See the link for more info.
There are some really fun clubs beginning this Spring, including "Exploring Science Club." This club is run by Xalli's mom, Isadora Jimenez, who is a scientist herself! It is only open to 4th and 5th graders and would be a great opportunity!
See the link for more info.
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I was just informed of some upcoming writing workshops at 826 Seattle. At the beginning of the year I applied for whole class workshops but was not accepted (was told they were full). I have heard great things about the programming and think many of the workshops sound perfect for thThe workshops are available for sign up beginning March 17th if you are interested.
I just came across an opportunity presented but the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation (see below). The event fits in perfectly with our food chemistry unit, especially considering that we don't have class time to cover all your student's questions about food. It sounds interesting and it's free!
Saturday, April 5, 2014 10 am - 3 pm Family Day: Food for Good Location: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center What food brings your family together? Join us for the FREE Family Day: Food for Good on Saturday, April 5th. Discover how to grow, prepare, and enjoy healthy foods from around the world through fun activities, music and storytelling. Community organizations will demonstrate how food gets from the farm to the table locally and globally. Learn how kids of all ages can make a difference through fun and exciting volunteer programs. For more information, visit http://gates.ly/foodforgood. As I entered "Week 21" for the title of this blog, I realized I may be off a few weeks as I have not been that consistent with blogging lately. So many tasks have caught up with me and I ran low on energy. I apologize as I know so many of you rely on my posts to know what is happening in class.
Photos: New photos are posted under the "homework" section of the photo gallery Homework: This week students are celebrating their writing (fiction unit). Most students have posted their stories on their websites while some are still working towards that task. Our celebration this time around is to read each other's stories and comment. The comments should be official, meaning complete sentences. Students should elaborate on specific details, questions or suggestions. This process takes time and students should be reading slowly so they can leave meaningful comments. Feel free to join our celebration by commenting as well! Word work: Students are working towards creating better habits with grammar and mechanics of writing. Since Winter break they are studying various aspects of writing about 3 days a week. This week students are continuing work with commas. There are 10 rules that we have focused on and practiced. I am even re-learning some of the rules and catching my mistakes from time to time. Students are learning very quickly that commas allow us to write more complex sentences that fit our thinking! Here is a list of mechanics and grammar covered so far:
Reader's workshop: Students have had a fair amount of independent reading time as I am continuing to test reading levels. I hope to have this task completed this week (ah!). We are really focusing on choosing independent reading books that challenge our thinking. The focus next week will be to read non-fiction articles and books slower with a focus on thinking and learning. Students take time to pick out important facts, ask questions and react with responses to the text. They show evidence of understanding by writing their thinking down. Eventually students will be organizing the information and writing summaries. Writer's workshop: Most students have completed their stories and posted on websites. We are celebrating over a couple days this week then beginning our persuasive writing unit. Feel free to join us in the celebration by looking up stories on student websites and commenting. Math: Last week students learned to multiply fractions (fractions by fractions, whole numbers by fractions, mixed numbers by fractions). This week students are continuing to practice their new skills as well as past fraction work (adding/subtracting fractions, equivalent fractions, reducing/simplify) by working on an enrichment activity. I am impressed with their thinking and exploration with intense fraction work! I was even stumped on a few questions (they may have been poorly written but nonetheless, it was difficult)! Social and Emotional Learning: Students have been raising questions about care and general happiness of Amber, the leopard gecko. Fortunately for us, Lara Francisco's family owns a pet shop and the experts were at our beckon call. The class was able to Skype with them and ask really specific questions. It turns out we need to make some changes to Amber's cage and plan. While we were prepping for the gecko, the students were continuing to catch each other in action doing something kind, safe, fair or helpful. They have also added "selfless" as a motivator to catch classmates. Well, wouldn't you know, the marble jar has been filled again! This time around there was much debate and the options were narrowed to a class slumber party or a community service event. While there were many selfless hearts, the slumber party won by majority. So, we are now in the process of planning (dates and details will be available soon). PBL: The planning for the World Peace Game is much more intense that I initially figured because I am working off another teacher's experience, which is missing many aspects. The game is extremely complicated with many unknown factors. However, I am still looking forward to it! My husband has graciously agreed to design and construct our 4x4x6 foot board. I will send a list of materials that will be needed soon (thanks in advance). I am hoping you have some things laying around the house. Genius Hour: This idea was termed at Google. Google's work strategy allows employees to spend 20% of their time on projects of exploration. Google employees have created very successful projects, like gmail, with this time. The freedom has been successful in business and now it is making it's way into the classroom. I have decided to try it out because I know that this class