In my last newsletter, I announced that students would be doing MAP testing beginning on May 19. Since our time on May 19 conflicted with Career Day, we started MAP testing this week. Students took the Language Usage MAP test on Wednesday. The Reading MAP test and the Math MAP test will still be taken on May 21 and May 27, respectively.
We will begin our science unit on electricity next week. Should be fun. We will finish chapter 28 in the math book (solid figures, surface area, and volume) next week and take the test--the last math chapter test (but not the last math test)! We will continue to work on writing and grammar, and students will continue reading By the Great Horn Spoon. We spent time discussing Mexico's war for independence from Spain, Mexican-governed California (the time period of our read aloud book, Anita of Rancho del Mar, and are now focused on the Gold Rush. We had a wonderful presentation from an Oakland Museum docent today, and all the students got to see and hold a horn spoon, a pan like those used for finding gold in streams (link to geology: weathering, erosion, sediments, alluvial deposits...), a housewife (be sure to have your child tell you what that term would mean to a 49er), a poke, and so much more. If they didn't tell you all about it, be sure to ask!
We also had a wonderful presentation on Thursday by Mr. Wilcer. He brought rocks and minerals to share. Ask your child which rock floated in water and see if he/she can tell you why it did! We ended the day eating a replica of the earth--graham crackers on top representing the crust, with pudding below (the mantle and core). Yum!
We are continuing to work on the play--focusing now on learning all the songs. We'll start working on lines next week. As I mentioned last week, I would welcome some help. I am sending home a separate flier so please return the bottom portion if you are able to help. We now have a date: Thurs., June 3, in the morning, before the first recess. I will give you a firm time when I know. Please encourage your child to memorize the words to all the songs, as well as any lines he/she has.
It is wonderful weather and school is nearing an end, but it is not over yet! Students will continue to have lots of work each day and homework, so don't let them succumb to Spring Fever!
Have a great weekend!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Thank you for all the wonderful Teacher Appreciation Day flowers, notes, and poems. The room still has that wonderful fragrance of fresh flowers!
STAR testing has been completed for another year. Students appeared to be working diligently and carefully, so what more can we ask? Our class will be doing MAP testing (reading, language, and math) on Wed., May 19; Friday, May 21; and Thursday, May 27. These are the tests they take using the computers in the computer lab.
We are just about done with our Solid Earth unit and students will be taking the science test for this unit on Friday, May 14. We'll finish up with our last investigation on Monday and do some review before we start the unit on electricity.
The Play! By now I hope you have heard about the play--Gold Dust or Bust. Most students have already memorized the first song. The play is part of our study of the California Gold Rush. The play, when performed, will take about 30-45 minutes. I still don't have a firm date for the performance, but it will most likely be a Monday or Thursday in June. We will perform for our kindergarten buddy class and for parents (and anyone else who is interested). I will let you know as soon as I can. I will also send home specific information about costumes--basically everyone needs to look like a pioneer. No one should have to buy anything. We should be just fine with what folks already have in their closets or perhaps can borrow. Sometimes all you need to feel the part is the right hat! Ways you can help:
Happy Mother's Day to everyone! Have a wonderful weekend.
STAR testing has been completed for another year. Students appeared to be working diligently and carefully, so what more can we ask? Our class will be doing MAP testing (reading, language, and math) on Wed., May 19; Friday, May 21; and Thursday, May 27. These are the tests they take using the computers in the computer lab.
We are just about done with our Solid Earth unit and students will be taking the science test for this unit on Friday, May 14. We'll finish up with our last investigation on Monday and do some review before we start the unit on electricity.
The Play! By now I hope you have heard about the play--Gold Dust or Bust. Most students have already memorized the first song. The play is part of our study of the California Gold Rush. The play, when performed, will take about 30-45 minutes. I still don't have a firm date for the performance, but it will most likely be a Monday or Thursday in June. We will perform for our kindergarten buddy class and for parents (and anyone else who is interested). I will let you know as soon as I can. I will also send home specific information about costumes--basically everyone needs to look like a pioneer. No one should have to buy anything. We should be just fine with what folks already have in their closets or perhaps can borrow. Sometimes all you need to feel the part is the right hat! Ways you can help:
- Create a program--I can copy it here at school.
- Sew some bonnets--I will provide the pattern.
- Collect some pioneer-type hats--felt hats, "beaver" hats, cowboy hats, bowlers, ...
- Help students create the scenery (paint on butcher paper) during school hours
- Help students practice (songs or lines) during school hours
- Help students create dances for some of the songs, during school hours
- Agree to be our "behind-the-scenes" music person (push the button at the right time)
- Help your child practice their dance, lines, and or songs at home
- Bake some treats for the after-party!
Happy Mother's Day to everyone! Have a wonderful weekend.
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