We had a great time at our Glow in the Dark party this afternoon! The kids played hot potato and had fun putting together their necklaces and other goodies!
Monday, October 26, 2015
Sunday, October 25, 2015
LL 38 News...
It was a crazy week last week with all of the half days, but the kids were able to adapt to the change in some of our routines. Last week they earned another Paw Print Reward! Tomorrow we will have a "Glow in the Dark" party at the end of the day to celebrate being respectful, responsible, and ready.
It was great to get to talk to so many parents last week at Parent-Teacher Conferences. It is great to be able to meet early on in the year and share some of the goals that your child has at this point in the school year and share how you can support your child at home. I know conferences are only 10 minutes and that goes by very quickly. If you have any additional questions about your child's progress, please feel free to email me.
Reading Workshop and Ellis Island
We continued to work on making inferences in reading workshop last week. We used two books about immigration and Ellis Island to help us think deeply about this topic. We read Coming to America and watched the wordless picture book called The Arrival on YouTube. It was amazing to talk about all of the inferences that the kids were able to make around the wordless picture book. While watching the video and reading the book, we focused on:
It was great to get to talk to so many parents last week at Parent-Teacher Conferences. It is great to be able to meet early on in the year and share some of the goals that your child has at this point in the school year and share how you can support your child at home. I know conferences are only 10 minutes and that goes by very quickly. If you have any additional questions about your child's progress, please feel free to email me.
Reading Workshop and Ellis Island
We continued to work on making inferences in reading workshop last week. We used two books about immigration and Ellis Island to help us think deeply about this topic. We read Coming to America and watched the wordless picture book called The Arrival on YouTube. It was amazing to talk about all of the inferences that the kids were able to make around the wordless picture book. While watching the video and reading the book, we focused on:
- Reasons People Left Their Country
- The Journey to America
- Ellis Island Experience
- Life in the United States
I have included the links to The Arrival. The book is divided into 2 parts. Even though the kids have already seen the video, I am thinking that they will see and learn something new when they watch it again. If you watch this again with your child, ask them to share what they are thinking about as they watch the video. This video led to many great discussions in the classroom!
The Arrival Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nJKse-UCFM
The Arrival Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knnEJnohSbo
This week we will head into the computer lab to take a virtual tour of Ellis Island.
Math Workshop
We are working to finish up Module 2- Metric Measurement in math. We will be starting Module 3 by the middle of the week. You can expect to receive a Homework Helper packet for this module by mid week.
Writing Workshop
Last week we started to create thesis statements for our Literary Essay. We talked about the thesis statement or big idea needs to be big enough that it isn't only about one small part of the book. Some kids needed to go back and revise their thesis as they started to learn more about writing a thesis statement.
This week will continue to work on writing our Literary Essay by including reasons and evidence to back up our thesis.
Coming Soon...
This week we will head into the computer lab to take a virtual tour of Ellis Island.
Math Workshop
We are working to finish up Module 2- Metric Measurement in math. We will be starting Module 3 by the middle of the week. You can expect to receive a Homework Helper packet for this module by mid week.
Writing Workshop
Last week we started to create thesis statements for our Literary Essay. We talked about the thesis statement or big idea needs to be big enough that it isn't only about one small part of the book. Some kids needed to go back and revise their thesis as they started to learn more about writing a thesis statement.
This week will continue to work on writing our Literary Essay by including reasons and evidence to back up our thesis.
Coming Soon...
- We are going to be starting our unit on Erosion soon in science. Our class is looking for containers of play-dough for a project that we will work on during this unit.
- Field Trip Permission Slips were sent out on Thursday. We will be going to the Acton Discovery Museum. Please send in your child's permission slip and $16.50 by Wednesday, November 4th. If you would like to offer to chaperone, please let me know. Just a reminder that the you need to have an up to date CORI form. This takes a few weeks, so you would need to come into the office to get a CORI completed if you haven't done so.
I hope everyone has a great week!
~ Jen
Sunday, October 18, 2015
LL 38 News....
It was a short week last week, but the kids did a nice job getting back into the routine of our classroom.
Math Workshop
The kids took an end of module assessment on Thursday last week. After taking the assessment, each student completed a Self-Assessment. They assessed themselves on their ability to use word problem strategies as well as other math strategies that they have learned over the past few weeks. After assessing themselves, they were able to go back to their assessment to fix any areas that they wanted to put in additional effort.
