Hot and Not
What’s Happening in MAC2
October 27th,2009
Here it is October already, and another issue of Hot and Not. Remember, if you would like this letter online next time, please go to our web site, (http://teacherweb.com/WI/Shorewood/MultiageMAC2) and head to the Hot and Not page. Scroll to the bottom and click the “subscribe to this page” button. Follow the directions and you’re all set! We’ll continue to print this for anyone not on the list, so don’t worry if you can’t sign up.
Open House is tonight from 7 to 8 PM so drop by and have your student show you around. The children are working on many different areas, so ask them about all they do.
Next week begins the WKCE testing for the district. Please help the kids do their best by getting them to bed on time, having a good breakfast, and getting to school on time. The test will be in the morning and will be for everyone from November 3rd to the 6th covering reading and math. Olders, (4th graders) continue into the next week where they will complete science and social studies.
By now you’ve looked at the slots for conferences at the end of November. Please let us know your preferred times by November 5th. We’ll send your actual time slot and which teacher you’ll see as soon as we can.
Here is a quick review of our topics regarding the curricular areas.
Language Arts - All students have been reading a fall classic story entitled Skinny Bones. This is a story about two boys; one good at baseball and one who seems to do everything wrong. There are many opportunities to discuss character traits and to learn how to provide evidence to support comprehension questions. We will finish this book within a week or two. Then, students will begin various novels based on reading skills and ability. Short mini lessons focus on the particular groups needs.
Writers workshop has the children finishing a story about themselves - a personal narrative. They have gone through the brainstorming, prewriting and first draft phases so far. Next is revision and editing, with a publishing date of November 5th.
Students work on spelling units twice a week and have a spelling test approximately every two weeks or so. You should look for the new list that was sent home last week. We post the testing date on our web site under the homework section. Again, our goal is improvement in spelling in their everyday writing, not just on final tests.
Social Studies - We will begin our major unit on immigration during the month of November. This is a great way for students to learn about their distant relatives and the countries their ancestors emigrated from long ago. They will be given an interview sheet to help them learn more specific information. Since the holidays are coming up and many families gather together, it is a good time for the students to do this research. Some may need to e-mail or perhaps telephone their grandparents to receive the information that they need.
Families will be asked to complete a family tree. Some may have more detail depending on their knowledge of their family history. This is not a test! In the past, the kids have been eager to share interesting family story and to find out where their family roots began.
We will also collect artifacts and have speakers come to our class to share their stories of coming to America. Let me know if you have a connection to someone who would be willing to be a guest speaker.
Math - Mr. Roberts’ group has just completed Unit 3 where we looked at multiplication and division. Next up, after WKCE testing, is the use of decimals. Keep up the study of basic facts, as they all should be fluent in the multiplication tables (through 10x10) by year’s end.
Mrs. Moore’s math group is completing Unit 3 studying Measurement and Area. During the month of November, we will begin Unit 4 focusing on multiplication and division. The expectation is that students master the basic multiplication facts for 1,2,5, and 10 by the end of the year. However, those students who are able will be expected to learn all of the facts. There are many days that math is preempted due to the state testing, conferences and Thanksgiving. I expect that Unit 4 may continue into December.
Again, we encourage your kids to use the SRB they brought home to help them study. Each Study Link references the corresponding pages to use. Additionally, a Family Letter goes home at the beginning of each unit with ideas you can do to help your student, including the answers to the homework! Finally, each student has a password for the online games and SRB you can use. If you need a new one, please let us know. We have been very pleased that almost 100% of the students do their homework every night. Great work habits!
Science - We are nearing the end of our study of matter and have focused most recently on how the addition of reduction of heat energy can change the state of matter. A final assessment will take place on a week or two. Near the end of November we hope to start our geology studies.
We’d like to again remind you to mark your student’s clothes so they are easily identified. Do the same with lunch boxes, as many seem to get misplaced after lunch.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions or concerns. We’ll talk again around turkey day!
Kitty and Mike