Week of 9.27 - 10.1

Hello Families!

OH MY what a week!  The mealworms turned to pupas.  The pupas turned to beetles.  We had a surprise tea party.   We attended an assembly about the October 14th fun run.  There was much to get excited about!

Picture day is next Monday so please send in order forms and money this week.  Also if you have not signed the blue 'code of conduct' form, please read it with your kids and send it back asap.  We receive an incentive if the whole class returns it by October 8th!

Reading:  Our tea party to celebrate "The View from Saturday" was a huge success.  We were all surprised and amazed by the treats!  I was proud of the kids for trying teas they'd never tasted before and (for the most part), using their manners.  We even had time to discuss our opinions about the book; the kids' comments were incredibly insightful.  Most loved the book, some didn't.  Many would change things about it if they could.  Ask them about their opinions, particularly what they would change and what they liked!

I introduced the project today.  They will have a choice of four different creative responses which we will discuss Monday.  Their choices include redesigning a book cover, rewriting a summary and review, creating discussion questions, or designing a poster for book stores to advertise the book.  I've set aside time to work in class, but they'll need to work at home, too. The projects are due a week from today, October 8th. 



Writing:  Next week the kids will rewrite their pieces (double spaced) with the revisions they've made based on my comments.  If they'd prefer to type them at home rather than rewriting, that is ok with me.  I intend to send them home Wednesday with their homework being "read your piece to a family member, get feedback and a signature."  After you've seen their revised drafts, they'll make final revisions and publish the following week.

I must say, each piece of writing quite good in its own right!  Many of the kids are strong in one area but weak in another.  For example, the kids whose pieces are focused and organized lack dialogue or vivid word choice.  On the other hand, many kids who have a lot of 'voice' in their writing (suspense, humor, great dialogue) have plots that meander or don't resolve.

Science:  This week the kids finished writing articles about their mealworm experiments for Ranger Rick Magazine.  Those who didn't finish their final draft brought it home to finish this weekend.  It is due Monday.   They designed their own layouts, drew pictures, and copied their drafts.  Ask them about how they chose to get creative with section breaks, titles, and pictures.


Math:  This week we started Unit 2:  Using Numbers and Organizing Data.  We learned about the different ways we use numbers (counting, measuring, identification, reference, comparing amounts).  We also learned about place value.  Ask your kids to teach you "Top Your Number."  (Roll a die 3 times and try to arrange the digits to make the largest number possible.  Roll a 4th time and add that number of zeros)

Miscellaneous:

• If your kids bring snacks in tupperware, it would help if it were labeled with their initials.  If I know whose it is, I can return it if it gets left behind in class!
• Please send in picture day forms, Camp Edwards permission slips and fees, and signed code of conduct forms
• If you didn't sign up for conferences at open house, please email me to schedule a time:  mklemchuk@op97.org

This week's author: Adam

Monday we had a surprise firedrill! We also had the "Movin' Max" assembly about the fun run. Some of our mealworms became beetles! Tuesday we had art, then we had our second "Walk to Reading."

Wednesday we had our first official stand. We had library and a social studies quiz, too. Thursday we played flag football in gym and our big Spanish assignment was due. Today we did a lot on our science articles. It was very productive. It was fun, too. Also, we had our tea party!!