McFarland-Mayberry-Begley Bulletin

for the week of March 30, 2015

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Camp Day

Whoa.  Camp Day was...something!  Here’s a list of things I loved about it:

• I heard so many times, “Want us to make room for you?”  “Want to join us?”  “Come over here and we’ll combine our tents!”
• Kids brought books and read by flashlight!
• Some played a huge game of Uno.
• Many snuggled in sleeping bags and under blankets, sharing books.
• Some kids wore “camping clothes.”
• We played crickets sound effects and bird songs for background music.
• I heard a lot, “This is SO fun!”
• Some kids (and I) colored elaborate Easter egg coloring pages.
• Some kids enjoyed the array of camping-themed worksheets and activities I found on-line.

But, really, it was very loud and messy, and we ended it a half hour early and put the classroom back together.  Then, we went on a “hike,” because, well, that’s what you do when you camp, right?  We set out for the land yonder, the 6-8 wing!  As the older kids were ending their lunches and returning to class, we saw siblings, neighbors, and friends.  Many of them were very happy to see us little guys.  And then we came home.

Reading Workshop

This week we have continued to build our background knowledge of the Holocaust and WWII.  We read an allegory of the the Holocaust called, Terrible Things, in which one of the many thoughts to ponder is, “Would the Holocaust have happened if people had all stood together and helped each other?”  When you’re 10 years old (or 42), it’s hard to understand why awful things happen and why it appears that people  may not have helped.  So the next two stories I’m sharing are ones that show how people did have the compassion and courage to help.  Heavy stuff!

Writing Workshop

Writers are working hard on their second flash-drafts!  The confidence and independence have developed, as I was hoping.  We focused this week on using direct quotes from the text to support ideas, which is pretty sophisticated.  And I’m pleased with how well students are using resources around the classroom for ideas, reminders, and what to do when they get “stuck.”  Those resources include charts I’ve created for mini-lessons, students’ own previous writing, and their writing partners!  The writing partner relationships have grown very productive in the last few weeks.  The partner talk is more focused and more helpful than ever before.  That is not to say that every partnership works seamlessly, but as an observer I see the kids leaning more and more on each other and trusting suggestions from their partners.  I think that speaks to the tightness of our classroom communities at this point in the year, and I believe it has contributed to the increase in independence and confidence.

Math

This week students worked with adding and subtracting mixed numbers and converting improper fractions. We also did some work with applying these skills to story problems which requires a little deeper thinking. In addition students worked to meet the IXL challenge which many met. Homework passes will be awarded on Monday.

Theme

This week students reviewed for and took their landform and mapping quiz.  Some students did not pass the continents/oceans part of the quiz.  If your child’s test has a note that they need to be rechecked, please help them study over the weekend.  There is a game linked to my website that is great for learning the continents and oceans.

    We have also started the second half of our geography unit, which is focused on the 50 U.S. states.  Students took a pretest on Thursday to assess how many they knew.  Our first quiz will be next Thursday, April 9th.  They will need to know 20 states (any 20 - their choice).  There are practice games on my website.  Students are also bringing home a study packet today that they can use to help them.  While we will work on strategies for learning the states in class and have some practice time, students will be expected to do some studying at home.  Please read the cover page of the help packet for more ideas of how you can help at home.

    Finally, as we “visit” each region, we will be keeping a passport/scrapbook of our “travels”.  Each student will need a small picture of themselves (2in X 2in) for this passport, which should be sent into school next week.

Due Dates / Upcoming Events:

Monday, April 6th - Reading logs due  / Sneakers for P.E.

Tuesday, April 7th - Study link due / recorders for Music

Wednesday, April 8th - Early Release

Thursday, April 9th - Spelling due / First 20 states quiz / ABL

Friday, April 10th - Study link due

Any letters for placement are due to Mrs. MacArthur before April 16th.

Hope you had a nice weekend!

Dena