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 We have had some really fun adventures since finishing the state exams.  The children wrote their own original plays, working together in groups.  They brought in their own props and most came in tenth period to refine, revise, rehearse and memorize their parts.  The plays were absolutely amazing and such fun to both produce and to watch.  In fact, they were so awesome that we decided we had to share with others.  We invited classes from the elementary, confining it to classes in which students had siblings to watch.  What a great time it was!  

This week the class is serving as hosts for each of the fourth grade classes when they come for their visit in the middle school.  We brainstormed topics to talk about then they met in their play groups and wrote up talking points for the presentation.  They were incredible!  Ms. Maslakowski happened to be here watching and was so impressed that she's offered to bake one of her famous cakes for them.  I could see how the experience of writing and performing the plays helped to prepare them for this new experience. 

In the meantime they've collected over 1000 tickets for another prize.  This time they chose a pizza party and 2 periods of outdoor play on or near the playground, depending on how busy it is.  Right now we're planning to have the pizza on Wednesday, May 22nd.  Family Orthodontics, on Route 60 in Fredonia, has kindly offered to supply the pizzas for the party.  (Jane's dad)  I guess Family Orthondontics is pretty proud of what great readers these kids have become!  Thanks Mr. Fortna!

They're hoping to earn one more prize before the end of June, this time for just 500 tickets. 

We have finally begun reading Esperanza Rising.  This is our last novel for the year.  In June the children will start their last ELA project for fifth grade.  It's an interesting assignment with loads of fabulous vocabulary and writing skills woven in.  Unfortunately, I can't reveal what it is until June, so stay tuned.

TFK magazines continue to be a weekly part of the class lessons.  They are an excellent source of not only current information, but learning about text features and how they help us make meaning in nonfiction text.  I also use them to teach how to determine importance and main idea, as well as taking notes and writing summaries.  The TFK supplement pages are again a large part of the class grades as the state wants them to learn how to read nonfiction and make sense of it.  They are getting better at this skill!

 Spelling continues to be rules-based. Friday is their last spelling test on the oi/oy spelling. 

I realize that you don't get much feedback on your child's weekly writing since I keep their journals here in school.  (Otherwise they get lost!)  If you'd like to see what your child is doing, please just let me know and I'll send home the journal for a weekend.  They're lovely writers - very willing and eager no matter the topic! 

Last, but not least, we're getting a British student teacher in June!  It should be a fun and enriching month. 
   





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Last Modified: Thursday, May. 16, 2013
 
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