Monday PE | Tuesday -O&A Timeline Game | Wednesday ART | Thursday Student Led Conferences--sign up with the office | Friday No School |
- April 18th - Student-led conferences, sign up with the office.
- April 19th - No School
- April 30th - Ancient cooking @ Nana Cardoon's, 12-3:20, sign up to volunteer
- April 26th - Annual bike ride, permission slips here
- May 3rd - Talent Show and Art Show
- May 7th - Final Fernhill research day, 12-2, sign up to volunteer
Students will have math homework and writing homework (either finish editing/revising their goal document for conferences or a special Scholastic News writing assignment) this week.
Student-Led Conferences
Students have to work really hard to figure out how to articulate progress on their goals. I was able to give feedback to every kiddo--how they decided to use that feedback is a different story. However, I know they worked hard to prepare for conferences this week, pouring over accomplishments from the year and thinking through exactly how they want to explain their strengths and challenges to you. This is a really special opportunity for students to be in charge and share what they are proud of and what they need a little extra help with. I hope that you will join us on Thursday to hear from your child! Please contact the office to sign up, or email me with questions. I will be in the room able to check in with anyone, just ask! :)
Literacy
We made it through our English Language Arts state test with focus and grit! Nice work. This week, we'll be moving on to the writing task. Students will have to use 3-4 sources to compost an explanatory or persuasive essay, or a narrative story. Help your child feel prepared by getting a good sleep and bringing a healthy snack to school this week. Review your writing savvy with these questions:
Ask, how do you use pieces of evidence in an explanatory article?
Talk about what makes a good persuasive article.
Brainstorm strategies to bring a narrative story arc to life!
Ancient Civilizations
Merlins investigated the role archeology plays in telling the past's story. Additionally, we explored the cradle of civilization this week, Ancient Mesopotamia. In an exciting simulation on Wednesday, we experienced how the need to control the flooding of the Tigris and Euphrates led to the creation of government and job specialization. We also explored how written language and trade contributed to the developed of new technology. This week, we'll be learning more about how timelines (mystery word) are a useful tool to examine history.
Ask, how did you contribute to your civilization during the river and catapult simulations?
Talk about , how did you piece together the information you learned while on the archeological dig?
Extend the learning by reading about modern-day Iraq and Syria, where Mesopotamian Empires thrived.
6th Grade Math
The sixth graders continue to plug through new concepts like applying fractions to percents. Tax, tips and discounts all came up as learned how to apply the concepts of percents. Oh, and we took on a fun challenging problem where someone thought they'd get a car for free--turns out 50% twice doesn't equate to 100% off! If you have any questions or concerns about your child's math portion of conferences, be sure to check in with me!
Ask, what is 15% tip on a restaurant bill that amounted to $45.00?
Talk about how decimals, percents and fractions are all related.
Extend the learning to explore taxes in other states. Or--show them your pay stub, can you calculate you were taxed?
5th Grade Math
I had a blast with fifth graders this week - we put our coordinate plane skills to test by graphing relationships, like time vs. distance. Using a motion sensor, student teams tried to re-create a drawn graph with their bodies. We didn't do so well at first, but got better and better as we understand what the graph really means. Students are also busy working on independent projects due on Wednesday.
Ask, what does acceleration look like on a time vs. distance graph? What about walking slowly?
Talk about "Mo" the motion sensor and how it worked.
Extend the learning by looking at graphs in the news.