I hope you all had a mother's day weekend. Here comes the rain! Here comes the Red Birds Boot Camp! Here comes the flood of fun! We hope to see you at the ball game on Tuesday night.
RWWS - Owl in the Shower work and Mystery Unit
Math - We start our Geometry unit.
Science - They'll work on their Science Weather reports in Stem lab with Ms. Sarrie.
Public Speaking - The students will continue to focus on pacing, using visual media to enhance presentation, and being prepared. We'll use our opinion writing unit to support PS.
SEL - We'll focus on Personal Excellence
Art - work on our records including the actual album. Math - concentric circles!
Happy Cinco de Mayo! Last week was strong in terms of academics. The students were so locked into their writing, math , and testing. We'll do the Math portion of state testing this week, focus on art project, finish up Beatles vs. Beach Boys essay, and a whole lot more.
RWWS - Beach Boys vs. Beatles. In addition, we'll finish up our Owl in the Shower book.
Math - We start our Geometry unit.
Science - They'll work on their Science Weather reports in Stem lab with Ms. Sarrie.
Public Speaking - The students will continue to focus on pacing, using visual media to enhance presentation, and being prepared. We'll use our opinion writing unit to support PS.
SEL - We'll focus on Friendship!
Art - work on our records including the actual album. Math - concentric circles!
The red birds put in tremendous amount of work into their academics last week. They're also getting along so well in class. Thank you leaders This week we'll work on our CAASP testing so no homework. In addition, we'll continue to work on the following in class.
RWWS - We finish up our opinion unit this week with a look at the Beatles vs. Beach Boys.
Math - We finish up our Fractions unit on Friday.
Science - They'll work on their Science Weather reports in Stem lab with Ms. Sarrie.
Public Speaking - The students will continue to focus on pacing, using visual media to enhance presentation, and being prepared. We'll use our opinion writing unit to support PS.
SEL - We'll focus on Friendship!
Art - work on our records including the actual album. Math - concentric circles!
I hope everyone had a nice Easter weekend. This week we'll focus on our Red Birds got Talent contest, record cover albums, fractions. Owl in the Shower and a whole lot more.
RWWS - We'll continue to explore Persuasive speeches, petitions, and editorials" will encourage the students to write strong and courageous opinions. They'll learn how to write a claim, reasons, and examples.
Math - We're now into Unit 7:Understanding Fractions. Learn all about the significance and utility of fractions. We will look at fraction bars, lines, and strips.
Science - We'll continue to explore more of our weather unit. The students will be asked to write more in their Science journals in terms of deeper reflections. This week we'll focus on Earthquakes and Thunderstorms.
Public Speaking - The students will continue to focus on pacing, using visual media to enhance presentation, and being prepared. We'll use our opinion writing unit to support PS.
SEL - We'll focus on Friendship!
Wow! The red birds had a sensational week. They worked hard on their academic and social emotional behavior. We started the week with a fun trip to Woodside Store and ended it with a visit from Improv extraordinaire, John Sugden. The leaders, Flame and Professor, gave a dazzling Newscast. We also decided on our performers for the end of the year party.
RWWS - We'll continue to explore Persuasive speeches, petitions, and editorials" will encourage the students to write strong and courageous opinions. They'll learn how to write a claim, reasons, and examples.
Math - We're now into Unit 7:Understanding Fractions. Learn all about the significance and utility of fractions. We will look at fraction bars, lines, and strips.
Science - We'll continue to explore more of our weather unit. The students will be asked to write more in their Science journals in terms of deeper reflections. This week we'll focus on Earthquakes and Thunderstorms.
Public Speaking - The students will continue to focus on pacing, using visual media to enhance presentation, and being prepared. We'll use our opinion writing unit to support PS.
SEL - We'll focus on Friendship!
I hope you all enjoyed your spring break. I spent my time in Pasadena with my in-laws. I was able to catch up on movies, music, baseball, family time, and sleep. I'm ready to sink my teeth back into teaching. Don't forget we have our Field Trip on Tuesday.
RWWS - We'll continue to explore Persuasive speeches, petitions, and editorials" will encourage the students to write strong and courageous opinions. They'll learn how to write a claim, reasons, and examples.
Math - We're now into Unit 7:Understanding Fractions. Learn all about the significance and utility of fractions. We will look at fraction bars, lines, and strips.