will jump on board and create incredible projects. I am introducing it Wed. and we students will begin planning. There are a couple key elements that will be required. The exploration begins with passion and a driving question. Then, planning and taking action on a project that will be presented in the end. In a way, it's like a mini PBL project! I plan to give students Wed. afternoons to make progress. Instrumental music takes place at this time so some students will unfortunately have less time to work on it. Students will be able to work on the project at home once the first steps are approved. Check out the link for more info on genius hour. More things to remember: Yoga: Tuesday mornings with Ms. Skoog in the gym from 9:05-9:25. Parents are invited to join. Homework club: Still taking place Mon, Tues., Thrus. and Fri. until 4:30 in and a 3rd, 4th or 5th grade classroom in the treehouse (upstairs). There is definitely an excitement in the air due to the big Seahawk win. While many students celebrated last night, our class found serious focus today. It was very exciting to see them take charge of their learning and put their best effort forward. Homework: Students will be creative again this week! I have asked them to design and construct a device that slings, catapults or shoots mini marshmallows. The catch, which drives kids crazy, is that they have to have an original idea and it is made with re-used materials. We will have a friendly competition on Friday. Please support your student by asking them how they can improve the device and make changes. We have discussed the idea of accepting feedback and making changes. Students should alter designs and not settle on the first design. It's a week long process! Word work: Students are working towards creating better habits with grammar and mechanics of writing. Since Winter break they are studying various aspects of writing about 3 days a week. Here is a list of mechanics and grammar covered so far:
Reader's workshop: The focus this week is to read non-fiction articles and books slower with a focus on thinking and learning. Students take time to pick out important facts, ask questions and react with responses to the text. They show evidence of understanding by writing their thinking down. Eventually students will be organizing the information and writing summaries. Writer's workshop: Students have dove into the choice fiction unit. They are automatically applying the lessons from our last unit and drafting quickly. I am impressed with their imagination and variety of interests. Food Chemistry: Students are making connections to their own eating habits through scientific experiments, discussions, activities, watching videos, and reading articles. As students begin to question the food they eat, the focus is all about a balanced diet (not eliminating foods entirely). Math: Students have learned how to find equivalent fractions and subtract fractions with unlikee denominators. This week students are learning to add fractions and find least common denominators. A note about ST math: Students have access at home (see past email for activation code) and at school. At home students will practice past content (addition, subtraction, place value, multiplication, and division) and at school new content (fractions, geometry, etc.). Feel free to encourage your student to use ST math at home. Social and Emotional Learning: It seems like the Amber, the leopard gecko, is settling in. The class has certainly enjoyed observing her every move and caring for her properly. It's been fun to watch them take ownership of the pet and plan every last detail. While we were prepping for the gecko, the students were continuing to catch each other in action doing something kind, safe, fair or helpful. They have also added "selfless" as a motivator to catch classmates. Well, wouldn't you know, the marble jar has been filled again! Students have already began to generate ideas on how to celebrate. The talk of slumber party, another class pet, and all day recess is buzzing... PBL: The planning for the World Peace Game is much more intense that I initially figured because I am working off another teacher's experience, which is missing many aspects. The game is extremely complicated with many unknown factors. However, I am still looking forward to it! My husband has graciously agreed to design and construct our 4x4x6 foot board. I will send a list of materials that will be needed soon (thanks in advance). I am hoping you have some things laying around the house. Genius Hour: This idea was termed at Google. Google's work strategy allows employees to spend 20% of their time on projects of exploration. Google employees have created very successful projects, like gmail, with this time. The freedom has been successful in business and now it is making it's way into the classroom. I have decided to try it out because I know that this class will jump on board and create incredible projects. I am introducing it Wed. and we students will begin planning. There are a couple key elements that will be required. The exploration begins with passion and a driving question. Then, planning and taking action on a project that will be presented in the end. In a way, it's like a mini PBL project! I plan to give students Wed. afternoons to make progress. Instrumental music takes place at this time so some students will unfortunately have less time to work on it. Students will be able to work on the project at home once the first steps are approved. Check out the link for more info on genius hour. More things to remember:
Yoga: Tuesday mornings with Ms. Skoog in the gym from 9:05-9:25. Parents are invited to join. Homework club: Still taking place Mon, Tues., Thrus. and Fri. until 4:30 in and a 3rd, 4th or 5th grade classroom in the treehouse (upstairs). Orders are due tomorrow to ensure that the books will be delivered by Valentine's day. If you didn't get a form then you can order online using the class code LNWXP. Remember, Lara Francisco sent out a list of recommended books for our class library as well as wish lists. The points earned from your orders
This will be a short week but I plan to squeeze as much in as possible in order to stay on track with my curriculum map. We have a bunch of new units beginning and a short time frame to complete!
