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

Newsletter - Week of Aug. 30, 2019

Welcome to a new school year!  It is so great to be back at school.  I hope everyone had a fun and relaxing summer.  This week our class has been getting acquainted with our schedule and routines. Our schedule is quite different this year. 

We begin our day within a multi-age 5/6 setting in our homeroom class.  As the newsletter from Alicia last spring explained we will have Literacy instruction in the morning.  Most days, we will finish the morning with a special.  With the exception of Friday, directly after lunch and recess the students separate by grades to have Math, Science and Global Studies.  On Friday we stay together as a multi-age class for our special and separate at 1:20.  All fifth graders come to me and sixth graders spend their afternoons with Mr. Willard, Mrs. Christiano and Mrs. Christy.  Our specials schedule follows:

Monday – P.E.

Tuesday – Art

Wednesday – Music and Guidance

Thursday – P.E.

Friday – Library

For those students participating in either 5^th or 6^th grade band, Thursday and Friday are the band days. .  Please help your child remember to bring their instruments on that day.

  We will also have one technology class each week, either on Tuesday or Wednesday.  Some technology will be in the single grade groups, while others will be in the multi-age groups.

 Please remind your child to wear appropriate footwear and clothing on our P.E. days.  On days with good weather, P.E. class may be held outside. 

Throughout the year, both of my groups will participate in team-building and collaborative activities. These activities help students develop the ability to work together and contribute within a team, practice positive attitudes and actions for learning in a team environment, and learn to foster mutual respect and trust, creating a successful team experience.  Many of the activities will focus on our transferable skills.

Thanks to all of you who have sent back the forms for our front office.  If you have not done so, please send them back as soon as possible.

I will be posting a copy of this letter on my class blog.  My blog will include activities from both the morning and the afternoon.  I will also include updates on the sixth grade afternoon activities as I receive them from their teachers.  Throughout the year, I will be keeping you informed with what is happening in the classroom via the classroom blog with newsletters, photos and student work.  If you prefer to receive a copy of my communication in your child’s Friday folder, please send me an email or note.

Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions or comments.  My number at school is 223-7936 (ext. 317) or my email is eshedd@u32.org.  Have a great weekend.  I look forward to an exciting year together.

Working With Buddies

On Friday we met with our buddies to help them with a Mother’s Day project.

The Tallest Tower

One of the projects that the class has participated in during the past couple of weeks introduced them to the Engineering Design Process.  They learned that engineers go through this process to design solutions to problems using math and science. 

First, we learned the six steps that engineers go through as they solve complex problems.  Step one required students to identify  their problem (to build the tallest tower).  Next, they were given the criteria and constraints.  Each team was given 25 index cards.  They could bend and/or fold the cards, but could not use tape or any other material to build their tower.  They brainstormed possible solutions and then selected an approach.  After they built their tower, they evaluated and redesigned their model.

This activity covered several Performance Indicators under Science Standard 5:  Engineering.  It also covered Transferable Skill 4:  Working Independently and Collaboratively. Below are some photos from the activity.