Winter Break is Almost Here!

I love my kiddos but we . all. need. a. BREAK!


We spent last year pushing writing and the result was "Luna - A fractured Cinderella story".  If you didn't make it to Lit night last Thursday, please read it in our "other handouts" section of this site.

In Language Arts, we studied Cinderella tales from around the world.  The study concentrated on North America including the following books:  The Rough Face Girl, Cindy Ellen, Cinderella is So Annoying!, Cinder-Elly, Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters, Domitila, and Little Gold Star.   

We are continuing our study of traditional literature genres (fairy tales, fables, folktales, myths and tall tales).   We learned that traditional tales were preserved in the oral tradition before people started to write them down. Generations were and are taught proper ways to behave.  Customs, values, traditions, and beliefs are celebrated in these tales.   Students are working on their own version of a traditional tale. 

In math we are working on geometry focusing on 2D plane figures.  This unit is vocabulary rich.  Most words and concepts were introduced in previous grades. Students are expected to know and use the vocabulary when talking about shapes and their attributes. Kids got a "fortune teller" to help them practice 2D shape names.

When we return in January we'll be looking at the attributes of 3D figures -- with another batch of vocabulary!  So please review these terms if you have the opportunity.

In science, we finished a unit on landforms and rapid changes to the Earth.  In social studies we are wrapping up a look at mapping.  Big exciting project in social studies coming up in January.  Be on the lookout for parent letters when we return. 

I will not be sending homework over the break - BUT ... your child's brain is a muscle that needs to be exercised to stay fit.  I strongly recommend that you do not break routine.  Your child should read at least 20 minutes a day, log into i-station twice a week, and continue to practice math facts on xtra math and math concepts on Think Through Math.

There is nothing more frustrating for a teacher than to administer the reading assessment mid year and have NOT show the growth I know a student has worked for.  PLEASE encourage reading over break.  You should read too!!


Reminders/Announcements:
1. Thursday December 15th PARTY TIME from 8:00-9:00.  
2. Thursday December 15th is also the last day of the grading period for Quarter 2.  Students should make sure to have all work turned in.  Don’t forget to check Home Access! 
3. Tuesday January 3rd, 2017 – Students return to school.
4. Thursday January 12th – Report cards go home.

Have a wonderful restful holiday and I'll see you next year.