Homework: NW Coast stories (websites) required more intensive work than I originally imaged. Students worked very hard on their web pages last week and they were able to share their progress. During the sharing session of the homework gallery they gathered ideas from each other. They requested more time to add details to their stories. So, students can continue to work on their NW Coast Pages this week for homework. We will complete the rubric next
Friday.
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. 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.
Field Trip: We are headed to Tillicum Village this Friday (15th)! If you have not sent a permission form and $9 please do so early this week!
About the trip:
Tillicum Village is located on Blake Island, the legendary birthplace of Chief Seattle. Our fourth graders are visiting Tillicum Village as a way to learn more about the Northwest Coast people and cultures, which they're currently studying in the classroom. The field trip includes a ferry ride, a traditional dance performance, storytelling, conversations about the traditions of the Coast Salish people and the importance of salmon to their culture. The visit includes a lunch featuring salmon that's prepared using a Northwest Coast Indian method, a show, a display of original goods and art, and extra time to explore the island.
Transportation:
The ferry begins boarding at 9:00am, and departs for the island at 9:30am. Unfortunately, the best bus for us to take leaves very early! The bus will leave QAE at 8:28. Please have your student at school by 8:15. Again, if your student needs a ride, please let me know. We have volunteers willing to pick up students.
Reminders about the trip:
- Lunch is provided
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Encourage students to ear a big breakfast because we will not have a snack before lunch
Math:
We are continuing work with multi-digit multiplication. Ask them about a few new strategies, lattice, partial products (see posters below) and traditional algorithms. Students are also applying the strategies to real life enrichment activities, like word story problems, building resorts and shopping for books!
Social and Emotional Learning:
Students gave and received enough props (catching a classmate in action doing something kind, helpful, safe or fair) to earn all the marbles that fit in the jar! This means that we get to plan a celebration. During our next class meeting we will begin to develop ideas and then take action. I already overheard students talking about how we can do something kind, helpful or fair to others rather than ourselves!
Reader's workshop:
All the books are focused on a theme of survival. 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
Each student received a packet of questions that will guide them throughout the way. Each group will work at their own pace to complete.
Writer's workshop:
Students are beginning the realistic fiction unit. Plots and characters are established. As students have started the drafting process I quickly realized that the plots became too complicated quickly. We are working towards scaling back our stories to a manageable place.
Northwest Coast People:
Another critical incident occured within the tribe. The hunters were out on a hunting trip and discovered a settlement of log houses. The hunters returned from their trip and shared news. The chief gathered villager's thoughts, including worries and hopes and then put together a crew to approach the settlers. The plan was to take over their settlement, capture the children and burn it down. Several villagers were hesitant and thought that they might be able to approach them differently but the tribe made a decision. Before the crew left, the village reflected and wondered if it was the best choice.