Science - We'll continue to explore more of our weather unit. The students will be asked to write more in their Science journals in terms of deeper reflections. This week we'll focus on Earthquakes and Thunderstorms.
Public Speaking - The students will continue to focus on pacing, using visual media to enhance presentation, and being prepared. We'll use our opinion writing unit to support PS.
SEL - We'll focus on Creativity!
Red Birds Got Talent, Wednesday April 10, 9:30.
SONGS TO LEARN AND SING:
Field trip to the MSI, lots of writing, and math? A pretty normal week in room 20. This week, we'll move into Fractions unit, finish up our letters to musical artists, and write our 3rd draft for our opinion piece. In addition, we're going to keep an eye out for + interactions vs. negative interactions. I'll keep tabs on both and write the # of tallies on the board. Hopefully we see way more positive tallies than negative. THERE WILL BE NO MORNING MELODIES DUE TO AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL ACTIVITY. WE WILL PERFORM AFTER THE BREAK! DON'T FORGET ABOUT L AND M SHOW.
RWWS - We'll continue to explore Persuasive speeches, petitions, and editorials" will encourage the students to write strong and courageous opinions. They'll learn how to write a claim, reasons, and examples.
Math - We're now into Unit 7:Understanding Fractions. Learn all about the significance and utility of fractions. We will look at fraction bars, lines, and strips.
Science - We'll continue to explore more of our weather unit. The students will be asked to write more in their Science journals in terms of deeper reflections. This week we'll focus on Earthquakes and Thunderstorms.
Public Speaking - The students will continue to focus on pacing, using visual media to enhance presentation, and being prepared. We'll use our opinion writing unit to support PS.
SEL - We'll focus on Creativity!
Red Birds Got Talent:
M: Baker, Pancakes, Marvel, Professor 10:45
T: Sim Sim, Slick, Miss London, Huggy Bear, Breezy 10:45
W: Gem, Sharky, Flame, SeaSug, $$$, and Diamond 10:45.
SONGS TO LEARN AND SING:
THANK YOU PARENTS FOR ATTENDING JOURNEY INTWO IRELAND. IT CERTAINLY WAS A SPECIAL NIGHT FOR ALL. I WAS SO PROUD OF THE RED BIRDS. THIS WEEK WE HAVE A FIELD TRIP TO MARINE SCIENCE INSTITUTE.
RWWS - We'll continue to explore Persuasive speeches, petitions, and editorials" will encourage the students to write strong and courageous opinions. They'll learn how to write a claim, reasons, and examples.
Math - We're now into Unit 5: Expression and Equations. The students will take a Unit 5 Assessment on Friday.
Science - We'll continue to explore more of our weather unit. The students will be asked to write more in their Science journals in terms of deeper reflections. This week we'll focus on Droughts and Thunderstorms!
Public Speaking - The students will continue to focus on pacing, using visual media to enhance presentation, and being prepared. We'll use our opinion writing unit to support PS.
SEL - We'll focus on Creativity!
SONGS TO LEARN AND SING:
Wow! We're already a 1/3 into March. This week is a biggie. Journey Intwo Ireland and Viajando Day on Friday. Dress up for Viajando Day is optional. Chance of thunderstorms for today, but the rest of the week should be clear. Baseball season is just a swing away!
RWWS - We'll continue to explore Persuasive speeches, petitions, and editorials" will encourage the students to write strong and courageous opinions. They'll learn how to write a claim, reasons, and examples.
Math - We're now into Unit 5: Expression and Equations. They'll learn how to look at operations to explain patterns, solve comparison word problems.
Science - We'll continue to explore more of our weather unit. The students will be asked to write more in their Science journals in terms of deeper reflections. This week we'll focus on Droughts and Thunderstorms!
Public Speaking - The students will continue to focus on pacing, using visual media to enhance presentation, and being prepared. We'll use our opinion writing unit to support PS.
Journey Intwo Ireland - Showtime! We give our first performance on Tuesday, 9am. It will be a good test for the Phoenixes. The BIG show is on Thursday evening. Wear your green, white, and/or orange.
SEL - We'll focus on Creativity!
