FUN WEEK!!

We enjoyed school in a variety of ways this week as we moved through our work in each subject. Students had one last week to work on book shares, enjoy just right books, and share Eco Dioramas. Next week, we will be focusing on nonfiction in reading as we research solar system topics.  Students had interesting discussions about government this week as we looked at the structure of the US Constitution.  Next week in social studies, small groups are researching and making an informational media slide on a Westward Expansion event.  In math, we prepared a bit for the MAP testing next week.  Most of our math next week will be centered around MAP testing.  After MAP, we will continue investigations to 2D and 3D shapes. We spent science this week practicing for our presentation at the Science Symposium on Saturday.  Next week, we will be planning our Sink Water Pollution Day and designing our boats with Ms. Christiansen. 

Our last week of MAP testing is next week.  Students will test in Communication Arts on Monday and Wednesday and Math on Thursday and Friday.  So far the digital version of the test has run smoothly so kids can focus on eating and sleeping well and staying relaxed.  There will be long sessions of testing in the afternoon.  Most of our class work in the morning will our Westward Expansion slide, nonfiction reading research on solar system, and designing our boats.

I have been catching up on grading and really enjoying the students' work, especially in social studies.  There is 2 math tests and social studies work in the Friday Folder today.  The fraction test was remarkably challenging so we went over the test extensively.  Students did much better on the geometry test and, again, impressive work writing about the American Revolution.  

Here is a highlight from this week: Cooking Class as a Read a Thon prize.  Thanks families for helping Grant School and letting us celebrate!

 

 
 

A COUPLE PHOTOS FROM FRIDAY

We joined our buddies for a walk at Stewart Park and we got a visit from Tim the Three Toed Box Turtle too!

WEEKLY UPDATE

Families, I have updated the important dates as I know them.  One important day is today!  Last week, I confirmed our cooking class date with the Inside Columbia chef.  We chose today, April 20th as the best day. So students will get a surprise this morning as we will walk across the street and enjoy a cookie baking class from 9:30-11.  This event is a reward for raising a large amount of Read a Thon money.  Thank you families!

You will also notice the Sink Water Pollution Day on May 20th.  On this day, students are revealing some of their creative work to go along with our litter/stream project.  One of the projects involved making boats in art class using litter like materials.  Students should be collecting litter like materials at home to bring to school (plastic bags, recycling materials, styrofoam cups etc...).

This week we will finish sharing Ecodioramas and spend one last week working on book shares.  We will finish discussing the constitution.  In science, we will practice presenting our poster for the symposium on Saturday.  In math, we will start looking and volume and 3d shapes.  And of course there are various other pieces to focus on too such as cards for secretaries, going over graded work and some gardening too.  Lots to do in Spring!

COOL STUFF HAPPENING

Families, I wanted to share a few pictures from the past couple weeks.  Things are running smoothly as we move through MAP testing.  In reading, kids are finishing their Ecodioramas. Students are writing a lot in science and social studies.  Their Declarations of Independence were thoughtful and creative.  I will share some of the finals of both the Ecodioramas and Dec of Ind this weekend.  In math, our focus is on geometry.  The big story of the day is our science work.  The trip to Clear Creek to gather more litter/macro invertebrate data was one of the most impressive days I have had as an educator.  You will be able to view our results and pics on the 2014-2015 CPBL link to the right.

Gracie's Grandparents and family are American Revolution enthusiasts.  They shared in depth information about how the colonies won the American Revolution against the mighty British Empire and also stories about their work in Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution.

 

Here the kids are doing a SUN dance to help persuade mother nature to give us a safe field day at Rock Bridge State Park.  The day ended beautifully with productive science work and enjoyment of nature.