Don't forget: Yoga: Tuesday mornings with Ms. Skoog in the gym from 9:05-9:25. Parents are invited to join. Homework club: Still taking place Mon, Tues., Thrus. and Fri. until 4:30 in and a 3rd, 4th or 5th grade classroom in the treehouse (upstairs). Check out the photo gallery: I try to update every other week. Homework: I have asked students to take something apart (not expensive, already broken, outdated, etc.) and figure out how it works. This must be a smaller project that can be done this week. Please help your student slowly take it apart and think with purpose while going through the process. They do not need to put it back together, unless you want to require that! I will be sending some reflection questions and a rubric home tomorrow. Word work: Students are beginning some serious grammar and mechanics of writing work. This week we are looking at the difference between there, their and they're. In addition, they're also deciphering the use of its and it's. We also started a new vocabulary program (lesson, workbook style) connected to our Greek and Latin roots study. Reader's workshop: Students will begin to dive into nonfiction reading with a focus on comprehension, organizing information and summarizing. Students will also be selecting books that are connected to genius hour study. Look for prompt questions that you can use with your student during their independent reading. Remember, we are focusing on diving deep into our books and holding discussions that are meaningful (connections to history, and social or political issues). Please help your student chose a book that matters! Writer's workshop: Students will begin a short fiction unit (any style). The focus will be to create a very short story with key story elements. Students have been super excited for this moment while I am always hesitant because I struggle to keep up with their imaginations! Food Chemistry: Students will continue testing foods (for protein and fats) and looking at it from through a scientific lense. They are making connections to their own eating habits through discussions, activities, watching videos, and reading articles. Math: This week students are beginning a fraction unit with a focus on comparing fractions. Initially students will look at simple "rules" to deciphering which is greater or less than. Eventually, they will dive into more difficult fractions that require more thinking to determine the value. Social and Emotional Learning: The festival of performances was a hit! During our reflection students were very proud of themselves and shared some special moments. We counted the money that was raised, which was quite a thrilling moment! In total they raised three times more than what they needed (based on research and plans). Thank you for your support! Today we made a list of possibilities for how the extra funds could be spent (save for future vet visit, save for future food, spend on a loft for gecko, etc.). We are hoping to have our gecko by next week! PBL: The planning for the World Peace Game is much more intense that I initially figured because I am working off another teacher's experience, which is missing many aspects. The game is extremely complicated with many unknown factors. However, I am still looking forward to it! I ail send a list of needs soon (thanks in advance)! Genius Hour: This idea was termed at Google. Google's work strategy allows employees to spend 20% of their time on projects of exploration. Google employees have created very successful projects, like gmail, with this time. The freedom has been successful in business and now it is making it's way into the classroom. I have decided to try it out because I know that this class will jump on board and create incredible projects. I am introducing it Wed. and we students will begin planning. There are a couple key elements that will be required. The exploration begins with passion and a driving question. Then, planning and taking action on a project that will be presented in the end. In a way, it's like a mini PBL project! I plan to give students Wed. afternoons to make progress. Instrumental music takes place at this time so some students will unfortunately have less time to work on it. Students will be able to work on the project at home once the first steps are approved. Check out the link for more info on genius hour. Last week there were some sleepy, spacey moments as we returned from break and got use to the schedule again. This week it feels like we are back in action and running full speed. Check out what's happening this week...