SONGS TO LEARN AND SING:
Lily and Madeleine - "Can't Help the Way I feel"
Chris Isaak - "Somebody's Crying"
RWWS - We'll continue to explore Persuasive speeches, petitions, and editorials" will encourage the students to write strong and courageous opinions. They'll learn how to write a claim, reasons, and examples.
Math - We're now into Unit 5: Expression and Equations. They'll learn how to look at operations to explain patterns, solve comparison word problems.
Science - We'll continue to explore more of our weather unit. The students will be asked to write more in their Science journals in terms of deeper reflections. This week we'll focus on Droughts and Thunderstorms!
Public Speaking - The students will continue to focus on pacing, using visual media to enhance presentation, and being prepared. We'll use our opinion writing unit to support PS.
Journey Intwo Ireland - We're 60% ready for the big show. Starting on Wednesday, we'll really put all of the production gears into motion. Please note that the 3rd and final JII performance will be on March 14th at 5pm. All family members are invited including grandparents, cousins, etc. Friends of families shouldn't be included due to room safety. Please wear as much green, white, and orange. Go Irish! Look for a more invitation in your email box. More details headed your way!
SEL - We'll focus on Creativity!
SONGS TO LEARN AND SING:
We'll focus on our songs for JII.
I'll Tell me Ma - Sinead O' Connor
I'll Tell me Ma - Young Dubliners
RWWS - Our next unit, 'Persuasive speeches, petitions, and editorials" will encourage the students to write strong and courageous opinions. They'll learn how to write a claim, reasons, and valid reasons.
Math - More addition and subtraction practice, word problems. The unit 4 test will be on Wednesday, Feb. 27th.
Science - We'll continue to explore more of our weather unit. The students will be asked to write more in their Science journals in terms of deeper reflections.
Public Speaking - The students will continue to focus on pacing, using visual media to enhance presentation, and being prepared.
Journey Intwo Ireland - We're 50% ready for the big show. Starting on Wednesday, we'll really put all of the production gears into motion. Please note that the 3rd and final JII performance will be on March 14th at 5pm. All family members are invited including grandparents, cousins, etc. Friends of families shouldn't be included due to room safety. Please wear as much green, white, and orange. Go Irish! Look for a more invitation in your email box. More details headed your way!
SEL - We'll focus on Empathy!
SONGS TO LEARN AND SING:
Pete Fij and Terry Bickers- "If the World is All we Have", "Out of Time"
Spearhead - "Flower"
Bob Marley - "One Love"
After a very important week of soul mining, we're anxious and ready to open up the jar of working and playing hard again. I anticipate for ALL of the students to help build and maintain a culture of success. Tomorrow don't forget about the Facebook Live Talk Talk exercise. This will be a first! We go live at 8:35am. Hope to see you online. I kindly encourage for the students to continue to earn $$$ for the Journey Intwo Play. Our goal is $100. So far, we're at $40.
Finally, more good news. I've been in communication with Pete Fij and Terry Bickers. They're seasoned veterans of indie rock music since the early 90s. Pete was in a shoegaze band called ADORABLE, while Terry earned high fame for his extraordinary work in the critical darling band, HOUSE OF LOVE. They now play indie-folkish tunes together. Pete and maybe Terry(fingers crossed) is ready for an interview once our beloved red birds are ready. Click on link for a sample of their work : Pete Fij and Terry Bickers
We'll shoot for March. More to come!
RWS - Informational text and research
WWS - The students will get a chance to learn about policy debate, which will go beautifully with our upcoming persuasive writing unit.
Math - read and write numbers in standard and expanded form, place value, estimation and rounding.
Science - The students are now under my watch. Muhahahaha. We'll continue to explore more of our weather unit. The students will be asked to write more in their Science journals in terms of deeper reflections.
SEL - We'll focus on TEAMWORK.
Secret Valentine Exchange - The students should continue to work on their thoughtful card. We'll open up the cards on Feb. 14th. The design of the card should be fun and creative if possible. If a child doesn't feel confident with their handwriting, s/he can type up the letter. Their choice.
SONGS TO LEARN AND SING:
Pete Fij and Terry Bickers- "If the World is All we Have"
Spearhead - "Flower"
Bob Marley - "One Love"
We finished up your mid - year assessments: Spelling , Writing, Reading, Public Speaking, etc. Now it's just a matter of really digging underneath and seeing how each student made small, medium, or or large progress. This week the red birds will write a strong reflection piece based on their 3 months of academics and SEL work. The reflection will be shared with the parents at conference time. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU'VE SIGNED UP FOR A TIME SLOT.
