Students have been working so hard on their fiction stories and we are finally ready to share and celebrate. The celebration will take place on Monday (2/4) at 1:20. Some stories are short and others are VERY long. So, I am thinking that we will do a gallery walk where students and adults will walk around the room and read stories at their own pace. The readers will then leave feedback or comments for the writer. Feel free to join us! If you are unable to attend you can always go to student blogs to read the stories. Don't forget to leave comments!
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I have noticed that several students are bringing personal mobile devices to school for reading and other school related work. We support students who are savvy and want to partake. However, parents and students need to understand that students are responsible for knowing where and how to store when not in use to avoid potential breakage or theft. We highly recommend a case for further protection as well.
Also, I am very excited to announce that we have 6, Ipod Touches designated for our class. I plan to use them during centers (reading and math) and for other random needs (website photos or posts, videos, drawings, etc.). In class we will be covering usage expectations (proper care, responsibility, following specific instructions, availability, etc.). In addition, a usage agreement will be sent home on Monday for parents and students to read and sign. Please return them as soon as possible so we can begin to incorporate them into our daily activities! It is true, there is no reading and math homework this week! Instead I would like students to focus on their Weebly website. The main components that need to be completed are an about the author page (interesting facts about self), the main/home page (pictures posted with descriptions), writing page (published personal narrative and realistic fiction stories posted from google docs), reading page (one book recommendation with complete summary in own words), and art (pictures of art with descriptions). The science and PBL sections will be worked on at school. Basically I am looking for websites that are completed with detailed descriptions that are written clearly and completely. You can determine how much time students should spend working on the websites but they will be assessed again on Friday. A rubric will be sent home tomorrow!
It turns out that there was a significant amount of students that the January 25th date would not work. The following Friday I am not available. So, the new date for the sleepover is February 8th! More details to follow!
You have likely heard by now that we will be having a slumber party at school for our class! The class has decided, by popular vote, that this is one of the ways that we will celebrate the accomplishment of filling the marble jar (students add a marble to the jar when they are caught doing something kind, safe, helpful or fair)! The other celebration was organizing "Rocket change", which was the change drive that raised money for families in need during the holidays. I have to admit, I was not expecting such a big celebration but I wanted to honor all their hard work and ideas so I agreed!
During class meetings we have worked out most details (activities and entertainment, sleeping arrangements, food, rules and expectations) and am confident that the party will be a success. It will be organized and have structure, much like a regular day, but will be filled with activities and choices that students have voted on. The slumber party will take place on Friday, January 25th. The students will stay after school and will be picked up on Saturday morning. They will be served dinner (pizza and veggies) and breakfast (pastries and fruit) as well. Mark and Dana, my husband and great friend, have agreed to stay the night with us so that you can have a free night and not sleep on the floor! I am thrilled to have their presence because both are fantastic with kids and will help make the event quite entertaining! Some students have expressed concern about conflicts with after school programs, activities or practices on that day. Also, some students would like to stay for most of the time but would like to go home at bed time. I can be flexible with all schedules and desires as long as they are communicated with me ahead of time. I want to ensure that the slumber party is a comfortable and safe event for all students! More specific details will follow but I would like to know if you have any questions or concerns. Unfortunately our field trip to Garfield HS has been canceled. I sent in the registration about a month ago, when it was due. I assumed that there was space for us because I did not hear back from the teacher/organizer of the performance. I contacted him yesterday to double check and was told they sold out! I am so disappointed that I was not contacted sooner because the students will be disappointed and would have loved it! I hope to find another musical or play for us to attend soon!
I hope you all enjoyed your time with family and friends this Winter break! I spent my time attending various social events and then relaxing at home in the meantime. I also found time to plan out more details for some fun lessons, activities and projects for the next couple months so I am ready to be back in the classroom. I am including a few details and dates to keep you posted and current with your student.
Here is a list of topics that we will be studying soon: Math - Division and measurement conversion Reading - Non Fiction (comprehension) Writing - Finish fiction unit (about 3 weeks) and move on to essays Social studies - Northwest Coast people unit PBL- Finish unit with Mr. Bailey's class Social and Emotional learning - Character Works lessons on etiquette and musical performance (end of March) Dates to remember: Field trip - Treasure Island performance at Garfield H.S. on January 16th |
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