Don't forget: Yoga: Tuesday mornings with Ms. Skoog in the gym from 9:05-9:25. Parents are invited to join. Homework club: Still taking place Mon, Tues., Thrus. and Fri. until 4:30 in and a 3rd, 4th or 5th grade classroom in the treehouse (upstairs). Homework: Last week students were given a math enrichment focused on long division (any strategy). Many students worked on it over the weekend. Today those students shared and reflected on their work. The results were incredible and I was extremely impressed. On the other hand, some students are still making progress. For those that did not finish, they were given one more night to complete before sharing on Tuesday. For those that did finish on time get a night off! For homework this week I would like students to read for 30 minutes a night (at least) and refresh multiplication and division work. I will be passing out reading logs and math worksheets on Tuesday. At this point, students need to continue to practice so the processes become engrained. Word work: Students are beginning some serious grammar and mechanics of writing work. Last week we clarified the use of quotation marks and dialogue. This week the focus is apostrophes and contractions. Reader's workshop: Literature circles wrapped up today. Students are already asking about the next books, which tells me it was a success! Students will begin to dive into nonfiction reading with a focus on comprehension, organizing information and summarizing. Soon I will be sending home sample prompt questions that you can use with your students during independent reading. Remember, we are focusing on diving deep into our books and holding discussions that are meaningful (connections to history, and social or political issues). Please help your student chose a book that matters! Writer's workshop: Thank you to those parents and family who attended the Writer's celebration. It was a hit and today students were feeling good about it! If you missed out, students are currently posting their realistic fiction on websites. Students will begin a short fiction unit (any genre). The focus will be to create a very short story with key story elements. Students have been super excited for this moment while I am always hesitant because I struggle to keep up with their imaginations! Food Chemistry: Students will continue testing foods (for protein and fats) and looking at it from through a scientific lense. They are making connections to their own eating habits through discussions, watching videos, and reading articles. Social and Emotional Learning: Our class meetings have subsided again and have been replaced by a student driven cooperation activity. Students discovered that the donation box was not good enough to raise enough funds for the leopard gecko. Based on their stats, we still need about $45. The class decided to plan another way to raise money. Instead of just asking, they decided to hold a festival where donations will be accepted. The festival will include performances (live music, dancing, singing, whistling, sports, a play, face painting and possibly dog tricks) by students. They are very excited about the event and have taken on some serious planning. We would like to get the leopard gecko sooner than later so we think we can pull this off by Friday after school until 4:15 ish. If you have a conflict please let me know and we can find a way to work around your schedule or accomodate accordingly. Genius Hour: This idea was termed at Google. Google's work strategy allows employees to spend 20% of their time on projects of exploration. Google employees have created very successful projects, like gmail. The freedom has been successful in business and now it is making it's way into the classroom. I have decided to try it out because I know that this class will jump on board and create incredible projects. I am introducing it Wed. and we students will begin planning. There are a couple key elements that will be required. The exploration begins with passion and a driving question. Then, planning and taking action on a project that will be presented in the end. I plan to give students Wed. afternoons to make progress. Instrumental music takes place at this time so some students will unfortunately have less time to work on it. Students will be able to work on the project at home once the first steps are approved. Check out the link for more info on genius hour. I want to pass along my gratitude for the beautiful cards written by students and parents before break. When I read them I felt much joy! The gift basket full of goodies was perfect as well. Thank you for the thoughtful and generous gift! Welcome back and Happy New Year! I hope the Winter break was enjoyable and relaxing for everyone. I found myself quite busy with social events, family obligations, a kitchen remodel and a some lesson planning. It was fabulous! We will take this week to adjust to our routines and get back on the learning track. We have several projects, units and activities to wrap up as well. Here is our week at a glance: Homework: Starting Tuesday this week students will be working on their enrichment projects for math. Most students have started the project before Winter break and they will just be continuing the work. There are several different projects (see below under the math section) and a rubric stating expectations. Please check in with your student by asking questions connected to how they can push their thinking and improve their project to meet the expectations. Reader's workshop: Literature circles will still be taking place. Most groups are close to completing the book and assignments. They will have a short character trait project to complete by the