Learning Plans

I'm sending home copies of learning plans today, finally! They look a little differently format-wise and are copied on bright red paper.

At the top, you'll see "exhibition debrief" that has the score and notes from exhibitions.

Then you'll see a "goal setting" section. That is what is the focus for this trimester (driving question, academic goals, and personal goals). If there's anything you want modified or anything is missing, please send me an email.

Science Update

We just finished our six-week unit on Watery Earth. Students were assessed on Friday on water conservation, water pollution and the water cycle. Look out for some outstanding results from you children. Be sure to ask him/her what is water pollution. -Mrs. Harris

Reading Workshop Update

This week we as a team are working on flashbacks. A flashback interrupts the action in a piece of literature to describe an earlier event. Students seem to enjoy reflecting back on events that took place in their readings, so they have no problem making this connection.-Mrs. Harris

Math Update

We as a class have fought the battle of fractions in unit six. Each student has brought their own unique techniques to the table to help them solve everyday fractions. We have started adding and subtracting uncommon denominators. I have sent home worksheets to reinforce what I am teaching in class. For example, ¾ + 5/8 =? -Mrs. Harris

Writing Workshop Update

This month, we are focusing on Literary Essays (responding to literature). We have been practicing writing the essay through a step process. We started with the thesis statement, topic sentences, finding evidence from our short story we will end with the introduction and conclusion. Each student has progressed based on his or her individual levels. I am very proud of your children. Start looking for the short story “The Marble Champ.”

This week the students were introduced to Independent clauses and dependent clauses, An independent clause is a complete sentence. It contains the main subject and verb of a sentence. (It is also called a main clause.) Ask your student to define an independent clause and give you an example. I am sure you will be pleased. A dependent clause is not a complete sentence. It must be connected to an independent clause. Ask your student to define a dependent clause and give you examples.
-Mrs. Harris

Scholastic Book Money

I am sending home new book order forms today. There are lots of great books in these order forms!

You can order online or by sending the order form to me with cash/check made out to "Scholastic." Orders are due by March 27. The online ordering information is: Class User Name: upa309 Password: team

What's So Funny? Poetry Contest

Scholastic is hosting a poetry contest that I encourage all of the Room 309 Poets to enter!

Guidelines:
Humor is not aslwasy about what you say but how you say it.
So think about yourself and then write a poem that describes something about you in a funny way!

25 Winners across the country will receive a signed copy of Alan Katz's Oops and Two 10-book poetry libraries--one fo the winner and one for the classroom!

Entries are due to Ms. Barnes by April 1st.