I expect another solid week of learning at school. We're in the groove!
We most certainly were treated to a deluge of rain last week. I'm sure those of you who went skiing this weekend really enjoyed the snow. This week we'll focus more on teamwork, multi-step word problems, being kind and respectful toward each other, wrapping up Science projects, etc.
RWS - We'll continue to work on character analysis using Winn - Dixie
WWS - We'll look at Informational text and respond to questions.
Math - read and write numbers in standard and expanded form, place value, estimation and rounding
Science - The students are encouraged to begin working on their STEM fair project. Here's a link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kyyD3U7fjNY3m4EjKBsnSn47P7kTxhZJdozRK_kOPF4/edit
SEL - We'll focus on TEAMWORK.
Secret Valentine Exchange - The students will drew a name out of a hat for their NOTE OF KINDNESS. Each student will compose a sincere and authentic letter of kindness to a classmate. The letter should be done on fun creative paper. Please don't attach candy or a gift just a thoughtful letter. The letters will be read on Feb. 14th in class.
SONGS TO LEARN AND SING:
The Corrs- I know my Love
Teenage Fanclub - Start Again
Lily and Madeleine - Fumes
-
Rain! Rain! Rain! We're going to see plenty of it this week. In addition, the red birds will get a chance to pick two new leaders for the classroom on Friday. For those interested in being a leader, s/he will put their name on the white board. I'll send a list of questions to the potential candidates on Monday afternoon. They'll have 4 nights to work on the questions and prepare for a 2 minute speech on Friday. The class will vote in the next male and female leaders. No matter who wins, they'll have some mighty big shoes to wear, as Maple and Money have done an extraordinary job the first 1/2 of the year. Don't forget we'll start working on our classroom newspaper this week. I can't wait.
RWS - We'll continue to work on character analysis by using Winn Dixie as our guide.
WWS - This week the students will fly on their own in terms of writing an informational piece. They'll have 5 days to research and write based on everything they've learned about expository writing. They may bring in books and internet articles based on their topic to assist them.
Math - Ok. We're done with Unit 3. Yahoo. Now the students will move on to multi-digit addition and subtraction.
Science - The students are encouraged to begin working on their STEM fair project. Here's a link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kyyD3U7fjNY3m4EjKBsnSn47P7kTxhZJdozRK_kOPF4/edit
SEL - We'll focus on TEAMWORK.
Secret Valentine Exchange - The students will draw a name out of a hat for their NOTE OF KINDNESS. Each student will compose a sincere and authentic letter of kindness to a classmate. The letter should be done on fun creative paper. Please don't attach candy or a gift just a thoughtful letter. The letters will be read on Feb. 14th in class.
SONGS TO LEARN AND SING:
Dubliners - Don't wait til it's over
Cranberries - Linger
We ended the second week of school on a very positive note. The students are getting better at delivering their appreciation, a-ha's, and/or apologies. Tomorrow I'll be out of the classroom testing everyone's reading levels. I have drawn up some good sub plans. This Friday will be the first video Newscast delivered by none other, Zoe and Campbell. Also, I'll talk to the students about rotating performance time with each gender. Every month, a gender will perform a number based on the assignment that I give them. The girls will go first. I'll meet with them at recess to go over the details. Boys performance will be in October. Please return all Field Trip Permission Slip forms as soon as possible along with the check. And finally, let's give a big shout out to Sangini and Johonna for all of their hard work. They each bring great intelligence and wonderful spirit to the mix. I'm fortunate to have them by my side. Thank you! Finally, thank you all for attending to Back to School Night. It was nice meeting you and sharing my vision for 2018 school year. Happy Labor Day!
RWS - we'll focus on filling out reading logs, how to create a good stop and job post-it, and questions to ask our reading partners. All students should be reading at least 20 minutes per night + adding 1 post-it. The post it simply shows their thinking about the book.
WWS - we'll focus on vocabulary building, show don't tell, and using a great writer's checklist
Math - This week we'll explore the meaning of division, multiply and divide with 2s. Keep practicing your math facts
Science - Mrs. Rusch will teach the concept of forces and motion. Students will be working with Vex Kits. Fun!
