December 16, 2010
Dear Parents,
First off, watch the video of the kids singing The Horizon Cookie-Baking Company song. We recorded them singing it in class today, and you can see the clip by cutting and pasting this link into your browser:
http://voicethread.com/share/1606588/
Tomorrow is our bake sale. Thank you to all of your who are cooking today with your child, helping to sell tomorrow, or helping by buying the warm clothes to donate to the mitten tree.
Horizon House on Channel Five News! Monday, look for Ms.Schwartz, Mrs. Powers, and four Horizon House Students (including our very own Kayla Cousino) on the morning news. They will be delivering the warm clothes that all of you have made possible by the cooking and the selling of the baked goods.
ABS Holiday Food Drive: if you can spare it, send in a can of food with your child to donate to the ABS Holiday Food Drive. All the donations go to the Williston Food Pantry. Thanks in advance!
In Economics today, we learned more about the difference between goods and services, and we read about how firefighters, by protecting all of us, are an example of people who provide a service to the community.
In 2nd Grade Math, students are learning "all the math facts in the world" (up to 20) by making a giant chart of them and noticing all the patterns. They're also solving challenging word problems such as "John had some crayons. he gave 5 to Jen. Now, he has 7 crayons left. How many crayons did John have to start with?"
Another one they did today was,
“ Ruben has seven snowballs. Samantha has nine more snowballs than Ruben. How many snowballs do they have in all?
We realized that it really helps if we use unifix cubes or pennies as our snowballs. That way, you can act out the problem as you’re reading it – and get to the answer. Second-Grade parents, challenge your child to explain to you using coins or a diagram how he or she would solve one of these two problems.
Continental Math: 2nd graders have been tackling some tough math problems and learning great strategies for taking them apart and solving them. Thanks again, Horizon-Parent CML Coaches
In 1st Grade Math, Students are on unit 3. The unit is called Lobster Legs and Whale Tails
This unit helps children continue to develop a solid understanding of basic operations and place value in the context of problem solving. They start with the crab problems that were introduced in unit two and then end up creating new problems using some lobsters. Then Mrs. Powers introduced a collection of games and activities designed to provide practice with addition facts to 10 and counting sums of money to 25 cents. The children have been doing a lot of sorting and graphing using some sea creatures. The upcoming lessons will focus on multiples of 2, 5, and 10. They will have opportunities to count and compare small collections of nickels, dimes and pennies. First-Grade parents: feel free to get out some money at home and have your child identify the coin and sort them into groups. Then have them count the coins by 1's, 5's and 10's.
In their Fundations class, the 2nd graders are learning the difference between there and their. They are also learning that in the words hunted spilled and splashed the endings sound very different, but they are all spelled with -ed.
Polar Express in Pajamas on Wednesday!
We will be watching the Polar Express on Wednesday as part of our holiday celebration. We will watch it and drinking hot chocolate for about an hour and a half in the morning. We are inviting the kids to wear their pajamas to school on Wednesday as a celebration of the hard work they have been doing over the last several weeks. There will be an official flyer in Friday's folder. Does anyone have any extra “hot cocoa” powder they’d like to donate for this event?
That’s about it for now. Stay warm, everyone.
David
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
December 13, 2010
Hello Parents!
A few notes:
1) The kids did a great job today presenting our advertisement for our upcoming bake sale. They presented, and then they sang the Horizon Baking Company song to our neighbors in Harmony House. The bake sale, as most of you know, is taking place on Friday -- from the morning sing-along through lunch and after school. We'll be doing shifts.
2) As part of our Economics unit, students, on Friday, did a lesson called, "Camp Mini-Haha" where everyone pretended they were going to go on a camping trip and needed to buy some essential items and some optional items. the classroom was turned into a store. Instead of real camping gear, we had several hundred cards laying on tables depicting, for example, different models of tents for different prices. Students were given $200.00 and needed to create a smart and frugal shopping list including food, a tent, etc.
It was a blast.
3) For our read-aloud book, we are reading a book called Toys Go Out (2006) by Paul Zelinsky. It's a book about a handful of stuffed animals who start out inside a backpack that "smells like a wet bathing suit." Later, Lumphy, the buffalo, gets peanut butter all over him. The stuffed animals debated: Is food on a stuffed animal dirt? "It's just food," says Lumphy. "It's not dirt." "Nope. Food is dirt," says Stingray, "when it's mashed into your fir it's dirt." We debated that question too.
Well, Lumphy is scared to death of the washing machine, not to mention the basement where his stuffed-animal friends tell him there are things like spiders and ghosts and sharks and things. Today we read about how Lumphy hides in the closet in the girl's soccer shoe (head-first) so he won't have to get washed. But, he gets stuck, and now, who knows when anyone will find him and get him out.
Kids shared how they would have this problem turn out if they were the authors. Ask your child how they think it's going to turn out for Lumphy.
4) At-Home Reading: students picked their five books today from our class library to put in their cubbies and read during the week. Many also had a chance to choose two books to sign out and take home. If your child didn't bring home books today, he or she will finish choosing tomorrow. Please help your child collect and bring back classroom books he or she has finished.
5) There will be a half day tomorrow.
7) My apologies for being out of touch for the last three weeks or so . I didn't write during Report Card/Conference time, and then the Bolger family got hit by the bug, and it's rattled through all of us in the last ten days or so. But we're on the mend, now, and I'm glad to be reconnecting with you about all that's happening in here.
Take care, everyone.
David
A few notes:
1) The kids did a great job today presenting our advertisement for our upcoming bake sale. They presented, and then they sang the Horizon Baking Company song to our neighbors in Harmony House. The bake sale, as most of you know, is taking place on Friday -- from the morning sing-along through lunch and after school. We'll be doing shifts.
2) As part of our Economics unit, students, on Friday, did a lesson called, "Camp Mini-Haha" where everyone pretended they were going to go on a camping trip and needed to buy some essential items and some optional items. the classroom was turned into a store. Instead of real camping gear, we had several hundred cards laying on tables depicting, for example, different models of tents for different prices. Students were given $200.00 and needed to create a smart and frugal shopping list including food, a tent, etc.
