Dear Families,
We have been involved in rotating core classes and teachers for several weeks now and for the most part, it has been a very positive transition. The students seem to enjoy the variation. Even though they may feel a greater workload, realistically the amount of work is the same, we are just more efficient in the presentation and student accountability. Planners are a big help and we go over them daily with students to make sure they are on track with their assignments.
Out totem’s turned out well and are standing guard outside our classroom doors. I hope you can stop by on Thursday, February 4th from 5-7pm or Friday the 5th from 8am-12 noon for our open-house style conferences and see them!
A fun webquest for our current unit: http://questgarden.com/45/67/6/070227071016/
We have been involved in rotating core classes and teachers for several weeks now and for the most part, it has been a very positive transition. The students seem to enjoy the variation. Even though they may feel a greater workload, realistically the amount of work is the same, we are just more efficient in the presentation and student accountability. Planners are a big help and we go over them daily with students to make sure they are on track with their assignments.
Out totem’s turned out well and are standing guard outside our classroom doors. I hope you can stop by on Thursday, February 4th from 5-7pm or Friday the 5th from 8am-12 noon for our open-house style conferences and see them!
A fun webquest for our current unit: http://questgarden.com/45/67/6/070227071016/
Writing Update
In writing, we have been using a Writers Workshop model. This consists of a mini-lesson, followed by independent writing and conferecing and then sharing if time permits. We are writing a “paragraph of the week” or P.O.W., where students practice the lessons taught in a structured paragraph format. In addition, we wrote haiku’s pertaining to our spirit animals and an “I AM” poem tied to our unit of inquiry - People throughout history have taken action believing their cause was just.
Math Update
After a two week unit on volume, we dove into fractions. Keep an eye out for Pre-assessments (mis-printed as "Mid-Unit") in Thursday folders. The pre-assessment is a great tool to help your child at home. If they are learning these skills, they are on the right track! We will begin our unit building a strong base in benchmark fractions (1/2, 1/4, 1/3, 1/10), then incorporate all of our fraction work into our Unit of Inquiry, Where We are in Place in Time. Finding equivalent fractions, connecting to percents and decimals and, adding and subtracting fractions using statistics from the Civil War. Using our math knowledge, we will make inferences on citizen involvement in taking action believing their cause was just.
Capital Tour Field Trip
Why: To see first hand how citizens can take action, we will be taking a tour to the Capital. Currently trying to set meeting with our local legislators.
When: Monday, February 1, 2016
Johnson & Half of Larson--9:30-11:30
Laird & Half of Larson--12:30--2:30
Need: Two volunteers for each group--VOLUNTEER SPOTS FILLED! YOU ARE ALL SO AWESOME!!!
When: Monday, February 1, 2016
Johnson & Half of Larson--9:30-11:30
Laird & Half of Larson--12:30--2:30
Need: Two volunteers for each group--VOLUNTEER SPOTS FILLED! YOU ARE ALL SO AWESOME!!!
Library Research Field Trip
Why: Research persuasive papers for the Civil War
When: Thursday, January 28, 2016
10:50--12:45--lunch at the park/hour of research
Need: Parent volunteers to help answer questions as students research--please just meet us at the library. Thank you! (All are welcome!)
When: Thursday, January 28, 2016
10:50--12:45--lunch at the park/hour of research
Need: Parent volunteers to help answer questions as students research--please just meet us at the library. Thank you! (All are welcome!)