Monday PE | Tuesday O&A to Fernhill Wetlands 12-2 | Wednesday ART | Thursday Geek Out |
Important Dates
| Volunteer Click to signup for an October O&A!
|
*Students will have math, reading & spelling homework this week. Obtaining a parent signature is part of homework.
*Treehouse--is an after school homework support program that happens on Thursdays from after school until 4:30 (no bus service provided.) If you would like your child to participate in Treehouse please email me.
Geek out—it’s a time when kids get to explore passions or interests of their own. This first round we focused on a skill share as way to get to know each other better. So, many kids will be brining special props to school on Thursday to share their skill! If we can't get all kids through on Thursday, we will do another share the week of Oct. 25th
Project
There were quite a few highlights with our project work this week. First we had to get ready for the leaf pack experiment. We discussed what we can control, what we would measure, and the importance of keeping our controls (secret word) as consistent as possible. Then on Tuesday we actually headed out to Scoggins Creek to place the leaf packs. Thanks to a great crew of parent volunteers kids were also able to look for critters in the creek and take chemical water quality data. After a quick lunch we experienced the unpredictable nature of outdoor adventuring. Every kid got a chance to paddle in a canoe but we ended up pulling boats out early because the winds got too gusty. Thanks again to Phil, Amy and all the parents who paddle their hearts out so kids could get on the water. Merlins also looked at a current science project happening in the McKenzie River where logs are being placed back into the creek. We also did our first classroom economy budget update. Kids were able to see if they had enough money to pay rent and may be even buy a little something extra.
Ask why logs were being put back into a river?
Talk about the importance of respecting nature when doing outdoor adventures.
Extend the learning by the scoping for macros in another local creek.
Literacy
Merlins are very invested in the book Flush. We now have more concrete evidence that Dusty Muleman has been lying about where he dumps his sewage from his casino boat. I’ve really been enjoying our discussion-based literature circles. These kids have awesome ideas that they back up with evidence. We’ve also set goals in reading and writing and we look forward to discussing them with you in two weeks! Oh, and how could I forget that we went to the ELC (Pacific University's preschool and elementary program) to meet and read with our Shark buddies. It's a great time to instill leadership, mentorship and practice reading fluently and with expression. This week, we will have first Writers Share to share snippets from the tall tales we wrote.
Ask, what new evidence makes Dusty look guilty?
Talk about why it’s important to provide evidence with ideas.
Extend the learning by reading another environmental justice book as a family.
6th Grade Math
Even with the short week, 6th graders learned some important routines. Now they understand the test correction, retake and reflection process. After this, most of these steps will be homework rather than an in class step. Please take time to review all parts of the process with your student. All steps are due Tuesday the 9th! And, if you think your student would benefit from extra support, I’m available Thursdays after school and most mornings before school. Just get in touch with me!
Ask, what was the hardest part of the test?
Talk about why showing clear work is important.
Extend the learning by examine batting averages which go to the thousandth place value!
5th Grade Math
Fifth graders were rock stars this week, taking on the multi-digit multiplication algorithm. While there are a lot of steps to remember, it was interesting to see the connections between the algorithm and other methods students already used to multiply! This week, we'll practice some more and see what we can learn from a jar of jelly beans.
Ask, what is the multiplication algorithm?
Talk about strategies to remember which step to do first.
Extend the learning by finding the area of your bedroom or family room!
After School Clubs -
Check out the email from Karen with details about the amazing clubs that will be offered after school this year. Contact the office to take advantage of one of these opportunities!
Mondays - Book Club
Wednesdays - Chess Club, Choir Club
Thursdays - Girls Club, Electronics Club
Also, contact me if you are interested in joining Tree House, Level 3's Thursday homework support program.