April 29 - May 3

     It is so hard to believe that we have only one more month of school.  I know we are all anxious for our summer vacations!  We still have a few things to accomplish between now and then, however.  One is the Biography Day presentations.  They are scheduled for Tuesday, May 14th.  We will work on the reports at school.  However, parents are needed to help with the costume and the practice for the presentation.  Students should try to memorize their "paragraph", but if that fails, note cards are allowed.  I don't want anyone to stress over this.
     We also have a number of fun activities which include the Teddy Bear Picnic this Wednesday morning, our field trip to the zoo this Friday, and another field trip to Suson Park on May 22nd.  Both the Teddy Bear Picnic and the Suson Park trip will be done with our kindergarten buddies.  I will send an email to further discuss them both.

Now here is what is happening for this week:
Math: We will continue where we left off on fractions. Our test will be scheduled for this Thursday. However, if there are any interuptions this week, it may have to be on Monday.
Writing: Right now we are doing a Haiku Poetry project. Each child composes at least three haikus. Then they are typed on the computer. One of the poems will be illustrated and then water colored. It is a really fun project!
Reading: Students will research their famous person and takes notes on what they have read. Please ask your child whom he/she is researching.
Science/Health: This week we will learn about the muscular system and the circulatory system.
Social Studies: We will begin our study of Native American tribes. Students will be selecting a tribe to research. We'll have fun wiritng in our Native American journals about our findings!

Special Events:
Wed. - Teddy Bear Picnic;
Thurs. - Math Test / Ch. 26;
Fri. - Zoo Field Trip;

4/22/13 - 4/26/13 This Week, Reviewing Fractions, and More Economic's Day Videos



 

      I have no idea why my Economic's Day Videos are following this video on fractions - they just are.  Simply play through this video explaining how to determine whether or not fractions are equivalent and you will then come to four really cute videos of the children on Economics Day.  Please know that I really do try to get some fun videos/pictures to you, but my abilities seem to be limited.  This video of the fractions is something new we are learning to do, and you may be seeing more of it next year.  These educational videos are part of a new wave of learning called the Flipped Classroom.  I was just trying it, but realized that some of my missing videos were attached to the end of it.  (Or rather follow it.)  Following the videos is a run down of the week as well as important events.  Be be sure to read it!

This week's important events:
Mon. - Book Fair; Counseling Class with Mrs. Toomey;  Pajama Day!
Tues. - MAP Testing;  Book Fair continues;
Wed. - Early Release at 1:40;
Thurs. - MAP Testing;
Fri. - Last day for MAP Test unless your child needs to make up the test;  Library;

     Most of this week will be devoted to MAP testing and final MAP preparation.  Remember, the goal is for every child to be proficient in both reading and math.  However, on Friday we began health as a part of our science curriculum.  The health grade posted on the report card each quarter is for general health habits.  However, the science grade for the fourth quarter will be in conjuction will our study of our body's systems.  We are beginning with the digestive system and nutrition.  Each week we will study a different system and health topic.  The kids are already enjoying the change in curriculum!

MAP Assembly

We had a great time at the MAP assembly. The theme was "Rock 'n Roll to Meet the Goal. Mr. Hamby hosted as Elvis. (Take note of the plastic Elvis hair.) Lucas was Mr. Hamby's mini me. Jake, Natalie, and Alexia were team members and did a great job of answering the game show questions for the Map-O-Mania game show. Teams hula hooped, played limbo, or did the twist after each round. Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Graphing Display

Fabulous Art Masks