Celebrations

We have made it through our first week! Oh YEAH! We are continuing to work on classroom procedures as well as starting our curriculum for the quarter.

Our biggest celebration thus far has to be that our air conditioning was fixed this week. For that we are all so grateful. Our kids were such amazing troopers. They kept themselves hydrated and maintained a positive spirit throughout. Our kids are AWESOME! We used our experience to inspire us to write Thank You Letters to all the people who helped fix or alleviate the stress of having no air conditioning on such hot days. Thanks to all of you for helping and supporting in every way you could.

We are building character and positive classroom climate by learning about the 8 keys. So far we have learned to "Speak with good purpose". This simply means that students should be kind and respectful with their words. "Failure leads to success" means that students should understand that it is O.K. to make mistakes. In fact, taking risks may often end in failure but it is how we grow and learn. The "This is it" key encourages students to Carpe Diem, seize the day. We also learned about "Balance". Students were encouraged to remember to put the most important things in life first. Mr. Gerard read One by Kathryn Otoshi. Our kids enjoyed discussing the book. We also watched the story about Nic Vujicic and discussed what we could learn from his example. Our kids have some really positive ideas about how we can encourage each other be our best.

We have begun Unit 1 in Math. Students are learning about Geography. By the end of this unit students should have an understanding of: rays, lines and line segments, angles, circles and polygons.
Students should be able to describe and compare one type polygon with another. Students also continue to gain mastery of math facts. Students were given a sheet with their log on and password on Friday for the Xtra Math website. Students should be practicing nightly until mastery is achieved.

We are beginning to roll out our Language Arts routine. This week students were given all the same Words Their Way sort so we could discuss procedures and future expectations. Next week all groups will be different. We are also establishing and practicing expectations for Daily 5 time. Students are building stamina for reading, writing, and vocabulary work. Soon students will be participating in various guided reading and literature circle groups as well. We read Saving Sweetness this week and worked on developing viable predictions. We also began our very first lesson on developing writing ideas. We are exploring the book Tuesday as a launch for our ideas this week. Students will be writing a original written story to go with the illustrations in the book.

We have begun Chapter 1 in Social Studies. We will be learning about the various US landforms, climates, and resources.

Some quick reminders: Students need to bring in a long sleeve shirt by Friday 8/30. It will be returned to students next Wednesday. Please look at my website for valuable links and information. Also look at our Blog for regular updates and info. Please follow the instructions for how to "follow by email" to have updates emailed to you directly. Curriculum night is next Tuesday 9/3 at 6:30pm. I look forward to seeing you all then. We are off to a great start to the year.