SEL - We'll continue to focus on displaying respect toward ourselves, friends/family, and adults.
MUSIC to relax to - Try Brian Eno, master of ambient and mood. 90% of his catalogue is on Spotify so check it out. I recommend the Apollo album.
The Phoenixes are racking up great team points through academics and SEL activities. Our leaders are leading by good examples. We're settling into our routine and rhythm quite nicely. Football is here. My Oakland A's team are scratching their way into the playoffs. No more wild fires. Please! Sign- ups for the Journey Intwo Ireland play is ready for viewing. Don't forget to sign up for a conference time and date if you haven't done so already. Have a wonderful week!
RWS - Questions to ask reading partners, setting up predictions, and asking important question about character
WWS - using a checklists, leads, and transitions,
Math - multiply and divide with 10s, 9s and 3s, building more fluency with 2s, 5s, work on word problem strategies
Science - Mrs. Rusch will teach the concept of forces and motion. Students will be working with Vex Kits.
SEL - We'll continue to focus on displaying respect toward ourselves, friends/family, and adults. The students are also working on lining up and entering the room quietly.
SONGS TO LEARN AND SING:
Wow! We're almost done with a month of school. This week we'll head over to Hidden Villa, Tuesday 9:00 - 2pm. Please make sure your child brings a hat or sunscreen, water bottle, and a good sized lunch. Parent volunteers need to be at school by 8:15. We'll spend time on our Mt. Inspiration project on Wednesday.
RWS - Questions to ask reading partners, setting up predictions, and asking important question about character
WWS - using a checklists, leads, and transitions, and author's craft
Math - multiply and divide with 4s and 3s
Science - Mrs. Rusch will teach the concept of forces and motion.
SEL - We'll continue to focus on displaying respect toward ourselves, friends/family, and adults. The students are also working on lining up and entering the room quietly.
SONGS TO LEARN AND SING:
I'm ready to launch into our 5th week of school. We have peer-to-peer writing, conferences, and cool Math on the way. We'll also work on our Mt. Inspiration project on Wedensday. Don't forge about conferences!
RWS - Questions to ask reading partners, setting up predictions, and asking important question about character
WWS - students will continue to work on author's craft, organization, spelling, paragraphing, etc.
Math - identify types of problems, solve word problems, write equations and label answers, and multiplication math games. UNIT 1 MATH ASSESSMENT will be on Friday with a good review on Thursday.
Science - Mrs. Rusch will teach the concept of forces and motion.
SEL - We'll focus on displaying SELF-REGULATION toward ourselves, friends/family, and adults.
SONGS TO LEARN AND SING:
The Phoenixes are coming nicely. Last week we had conferences and Morning Melodies. This week, we'll focus our attention on Math, Writing, and Ecosystems. We'll continue to practice our 4 guiding principles, plus do a Newscast on Friday. Congratulations to Marcelo for winning Spelling Bee #2. He survived many rounds of strong competition from his peers. Oakland A's play the New Yankees on Wednesday for the Wild Card. "Let's go Oakland!" Head over to Google Classroom and share a song you'd like the class to learn. Don't forget to answer WHY?
RWS - Questions to ask reading partners, setting up predictions, and asking important question about character
WWS - students will continue to work on author's craft, organization, spelling, paragraphing, etc.
Math - identify types of problems, solve word problems, write equations and label answers, and multiplication math games. UNIT 1 MATH ASSESSMENT will be on Friday with a good review on Thursday.
Science - Mrs. Rusch will teach the concept of forces and motion.
SEL - We'll focus on displaying SELF-REGULATION. It's a great skill to help us get through life.
SONGS TO LEARN AND SING:
Research! Research! and more Research! Get ready to really research your Mt. Inspiration Project! Each student will have an opportunity to jot down some good facts and place them on to their slide decks they set up last week. It will give your child an opportunity to gather books from the library, surf the web, possibly set up a phone, email, or face-to-face interview. On Wednesday, I'll spend 1 hour checking in with all of the students to see how their research is coming along.
RWS - Questions to ask reading partners, setting up predictions, and asking important question about character
WWS - students will continue to work on author's craft, organization, spelling, paragraphing, etc.
Math - we'll begin unit 2 on Wednesday.
Science - Mrs. Rusch will teach Vex kits to students.