end of the week. Soon I will be sending home sample prompt questions that you can use with your students during independent reading. Remember, we are focusing on diving deep into our books and holding discussions that are meaningful (connections to history, and social or political issues). Writer's workshop: Students have completed publishing their realistic fiction writing. We did not get a chance to celebrate before Winter break due to a late arrival. We will hold a writer's celebration this Friday (1/10) at 10:30. If you would like to join please let me know! Food Chemistry: Students will continue testing foods (for protein and fats) and looking at it from through a scientific lense. They are making connections to their own eating habits through discussions, watching videos, and reading articles. Math: Students will partake in a review session early in the week. Then, they will jump right into continuing our division unit with a focus on the enrichment projects. There are several strategies that students have learned to understand the concept of multi-digit division. Remember, its not just about memorizing algorithms, it's about thinking deeper with a greater understanding of the concept. Ask your student to teach you "Multiplying Up", "Partial Quotients", or "Traditional Algorithm." Social and Emotional Learning: We will refocus on class meetings this week with some some review on options for solving problems. Of course we will start each meeting with a round of compliments as well! The class will also finish their class pet planning. See below for the research questions they developed and took action on. Each group created posters with the information and presented to the class. This week we will review the ideas and modify if needed. Our goal was to get a class pet in the first few weeks after Winter break! Other:
Yoga: Tuesday mornings with Ms. Skoog in the gym from 9:05-9:25 Homework club: Still taking place Mon, Tues., Thrus. and Fri. until 4:30 in and a 3rd, 4th or 5th grade classroom in the treehouse (upstairs) This class is truly impressive! Everything is clicking and they are so excited for learning each day. I plan to pack as much in as possible before break and the class has agreed to take on the challenge. I love it! New notes: Hour of Code: Our QAE Technology committee worked to put together an hour long coding workshop, which coincides with Computer Science Education Week. Our session will take place on Wed. morning from 9:30-10:30. I am excited for the students to partake in this opportunity! Check out the inspiring video. QAE Holiday gift drive: Following the tradition from the past few years, the Holiday Donation Drive will be for Treehouse. Treehouse serves foster youth and their caregivers in King County and has been doing so since 1988. The holidays are especially tough for foster children, so this drive is essential to Treehouse’s mission, which is to secure the essential education, basic material needs, and social experiences for foster kids. Scholastic book orders: Thanks to those who ordered books this week! All our new books continue to generate excitement for reading! Yoga: Ms. Skoog organized a Tuesday morning yoga session each week called "Mindful Mornings". If your student wants to attend they can go to the gym at 9:05 (portable). Please remind them it is a peaceful and quiet event. Photos: Stop by the "photo gallery" on my website for updated shots of your students in action. I add photos on a weekly basis! Homework: I made a last minute chance on homework this week and decided not to send it home tonight! Instead, I asked students to teach you a new division strategy called Multiplying Up (see blog for strategy).
Homework Club Reminder: 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. as well. 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! This will take place from 3:35 - 4:30. No need to sign up, just tell your kids to show up! Reader's workshop: Literature circles are still taking place. It is so much fun to hear students read out loud, hold mature discussions and ask intriguing questions. Soon I will be sending home sample prompt questions that you can use with your students during independent reading. Remember, we are focusing on diving deep into our books and holding discussions that are meaningful (connections to history, and social or political issues). Writer's workshop: Most students have began publishing their realistic fiction writing, which means we will plan for a celebration before winter break. I would love to have parents come and listen to them read in groups. I will keep you posted on the day and time. Food Chemistry: Last week students made observations on simple foods. They also looked closely at the food groups and determined if they ate a balanced diet. This week they will be testing various liquids. Students are very excited to become scientists and are taking the unit seriously so far! Math: The topic for the next two weeks is division with a focus on various strategies. In an attempt to simplify yet get students thinking deeper they are learning about the "Multiplying Up" strategy. Remember, its not just about memorizing algorithms, it's about thinking deeper with a greater understanding of the concept. Ask your student to teach you! Social and Emotional Learning:
The final vote was cast and our class will be getting a class pet! I am a tad nervous about a leopard gecko but the students are more than willing to take on the responsibility by planning the details. They generated a list of questions and things we need to know. They began the process of planning out the details of rules, care and expenses. |
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