I was so happy to see the kids earlier today, and learn all about their wonderful experience at camp Cullen. I hope this weekend will allow much needed rest for all of us and that they'll come ready to work on Monday. Please help you child create an email account and a blog account so that we can start working on our Exhibition on Monday.
We had so much fun at Brazos Bend State Park! We learned all about adaptations of the native species that call Brazos bend state park, HOME. We collected data for an alligator census, and learned how to estimate alligator size. We Observed birds, and learned that since the birds at Brazos bend have to share this ecosystem, and compete for the same resources, they have developed special adaptations that allow them to survive. We looked, and compered their leg size, and the shape of their beaks. At the nature center we touched a baby alligator and learned about adaptations that allow it to survive in the wild.
As the Government Planner is coming to a close, we have been learning about people that have influenced our United States government in many different and important ways. The focus of this assignment was exploring their beliefs and values as a cause for their historical actions. The kids researched and became very knowledgeable about their historical figure. They did a great job depicting these important historical figures and delivering their presentations. It was nice to see how some of these historical figures are connected throughout history and the beliefs they share.
Our Valentine's ice cream party was a great hit! Big thanks to Fiona Dunnet and Ilene Flora for organizing and serving ice cream. And to all of you for sending ice cream, paper goods, different toppings and as always making it happen - Thanks!
To learn more about character traits we read the book City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau. Students worked in groups to read and analyze characters, motives and conflicts and then prepared different presentations. The products were very diverse and creative. They ranged from an "All about Looper" game, Looper rap song, posters, journey diary, and even some dramatic plays.
I am very proud to announce that both of our classroom spelling Bee representatives, Madeline and Brooke, made it to the final four in the longest spelling Bee ever recorded in the history of Mark Twain Elementary.... All of our contestants this year were very committed, studied hard and showed great spelling abilities. Therefore, after a while Mrs. Gee run out of words. We will have to reconvene in about a week and compete again ;) I'll keep you posted.
A couple of weeks ago some of us started visiting Mrs. Muftah's class, while the others are going to Mrs. Blakslee's class. Our reading buddies are very excited to see us every time we come and read with them. Being a mentor, and a role model for these kindergarten children has definitely enhanced our 5Th grade experience.
What a great way to celebrate the new year, and continue building our classroom community. It was a pleasure seeing the kids play and enjoy themselves. I truly believe that we are growing closer every day and are coming together as a strong community built on Respect, Cooperation and Commitment (the 3 attitude we agreed on at the begining of the school year). As we step into the second part of the year, we need to keep our strength, and positive attitude. I would like to thank all of you for accommodating this last minute get together, arranging carpool, chaperoning, and sharing your kids with me after school hours.
Each year the Weekley Family YMCA supports a program called Weekley Holiday Giving Program. This is an Outreach Program that gives families and children gifts so everyone has a happy holiday. This year our class sponsored an 11 year old boy.
Our holiday party was great!!!! We started with pizza for lunch, holiday Crafts, talent show, dreidel game and a musical book exchange. I would like to thank all of you that made it happen. Ilene Flora, the best room mom ever for organizing it all. Big thanks to all of you that sent goodies and were there to provide support and help.
Our first field trip this year was to the Health Science Museum. We started with lunch at Miller park, it was very cold but we survived.... This trip couldn't have come at a better time, as the biodiversity planner is coming to a close. We saw a cow eye dissection, and learned about special structural adaptation animals have to fit in their environment. We also saw a 4D movie called, Planet You. This movie was about bacteria, and viruses invasion of the human body. The 4D experience was interesting..... Last, I would like to Thank Mrs. Butler for coming with us on the trip.
Please remember to clip Box Tops. It is a great way to support our schools. Last year our school earned over $1200 with this easy fundraiser. The class with the most Boxtops wins a pizza party. I will start collecting them in class Monday.
Yesterday we investigated what happens to the mass of gum after we chew on it. Applying all that we have learned about the scientific method in the past few weeks the kids came up with their own hypothesis, or educated guess. Then they designed, and carried an experiment to prove just that. We were all able to collect data, organize it in a chart and later on draw conclusions. If you would like to find out what happens to the mass of gum talk to your child about it - they are experts now....
Please Practice multiplication/division flashcards with your child. The goal is to recall 60 facts in 60 seconds. If your child has mastered these basic facts, then add a zero or two or three to the numbers on the flashcards!
Science - Nature of science
Our first planner this year delves into the following central idea:
Migration leads to cultural transformation that affects personal histories.
We will inquire into:
We will be reading from the Social Studies textbook as well as some literature, both fiction and non-fiction, to learn about the different migration periods in history and to give us a glimpse of the different perspectives.
Language Art - We will enrich our vocabulary skills using the Word Explorer book. The students will be presented with a new lesson every Monday, and will be tested every Friday. Daily language reviews as well as English workbook will be used to review our grammar skills.
Reader's Notebook - In the weeks that we do not have LDC I expect the kids to read a minimum of 30 minutes a day as part of their homework. They can choose any chapter book and are required to write me letters (one a week), telling me all about their reading experience. There is a list of suggested letter topics in their reader's notebook. It is my hope that with time students will write naturally and be able to reflect on their reading with greater ease. I will pick up the reader's notebooks every other Friday.