SEL - We'll focus on displaying SELF-REGULATION. It's a great skill to help us get through life.
SONGS TO LEARN AND SING:
2nd week of Mt. Inspiration. So far it's going well. After looking over slides last week, may I suggest that the students continue to find relevant facts related to their topic. At times I would see opinions rather than facts. In addition, students' big driving question should begin with HOW, WHAT, or WHY. Big driving questions represent the big umbrella, what is it that they really want to know. It drives the entire project. Don't forget that Young Authors Day is on Friday, October 19th. The two leaders and I will host the event. Be ready to read some personal narratives. We hope you can join us. Finally, my class will be test piloting TCI Social Studies for one 1 month. I'll pick a unit that is 3rd grade related. After TCI work, we'll pilot another program for 1 month. The district is currently looking at adopting a new Social Studies program for next year.
RWS - Questions to ask reading partners, setting up predictions, and asking important question about character
WWS - students will continue to work on author's craft, organization, spelling, paragraphing, etc.
Math - Multiply and Divide by 8, write word problems, multiply and divide by 7s
Science - Students will continue to work on Vex kits.
SEL - We'll focus on displaying SELF-REGULATION. It's a great skill to help us get through life.
SONGS TO LEARN AND SING:
3rd week of Mt. Inspiration projects. Each child is asked to dress up their slides. Add their bells and whistles. I'll show them some cool features on Google Slides in class. Keep adding facts if necessary. Young Authors Day was successful. Thank you for attending the special event. We enjoyed sharing a bit of our personal lives with each other through the form of written communication. The boys are working hard on their MM performance.
RWS - We'll work on our RWS skills through a book called Because of Winn Dixie. Please take a look at your child's reading comp. journal that went home on Friday. There should be a self-analysis sheet with it. You and your child can fill it out together.
WWS - students will write their 3rd and final personal narrative in class.
Math - square numbers, practice 6s, 7s, and 8s, equation and word problems
Science - Students will continue to work on Vex kits.
SEL - We'll focus on displaying SELF-REGULATION. It's a great skill to help us get through life.
SONGS TO LEARN AND SING:
Here comes Halloween week. I look forward to sharing my costume with the students on Wednesday. I also look forward to seeing their costumes. Don't forget about the parade on Wednesday. The students may change after the parade if they'd like. Halloween in the classroom will be super mellow and relaxing. For Mt. Inspiration, the students should begin preparing for their presentations. I'll continue to guide them along in class in terms of speaking and delivery skills. Have a nice week!
RWS - We'll work on our RWS skills through a book called Because of Winn Dixie. Please take a look at your child's reading comp. journal that went home on Friday. There should be a self-analysis sheet with it. You and your child can fill it out together.
WWS - Halloween writing all this week!
Math - writing equations and solving problems, multiplication and mental math
Science - Students will finish up their projects and do a slideshow.
SEL - We'll focus on displaying SELF-REGULATION. It's a great skill to help us get through life.
SONGS TO LEARN AND SING:
We ended the week on a very successful note. Thank you Zoe and Campbell for another wonderful Newscast. Now October is over, it's time to launch into November with plenty of good feelings. I see more confidence in all of the students. Get ready for an amazing 1.5 months before winter break starts. It will be quite special.
RWS - We'll work on our RWS skills through a book called Because of Winn Dixie. Please take a look at your child's reading comp. journal that went home on Friday. There should be a self-analysis sheet with it. You and your child can fill it out together.
WWS - We start our brand new unit, Informational Writing. They'll look at different structures: boxes and bullets, cause and effect, etc.
Math - Multiply with multiples of 10, building fluency with 0s - 12s
Science - Students will finish up their projects and do a slideshow.
SEL - We'll focus on displaying GRATITUDE.
WINTER WONDERLAND - students may earn $$$ at home and contribute any $$$ amount to the $$$ bag.
SONGS TO LEARN AND SING:
We had an incredible week at school last week. FLOWERS interview, vex kits, Newscast, and CA Adventure Math project. The Frederick's Phoenixes are building their house of inspiration, teamwork, and kindness. More great things to come for the Red Birds!
RWS - We'll continue to read Because of Winn Dixie and practice our reading comp. skills.
WWS - They'll look at different structures: boxes and bullets, cause and effect, etc. We'll also focus on leads, transitions, endings, organization, elaboration, craft, spelling, and punctuation.
