At recess I played the chicken game with Tristen and Zane. But before we did that we went to the climbing wall. Then we did the game. I had to be the chicken first. I tagged Zane twice. Then Zane was the chicken this time. Tristen has to be the chicken next recess. A.D.B.
At assembly we did the Hand Jive. The Hand Jive is motions. You tap your lap and then you wave your hands side to side but your hands got to be straight and your right hand has to be on top. Then put your fist up and your other one up and put one on top and then the other one up. Then we did this song that was "America the Beautiful". Then we did the "Rain Forest" song and then we left but before that, Mrs. Garton talked. H.S.
At recess we played "Funny Home Videos". This is how we play it. First we get a camera man and a person who says "Go" and "Cut". "Go" means turn on the camera and "Cut" means stop and there are two people who do a funny thing. Z.E.
Newsletter 8 2/8/2010
Dear Families,
Our days are busy, and productive. I hope you are able to use one of the three links at the top of this newsletter:
http://swift.enumclaw.wednet.edu/bde/jkurtz/index.php
to follow what we're doing in class. All three have our daily tweets, which are written by the kids. The students take the photographs, too, and it's been fun helping them learn about using the camera (in the midst of all the other stuff going on.)
Writing
We are well along in writing Valentines for each classmate. They are beginning to memorize some of the words they write each day, and are learning to use multiple sources to help them spell other words they don't know. This is a perfect way to work on adding periods to the ends of sentences. Most cards only have one or two sentences, but you might be surprised how often I have to remind them to go back and add periods to cards they thought were "done". This is also a perfect place to practice using capital letters on things like beginning of sentences, names, and the word "I".
Due to students being absent, etc. some of them may be a bit behind on getting cards done. The goal is to have written on for each classmate by our party on Feb. 12. I'll be helping students go through lists, and you may see some cards coming home if anyone needs extra time. They also have some time before school and during recess.
On Friday, February 12, from 11:30-12:30, we'll exchange the cards we've made for each other, and enjoy some treats. I've had a couple of people volunteer to send some things in. We welcome any contributions, and whatever we don't eat, we can save for snacks.
One drawback I've found in doing these every year is that families often don't get to see some of the best work their own children have done. If you'd like to see the cards before they get passed out, you're always welcome to stop by at writing time (11:30-12:30) or any time. You're also welcome to join us for the Valentine Party, as long as you bring valentines for everyone. (Just kidding, of course. Please just come to hang out, if you can.)
Reading
We have done a lot of thinking about "connections". Connections are things we're reminded of when we read. Connections are what make the reading meaningful. If a reader makes no connections, the text is meaningless, even if he knows all the words.
Text-to-self connections mean the story reminds you of something you've done. Text-to-text connections mean the story reminds you of something else you've read. Text-to-world connections remind you of something you know about in some other way.
Connections come from the things in our lives. Students who lead rich lives, full of variety, have more background to connect to. When you take them places, talk to them, and read to them, you're building knowledge and experience that serve to anchor them and provide meaning when they are reading.
Math
Wednesday, February 12 will be the 100th day of school. I've asked students to collect 100 small things to share with the class. This should be something easy for the kids to talk about, share, transport, etc.
Chapter Book
Magic Tree House #1: Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborn.
Calendar
Wednesday, February 10—100th Day
Thursday, February 11—Izek's birthday
Friday, February 12—Valentine party
Wednesday, February 17—Emily's birthday
February 15-19—No school
Newsletter 7 1/14/2010
Dear Families,
I hope the new year is going well. Things are off to a great start here.
Writing
We're beginning Valentines. We'll be using our writing time to make Valentine cards for each other. On Friday, February 12, we'll exchange the cards we've made for each other, and perhaps enjoy some treats (if anyone would like to send some in…☺).
This type of writing is perfect for beginning writers: They know the audience. They know the purpose. The form is standard. The variations are endless. There is ample opportunity to practice those things, as well as all the other things people notice, like spelling, punctuation, handwriting, capital letters, and spacing. Once learned, this form can be used and adapted for the rest of their lives. They'll have a tool for many occasions.
This means there is no need to spend money on the pre-printed, generic Valentine cards that kids (my own included) often exchange. One alternative is to spend that money on decorations we can use for the cards we make. Ideas include stamps, stickers, anything with hearts, tissue paper, etc.
Reading
We've been taking a closer look at non-fiction books. As we read, we're thinking about things we're learning, and questions we have. We're using sticky notes to mark those spots in books, and sharing with each other. This is a great thing to do when you're reading non-fiction to your children, too. Most have interests and understanding that extends beyond what they can read by themselves.
Math
Our newest math game gives the students equations that are missing the second addend, e.g. 3+ð=7. Students need to fill in the missing number. To practice these in a more meaningful way at home, you could ask them to solve problems like: Jill had 3 cars. She got some more. Now she has 7. How many more did she get? A trickier way to phrase this would be: Jill had 7 cars. 3 were blue. The rest were red. How many were red? The first way is easier because there is action for the students to model or imagine. I've found a lot of variation in how successful students are in these. We continue to practice using counters and pictures to help solve and check answers.
Chapter Book
Gooney Bird Greene by Lois Lowry.
Calendar
Monday, January 18—Josie's birthday
Monday, January 18—No school
Sincerely,
Jeff
Newsletter 6 1/14/2010
Dear Families,
Conferences and report cards are upon us. The students have learned continuously since day one. The report cards represent only a small part of that, and maybe not the most important parts. How does one measure love of learning, or confidence in solving problems, or the delight they bring to their classmates by being caring friends? We're working on district standards, but we're working on so much more. Every student has things he or she has done well. Please take the time to congratulate your child (and yourselves), no matter what the report card says.
Conferences and Report Cards
I have gotten confirmation slips back from many of you, telling me if you're available to come to conference at the time scheduled. If the time does not work, let's try to find an alternate time. If your slip didn't come back, I'm assuming your time was fine, and I'll see you then. Let me know if you need a reminder of the day and time.
As I said last time, please plan to bring the students to conferences. We'll share work, celebrate progress, and discuss next steps. They need to be here for both, and they deserve it.
My hope is for the conference to be a two-way exchange of information. I've had the students for one third of a school year, but you've had them for far longer. I'm eager to hear what is happening away from school, and how the things we're doing in school are supporting and enhancing your own (lifelong) efforts to help your children develop literacy and learning skills and attitudes. I'd appreciate any examples you could share, because that is one way I measure how effective this all is.
Please bring any questions you have, too. Conferences can be a great time for answers and clarification.
The conferences are scheduled every 30 minutes. I plan on each one lasting about 20 minutes, with a bit of time between each one, as needed. One thing I need to do is stay on time (which can be a challenge for me), not only to honor the time of everyone in our class, but so that I don't mess up other classrooms. The teachers met together to coordinate conference times for the sake of convenience of families attending. That means if I run late, other classrooms are affected, too. If you find there is more we need to discuss, I'd be happy to talk at a later time. Thanks for your help with this.
Chapter Book
Ramona the Brave by Beverly Cleary.
Calendar
Thursday, November 19—Half day, conferences
Friday, November 20—Half day, conferences
Monday, November 23—Half day, conferences
Tuesday, November 24—Half day, conferences
Wednesday, November 25—Half day
Thursday, November 26—No school
Friday, November 27—No school
Sincerely,
Jeff