It was a blast.
3) For our read-aloud book, we are reading a book called Toys Go Out (2006) by Paul Zelinsky. It's a book about a handful of stuffed animals who start out inside a backpack that "smells like a wet bathing suit." Later, Lumphy, the buffalo, gets peanut butter all over him. The stuffed animals debated: Is food on a stuffed animal dirt? "It's just food," says Lumphy. "It's not dirt." "Nope. Food is dirt," says Stingray, "when it's mashed into your fir it's dirt." We debated that question too.
Well, Lumphy is scared to death of the washing machine, not to mention the basement where his stuffed-animal friends tell him there are things like spiders and ghosts and sharks and things. Today we read about how Lumphy hides in the closet in the girl's soccer shoe (head-first) so he won't have to get washed. But, he gets stuck, and now, who knows when anyone will find him and get him out.
Kids shared how they would have this problem turn out if they were the authors. Ask your child how they think it's going to turn out for Lumphy.
4) At-Home Reading: students picked their five books today from our class library to put in their cubbies and read during the week. Many also had a chance to choose two books to sign out and take home. If your child didn't bring home books today, he or she will finish choosing tomorrow. Please help your child collect and bring back classroom books he or she has finished.
5) There will be a half day tomorrow.
7) My apologies for being out of touch for the last three weeks or so . I didn't write during Report Card/Conference time, and then the Bolger family got hit by the bug, and it's rattled through all of us in the last ten days or so. But we're on the mend, now, and I'm glad to be reconnecting with you about all that's happening in here.
Take care, everyone.
David
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
October 19, 2010
October 19, 2010
Dear Parents and Families,
We have been writing up a storm this week. Today, we talked about how a story can be as simple as you telling about something funny you saw; it could be something you notice that someone has said. You decide to tell someone what you heard. That’s a story.
When you open your eyes and notice the cool things that are happening around you --- your story practically writes itself. I had kept a journal on the amazing things that came out of my kids’ mouths when they were young. I ended up typing it up, and I have been reading from it this week. I have been pleased to see that the kids have gotten excited: “I’ve got a story!” cried Jagger this morning. “Can I tell it?” And when he told it, it was a great story. “Write it down!” we all said, and by the end of writing time, Jagger had written four stories. Many others followed suit – telling their stories and then sitting down to purposefully write them. We also focused on using “talking marks” (quotes) and writing what people say to give the story energy.
In the coming days, I would like to begin a home-school journal wherein your child writes to you from school, and then your homework is to read it and write back. More on this next week.
In Reading, we are working in reading groups (“guided reading”). Here is where I challenge students with books with more challenging text and more unpredictable storylines. Meanwhile, other students are reading books at their desks independently (books that are “just right” for them; they can read them comfortably on their own.) And of course, there is the at-home reading. Your child should have come home with this week’s reading log. Please fill it out and return it on Monday.
Your child’s reading level:
I am going to need a few more days to email your child’s assessed reading level to all of you. It’s been a surprisingly-busy week. In the meantime, I have let your child know what book level (by letter) I think is a good one for him or her (each book should have a letter written in the top right-hand corner – the letters go from A to Z and are roughly associated with grade-level from K to grades 7 and 8). You can look at the books your child is bringing home to get a quick look at his or her assessed independent reading level at the beginning of this year. Here is a chart that tells how the letter roughly correlates with grade-level (of course there are overlaps.)
A-C= Kindergarten
B-I = Grade One
H-M = Grade Two
L-P = grade Three
O-T = Grade Four
S-W = Grade Five
V-Y = Grade Six
X-Z = Grade Seven, Eight, and Above
Do you wonder if a certain book is the right independent level for your child? Look here before hitting Barnes and Noble. You can go on the Scholastic website to make sure you’re not overshooting or undershooting. Scholastic has a leveling database; if you type in the name of a book, then click on the book’s image, they’ll tell you the letter associated with the reading level. Fountas and Pinnell also has a database on their website (it’s excellent), but they charge you about $15.00 for 20 visits.
Here is how you access the Scholastic Database:
1. Google Scholastic Book Leveling
2. (There is no login necessary)
3. Go to the top where it says Shop by Grade and Search
4. In the Search window, type the name of the book you are leveling.
5. When the book image appears, click on it.
6. Find the Guided Reading Level on the left.
7. Jot that reading level in the top right-hand corner of our hard-copy book.
Good luck. This should be helpful.
Speaking of Scholastic, you should have received in your child’s folder an instruction sheet on how to order Scholastic books online. Let me know if you have any questions. It’s a smart way to order: no lost checks or order forms.
Timeliner: Today, your child also brought home a brief “Timeliner” project as part of our study of “Today and Long Ago.” Please fill this out over the break and return it on Monday, too. I have enclosed a sample of the final product in the Friday Folder. Thanks for helping.
Our Stone Soup Harvest Festival was a rousing success today. We ate delicious soup and bread, and we dosey-doed around the garden to some awesome fiddle music. Special thanks to Kim Van Buren for ladling out the soup for hungry mouths!
Take care, everyone.
David
Dear Parents and Families,
We have been writing up a storm this week. Today, we talked about how a story can be as simple as you telling about something funny you saw; it could be something you notice that someone has said. You decide to tell someone what you heard. That’s a story.
When you open your eyes and notice the cool things that are happening around you --- your story practically writes itself. I had kept a journal on the amazing things that came out of my kids’ mouths when they were young. I ended up typing it up, and I have been reading from it this week. I have been pleased to see that the kids have gotten excited: “I’ve got a story!” cried Jagger this morning. “Can I tell it?” And when he told it, it was a great story. “Write it down!” we all said, and by the end of writing time, Jagger had written four stories. Many others followed suit – telling their stories and then sitting down to purposefully write them. We also focused on using “talking marks” (quotes) and writing what people say to give the story energy.