Math - We take the Unit 2 Math Assessment on Wednesday. We'll do another review on Tuesday and students can take home Math books to practice at home. Here are some common mistakes I've seen in the class's work over the past 3 weeks and to keep an eye on: doesn't recall basic math facts, doesn't use correct operation, can't identify a square number, struggle writing an equation, and figuring out correct order of operations. We'll continue to work on CA Math Adventure project, 15-20 minutes a day.
Science - I'm not sure what Mrs. Rusch has in store for the birds. We'll see.
SEL - We'll focus on displaying GRATITUDE. We're also starting our Secret Phoenix gift exchange this week. Here's how it will work. A student will draw another's student's name out of a bag. They're responsible for making a special gift for that particular person. Materials for items shouldn't exceed more than $15. The gift should be homemade to really encourage creativity. On the day of the exchange, Dec. 20, every child will open up their gift and guess who made it for them. It's quite fun! I'll talk to the students about it on Tuesday.
WINTER WONDERLAND - students may earn $$$ at home and contribute any $$$ amount to the $$$ bag. Keep up the good work at home, Phoenixes. Committees are in place. Please note that I'll be sending a separate email to the Dessert committee parents to inform them on what needs to be done for the Winter Wonderland party. The party will be at Ladera Oaks Country Club. It's going to be a magnificent evening.
Lily and Madeleine - several students would like to play the live piano for "Devil We Know" We decided that's wonderful. S/he should learn the piece on their own. S/he is in charge of figuring out the notes/chords. They'll play for Mr. Frederick on Nov. 27th as a tryout. If it's a tie, we'll draw a name out of a hat or something that's fair. The rest of the students will sing around the pianist on Nov. 30th. It will be totally cool!
SONGS TO LEARN AND SING:
That was a much needed break. My family and I had a wonderful time with my in-laws. We relaxed, watched plenty of football, and played numerous board games, not to mention listened to music. We came back to a smokeless bay area. What a relief! I hear rain is headed our way T-Th. Fabulous. I hope all of you had wonderful Thanksgiving break. December will be an incredible month of good cheer and warm fuzzy feelings. Don't forget our field trip to San Mateo County Museum is on Tuesday.
RWS - We'll continue to read Because of Winn Dixie and practice our reading comp. skills. + we'll focus on Ohlone Indians
WWS - They'll look at different structures: boxes and bullets, cause and effect, etc. We'll also focus on leads, transitions, endings, organization, elaboration, craft, spelling, and punctuation.
Math - We begin Unit 3. The students will work on drawing maps, graphing, create a line plot, tell and write time to the nearest minute, solving word problems using time, measure and estimate liquid volumes and mass of objects.
Science - I'm not sure what Mrs. Rusch has in store for the birds. We'll see.
SEL - We'll focus on displaying GRATITUDE. We're also start our Secret Phoenix gift exchange tomorrow. Here's how it will work. A student will draw another's student's name out of a bag. They're responsible for making a special gift for that particular person. Materials for items shouldn't exceed more than $15. The gift should be homemade to really encourage creativity. On the day of the exchange, Dec. 20, every child will open up their gift and guess who made it for them. It's quite fun! I'll talk to the students about it on Tuesday.
WINTER WONDERLAND - students may earn $$$ at home and contribute any $$$ amount to the $$$ bag. Keep up the good work at home, Phoenixes. Committees are in place. Please note that I'll be sending a separate email to the Dessert committee parents to inform them on what needs to be done for the Winter Wonderland party. The party will be at Ladera Oaks Country Club. It's going to be a magnificent evening.
Lily and Madeleine - don't forget tryouts for the L and M song are on Wednesday. The interview will be on Friday.
SONGS TO LEARN AND SING:
What a phenomenal week of school! I can't believe how much we accomplished. I'm so proud of the birds. They handled both interviews with Lily and Madeleine and Hazel English with respect. I loved their thoughtful questions.
RWS - We'll continue to read Because of Winn Dixie and practice our reading comp. skills. + we'll focus on Ohlone Indians.
WWS - They'll look at different structures: boxes and bullets, cause and effect, etc. We'll also focus on leads, transitions, endings, organization, elaboration, craft, spelling, and punctuation.
