I want to thank you for the generous and thoughtful gifts before the holiday break. I received many sweet treats (written notes and edible delights). I also am very excited to spend my gift card for REI from the class ( I can't decide what to buy!). I have been using my beautiful purple thermos as well. Thank you for thinking of me and being so generous!
I haven't been the best at communicating all the class happenings in the past few months so this is my attempt to catch everyone up.
Field trips-
WA State History Museum - We have an upcoming field trip to the WA State History Museum in Tacoma on Thursday, Jan. 15th. Students will embark on a mystery tour where they use their detective skills. We are very excited to connect this trip to our Northwest Coast People unit.
The permission form was sent home a couple weeks ago with pertinent information. It turns out that about half of you responded (completely understand as it went home right before the holiday break). I will be resending to students who did not return. Please note that we will need drivers (all day) and there is a $7 fee.
Children's Theatre - We also have an opportunity to go to the Children's theatre for a matinee showing of Mwindo, which will connect to storytelling during our NW Coast unit. This field trip will take place on Feb. 6th. Please look for the permission form this week, which will include details about chaperones, metro fares and admission fees.
Upcoming Units -
NW Coast People - This unit will continue. With some brief exploration (Burke museum and art), the students are very excited for this unit to kick into full gear. They have built some background knowledge about the Lewis and Clark expedition with a read aloud titled Streams to the River, River to the Sea. Next they will partake in activities that build an understanding of the forces that threatened the NW Coast culture.
Reading - Students will continue to partake in the 40 Book Challenge and focus on reading books for meaning and purpose. They will also continue to participate in the read aloud with deep thinking prompts and responses.
Writing - Students completed the persuasive essay unit and we celebrated before break. They were quite passionate and convincing about their topics. Next will be literary essays, which will be based off of our read aloud book. Students will each select a theme and find examples from the text. Another celebration will take place and students will be able to select which essay to share.
Math - The multi-digit multiplication unit wrapped up for the most part. However, students will continue with Reflex math and practicing algorithms. Next they will learn division! Forewarning, this unit always ten ds to be frustrating to students initially because it takes practice. They will get it in time!
Other -
Homework - During conferences several students and parents suggested giving more time for homework because it can be difficult to complete on time with other activities and commitments happening throughout the week. So, I have decided to send homework home on Fridays! This means your student will have an extra couple days to work towards completing homework. Homework is still due on Fridays.
Photos - The photo gallery on my website has been updated. The photos certainly don't capture everything but it's still fun to see what we have been up to this year.
Blogs - Student blogs have been linked to photos on my website. Students can work on their homepage by describing themselves as a person and learner. They can add photos or videos from their/your personal library. All images should have a description. Please discourage your students to add random images from the internet.
Portfolios - Students will eventually be adding their work to their blogs. We have been storing it in files and binders in the meantime (this is why you have not seen anything come home). We, as in the 4th grade team, have been holding out for ipads, which will be so easy and less time intensive than scanning each students work. Stay tuned!