In the coming days, I would like to begin a home-school journal wherein your child writes to you from school, and then your homework is to read it and write back. More on this next week.
In Reading, we are working in reading groups (“guided reading”). Here is where I challenge students with books with more challenging text and more unpredictable storylines. Meanwhile, other students are reading books at their desks independently (books that are “just right” for them; they can read them comfortably on their own.) And of course, there is the at-home reading. Your child should have come home with this week’s reading log. Please fill it out and return it on Monday.
Your child’s reading level:
I am going to need a few more days to email your child’s assessed reading level to all of you. It’s been a surprisingly-busy week. In the meantime, I have let your child know what book level (by letter) I think is a good one for him or her (each book should have a letter written in the top right-hand corner – the letters go from A to Z and are roughly associated with grade-level from K to grades 7 and 8). You can look at the books your child is bringing home to get a quick look at his or her assessed independent reading level at the beginning of this year. Here is a chart that tells how the letter roughly correlates with grade-level (of course there are overlaps.)
A-C= Kindergarten
B-I = Grade One
H-M = Grade Two
L-P = grade Three
O-T = Grade Four
S-W = Grade Five
V-Y = Grade Six
X-Z = Grade Seven, Eight, and Above
Do you wonder if a certain book is the right independent level for your child? Look here before hitting Barnes and Noble. You can go on the Scholastic website to make sure you’re not overshooting or undershooting. Scholastic has a leveling database; if you type in the name of a book, then click on the book’s image, they’ll tell you the letter associated with the reading level. Fountas and Pinnell also has a database on their website (it’s excellent), but they charge you about $15.00 for 20 visits.
Here is how you access the Scholastic Database:
1. Google Scholastic Book Leveling
2. (There is no login necessary)
3. Go to the top where it says Shop by Grade and Search
4. In the Search window, type the name of the book you are leveling.
5. When the book image appears, click on it.
6. Find the Guided Reading Level on the left.
7. Jot that reading level in the top right-hand corner of our hard-copy book.
Good luck. This should be helpful.
Speaking of Scholastic, you should have received in your child’s folder an instruction sheet on how to order Scholastic books online. Let me know if you have any questions. It’s a smart way to order: no lost checks or order forms.
Timeliner: Today, your child also brought home a brief “Timeliner” project as part of our study of “Today and Long Ago.” Please fill this out over the break and return it on Monday, too. I have enclosed a
Our Stone Soup Harvest Festival was a rousing success today. We ate delicious soup and bread, and we dosey-doed around the garden to some awesome fiddle music. Special thanks to Kim Van Buren for ladling out the soup for hungry mouths!
Take care, everyone.
David
Friday, October 8, 2010
October 8, 2010
October 8, 2010
Notes From the Week
(Some of this is a recap of notes I sent home on Monday and Wednesday.)
Monday:
We had a great field trip today to the Flynn. As you know, we've been studying Today and Long Ago. Laura Ingalls Wilder, who wrote the Little House on the Prairie series, lived at the end of the 1800s and traveled west with her family to homestead. She wrote all about the pioneer life. The play we saw today had a simple set and only four characters: Ma, Pa, Mary (her older sister), and Laura.
Our class learned about how people 130 years ago traveled not by car but by wagons and horses. They learned that many families grew and raised all the food they ate. They learned that especially if you lived in "the country" you might not even be able to see anyone else's house from your front doorstep, so you mostly played with your brothers and sisters. They learned that it took Laura and her family 3 months to travel from Wisconsin to Kansas by horse and wagon. They learned about homesteading, the threat of wild animals, and the threat of locusts. They learned that Laura became a writer by keeping a journal and by learning to describe for her blind sister, Mary, the many sights she saw.
Another thing we saw was the excitement -- a mixture of hope and fear -- that the Ingalls family-- and many other pioneer families felt whenever they headed off into unknown lands looking for land and work. Pa kept saying, "C'mon Ingalls Family! We got places to go!" He also was famous for saying, "THAT'S the pioneering spirit!" Another thing he said was, "When something bad happens, something good always comes of it."
Tuesday:
For writing, we talked about how sights and smells remind you of things that have happened to you. We took a walk up on the hill behind the classroom. We got very quiet and we felt the sun on our faces. We smelled the damp grass. We heard the rattle of leaves falling through the branches of trees. We went around and shared any stories we had about things we like to do with our families in the fall. We also picked grass and wrapped it with rubber bands to make sheaves of wheat. We’re letting them dry. Then, we’re going to use them to create a fall scene in our classroom.
Wednesday:
We took a walk down the hall and put sticky notes on paintings of fall that we liked. We talked about what we noticed. We planned our own paintings. Then, we returned to the classroom, read a story about Fall, and we each did rough drafts of a personal Fall scene that we’ll be painting and then writing about. We also read from James and the Giant Peach and we noticed how when James climbed into that peach, escaping his miserable aunts and his bare-wood bed, he must have been scared. We talked about how nice it was for him that Spider wove a comfortable hammock-bed for him, and Grasshopper and Glowworm said kind words to him, and…
“Already he was beginning to like his new friends very much. They were not nearly as terrible as they looked. In fact, they weren’t really terrible at all. They seemed extremely kind and helpful in spite of all the shouting and arguing that went on between them. ‘Good night, old green grasshopper,’ he whispered…”
We talked about how, just like James, our class is embarking on an adventure together this year – our classroom is our peach. And if we can all try to be thoughtful and kind and caring to each other, and apologize if we hurt someone, we, like James, will like our new friends very much, and they will like us very much, and we will end up having, together, accomplished very much.
Thursday:
Thank you to Hannaford Supermarkets for sponsoring an exciting, zany, energetic, emmy-award-winning producton called Foodplay. The two main characters were a coach and a student. They did juggling and dancing and prank-playing, and they did an excellent job of teaching kids to
1) eat five fruits or veggies per day (scary, isn’t it, parents?),
2) read the ingredients on the packages (and notice what the first ingredient is because that’s the biggest ingredient) and
3) Look out for high fructose corn syrup ‘cause it’s pretty-much just sugar.
