Special Notes:
*
We continue to just have a blast
learning. While this was a wonky week
with a sub and a field trip, we still got a lot done. I am also noticing how perseverance is
increasing and a general “can do it” attitude developing. I will be giving them a new challenge later
today as a treat.
* Next week will be a short one
with a lot of learning packed into 3 days.
We will wrap up essays, have another genius hour, fly some planes, and
shoot off some rockets. There will be no
spelling or DLR, but there will be a blogging challenge.
* We are looking for supplies to
be donated to shoot off rockets: If you
have an extra bottle of vinegar or baking soda, please send it in. We are also looking for plastic water bottles
for this challenge on Wednesday.
* The students are busy blogging
and have been rewarded with many comments from England,
Argentina, India and Canada. Please take a moment to leave the kids a
comment; they work so hard on their blogs.
* What a great field trip, I was incredibly
proud of the students and their behavior.
Thank you also to our chaperones for coming in.
*
Thank you for the book orders, they will be ordered later today.
* Thank you for signing up for
conferences, you will receive your confirmation today in Friday Folders. If you have not signed up you will get a list
of times available instead.
*
As always a weekly reflection also went home today in Friday Folders.
* Pride paws can now be traded in
for stuff in Willy’s Warehouse, once kids receive their orders I ask them to
please bring the things home.
* Dates for your calendar: No school Thursday, October 24th
and Friday, October 25th, Sub in the morning Thursday, October
31st Fall/Harvest/Halloween party moved to Friday, November 1st
1 PM, Picture re-take is Tuesday,
November 5th, Conferences start the week of November 11th
Math – We have just started unit 3 with the test so
far scheduled for on November 5th. The
students will be working with their protractors and compasses and also learning
about angles so please make sure they have both tools. I am excited to see the progress in math
facts as we continue to do the tests in the morning.
Social Studies – The
second chapter on the early people is in full swing and the students continue to
field ideas for genius hour. The next
one is this Monday where all students will be working by themselves to create
something.
Science – We flew our planes for a few
moments this week and will continue to explore which variables we can change
and whether it will affect the outcome.
Reading – We have been working on our stamina again
this week as some students stopped reading during reading. I have no doubt that we will be back to full
speed again soon. I have pulled many
small groups as we discuss how to have deeper reading conversations and there
have been a lot of buzz about books in here.
I have 6 books with long waiting lists at the moment!
Writing – Students have been drafting
their essays and some have even finished already. This has given them a chance to start work on
other Yahara writing projects. Overall,
I am pleased with the deep thinking that is happening in here as far as
figuring out how to set up their essay, write persuasively, and give good
reasons for their argument. We will be
wrapping up essays by next week.