Monday -PE | Tuesday -In and About | Wednesday -ART -Watershed test | Thursday | Friday -ART -Reflections due |
I am looking for volunteers on Tuesday the 13th--We'll be at the UCC doing cooking chemistry. I don't know the exact times yet, but we will definitely need adult helpers!
Important news from the Plover Classroom:
The Plovers have been studying waste and recycling this year, and now we are ready to turn your trash into treasure! We are collecting donations to make recycled puppets. Specifically, we need plastic lids, bottle caps, mesh produce bags, empty drink pouches, old CDs, disposable utensils, cardboard tubes, and plastic bead necklaces. Bring in your recycling any time through January 6, 2017. Drop off your items in one of the classroom collection bags or in the box outside the Plover classroom! Thanks for your help!
Important Dates
12/9: Reflections due
12/14: Water Editorial Due
This week Merlins will wrap up the water unit! Last week we looked at how ocean circulation and what drives ocean currents--think temperature, salinity and the Coriolis Effect. Then, we related that discussion to Oregon's weather. We examined precipitation amounts across the state and how that relates to a lot of decisions we make about industry! Pretty cool! We will take a test on water mid-week after reviewing and reflecting on this unit.
Ask, how is temperature and salinty related to ocean circulation?
Listen to your child explain how weather changes across the state of Oregon.
Extend the learning by looking at how climate change could affect ocean circulation.
Literacy
Merlins are hard at work on their water editorials. We covered how to write a powerful introduction using the steps, "background, thesis and preview." By now, everyone should have written the introduction and have 1 body paragraph written and another outlined. Body paragraphs take the formula of: topic sentence, FREDs (facts, reasons, examples and details) and then a so-what sentence (conclusion). We'll work on how to use transition phrases to make the writing flow and a day will be devoted to writing the conclusion. Be sure to help your kiddo stay on track to getting this turned in on the 14th.
I think we sorted out who will be reading which book for our fantasy literature circle. So, we're excited to kick this off! Reading the fantasy books will help kids set the stage for writing their own fantasy. Start talking with your student about what type of fantasy they may want to write.
Ask, how is your editorial going?
Listen to your student explain what characteristics make a fantasy, a fantasy.
Extend the learning by reading editorials together and/or picking a fantasy to read as a family.
6th Grade Math
Be on the look for your student's Block 3 test and reflection! It is due Friday the 9th! Also, the reflection is a chance to remind families to review the test with their child and help fix misconceptions. We'll be working on adding and subtracting fractions this week.
Ask what concepts were the trickiest for you on the test?
Listen to your child explain the problems he/she got wrong on the test and/or the math challenge about cupcakes.
Extend the learning by talking to your student about how fractions occur in our everyday lives!
5th Grade Math
Be on the look out for your child's Fraction Unit 1 test and reflection! It is due Friday the 9th! Also, the reflection is a chance to remind families to review the test with their child and help fix misconceptions. We'll begin investigation the mathematical interpretation of "of" and multiplication of fractions this week. While the algorithm/ formula is super easy for multiplication and division of fractions, it is important that mathematicians understand the reasoning behind each step.
Ask what concepts were the trickiest for you on the test?
Listen to your child explain the problems he/she got wrong on the test and the problems that he or she really understands.