Friday:
We began the day with a Morning Meeting sing-along. We couldn’t help it. “Cutter, Cutter, bo-butter, banana fanna fo-futter, fee-fi mo-mutter…. In Math, both first and second graders are deepening their understanding of patterns. With a new month, we have a new, emerging pattern to figure out in our Number Corner. In Reading, we are practicing picking books that are just right for us using the five-finger rule (as you read, every time you come across a word that you can’t read, you put one finger down on the page.) If you put all five down before the page is through, it’s a good reminder that you should put this book aside and read it later in the year. Right now, you should pick a book that is easier for you.
We ended the day with a great presentation from the Williston Fire Department. Special thanks to Thom Moore – firefighter and EMT, He’s Harley Moore’s dad.
Note: you should find a “Class Friendship List” (aka telephone list) in your child’s backpack today.
That’s it for now. Have a restful weekend.
David
Notes From the Week
(Some of this is a recap of notes I sent home on Monday and Wednesday.)
Monday:
We had a great field trip today to the Flynn. As you know, we've been studying Today and Long Ago. Laura Ingalls Wilder, who wrote the Little House on the Prairie series, lived at the end of the 1800s and traveled west with her family to homestead. She wrote all about the pioneer life. The play we saw today had a simple set and only four characters: Ma, Pa, Mary (her older sister), and Laura.
Our class learned about how people 130 years ago traveled not by car but by wagons and horses. They learned that many families grew and raised all the food they ate. They learned that especially if you lived in "the country" you might not even be able to see anyone else's house from your front doorstep, so you mostly played with your brothers and sisters. They learned that it took Laura and her family 3 months to travel from Wisconsin to Kansas by horse and wagon. They learned about homesteading, the threat of wild animals, and the threat of locusts. They learned that Laura became a writer by keeping a journal and by learning to describe for her blind sister, Mary, the many sights she saw.
Another thing we saw was the excitement -- a mixture of hope and fear -- that the Ingalls family-- and many other pioneer families felt whenever they headed off into unknown lands looking for land and work. Pa kept saying, "C'mon Ingalls Family! We got places to go!" He also was famous for saying, "THAT'S the pioneering spirit!" Another thing he said was, "When something bad happens, something good always comes of it."
Tuesday:
For writing, we talked about how sights and smells remind you of things that have happened to you. We took a walk up on the hill behind the classroom. We got very quiet and we felt the sun on our faces. We smelled the damp grass. We heard the rattle of leaves falling through the branches of trees. We went around and shared any stories we had about things we like to do with our families in the fall. We also picked grass and wrapped it with rubber bands to make sheaves of wheat. We’re letting them dry. Then, we’re going to use them to create a fall scene in our classroom.
Wednesday:
We took a walk down the hall and put sticky notes on paintings of fall that we liked. We talked about what we noticed. We planned our own paintings. Then, we returned to the classroom, read a story about Fall, and we each did rough drafts of a personal Fall scene that we’ll be painting and then writing about. We also read from James and the Giant Peach and we noticed how when James climbed into that peach, escaping his miserable aunts and his bare-wood bed, he must have been scared. We talked about how nice it was for him that Spider wove a comfortable hammock-bed for him, and Grasshopper and Glowworm said kind words to him, and…
“Already he was beginning to like his new friends very much. They were not nearly as terrible as they looked. In fact, they weren’t really terrible at all. They seemed extremely kind and helpful in spite of all the shouting and arguing that went on between them. ‘Good night, old green grasshopper,’ he whispered…”
We talked about how, just like James, our class is embarking on an adventure together this year – our classroom is our peach. And if we can all try to be thoughtful and kind and caring to each other, and apologize if we hurt someone, we, like James, will like our new friends very much, and they will like us very much, and we will end up having, together, accomplished very much.
Thursday:
Thank you to Hannaford Supermarkets for sponsoring an exciting, zany, energetic, emmy-award-winning producton called Foodplay. The two main characters were a coach and a student. They did juggling and dancing and prank-playing, and they did an excellent job of teaching kids to
1) eat five fruits or veggies per day (scary, isn’t it, parents?),
2) read the ingredients on the packages (and notice what the first ingredient is because that’s the biggest ingredient) and
3) Look out for high fructose corn syrup ‘cause it’s pretty-much just sugar.
Friday:
We began the day with a Morning Meeting sing-along. We couldn’t help it. “Cutter, Cutter, bo-butter, banana fanna fo-futter, fee-fi mo-mutter…. In Math, both first and second graders are deepening their understanding of patterns. With a new month, we have a new, emerging pattern to figure out in our Number Corner. In Reading, we are practicing picking books that are just right for us using the five-finger rule (as you read, every time you come across a word that you can’t read, you put one finger down on the page.) If you put all five down before the page is through, it’s a good reminder that you should put this book aside and read it later in the year. Right now, you should pick a book that is easier for you.
We ended the day with a great presentation from the Williston Fire Department. Special thanks to Thom Moore – firefighter and EMT, He’s Harley Moore’s dad.
Note: you should find a “Class Friendship List” (aka telephone list) in your child’s backpack today.
That’s it for now. Have a restful weekend.
David
Friday, October 1, 2010
October 1, 2010
October 1st, 2010
Dear Parents,
This was a week of reviewing and practicing our behavioral expectations while introducing another layer of academic work. In reading and writing (also known as Literacy,) we finished up our beginning-of-the year reading assessments; we wrote about our favorite secret place at home, and we introduced the idea of revising when we e read our piece to our friends and then added details we realized we had forgotten.
We studied two different story structures. First, we wrote a class-story following the story structure from the book, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.” Our title was, If You Give Amanda Gagne an Apple…(she’ll want to feed it to our worms!) We read several George and Martha stories to learn about story elements. We made cool hand signals to symbolize problem, solution, setting, and characters, and the kids flashed them at the appropriate times as I read the stories.
