November 20th, 2012

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!  NO SCHOOL FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK.

This morning we read more of Johnny Tremain, did spelling tests, finished up Global Scholar testing, and spent time in the library filing and browsing books.  Most students were well prepared to teach each other about their Johnny Tremain reading.  Dice games, memory, quiz questions, puzzles, in short - lots of hands on applications to reading strategies, were used.  Students took pride in presenting well and being prepared. STUDENTS SHOULD READ JOHNNY TREMAIN PARTS IV AND V BY MONDAY.  They will need to pace their reading.  It is about 40 text pages, so 6-7 text pages each day would complete the assignment.  You, as a parent, may read to them.  Some of the vocabulary may need to be explained.  Students can write all over their copy, underline difficult words, write questions, draw thumbnail sketches, etc.  This will help them remember what they read.

New SAT words also need to be learned this week for 5th Graders.I WOULD LIKE TO TEST THEM ON THESE WORDS NEXT MONDAY, 11/26.  The words are:

benevolent:  showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity
bias:  a partiality that prevents fair judgement
boisterous:  lots of energy, as in a storm
brazen:  sharp, strong and rude rebuke
brusque: quick, short brush-off

Fourth Graders are working on pages 10-14 of Big Words for Little Kids.  These can be found at the following website: http://www.readinglesson.com/pdffiles/bwdemo.pdf.  They have packets of these root words.  THERE WILL BE A TEST ON THEM ON FRIDAY, 11/30.

Today in Math we took a test.  Some of the questions were very difficult, and students are learning to read the instructions before they attempt the problem.  Math Club will be starting up next week.  Kids can eat lunch and get math help, plus enjoy a smattering of after school activities.  I will be recommending a few children to participate.

During computer time we researched The Battle of Bunker Hill.  The students discovered what a musket, cannon, embankments, foxholes, etc. really were.  Some students found videos of reenactments and tributes to the militiamen. 

At the end of the day, the 5th Graders enjoyed the K/1 class presentation while the 4th Graders attended their own Art class.

If you need any help with homework this weekend, feel free to call me on my cell at 801 691 9227.