Book Clubs
RTI this year has been comprised of myself and Mrs. MacLeod meeting with small groups and providing individualized instruction that moves each student forward in reading. This individualized instruction will continue but our set-up has changed slightly as we begin to apply our reading skills learned this year and prepare for the demands of middle school. Last Friday, students were given a choice of seven different chapter books that were considered to be high interest and provided a lot of opportunity for deep thinking and discussion. Students watched book trailers, looked through the books and excitedly chose books. They were then placed into book clubs. Mrs. MacLeod and I will meet with these clubs daily and will provide the support students need to continue to progress in reading. We discussed that at times, students will need to bring these books home for RAH along with a notebook to record their reading in. We know that this is new to many and hope that we can build some new good habits with this new book club model. To say the least, students are extremely excited about their new clubs and couldn't wait to dig into the books!
iMovies
We have been learning a lot about the different regions of the United States and have integrated some wonderful reading, writing and technology by doing different research projects this year. Our first research project focused on the Northeast and students made a poster to present their learning. We just wrapped up our second region and research project on the Southeast. Students learned further nonfiction reading and research strategies, refined their note-taking skills, and learned how to state main ideas and support them with details. Students showcased their research by creating iMovies. I was amazed at the creativity and technological savviness students displayed in these movies. I am including the links to the movies below for your enjoyment! The current region we are researching is the Southwest and we plan on learning how to make Prezi Presentations on the iPads. A very fancy take on a slide show.
Mammoth Caves - https://vimeo.com/user22401079/review/124336238/03215427f3
Mississippi River - https://vimeo.com/user22401079/review/124334491/09981fa452
Slavery - https://vimeo.com/user22401079/review/124335526/4bfadfa889
The Everglades - https://vimeo.com/user22401079/review/124366770/4d83a15d87
The Climate - https://vimeo.com/user22401079/review/124369124/cb74d2c6b5
Science
As we tour through the regions of the United States we have also begun to learn more about the science associated with the different regions. Right now we are learning about erosion and weathering and discussing the role it played in forming the Grand Canyon. Last week I had asked for donations for supplies so we could do some hands-on science experiments. Thank you so much for your generosity! We were able to conduct two different experiments today and have two more planned for right after vacation. We wouldn't have had our imaginary lab coats on today without your support!
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Monday, April 6, 2015
Almost There!
MCAS
One more day of ELA MCAS to go and then we can say goodbye! If you could only see how hard your children have worked, you would be so proud. One student said to me today that she was proud of how hard she has worked and the potential she has realized in the process. Other students agreed and said that they were proud of the strategies they used and how the test was easier because of their strategies.
Thank you so much for supporting all of us!
Conferences
Conferences are on Wednesday and Thursday this week with conferences Thursday evening as well. If you haven't signed up for a conference yet, please do so. I look forward to speaking with all of you. While you are waiting for your conference, please take a look at the "Helping Hand" poster that I will have hanging in the hallway. There are a number of activities that I would like to do this spring and am in need of supplies for. I have included a picture of the poster below. If you see something that you could generously provide us with, feel free to let me know ahead of time and I can take it off of the poster.
Book Fair
The book fair is also this week! Our class will be going on Wednesday and Friday.
4th Grade Celebration
A notice went home today explaining some of the 4th grade celebrations that are in store this spring. Please look for it in your child's homework folder. More information will be coming about the Time Capsule Closing Ceremony soon, but please put aside time on the morning of the last day of school!
One more day of ELA MCAS to go and then we can say goodbye! If you could only see how hard your children have worked, you would be so proud. One student said to me today that she was proud of how hard she has worked and the potential she has realized in the process. Other students agreed and said that they were proud of the strategies they used and how the test was easier because of their strategies.
Thank you so much for supporting all of us!
Conferences
Conferences are on Wednesday and Thursday this week with conferences Thursday evening as well. If you haven't signed up for a conference yet, please do so. I look forward to speaking with all of you. While you are waiting for your conference, please take a look at the "Helping Hand" poster that I will have hanging in the hallway. There are a number of activities that I would like to do this spring and am in need of supplies for. I have included a picture of the poster below. If you see something that you could generously provide us with, feel free to let me know ahead of time and I can take it off of the poster.
Book Fair
The book fair is also this week! Our class will be going on Wednesday and Friday.
4th Grade Celebration
A notice went home today explaining some of the 4th grade celebrations that are in store this spring. Please look for it in your child's homework folder. More information will be coming about the Time Capsule Closing Ceremony soon, but please put aside time on the morning of the last day of school!
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