We started our 2nd Module on Metric Measurement. We went outside in the Friday sunshine to start looking for objects that measured 1 centimeter and 1 meter. After finding objects that had those measurements, they practiced measuring other objects that they found outside.
We will continue to work on Module 2 over the next few weeks. I will be sending home the Parent Handout that explains some of the concepts that your child will be learning over the next few weeks. You will also receive a Homework Helper packet. This packet is being sent out to all students in the district when a new module is started. It gives step by step instructions on how to solve math problems that your child will have as part of their homework. The kids can refer to the steps at home and refresh their memory about the strategies that they have learned in school as well.
Here are some pictures from our measurement activity on Friday...
Math Workshop
The kids took an end of module assessment on Thursday last week. After taking the assessment, each student completed a Self-Assessment. They assessed themselves on their ability to use word problem strategies as well as other math strategies that they have learned over the past few weeks. After assessing themselves, they were able to go back to their assessment to fix any areas that they wanted to put in additional effort.
We started our 2nd Module on Metric Measurement. We went outside in the Friday sunshine to start looking for objects that measured 1 centimeter and 1 meter. After finding objects that had those measurements, they practiced measuring other objects that they found outside.
We will continue to work on Module 2 over the next few weeks. I will be sending home the Parent Handout that explains some of the concepts that your child will be learning over the next few weeks. You will also receive a Homework Helper packet. This packet is being sent out to all students in the district when a new module is started. It gives step by step instructions on how to solve math problems that your child will have as part of their homework. The kids can refer to the steps at home and refresh their memory about the strategies that they have learned in school as well.
Here are some pictures from our measurement activity on Friday...
Parent-Teacher Conferences
I know many of you have signed up for conferences that are taking place on Wednesday and Thursday this week. If you haven't signed up, please do so as soon as possible. If you run into any problems, please let me know and I can sign you up.
Tomorrow you will receive a Questionnaire to fill out for your child's conference. I am attaching the Questionnaire below, so that you can take a look at it. The purpose of this is to help keep your child's conference on track. Since we only have 10 minutes, this will help me make sure that I answer any questions or concerns that you may have.
Feel free to email me your response if that is easier for you!
October 2015
Dear
Parents/Guardians,
I
thought it would be helpful to get some information from you before we have our
conference this week. You will not be
receiving a report card at the conference so it leads us to truly being able to
have a discussion about what we all see happening right now and where we need
to strengthen your child’s academic and social skills. With that in mind,
please answer these questions as best you can and return it to school by Tuesday, October 20th so that we’re all ready to discuss your child
in a timely manner.
1. What strengths do you see your
child showing?
2. What weaknesses do you see your
child showing?
3. What questions do you have about
homework so far this year?
4.
What social concerns do you have for your child this year?
5.
What other topics would you like us to discuss?
Sincerely,
Mrs. Lewis
I look forward to talking with you during conferences this week.
~Jen
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Great Math App...
Solving word problems can be difficult for many students. This app would give the students a little extra practice at home each day. Have fun!!
Monday, October 12, 2015
This Week in LL38....
I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday weekend! Just a reminder that students do not have school on Tuesday either! I look forward to seeing all of the kids on Wednesday morning!
Parent/Teacher Conferences
On Friday, parents were able to log in and sign up for parent/teacher conferences. Conferences will be held next Wednesday and Thursday. Time slots fill up quickly, so please sign up as soon as possible. I have attached the web address below. (If this link does not work, please go to the Farley School website.)
Parent/Teacher Conferences
On Friday, parents were able to log in and sign up for parent/teacher conferences. Conferences will be held next Wednesday and Thursday. Time slots fill up quickly, so please sign up as soon as possible. I have attached the web address below. (If this link does not work, please go to the Farley School website.)
http://www.ptcfast.com/schools/C_A_Farley_Elementary_School
Math Workshop
We will be finishing Module 1 in math this week. The students have made great gains in math since September. It is great to see the thought that is being put into the word problems.
Last week you should have received an example of a word problem. The students understand that they are readers first when working on word problems. Your child should be comfortable using reading strategies when solving these problems as we have worked on this extensively in class. This sample can be used to remind students of the expectations of word problems when they are working at home.
Reading Workshop
We started to discuss Character Traits last week in reading. Each day the students learned a new trait. We practiced each word together as a class. The students had a chance to practice using the word in a sentence and were able to ask questions about the trait. We will continue to do this until we complete the Character Trait book.
Each of the students also thought about the character traits that they possess. After brainstorming 3-5 traits, each student needed to come up with "evidence" or proof that they actually did possess the trait. Be on the lookout for our character trait pictures during conferences.
