Monday PE | Tuesday *In & About to prepare for Symphony trip on 2/1 | Wednesday ART | Thursday & Friday No School, grading days for report card |
Important Upcoming Dates Jan. 25th & 26th -- No School - grading / end of semester February 1st -- O&A to Oregon Symphony February 2nd -- School-wide Geography Bee | Volunteer with Level 3 Click here to sign up:
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Reading: Read the newsletter Monday. Read a book of your choice the other nights.
Math: Daily math homework unless you are testing - check your child's agenda or contact teacher
Writing: There will be no spelling this week, but kiddos will be asked to do writing each night. Check agenda.
6th Graders: Turn in permission form for our student teacher by 2/2!
Special Note about our student teacher's requirement for video-recording:
As a teacher candidate in your student’s classroom this year, I am working towards completing a masters program to become a teacher at Pacific University. This process includes working to acquire my state licensure, while also meeting my teaching program's requirements. To do this, I must complete a teaching assessment called edTPA. To complete this assessment, I must create digital video or audio recordings of me teaching in your student’s classroom and then provide my evaluators with those recordings along with samples of your student’s work. Given this, your child will be bringing home a permission slip this week that explains this project in more depth. This permission slip needs to be signed by you and returned as soon as possible. Should you have any questions and/or concerns please do not hesitate to talk to Gretchen or myself.
Literacy
Our reading and writing focused on our project work this week. We read picture books to analyze elements of historical fiction as well as use it as a way to document a ___________________ (the path stories take, from introducing the story, rising action, climax and resolution.) And, we had a chance to practice the skill in a fun way by doing a story pass activity.
Ask your kiddo to describe the character they are developing.
Talk about how setting includes more than just the physical location of where a story takes place.
Extend the learning by reading and analyzing historical fiction as a family.
Project
What an adventurous week we had! The week kicked off with team-building with Amy on Pacific’s campus. Kids worked in their colonial teams to develop games, a handshake, a chant, and other hands-on stations to build camaraderie as they embark on their adventure to the New World. Their successes helped them make important decision for our project work like, how many people they would send to the New World, and what they’d bring along in their 3 ships. We were even able to get a couple rounds of sailing done.
Ask your kiddo what they packed in their ships and how far along they are in their journey.
Talk about the simulation we are doing. It is very detailed oriented and could lead to some interesting conversations!
Extend the learning by considering other perspectives from this time, other than those traveling to the New World.
6th grade Math
Seemed like a short week for me! I continue to appreciate the diligence the majority of the class has to work hard at their own pace, ask questions and make sure they understand the content they’re tackling. With this differentiated pace, it does put a larger weight on the students. I’m hoping families will support their child by making sure the right steps are taking place, and that that kids are putting in 15-20 minutes of homework each night, unless they are taking a test. I’m always open to having a conversation if you’re worried about how your kiddo is doing. And, remember you can access the curriculum online at www.corefocusonmath. Username is forestgrove, Password is grove2013
Ask what skills are the hardest for you right now?
Talk about the steps your kiddo is suppose to take in terms of completing work.
Extend the learning by trying out some of the challenge worksheets that come with the curriculum.
5th Grade Math
After reviewing our fraction knowledge, the 5th graders tested their skills on our Unit 3 Assessment. On Friday, we had a day of workshop to go over the problems we missed and try to correct them. If you haven't already seen your student's test, keep an eye out on Monday! Homework Monday will be to get the test signed and complete any corrections. If you are still stumped on a problem you got wrong, please set up a time to talk with me before / after school or during a break! Students who got below an 80% should also complete the test retake as a second chance to show their understanding. Parents who would like to support their students with this can walk through examples of how to do similar problems, but are encouraged to allow 5th graders to try the test problems solo. For scores to count, the retakes must be turned in by Wednesday!
Ask - which problem on the test did you master? Can you show me how you solved it?
Talk about strategies to conquer stress or anxiety around taking tests.
Extend the learning at home by working on the test correction as a family.