I can't believe December is already here. The year is flying by.
Highlights
This past week we worked hard as we got back into the routine of school and welcomed December.
In Language Arts we finished the wonderful book The Journey of Edward Tulane. It is always bittersweet when we finish a great book. We are so excited to get to the end and then wish there were more to read. This book brought such wonderful discussion and debate. These kids really did an amazing job finding the deeper meaning of the book, making connections with their own lives and other text, and developing thoughtful and meaningful questions about the book. We have begun a project to wrap up the book and the kids are having a blast. On Wednesday, each student was given a handout with project choices and asked to choose a project and discuss the choices with you. We will continue to work on these this week. The kids will have time to work in class and will be asked to work on them at home. I hope to finish these up by mid-week but will monitor their progress.
We have also been reading The Magician's Elephant, written by Kate DiCamillo as well. We will finish that up tomorrow. Once again, a book we are both excited and sad to finish.
We will begin a new read aloud, The Seven Wonders of Sassafrass Springs, this week. It is a charming story that highlights the beauty and wonder of what is in your own backyard. A great reminder of how much we have to be thankful for. We will be doing a project with this book as well, more details to come. All reading response will be connected to this book. We will begin a new individual read when we return from break. I will give you the title in the next blog.
This week we will be editing (both with a peer and individally) our personal narratives, bringing this unit of writing to a close. When we return from Winter Break, we will begin a unit on poetry which will be a fun change.
In Math, we have break-out groups (the M&M's and the Jelly Bellies). Within these groups, we have been moving forward in Number Operations. In one group, we are connecting multiplication and division and working on creating a gallery of these families. In addition, we are practicing using both traditional and non-traditional ways to solve multi-digit multiplication and division problems. In the other group, we are really exploring adding three and four-digit numbers with carrying and subtracting with borrowing. We are subtracting across zeroes and applying what we know to solve and create story problems. Both groups have been using manipulatives quite a bit through their math time. This week, we will continue applying our skills to word problems and creating our own mathematical stories in both groups. The M$M's will continue to identify patterns in multiplication and division. It is always a good sign when I child asks, "Can't we keep going with our math?", after an hour and fifteen minutes!
In Social Studies, we are eagerly anticipating our upcoming trip to Jamestown and Williamsburg. However, in the meantime, the kids are finishing up their brochures of Viriginia. They are gorgeous! Much more informative and beautiful than any brochure I have come across. Our Friday field trip is a great segue into their next unit of study -- Exploration and Early Colonization.
In Science, the kiddos are learning about plants, a unit that is teaching me a ton as well. They are looking at types of plants, the parts of plants, and even talked about plant reproduction. In connection with Social Studies, the class is beginning a research project on Virginia plants and animals. Each student will choose, research, and report on one plant and one animal native to Virginia. They are very excited. Ms. Lockwood and/or I will provide you with additional information about the project when it begins this week.
In Music, the class is working hard on their WSC songs. Spanish, P.E., and Art have been busy as well.
Overall, it was a great, productive week.
Announcements and Reminders
- This Friday, December 9th , is our field trip to Williamsburg and Jamestown. We will be leaving CDS promptly at 8:00 AM and will return by 8:00 PM. Right now we have enough drivers and I will let each of you know who your child will be riding with. Permission slips will go home Tuesday.
- Thursday is pizza lunch. Last week we had several children who were not signed up for pizza for December but who were expecting it for lunch. Please make sure you have filled out a new form and submitted payment for December. The box is outside Kim's office.
- Thursday is also SPIRIT DAY! Please encourage your child to come with CRAZY HAIR!!!! I will take pictures.
- On Wednesday, December 7th, at 7 PM there is a PTO meeting in the MAC. Please attend if you are able. It is a great way to be involved.
- Early Enrollment Forms are due on Tuesday, December 6th. Please get them in on time as it helps us begin the planning process for next year. If you have any questions, please contact Stacey. She will gladly talk with you.
- Tomorrow is Chipotle Lunch.
- Tis the time of year for giving. The Kodiak and Black Bear classes are initiating a Food Drive at CDS. All classes will be collecting food to donate to the Food Bank on December 13th. There is a food collection box in our room. Please have your child bring non-perishable items to school. I am hoping to take the class to the Food Bank on the 13th to see this full circle. In addition, we will be deciding as a class how WE (Sunbears) want to give back to our community. We will begin brainstorming tomorrow. My hope is to choose a goal that we work towards for the remainder of our school year.
Winter Break is just around the corner and we have so much to do before then. It is going to be a great and busy couple of weeks. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to touch base.
Have a great upcoming week!
All the best,
Annelise