In Fundations (our phonics study), we have been doing a quick review of open and closed syllables, digraphs (like sh and ch), and blends. Many of the programs we use these days, from Fundations to Bridges (math), use lots of manipulatives and it’s important to practice how to take them out, use them purposefully, share them, and put them away.
Reading Homework: Reading homework will formally begin one week from Monday. One of the things the beginning-of-the-year reading assessments do is give me -- and you -- the reading level that is just right for your child: the independent reading level for when they are sitting reading alone, and the instructional level -- the reading level that is a little too hard but within their range if you read with them. Next week, I'll share your child's level with you, along with a website that you can visit. It allows you to plug in any book and see if it's a good fit for your child... very helpful for when you hit Barnes and Noble, the libraray, or the Scholastic Book Fair.
In Morning Meeting, we learned the No-no…game. We also played Zip Zap Zop, and we found how important it is to do check-ins so that if someone is having a hard day, we can all know about it and give that person some extra kindness.
In Math, we were all very excited to turn over the very last card for September. We figured out the pattern! We can’t wait to see what October brings. We opened new Math work stations, and practiced counting by twos, fives, and tens – frontwards and backwards. We also sorted a whole pile of coins and played some coin games.
In our study of Today and Long Ago, we compared and sorted many items -- from jet planes to horses and from flat-screen TVs to old black-and-whites.
Next week, of course, we will be taking a field trip to the Flynn on Monday. We’ll be back by 11:30.
Apologies: we have a new email system this fall, and I have had to work through some email-group bugs. You will probably see another test from me in the next few days as I work out the kinks. I’m sorry if you haven’t been getting the end-of-the-week emails from me. Remember, you can always just Google Bolger Class Blog to get to these Friday Letters. I have a bunch of wonderful work your children have completed, but want to have a chance to go over it and assess it before I get it into the Friday Folders.
Note: I have a home project that I need help on: I need to look up several boxes of my library books on a special website that identifies their “level”. Then I need to mark the level on the book. It’s even kind-of fun. I just don’t have the time to do it, and would love someone to grab a bunch, take them home, and mark them.
Note #2: Join Continental Math!: this is a great small-group, interactive, math-learning opportunity . Once a week or so, your child gets together with a parent volunteer and figure out some interesting math problems. You gain good skills, you come to see yourself as a mathematician, and you have fun working through problems with your buddies. Your child doesn’t need to be brilliant at math, just curious and willing to try!
Have a great weekend.
David
Dear Parents,
This was a week of reviewing and practicing our behavioral expectations while introducing another layer of academic work. In reading and writing (also known as Literacy,) we finished up our beginning-of-the year reading assessments; we wrote about our favorite secret place at home, and we introduced the idea of revising when we e read our piece to our friends and then added details we realized we had forgotten.
We studied two different story structures. First, we wrote a class-story following the story structure from the book, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.” Our title was, If You Give Amanda Gagne an Apple…(she’ll want to feed it to our worms!) We read several George and Martha stories to learn about story elements. We made cool hand signals to symbolize problem, solution, setting, and characters, and the kids flashed them at the appropriate times as I read the stories.
In Fundations (our phonics study), we have been doing a quick review of open and closed syllables, digraphs (like sh and ch), and blends. Many of the programs we use these days, from Fundations to Bridges (math), use lots of manipulatives and it’s important to practice how to take them out, use them purposefully, share them, and put them away.
Reading Homework: Reading homework will formally begin one week from Monday. One of the things the beginning-of-the-year reading assessments do is give me -- and you -- the reading level that is just right for your child: the independent reading level for when they are sitting reading alone, and the instructional level -- the reading level that is a little too hard but within their range if you read with them. Next week, I'll share your child's level with you, along with a website that you can visit. It allows you to plug in any book and see if it's a good fit for your child... very helpful for when you hit Barnes and Noble, the libraray, or the Scholastic Book Fair.
In Morning Meeting, we learned the No-no…game. We also played Zip Zap Zop, and we found how important it is to do check-ins so that if someone is having a hard day, we can all know about it and give that person some extra kindness.
In Math, we were all very excited to turn over the very last card for September. We figured out the pattern! We can’t wait to see what October brings. We opened new Math work stations, and practiced counting by twos, fives, and tens – frontwards and backwards. We also sorted a whole pile of coins and played some coin games.
In our study of Today and Long Ago, we compared and sorted many items -- from jet planes to horses and from flat-screen TVs to old black-and-whites.
Next week, of course, we will be taking a field trip to the Flynn on Monday. We’ll be back by 11:30.
Apologies: we have a new email system this fall, and I have had to work through some email-group bugs. You will probably see another test from me in the next few days as I work out the kinks. I’m sorry if you haven’t been getting the end-of-the-week emails from me. Remember, you can always just Google Bolger Class Blog to get to these Friday Letters. I have a bunch of wonderful work your children have completed, but want to have a chance to go over it and assess it before I get it into the Friday Folders.
Note: I have a home project that I need help on: I need to look up several boxes of my library books on a special website that identifies their “level”. Then I need to mark the level on the book. It’s even kind-of fun. I just don’t have the time to do it, and would love someone to grab a bunch, take them home, and mark them.
Note #2: Join Continental Math!: this is a great small-group, interactive, math-learning opportunity . Once a week or so, your child gets together with a parent volunteer and figure out some interesting math problems. You gain good skills, you come to see yourself as a mathematician, and you have fun working through problems with your buddies. Your child doesn’t need to be brilliant at math, just curious and willing to try!
Have a great weekend.
David
Friday, September 24, 2010
Sept. 24, 2010
Sept. 24, 2010
Dear Parents,
Good bye, Summer, and Welcome, Fall! The highlight of this week was our trip to Shelburne Farms. We learned how to make bread, we learned how to make cheese (while we chanted about Little Miss Muffet). We learned how to prepare sauce and toppings from the plants of the garden. Then, we rolled out the dough, spread the ingredients, popped our pizzas in the oven, and Yum Yum!
