Week of 4.16.12 - 4.20.12

Stand this week was dedicated to 'checking in' with the kids.  We offered some time to share what's going well, what might be bothering them, etc.  Typical topics arose such as playground and lunchtime, but the biggest topic was 'feeling overwhelmed with projects.'  Of course, this alarmed me (because they do, legitimately, have projects going on in many subjects),. But when we probed a bit deeper the students identified that they felt that the homework amount was fair, the deadlines were fair, and the support they were receiving to manage the projects was helpful.  At this point I was glad to hear these positives, but it also left me with the sound of crickets.  I thought to myself "so... what are you saying?"  It sounded like they were asking for less projects, but they didn't necessarily like the alternative of learning in other ways. 

On one hand, the kids were reaching out; they needed to feel validated and supported for the amount of work they're doing.  On the other hand, they needed a gentle reality check on whether or not the expectations they felt were too high, were indeed too high.  We gave them both.  We told them we were proud of them for voicing their feelings and opinions in an appropriate way and we asked them how we could further support them. 

But we also reminded them that we have plenty of learning left to do this year (school isn't over yet!) so we can't coast until May.  We explained that we've planned projects to keep things fun, engaging, and as a way to combine skills we've learned throughout the year.  Most important, we explained that learning to manage these deadlines is an incredibly important skill for middle school.  I'm hoping next week will bring rejuvenated spirits and a positive outlook on their work.  I feel that they're managing their projects extremely well and are doing so with creativity.  Though I've told reassured them, I'm sure a little pep talk at home would help, too!

4th Grade Math:   The kids tested on Unit 7: Fractions and their Uses.  Next week we'll begin Unit 8:  Area and Perimeter.  In this unit we'll learn scale, estimating area/ perimeter, and using formulas for area and perimeter of rectangles, parallelograms and triangles.  It's a shorter unit than the last two have been.

5th Grade Math: Check out Ms. Wennerberg's website and newsletter for updates: http://www.op97.org/swennerberg/

Writing:   We continued our writing projects this week:  the first being a 'free choice' writing piece, the second being the "Build-a-Teacher" (see last week's blog for further explanation).  I've enjoyed reading the traits that each child has chosen and look forward to seeing the end results!  I hope you enjoy working with your child as you help him/ her edit this weekend using the checklist I sent home yesterday.  Thanks for the positive feedback!

Reading:  We continued our Habitats unit in Treasures with a folktale as our main selection.  We reviewed the difficult but important skill of summarizing.  First we used the narrative graph to identify the important plot points (problem, climax, resolution), then we used the plot points to guide our summaries.  I'm proud of how far the kids have come in identifying only the main points in their summaries.  Since the fall, their summaries are more precise, concise and sophisticated.

We also started the book From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.  I always love how the energy in the room changes the minute I say "take out your books and meet me on the rug."  We're only in chapter one but the book has already brought about funny discussions, new vocabulary, and LOTS of imagining.  This oldie but goodie will be a great book to share over the next few weeks.

Social Studies: Check out Ms. Wennerberg's website and newsletter for updates: http://www.op97.org/swennerberg/

Science:   Our scientists finished their mini-research projects; they used guided questions to gather information about either a pollutant or a way to preserve the Earth. We focused on how to navigate a website, draft a layout, and create a poster that provides the necessary information while being visually appealing.  They began presenting their findings on Friday and their classmates took notes from the presentations.  Next week we'll review the key concepts from our Ecosystems unit and the kids will have a short written assessment.
Miscellaneous:

• We have run out of tissue!  If you're able, we'd appreciate if you could donate a box to get us through the end of the year.  Much thanks!
• If you need to access the band/ orchestra permission slip for the May concert, visit the link: https://docs.google.com/a/op97.org/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGlfbEpFUTRyN0VZeDFEQlpqTEpEVkE6MQ#gid=0
• The format for the 6^th Grade Orientation on May 2 has been amended since the flyers were sent home last week.  The format for this evening will be geared toward parents and guardians, so the 5^th grade students will not need to be in attendance. The next middle school transition activity for 5^th graders will take place on May 14, when they attend the Feeder School Picnic at Taylor Park.