Permission forms and details went home today. Please read and return form and funds by Nov. 1st (Friday).
Homework:
This week students will be bringing home visual logic puzzles. The puzzles are intended to get kids thinking deeper and persevering when challenged. It's not about getting the "right" answer, its about constantly questioning and pushing self.
Homework Club:
The upstairs Treehouse teachers have decided to host a homework club! We would like to create a calm environment for students to get help. One of us will be available Mon., Tues. Thurs. and Fri. (not Wed. due to regular meetings). We have middle school students volunteering to help on Tues. and Thurs. Perhaps this time will eliminate struggles before bedtime, confusion about how to do the work and losing or leaving a piece of work in random places!
Halloween:
Students can wear their costumes all day if they want. They can also wear masks and face paint. Please help them think about the younger students at our school and what would be appropriate (no blood, guts, weapons).
We will begin our celebration after lunch (1:20) with a mellow activity. Then, students will participate in an all school parade around the neighborhood at 2:00. When we return a party will ensue until the end of the day. A huge thanks to Jen, Celeste and Shelly for planning a thoughtful and exciting party!
Instrumental music:
Due to an early release on Wed. there will not be instrumental music instruction. Instead, Mr. Cheever wants to pass a message that students should be continuing to practice!
Social and Emotional Learning:
We have been spending time discussing how to approach classmates when we are facing conflict. Specifically students have been attaching feelings to the conflict by using "I feel..." and "I wish..." statements. Example: I feel bothered when you step on my heels in line. I wish that you would give more space between us. Please practice these type of statements at home so it becomes a natural way for students to manage problems.
We have also been analyzing our classroom agreements. Students spoke up about bothersome behaviors that seem to be continuing. So, they decided to create an "action plan." This involves a form that students will fill out to reflect on behaviors and think about how to change their ways. We don't know exactly how it will work yet but I will keep you posted.
Reader's workshop:
Students spent time last week deciphering expectations and practicing literature circle etiquette. Students proved they were ready for groups by listening, starting discussions and encouraging one another! I was impressed with their maturity!
All the books are focused on a theme of survival. Each student will receive a packet of questions that will guide groups throughout the way. Here is the list of books students are reading: My Side of the Mountain, Island of the Blue Dolphins, Freedom Train, Hatchet, and The Kid in the Red Jacket
Writer's workshop:
Students are beginning the realistic fiction unit. We have spent a fair amount of time generating possible plots. We looked carefully at different types of conflict (human vs. human, human vs. nature, human vs. self) to help us generate ideas. They have incredible ideas, mostly relating to their own lives. I am excited to read about students lives within the text!
Math:
We are continuing work with multi-digit multiplication. Ask them about a few new strategies, lattice and partial products.
If your student has not memorized their single digit facts please encourage them to practice at home. Students will be expected to answer 50 facts in 3 minutes. Ask your student how they did on their first "quiz" of facts. They are graphing their results so they can see their progress.
Northwest Coast People:
The villagers noticed a ship on the shore and had to make a quick decision. The chief chose to greet the ship with his strongest members (hunters). The rest of the villagers hid children, elderly and food. Fortunately, the ship was full of traders and came loaded with buttons, bead, hammers and axes. They wanted to trade for the villager's art (baskets, blankets, carved boxes and totem poles). Each family gave up various pieces of art in exchange. Then, they figured how to distribute to clans. Students will be stepping out of character and reflecting on the experience this week.