If any of you haven’t been to Shelburne Farms yet, you have to go. It’s an amazing place with cheerful, smart, kind staff people. They helped us pick up chickens, feed pigs, and milk a cow. They taught us about Reduce – Reuse – Recycle (and were very impressed that we already compost our cafeteria food waste at school). We sang songs and played lots of games. What a day! Your children wrote about their day at Shelburne farms, and a copy of their writing pieces are in the Friday Folder today.
In Math, the 1st and 2nd graders are both working with patterns. We think we have figured out the September pattern on our bulletin boards. We’ll know for sure in a couple of days.
In Reading, we finished our Read-aloud book, Sable, by Vermont author, Karen Hesse. What excellent writing! It’s a story about a Vermont girl who is dying to get a dog of her own when a stray appears on her doorstep. We won’t tell you what happens. You’ll have to read it yourself – but we loved it. Also in reading, we are just about finished with our beginning-of-the-year reading assessments. We will begin book groups as soon as we’ve had a chance to get a good, solid look at the data.
Yesterday and Today -- dried apples: we used a crank apple peeler today to peel, core, and slice apples. Then we put the apples in a dehydrator to make dried apple snacks.
Thank you, those of you who were able to make the open house – and thanks for your nice notes to your kids. We read them today. It was great to meet the parents behind these kids. If you weren’t able to make it, stop in and introduce yourself, and see the work your child has done --- the Hopes and Dreams dolls, the self-portraits, the Horizon flags, and the Math Art. If you weren’t able to make it, I have included in this Friday Folder a Horizon Parent Handbook, and your child’s “desk letter” to you. Please write something on the right hand side, and send it back for us to display. The kids stuffed their own Friday Folders today as a way of practicing listening skills. If you are missing any of the above pieces of paper, email me, and I'll look under the desks.
Overall, this group is settling in nicely. Lots of smiles! The kids have learned the schedule, the routines the expectations, and all the names of the many grown-ups who comprise our Horizon House. They now have a solid foundation as we begin to pick up the speed with the academics.
Other notes:
We collected and sorted insects in our Four Winds class today. We found a HUGE spider, but it wasn't poisonous.
Don’t forget our field trip the week after next to the Flynn Theater. Send in permission slips if you haven’t already.
We learned how to use an apple corer and we dried apples for a healthy snack today!
It’s a great time for apple picking – and a bag of apples is fun to sort – in a bunch of ways.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Mr. Bolger
Dear Parents,
Good bye, Summer, and Welcome, Fall! The highlight of this week was our trip to Shelburne Farms. We learned how to make bread, we learned how to make cheese (while we chanted about Little Miss Muffet). We learned how to prepare sauce and toppings from the plants of the garden. Then, we rolled out the dough, spread the ingredients, popped our pizzas in the oven, and Yum Yum!
If any of you haven’t been to Shelburne Farms yet, you have to go. It’s an amazing place with cheerful, smart, kind staff people. They helped us pick up chickens, feed pigs, and milk a cow. They taught us about Reduce – Reuse – Recycle (and were very impressed that we already compost our cafeteria food waste at school). We sang songs and played lots of games. What a day! Your children wrote about their day at Shelburne farms, and a copy of their writing pieces are in the Friday Folder today.
In Math, the 1st and 2nd graders are both working with patterns. We think we have figured out the September pattern on our bulletin boards. We’ll know for sure in a couple of days.
In Reading, we finished our Read-aloud book, Sable, by Vermont author, Karen Hesse. What excellent writing! It’s a story about a Vermont girl who is dying to get a dog of her own when a stray appears on her doorstep. We won’t tell you what happens. You’ll have to read it yourself – but we loved it. Also in reading, we are just about finished with our beginning-of-the-year reading assessments. We will begin book groups as soon as we’ve had a chance to get a good, solid look at the data.
Yesterday and Today -- dried apples: we used a crank apple peeler today to peel, core, and slice apples. Then we put the apples in a dehydrator to make dried apple snacks.
Thank you, those of you who were able to make the open house – and thanks for your nice notes to your kids. We read them today. It was great to meet the parents behind these kids. If you weren’t able to make it, stop in and introduce yourself, and see the work your child has done --- the Hopes and Dreams dolls, the self-portraits, the Horizon flags, and the Math Art. If you weren’t able to make it, I have included in this Friday Folder a Horizon Parent Handbook, and your child’s “desk letter” to you. Please write something on the right hand side, and send it back for us to display. The kids stuffed their own Friday Folders today as a way of practicing listening skills. If you are missing any of the above pieces of paper, email me, and I'll look under the desks.
Overall, this group is settling in nicely. Lots of smiles! The kids have learned the schedule, the routines the expectations, and all the names of the many grown-ups who comprise our Horizon House. They now have a solid foundation as we begin to pick up the speed with the academics.
Other notes:
We collected and sorted insects in our Four Winds class today. We found a HUGE spider, but it wasn't poisonous.
Don’t forget our field trip the week after next to the Flynn Theater. Send in permission slips if you haven’t already.
We learned how to use an apple corer and we dried apples for a healthy snack today!
It’s a great time for apple picking – and a bag of apples is fun to sort – in a bunch of ways.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Mr. Bolger
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Sept. 17, 2010
Sept. 17, 2010
Dear Parents,
We have had a great week! We finished our class rules, we wrote our hopes and dreams for the year, we decided on class jobs, we met our class pets, and we wrote about our first 12 days of school. We opened our class library, we talked about how to choose books that are just right for us, and we sang some great songs. Lastly, the students were so excited and proud to put up their “locker notes” from you telling them what you love about them! Thank you.
We began our fall Social Studies unit called Long Ago and Today. First and Second graders will be classifying things from the past and the present, and studying how some things change over time while other things remain the same.
Class volunteers: thank you, everyone, for sending in your "volunteer forms" telling us to what degree in in what capacity you could help out in our class this year. I love to have parents in the class, and as soon as we get our assessments done and our regular lessons up and running, I'll contact you to connect on how you would most like to participate.
Upcoming events:
Class Pictures (This Weds. 8:00 a.m. before our field trip): The individual pictures will be taken on “Retake” day – TBA. Note: This year the photo company has informed us that there will be an extra charge for picture orders that arrive after the pictures have been taken.
