Newsletter - Sept. 6, 2019

Although this was a short week, the days have been packed with activities.  In writing, students have been working to complete their first narrative piece.  This pre assessment will help show their knowledge of what a narrative should include.  Next week, we will begin our unit on the narrative.  This year students will work on fictional pieces, as well as personal narratives. 

Last week I asked the children to write me a short letter about what they would like to see during our writing workshop block.  Many students wrote that they wished they could have more time to write genres of choice (ie. informational, narratives, journal writing).  Students also expressed an interest in writing pieces with a partner.  I hope to include both of these opportunities throughout the year. 

Additionally, we will be writing poetry with watercolor illustrations.  Our first focus will be on different kinds of weather using descriptive language, particularly the use of strong verbs. Students will learn more about figurative language.   On Friday, students began their first watercolor and poem on rain.  The poetic form for this piece is the list poem.

 In Technology, Arlyn worked with the class teaching us how to research online and be certain that your site is reliable.  Each student was asked to select two forms of transportation and locate reliable sources using the short test that they learned.  Arlyn also worked with me in the afternoon with the fifth grade class, explaining our first integrated project on the Monarch.

 Our fifth grade highlight this week has been our work with Monarchs.  We have learned how to sketch scientifically, learned many new things about the life cycle of these amazing creatures, observed our baby caterpillars purchased from Monarch Watch, and tagged/released twelve wild Monarchs that we have raised.  Although this is a fifth grade project, our entire class has watched in awe as many of these creatures formed a chrysalis, while others have emerged as butterflies before our eyes!  Be sure to check our class blog for pictures.

Have a wonderful weekend!


Below is a note from Christine Christiano regarding 6th grade math:

I am excited to be part of the sixth-grade math block this year.  Mr. Willard is teaching the main math lesson to all sixth-grade students and I am working with all of them on Math Menu.  Math Menu gives students an opportunity to strengthen concepts and skills as well as have choice and variety in their learning.  The menu includes independent and cooperative work.

If you look in our classroom during Math Menu you will see a variety of things happening.  Some students will be working independently, some will be playing games, some will be puzzling out problems with friends, and some will be meeting with me to address any misunderstandings or gaps in their mathematical understanding.  

Students will be wrapping up their first Menu over the next few days.  They have done a fantastic job learning the routines that make Menu successful.  It's going to be a great year!

Respectfully,

Christine Christiano