about five (5) or six (6) games. Since “World Maths Day” is starting quite soon, we needed time to practice for it. We continued working on our portfolio, checking spelling and grammar mistakes of the report, and goals sheet.

So overall, this week was a short one, but also a very busy one. We managed to get a lot done. I’ll see you in the next post!

But.. before I can talk about my personal opinion of the place, I need to talk about the things that have happened this week and what is going to happen soon! For the whole last week, we are able to wear chinese outfits! On Monday, we basically presented our writing report of the “Chill Room”. The writing report is about us designing a blueprint for a new room. In each group, we had to include: What we can use it for; The characteristics of the room; Purpose of the room; Some opportunities for us to connect and interact; How it gives us a sense of community. The other thing that happened on Monday is the first meeting of the Exhibition! We went over a few important things related to the exhibiton..

Tuesday, we had another big flower fair during the first period! I brought lots of things (flowers, a cool-looking mace/hammer kind of weapon, etc.) and played quite a few games (such as “The Snake Ladder”, “Clutch and Jump”, etc.) I presented my chinese oral presentation about “gunpowder” and did quite well. Other than those two, we had homework, but fun homework.

For Wednesday, we are going to have a double-period performing arts lesson without instruments (I wonder why…)

As for Thursday and Friday, they will be a CNY concert performed by both staff members and students. I am eager to see that. Also, we get our report cards and I.S.A (International School Assessment) test results back . I hope I do okay or quite well…

Anyways, back to my personal opinion, I think that Kota-Kinabalu is a wide-open country that is very unique because it’s practically on the coastline of the ocean. I’ll write another post on Friday (hopefully) to continue this blog post “series”.

]]> http://sites.cdnis.edu.hk/students/074058/2013/02/05/cny-the-last-week-before-cny-holiday/feed/ 0 http://sites.cdnis.edu.hk/students/074058/2013/01/30/success-in-games-depends-on-skills-rules-strategies-and-sportsmanship-reply-post/ http://sites.cdnis.edu.hk/students/074058/2013/01/30/success-in-games-depends-on-skills-rules-strategies-and-sportsmanship-reply-post/#comments Wed, 30 Jan 2013 08:28:32 +0000 074058 http://sites.cdnis.edu.hk/students/074058/?p=725 Continue reading →]]> In this post, I’m going to answer some questions according to my P.E teacher (Mr. Steiner’s) questions.

#1: What does sportsmanship mean to you/look like to you? Give some examples.

I think it looks like… a) following the rules at all times ; being fair b) always positive, even if the team loses c) shaking hands with the others without adding insults or criticisms.

#2: Why is it important to follow the rules of a game? 

If we don’t follow the rules, people could end up getting hurt, injured badly. Also, it is not demonstrating any sportsmanship at all.

#3: Why are good team strategies important to success in team games? Give examples of strategies for team handball?  How would you create and/or deny space in team handball?

Some good team strategies important to succeeding is.. a) always cooperating and collaborating b) try not to argue and communicate with each other in a positive manner c) stay focused, follow what the team captain says (if there is one).

For team handball.. a) pass around to other players in the open b) always try to create space to either shoot to the goal or pass to someone else c) only aim to shoot at the goal if the space and position is good.

I would create and/or deny space in team handball by moving around at all times, or if wanting to deny space, I would block the person by putting my hands up and/or trying to block other players by going in front of them.

#4: What is a strategy you/your team used in “Capture the Flag” to be more successful?

A strategy my team has used in “Capture the Flag” is to have a few people guarding each area/section so people wouldn’t get past unless we are distracted (which we mostly aren’t) people would run if there is an open space to run to and/or if the other team is momentarily distracted or too focused on another player.

#5: Team strategies are important because….

Without them, we limit the way we play and the risk of not succeeding is higher.

#6: Describe why having strong skills helps your team be more successful? Give some examples of skills with a specific team sport in mind.

Let’s say for handball, having strong skills will not only provide the opportunity to easily strike a goal, passing would be easier and catching/throwing the ball will also be easier.

#7: Why does a team that is very physically fit have an advantage over a team that is not fit?

If a team is very physically fit (let’s pretend it’s Team A), while the other team isn’t fit (let’s pretend it’s Team B), Team A can run faster and has more strength over Team B. Team B will not be able to catch up to Team A and Team A can prevent anything because of their physical ability/strength.

That’s all! Thanks for reading.. I’ll see you in the next post!

I am looking quite forward to it, as well as the bake sale to celebrate it!

#1: Cardboard Roll Challenge:

This is one of my first favorite memories during Grade 6. We had to come up with many ideas of using just one cardboard roll. It was very interesting and fun. It makes you think deeply, beyond what you already know. I’d have to say the total amount of ideas as a whole class could add up to at least 200!

#2: Gulliver’s Travel Act:

This act was really hilarious. There were four (4) actors acting as the characters in Gulliver’s Travel (to see the storyline, click here) I have to say that they were professional and had lots of practice to be able to pull it off. This act was quite entertaining and would be worth it to watch.

#3: Teachers Do Gangnam Style:

This was one funny occasion that happened. During Oct.31, the teachers danced Gangnam Style with actual PSY costumes! It was funny and entertaining at the same time. It would be awesome if every grade teacher did something like this once a year!

#4: Young Americans:

Wow! This was one “fascinating” three-day event, filled of excitement, cheer and happiness! The Young American group taught us dances, songs and acting situations.

The performance at the concert night went really well! It was kind of nervous seeing hundreds of parents, but at the end, I got used to it. This was probably the most memorable thing of Grade. 6 2012!

(Final) #5: Gingerbread Houses

Creating gingerbread houses really required corporation, collaboration, listening, respect and communication skills. Without those, creating them would have resulted in quite a chaotic way, which was what happened with our group. We had to keep sharing and arguing about the frosting, which was annoying. Our gingerbread houses kept breaking apart and sometimes, we even messed up the entire house. This was a real challenge and I think that we would need to be more organized in order for us to successfully create them.

The result of our gingerbread houses:

Once again, thank you for supporting me and make sure to keep checking my blog!