Shelburne Farms (Weds. 8:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m). Please bring a bag lunch from home.
Curriculum Night and Dessert Social (Weds. 6:30-8:00 p.m.): see the orange colored paper in the Friday Folder. We hope you can make it. Sorry, we can’t invite students to this event.
Flynn Theater Field Trip (Monday, October 4th. 8:45-11:15): ”Laura Ingalls Wilder.” See the blue permission slip in the Friday Folder.
Happy Birthday, Olivia Roberts!
Have a great weekend, Everyone.
Sincerely,
David
Dear Parents,
We have had a great week! We finished our class rules, we wrote our hopes and dreams for the year, we decided on class jobs, we met our class pets, and we wrote about our first 12 days of school. We opened our class library, we talked about how to choose books that are just right for us, and we sang some great songs. Lastly, the students were so excited and proud to put up their “locker notes” from you telling them what you love about them! Thank you.
We began our fall Social Studies unit called Long Ago and Today. First and Second graders will be classifying things from the past and the present, and studying how some things change over time while other things remain the same.
Class volunteers: thank you, everyone, for sending in your "volunteer forms" telling us to what degree in in what capacity you could help out in our class this year. I love to have parents in the class, and as soon as we get our assessments done and our regular lessons up and running, I'll contact you to connect on how you would most like to participate.
Upcoming events:
Class Pictures (This Weds. 8:00 a.m. before our field trip): The individual pictures will be taken on “Retake” day – TBA. Note: This year the photo company has informed us that there will be an extra charge for picture orders that arrive after the pictures have been taken.
Shelburne Farms (Weds. 8:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m). Please bring a bag lunch from home.
Curriculum Night and Dessert Social (Weds. 6:30-8:00 p.m.): see the orange colored paper in the Friday Folder. We hope you can make it. Sorry, we can’t invite students to this event.
Flynn Theater Field Trip (Monday, October 4th. 8:45-11:15): ”Laura Ingalls Wilder.” See the blue permission slip in the Friday Folder.
Happy Birthday, Olivia Roberts!
Have a great weekend, Everyone.
Sincerely,
David
Friday, September 3, 2010
Sept. 3, 2010
September 3rd,
2 010
Dear Parents,
Happy Friday! Ok. I’ll give your children back. For a couple of days. I’d like to take this opportunity to,
again, welcome you and your child to my class.
I’m looking forward to a happy, successful year. We’ve had a great time at school this week
getting to know each other. The students
have learned some of the procedures for using a variety of materials in the
classroom. They’ve also helped to develop our classroom rules, and above all,
we are learning that when we are kind and helpful, together we can do anything.
This letter
will encompass a variety of information to help the year go smoothly. First, homework (which will be
commencing soon): once
reading groups are up and running, your child will be bringing home a book bag.
S/he should read on a daily basis
for at least 15 minutes. There will
be a reading log to fill out on a
weekly basis as well.
At the 1st and 2nd
grade level, besides the 15 minutes of reading each night, you can expect, 1-2 times per week, math homework that is part of the
Bridges program. This will come home in
a math homework folder. It will always
be an extension of what we have done in class. It won’t be something that you
are having to teach your child. Students at this age should not be spending more than 30 minutes per night working on
homework (reading + math). If the
time spent on homework consistently exceeds this, or if you see that you child is struggling, please
let me know and I will make some adjustments.
If your
child would like to bring in a closeable
water bottle to keep at his/her desk and fill up throughout the day, I welcome that. In addition, we will be having a short snack
time each morning. I am encouraging kids
to bring (and trying , myself, to bring,
) a healthy snack. Some snack ideas are: fruit, vegetables,
cheese and crackers, string cheese, yogurt, granola bars, hard boiled eggs, apple
sauce, or pretzels. One of our students
in this class is allergic to tree nuts (if he eats them) -- but not allergic to peanuts , so peanuts are
a great snack choice.
Please also send in a change of clothes in a plastic bag that
your child can keep on the top shelf in his/her locker in the event that he or
she needs to change.
**** There has been a change in policy this year, and the school nurse
can no longer provide extra
clothing.
Important Dates:
September 6th-
No School (Labor Day)
Sept. 22nd - Field Trip to Shelburne Farms
Sept. 22nd - Class picture taken at 8:00 a.m. sharp
Sept. 22nd - Class picture taken at 8:00 a.m. sharp
Sept. 22nd
– Curriculum Night
Sept. 24th - Our first Four Winds Lesson
Sept. 24th - Our first Four Winds Lesson
Sept. 28th
– Early Dismissal
Reminder: If your child is leaving school at dismissal time in a
way other than their typical daily transportation (bus, walk, or pick-up)
please be sure to send a note to school.
You may email your note, but please do so the day before,
since I often do not have a chance to check my email during the day.
Please feel free to contact me at
anytime. We’re off to a great start,
and I look forward to getting to know
you all better across the coming months.
Onward!
Mr. Bolger
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Sept. 1, 2010
Dear Parents and Friends,
What a great first day of school. We began with Morning Meeting Greetings and sang "This Little Light of Mine." We also read a book called, "My First Day of First Grade."
In Math, we found seats for our 22 second-grade math students and we did a categorizing activity (ex: Everyone who is wearing white stand over here. Everyone who is not wearing white, stand over there..." ) We practiced "Circling Up" outside with Mrs. Powers' class, and we can now circle up it in 10 seconds! Someone had the smart idea of everyone holding hands and then taking a step backwards. We drew self-portraits to hang in our classroom, and we practiced secret hand signals for asking to get a drink or going to the bathroom. We learned other important routines like closing our lockers quietly, "signing out" to go to the bathroom, and pushing our chairs in and picking up our areas.
Later in the day, we composed our list of good classroom rules, and we ended with Afternoon Meeting and Compliments. I think these kids are going to sleep well tonight. It's hard work creating a civilization :)
We are encouraging students to bring in water bottles and leave them here. Also, if your child brings something for snack or lunch that requires being ripped open, I'd like to suggest that he or she keep a small round-tipped scissors in their lunch box to be able to cut the item open.
