Check out our class "Photo Gallery" on my website. The class photographers have been busy trying to capture moments from our day.
Dates to remember:
Tuesdays- Mindful Mornings with Julietta Skoog (our school psychologist). The session is free and runs from 8:45-9:15. It will take place in the gym (portable). I hope to see you there!
Oct. 1st - Instrumental Music - Students will meet with Casey Cheever, the teacher, and try out the different instruments. Casey will help students select the instrument that suits them best. Students will know which instrument to rent or buy on this day. The following week students will go over expectations and policies and do not need the instrument yet. Students participating will need instruments by Oct. 22nd.
Oct. 3rd - Picture day - Our class is scheduled to take photos at 12:15. I will be sure to give kids a chance to freshen up or change beforehand if needed.
Oct. 6th-13th - I will be traveling to the Dominican Republic for my sister's wedding. While it is not ideal timing, this is the date she chose. I am thrilled to be with her on her day but will ensure that the class will be cared for while I'm away. There will be a guest teacher, Tammy Foulk, who will be informed of all routines, expectations and lessons beforehand. She has subbed for me in the past and I completely trust her abilities.
Oct. 15th- We have a field trip scheduled for 826 Seattle (A writing center in Greenwood) from 10am-noon. We will need drivers but will not need chaperones to stay. The field trip form was sent home today. Please return by Friday the 3rd so we don't have to scramble for permission forms the week of the field trip
Reader's Workshop
Students are making progress on the 40 book challenge and selecting books of varying genres. Please encourage your student to read at home too!
Our focus in the past two weeks has been diving deep into books by reading stronger, longer and slower (not too slow though, just slow enough to pay attention and think about the meaning). Students are thinking while reading because authors have a purpose and we can grow from their intention. Students are allowing text to change their lives and are noticing one of a kind lines.
Writer's Workshop
For our realistic fiction unit students are using stories from their own lives to give them inspiration for their story. They are really working towards developing stories with strong emotions that have a story line (plot) that flows. Students plan and plan until the story arc is just right and scenes are complete. Some students have begun drafting and are working on stamina (writing for longer periods of time). Students now have writing partners, who will be there to support and bounce ideas off one another.
Math
Students are continuing to review place value (comparing numbers, writing in various forms, addition, subtraction). On "Problem Solving Friday" students played with a Modias, a mathematical wonder.
Logic of English
Students are reviewing cursive writing (swing and curve letters) and practicing. We are also learning phonograms and all the sounds of each letter. We learned our first spelling rule, q is always followed by a u (quit, queen)!
Genius Hour
To kick off the unit we thought deep about what creativity means. We realized that creativity is taking risks, making mistakes, experimenting, inventing, and persevering. We looked at quotes and examples to inspire us for our own projects. Students are already thinking about how they can create to change the world by solving problems!
Mr. Elliot spontaneously popped in and shared the LuminAID, a solar powered inflatable lantern. It was created by two girls who saw a need for people in developing countries who didn't have electricity.