Math - The students will work on drawing maps, graphing, create a line plot, tell and write time to the nearest minute, solving word problems using time, measure and estimate liquid volumes and mass of objects.
Science - The students are working on inherited traits.
SEL - We'll continue to focus on gratitude. Students should try to come up with an idea for their Secret Gift Exchange. Homemade and personal.
WINTER WONDERLAND - students may earn $$$ at home and contribute any $$$ amount to the $$$ bag. Keep up the good work at home, Phoenixes. Committees are in place. Please note that I'll be sending a separate email to the Dessert committee parents to inform them on what needs to be done for the Winter Wonderland party. The party will be at Ladera Oaks Country Club. It's going to be a magnificent evening.
SONGS TO LEARN AND SING:
No new songs. We'll focus on putting the performances together for the WW event.
Please excuse my very short newsletter. I'm coping with the loss of my father so my efforts to compose a long and extensive newsletter will not be present.
RWS - We'll continue to read Because of Winn Dixie and practice our reading comp. skills. + we'll focus on Ohlone Indians.
WWS - They'll look at different structures: boxes and bullets, cause and effect, etc. We'll also focus on leads, transitions, endings, organization, elaboration, craft, spelling, and punctuation.
Math - The students will work on drawing maps, graphing, create a line plot, tell and write time to the nearest minute, solving word problems using time, measure and estimate liquid volumes and mass of objects.
Science - The students are working on inherited traits.
SEL - We'll continue to focus on gratitude. Students should try to come up with an idea for their Secret Gift Exchange. Homemade and personal.
WINTER WONDERLAND - students may earn $$$ at home and contribute any $$$ amount to the $$$ bag. Monday, 3pm is the last time and day to bring in funds for the event.
SONGS TO LEARN AND SING:
We'll focus on our songs for the performance.
I've been feeling good all day by replaying WW moments in my head. I'm so proud of the Phoenixes and what they accomplished. Impressive to say the least. Ms. Hovland enjoyed the evening as well. As I told my family this morning, there was an over abundant amount of love in the room. It really was an unforgettable evening. I know my father would've been super proud. Thank you all for attending and supporting the red birds. Big thank you to room parents extraordinaire, Sangini and Jo, for their constant attention to perfection. We are thankful for your work!
RWS - We'll finish Because of Winn Dixie and practice our reading comp. skills.
WWS - They'll look at different structures: boxes and bullets, cause and effect, etc. We'll also focus on leads, transitions, endings, organization, elaboration, craft, spelling, and punctuation.
Math - The students will work on drawing maps, graphing, create a line plot, tell and write time to the nearest minute, solving word problems using time, measure and estimate liquid volumes and mass of objects.
Science - The students are working on life cycles.
SEL - We'll continue to focus on gratitude. Students should try to come up with an idea for their Secret Gift Exchange. Homemade and personal.
SONGS TO LEARN AND SING:
No new songs until 2019!
Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed your holiday break with family and friends. I was fortunate enough to take my children to Santa Rosa for an overnight trip. We spent time at the fabulous Charles Schultz Museum and saw Mary Poppins Returns. Plus we headed over to charming Petaluma for some glorious shopping. In addition, I spent quality time with my mother. We are slowly healing. I'm in a much better spot emotionally. Now I'm ready to lace up my teaching boots and start stomping and educating again. Are you ready?
RWS - ???
WWS - Each student will work on writing their own informational piece for 1 week. More details will be revealed in class.
Math - The students will work on drawing maps, graphing, create a line plot, tell and write time to the nearest minute, solving word problems using time, measure and estimate liquid volumes and mass of objects. Unit 3 Assessment will be this Thursday.
Science - The students are encouraged to begin working on their STEM fair project. Here's a link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kyyD3U7fjNY3m4EjKBsnSn47P7kTxhZJdozRK_kOPF4/edit
SEL - We'll focus on TEAMWORK.
Secret Valentine Exchange - The students will draw a name out of a hat for their NOTE OF KINDNESS. Each student will compose a sincere and authentic letter of kindness to a classmate. The letter should be done on fun creative paper. Please don't attach candy or a gift just a thoughtful letter. The letters will be read on Feb. 14th in class.
SONGS TO LEARN AND SING:
Dubliners - Don't wait til it's over
Cranberries - Linger
Sinead O' Connor - I'll tell me Ma