Week of January 22-26

We have been busy finalizing projects and getting new ones started the last couple of weeks. We had a great time going to see "Wonder" at the movie theater and my students were awesome! 

In writing we have started a new Informational piece of writing.  We are using a science standard to cover this area.  Students are researching different topics on energy conservation.  They will research what their chosen topic is, why it is important, what others are doing and finally, how we can implement some ways in our community, home and at Oasis Academy.  We had a great presentation by Mr. Carroll that talked about energy conservation.  The kids were engaged and asking lots of questions!  I loved it!  Thank you Mr. Carroll!  Next week will be doing a virtual field trip to keep students interest level peeked and on target.

In reading we have started Book Clubs.  So far, I am amazed at some of the conversations I am hearing in some of the groups.  We had to change a couple of books once we got started so they are at different points in their reading plans.  Each student has their own job which they are responsible to be ready for on their meeting date.  They have to find new or interesting words for their word detective as well as write a summary of the assigned reading and a red level question to discuss with their group.  I can't wait to hear the discussions during their first meeting.  We also have our 40 book challenge going on. Their Book Club book does count toward this (some students were worried it didn't)  and I'm so excited to see so many vigorously reading their books and then whining when time is up... (don't tell them that I like the whines) ;) Keep encouraging them at home!

We have also started a new launch into our next project on the 13 colonies.  We have been doing some activities all week for some background knowledge, which will continue throughout the unit, and Thursday they were able to make new Tribe names/posters and plan out their project.  I will be anxious to see their final products. 

• BOOK ORDERS are due by MONDAY.  I extended it a week in case more of you would like to order.  New books are a great way to get your kids excited about reading!  I love it when kids are excited for the order and then we get new ones in the classroom also!  Please consider ordering.  I'll send another one out next month.  
• Thanks for sharing your kids- I am loving each unique personality!  

Week of January 8-11th

I want to apologize- I started the blog last week and saved it, then forgot to finish and left town! Oops!  Here is a glance at last week:

Writing- We have been working on an informative essay based on the book "Wonder."  We will be wrapping this up on Tuesday and moving into an informative essay on ways to save our environment.  We will be covering a Science standard through our writing process.

Reading- Students worked hard to create a project based on our book.  Some of them were able to present on Thursday and did so great!  I look forward to hearing the rest of them Tuesday.  Next week we will be starting book clubs in class as well as wrapping up all our "Wonder" projects.

• If your child has not told you about their new reading challenge, here it is:  
• We are doing a 40 book challenge!!  I'm really excited about it and so far so are the kids! 
• They will read 40 books of different genres.  I want them to appreciate all different kinds of book and am hoping this will open their minds to endless possibilities.  I am taking on the challenge with them and so far, I am not doing as well as they are! I've got to pick up my pace. :) 
• Please talk and discuss books with your children and take the challenge with us!  If you are interested, let me know and I'll send a few papers home for you! 
• We will be watching "Wonder" on Wednesday.  I am so excited!! I waited so still have not seen the movie.  We will be eating lunch in the classroom Wednesday, leave at 12:30 and return to the school around 3:30.  Don't forget to send in your permission slips and $5.00.  Students will not be able to purchase other snacks there.  

Projects- We started a Kindness Mission!! I have loved seeing your children writing notes, cleaning cubbies, being a better friend and just overall, being a little kinder to see what can happen.  They are amazing kids!! 

We have been working on our states and capitals, so have your children practice!  We will finish up next Thursday and start on the colonization of the United States the following week. 

Thanks for all your support! 

Welcome Back- January!

Happy New Year to you and your family!  I'm looking forward to seeing my students Monday and hearing about their break.  I wanted to let you know of a few things:

• Our field trip to the movie "Wonder" had to be postponed until Wednesday, January 17th.  We have had a hard time getting things set in stone, but finally it is!  There will be a permission slip in your child's Monday folder to sign and send back BY Thursday Jan. 11th along with $5 for admission to the movie an a small popcorn and drink.  
• Please send in the Monday folders and family journal on Monday- it was a long break and might have been set aside. 
• I will be implementing a reading challenge and wanted you as parents to be aware of what was going on. The challenge is to read books from different genres.  We will discuss genre characteristics and have some more class time for silent reading.  I am hoping this will help my students to possibly find new books they wouldn't normally read and develop a deeper love for reading. I will be checking in with them weekly and would love for you as parent to check in with your child to see how things are going for them also.