What's Happening? October 2017

Models of the Earth, Sun and Moon

 During the last few weeks we have been exploring two essential questions, "Where is Earth?"  and "How does the Earth rotate and revolve?".  The students have researched these questions independently, created models and then developed fact-based arguments to support their ideas.  Next week the students will create a slide presentation to showcase the highlights of their Nature's Classroom trip.  

 As we write this blog, we're enjoying our second day on our Nature's Classroom trip.  So far the students have spent time trekking through the woods in field group, working together in teams to solve various "quests" and have taken classes such as Shark Dissection, Endangered Egg Babies, Shelter Building, Savage Ravage, Wolf Howling, Mouse Trap Catapults and Mad Science.  The students were able to choose their own classes so be sure to ask your child about their specific experiences during class time.  We're gearing up for a night hike tonight to learn more about the constellations and the nocturnal life of the critters that live in the woods of Nature's Classroom. Throughout our time here, the students have been learning about their roles to be responsible for themselves and respectful of others.  Ask your child for their personal definition of "IALAC."     

  After exploring the multiplication of numbers by powers of ten, we have begun to work on multiplying multi-digit numbers.  Please help your child to practice basic multiplication facts by reviewing with flashcards or by practicing third and fourth-grade multiplication skills on ixl.  Over the next few weeks, we will continue to multiply multi-digit numbers and then will begin to review division by connecting the operations of multiplication and division.  Most nights, homework for Math class is a page from the student workbook of the "GO Math!" program.  Please remind your child to put their Math books back into their accordion binders each night so we have them for school the following day.  

 Students have been learning about verbs. We have looked at verbs in our writing, and have worked on creating 'vivid verbs' in our writing by using a Thesaurus.  We have also been reading articles in Newsela about people with disabilities and analyzing how they show resilience in their lives.  Our hope is that our students can see how resilience can play out in their own lives and relate to it as a positive character trait they can develop.

Conferences

 We have been meeting with families for conferences.  In preparation for our November conferences, we have created a ‘Sign-Up’ page.  Please access this link to sign up for a November Conference:  CONFERENCES SIGN UP

Please know that we meet continually with parents outside of these November conferences.  If you feel that another time is better for you, please send us an email and we can set something up at any time!