Goal Setting
We have talked about setting goals for ourselves. In reading, all of the students have created a goal for themselves as readers. While creating the goals, we talked about the purpose for each goal so that they understand why they have a particular goal. After discussing the purpose for the goal, we came up with the steps that they would need to take to achieve the goal. One of the most important steps no matter what the goal, is to practice!
Ask your child what their goal is as a reader. You can encourage your child to practice that goal while they are reading at home.
I hope everyone has a great week! If you have any trouble signing up for a conference, please let me know.
~Jen
Sunday, October 4, 2015
LL38 News...
Reading Workshop
We started our Battle of the Picture Books last week. The kids were very excited to start reading the picture books. Many of them are really starting to think about the characters in the books and are taking notes about their thinking around these books. As I was checking in with groups on Friday, I stopped by one group. They had just finished one of the books called Testing the Ice. When I asked how it was going, one of the students said "Wow, that was powerful!" This goes to show how deeply these kids are thinking about the books and just how captivating a picture book can be! This type of motivation and excitement is great to see!
We will continue to read the picture books this week. While reading we are going to be discussing the inferences that we can make when reading. We have talked about how an inference is when we take the evidence (words) in the text and our own background knowledge to determine what is probably true (an inference). Much of our focus during the inferring unit will be to think about the character traits that the characters in our books possess. We will also talk about themes and lessons in these picture books as well.
Writing Workshop
Last week the kids worked on editing and revising their personal narrative story. They were excited to reach the last step of the writing process...PUBLISHING! You should have received a letter from me last week describing the expectations that I have for published writing. Many students have already finished their final copies. Each student needs to bring back the folder that held their rough draft.
Just a reminder that published writing is due on TUESDAY!
Math Workshop
We have continued our first module with working our way through word problems. We have talked a lot about how we are readers first when working through a word problem. We have practiced this in class for several weeks.
We started our Battle of the Picture Books last week. The kids were very excited to start reading the picture books. Many of them are really starting to think about the characters in the books and are taking notes about their thinking around these books. As I was checking in with groups on Friday, I stopped by one group. They had just finished one of the books called Testing the Ice. When I asked how it was going, one of the students said "Wow, that was powerful!" This goes to show how deeply these kids are thinking about the books and just how captivating a picture book can be! This type of motivation and excitement is great to see!
We will continue to read the picture books this week. While reading we are going to be discussing the inferences that we can make when reading. We have talked about how an inference is when we take the evidence (words) in the text and our own background knowledge to determine what is probably true (an inference). Much of our focus during the inferring unit will be to think about the character traits that the characters in our books possess. We will also talk about themes and lessons in these picture books as well.
Writing Workshop
Last week the kids worked on editing and revising their personal narrative story. They were excited to reach the last step of the writing process...PUBLISHING! You should have received a letter from me last week describing the expectations that I have for published writing. Many students have already finished their final copies. Each student needs to bring back the folder that held their rough draft.
Just a reminder that published writing is due on TUESDAY!
Math Workshop
We have continued our first module with working our way through word problems. We have talked a lot about how we are readers first when working through a word problem. We have practiced this in class for several weeks.
Here are some of the steps that we typically follow as Readers first:
~ Read the problem
~ Determine any unknown words
~ Visualize what the problem is telling us
~ Draw out our visualization or create a tape diagram
~Underline/circle important numbers or words
Then Mathematicians...
~ Think of the math strategy that I have learned to solve this problem
~ Solve the problem
~ Check that I have answered the question
~ Write my answer as a statement!
In class we have talked about the purpose of following the steps to solve a word problem. We have also talked about the importance of using these steps every time we solve word problems since it is a strategy that will help us! It will also become even more helpful as the word problems get increasingly difficult.
Accountability
Over the past few weeks we have talked about taking responsibility for our own learning and choices. We have also talked about taking pride in our work.
For example, we reviewed editing earlier in the week. In earlier grades, the kids were taught how to correctly capitalize and punctuate sentences. After the review, I shared that this is going to be something that everyone is going to be held accountable for. If a student chooses not to take their time and use correct capitals, they will need to fix the mistake. This is another way to show a growth mindset!
If students aren't taking that pride in their work and showing what they have learned, they will need to make those changes to their work for homework. These papers will often be sent home on Mondays. They need to be returned the next school day. I am also asking that parents sign the paper stating they have seen it.
I hope everyone has a great week!
~Jen
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