Post date: Mar 29, 2014 7:9:33 AM
Hello All!
Time is zooming by now and the days go by all-too quickly. I feel that our journeys together along the coast built stronger bonds between us and the benefits permeate our time in and out of class. This is a fantastic time of the school year, with the kids growing into themselves nicely. Fifty something days left and I know I'll miss this very much after school gets out.
Recap of the Week
Science: Human anatomy and physiology topics will take us through the end of the year in science. The first unit is on the structure systems (bone, muscle, and skin) and involves quite a bit of memorization. This week I also had them work through some exercises on medical terminology, which will make it easier to deal with those long sciencey words that pervade the study of anatomy. I also checked up on how they are progressing on their projects for the science expo next week. Please do the same.
English: For the first few days of the week I read portions of a book to them and then asked for some quick analysis. Only a few students in the room could move beyond "plot" and into the more important level of "analysis". I read them some paragraphs of (schmoop and sparknotes) analysis of the chapters we had read, and that model seemed to help them understand what analysis sounds like. I want to continue to facilitate the students' transition from concrete surface levels of understanding a book, to the deeper and more abstract levels. That transition is crucial and I don't think that I've been explicit enough about it thus far.
Social Studies: All this week, our kids went to room 19 for social studies, where various parents presented things about their cultures, travels, religions, and/or perspectives. He has created an online document for his class that explains their weekly events and it might give you some more details. http://tinyurl.com/DSCRoom19
Calendar Check:
Hike in Rancho San Antonio Park -- Sunday 3/30 @ 9:30 (meet at Ravensbury access gate)
Yosemite Bag Check -- Monday 3/31 in homerooms
Yosemite Chaperone Meeting (Anu, Michael, Alan, Jennie) -- Monday, 3/31 6:30 room 26
Science Fair -- Friday 4/4/14
Yosemite Week -- Monday 4/7/14 to Friday 4/11/14
Diversity Conference -- April 11
Spring Break -- Monday 4/14/14 to Friday 4/18/14
Spring Conferences -- optional and by appointment
Jumba Fundraiser -- April 25
Spring Auction -- May 3
Room 19 Walkabout -- May 13, 14, 15
Memorial Day -- May 26
Step-Up Day -- June 2
Talent Show -- June 11
Field Day & BBQ -- June 13
Last Day of School -- June 18