Hi Everyone! It's been awhile since I have done an "official" newsletter but I have hopefully kept you updated on some happenings in the classroom through Classdojo. If you haven't signed up yet and would like to know what we are doing week to week, contact me and I will make sure that you get your password and will have access. I often post pictures and small tidbits weekly.
MATH:
We just finished Unit 4 and I will be sending home the Unit 4 math assessments this week for you to look over. We also took a mid year assessment which covered everything we have learned so far. This will instruct me on how to grade for report cards as well. Next up-Unit 5 and adding, subtracting fractions and mixed numbers!
WRITING:
We are working on a persuasive essay right now. I hope that you enjoyed their personal essays--some which were holiday gifts to you, or for friends or loved ones. They were gifts of the heart, for sure! These persuasive essays may also turn into a "Ted Talk" of sorts, if they so wish--which we are calling CRES Chat and we will film students who wish to be filmed. More to come on that later.
READING:
Our nonfiction reading unit on Extreme Weather Disasters is just finishing up. Reading partners matched up with a second partnership to form Research Teams to research either Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Earthquakes, Tsunamis or Floods. Teams made posters about their subject, including pictures, definitions, vocabulary words and their notes in the form of boxes and bullets. They then "taught" the class about their respective natural disaster using their poster to make their teaching points. The class took notes to respond to the teaching. They all did an amazing job! On Monday we will be comparing and contrasting two of the natural disasters together and writing about it in our reading notebooks. Our next reading unit will be on the Revolutionary War!
SCIENCE:
We have been alot of fun with our Transfer of Energy unit in science. We have done many different types of experiments to learn about potential and kinetic energy and the transfer of energy. Many including marbles and rulers for ramps etc. This past week we designed, made and tested roller coasters out of paper plates, tape, wooden blocks and toilet paper and paper towel tubes. The students were engaged, worked well in teams and learned a great deal about trial and error. We have alot of potential engineers in this class! I won't be surprised if one of them designs the next ride at Busch Gardens! For more on this check out the photos section of my website!!
Jace update: Thanks to all who donated items for Jaces's Get Well Basket. I delivered it to him last weekend and he was very surprised and grateful to all of you, his friends. He is on the mend and we hope to have him back with us, in class this next week. Thanks for all your healing thoughts and prayers!
That's all for now. Be on the lookout for your child's report card, which will be coming home next week. We will also be having:
King George Day-Thurs. February 8th(more info to come on that!)
Winter Fun Day on Friday, February 16th as well as our Valentine's Party.
February Vacation-2/19-2/26
Teacher Inservice Day Mon. 2/26-No School
Thank you and enjoy the rest of your weekend! Go Pats!
MATH:
We just finished Unit 4 and I will be sending home the Unit 4 math assessments this week for you to look over. We also took a mid year assessment which covered everything we have learned so far. This will instruct me on how to grade for report cards as well. Next up-Unit 5 and adding, subtracting fractions and mixed numbers!
WRITING:
We are working on a persuasive essay right now. I hope that you enjoyed their personal essays--some which were holiday gifts to you, or for friends or loved ones. They were gifts of the heart, for sure! These persuasive essays may also turn into a "Ted Talk" of sorts, if they so wish--which we are calling CRES Chat and we will film students who wish to be filmed. More to come on that later.
READING:
Our nonfiction reading unit on Extreme Weather Disasters is just finishing up. Reading partners matched up with a second partnership to form Research Teams to research either Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Earthquakes, Tsunamis or Floods. Teams made posters about their subject, including pictures, definitions, vocabulary words and their notes in the form of boxes and bullets. They then "taught" the class about their respective natural disaster using their poster to make their teaching points. The class took notes to respond to the teaching. They all did an amazing job! On Monday we will be comparing and contrasting two of the natural disasters together and writing about it in our reading notebooks. Our next reading unit will be on the Revolutionary War!
SCIENCE:
We have been alot of fun with our Transfer of Energy unit in science. We have done many different types of experiments to learn about potential and kinetic energy and the transfer of energy. Many including marbles and rulers for ramps etc. This past week we designed, made and tested roller coasters out of paper plates, tape, wooden blocks and toilet paper and paper towel tubes. The students were engaged, worked well in teams and learned a great deal about trial and error. We have alot of potential engineers in this class! I won't be surprised if one of them designs the next ride at Busch Gardens! For more on this check out the photos section of my website!!
Jace update: Thanks to all who donated items for Jaces's Get Well Basket. I delivered it to him last weekend and he was very surprised and grateful to all of you, his friends. He is on the mend and we hope to have him back with us, in class this next week. Thanks for all your healing thoughts and prayers!
That's all for now. Be on the lookout for your child's report card, which will be coming home next week. We will also be having:
King George Day-Thurs. February 8th(more info to come on that!)
Winter Fun Day on Friday, February 16th as well as our Valentine's Party.
February Vacation-2/19-2/26
Teacher Inservice Day Mon. 2/26-No School
Thank you and enjoy the rest of your weekend! Go Pats!