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.
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.
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."
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!
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)