Shhhh: Mr. Bolger is bringing in some class pets, but everyone is going to have to wait 'til tomorrow to see what they are.
Sleep well, everyone, and celebrate your successful first day back at school!
Mr. Bolger
What a great first day of school. We began with Morning Meeting Greetings and sang "This Little Light of Mine." We also read a book called, "My First Day of First Grade."
In Math, we found seats for our 22 second-grade math students and we did a categorizing activity (ex: Everyone who is wearing white stand over here. Everyone who is not wearing white, stand over there..." ) We practiced "Circling Up" outside with Mrs. Powers' class, and we can now circle up it in 10 seconds! Someone had the smart idea of everyone holding hands and then taking a step backwards. We drew self-portraits to hang in our classroom, and we practiced secret hand signals for asking to get a drink or going to the bathroom. We learned other important routines like closing our lockers quietly, "signing out" to go to the bathroom, and pushing our chairs in and picking up our areas.
Later in the day, we composed our list of good classroom rules, and we ended with Afternoon Meeting and Compliments. I think these kids are going to sleep well tonight. It's hard work creating a civilization :)
We are encouraging students to bring in water bottles and leave them here. Also, if your child brings something for snack or lunch that requires being ripped open, I'd like to suggest that he or she keep a small round-tipped scissors in their lunch box to be able to cut the item open.
Shhhh: Mr. Bolger is bringing in some class pets, but everyone is going to have to wait 'til tomorrow to see what they are.
Sleep well, everyone, and celebrate your successful first day back at school!
Mr. Bolger
Friday, August 27, 2010
August 27, 2010
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome back to school.
Welcome to Horizon House.
Welcome to your new classroom!
Friends of yours are here, and they can't wait to see you.
There are other kids who haven't even met you yet,
And boy, will they be glad when they do.
You will make so many new friends.
There are four teachers in Horizon House. They are Mrs. Rodliff, Mrs. Powers, Ms. Schwartz, and me, Mr. Bolger. We all teach first and second grade. And we all love teaching.
Your classroom will be a mix of twenty first and second graders. Here you are: Amanda Li, Grant, Harley, Adia, Samantha,Olivia, Carlie, Nico, Kyle, Sean, Luna, Ruben, Wayne, Kayla, Alyssa, Evan, J.J., Cutter, Amanda Gagne, and Jagger. And don't forget that many old friends and new friends will be right next door in Mrs. Powers', Ms. Schwartz's and Ms. Rodliff's classrooms.
I hope you will be able to come to our open house next Tuesday, 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. right here. Then the first day of school is Wednesday, starting at 7:50 a.m.!
Thank you, in advance, for helping to make this fall the best ever.
Mr. Bolger
Welcome back to school.
Welcome to Horizon House.
Welcome to your new classroom!
Friends of yours are here, and they can't wait to see you.
There are other kids who haven't even met you yet,
And boy, will they be glad when they do.
You will make so many new friends.
There are four teachers in Horizon House. They are Mrs. Rodliff, Mrs. Powers, Ms. Schwartz, and me, Mr. Bolger. We all teach first and second grade. And we all love teaching.
Your classroom will be a mix of twenty first and second graders. Here you are: Amanda Li, Grant, Harley, Adia, Samantha,Olivia, Carlie, Nico, Kyle, Sean, Luna, Ruben, Wayne, Kayla, Alyssa, Evan, J.J., Cutter, Amanda Gagne, and Jagger. And don't forget that many old friends and new friends will be right next door in Mrs. Powers', Ms. Schwartz's and Ms. Rodliff's classrooms.
I hope you will be able to come to our open house next Tuesday, 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. right here. Then the first day of school is Wednesday, starting at 7:50 a.m.!
Thank you, in advance, for helping to make this fall the best ever.
Mr. Bolger
Sunday, June 13, 2010
May 28, 2010
Calliope Weekly Update
May 24-28, 2010
Week Thirty-five
May 24-28, 2010
Week Thirty-five
Reading & Writing:
Students tried their best to ‘cool down’ with good books this week
during the heat wave. Students have begun work on their benchmark
reading assessments for the last time this year. We will be sharing
student instructional levels in reading with you come report card
time. Mr. Bolger's class began a new read aloud: The Time Warp Trio's
book -- It's All Greek to Me. Ms. Schoolcraft’s class began a new read
aloud too: Love That Dog by Sharon Creech.
Math: Both
third and fourth graders exclaimed ‘we have the same homework!’
Thursday afternoon (their geometry work looked similar with dot
patterns)…as both grade levels are studying geometry. Third graders’
math work is on display outside the main office in the lobby…our work
included rotating designs using polygons from an earlier problem. Come
check it out! Third graders also began to explore elements of area and
geometric solids during an activity called “boxes” on Friday. Fourth
Graders are hard at work studying the world of fractions.
Word Study: Mr. Bolger's Spelling Class took home their second-to-last spelling list for the year. The kids are ramping up for a year-end spelling bee covering all the spelling words and rules they have learned! Ms. S’s group began unit 10 this week, examining syllables with double vowel teams. Students learned that vowel teams are either vowel digraphs (two vowels making one new sound) or diphthongs (pronounced diff-thongs; where the first vowel glides into the succeeding vowels).
Science: Tuesday
marked the final NECAP assessment of the year. Fourth graders worked
in pairs or trios and then independently to complete an inquiry task.
The assessment took about 90 minutes (on arguably the hottest day of
the year)… and third graders “chilled out” in the [air conditioned]
computer lab during testing, brushing up on keyboarding skills and
enjoying spellingcity.com. As for a chick update…at the writing of
this update, we have hatched 1 chick. This, although incredibly
exciting, was a disappointing turnout from the 28 eggs we set on May 5th.
We have decided to leave the incubator running over the long weekend,
in the hopes that we will have a late hatch, to join our first chick,
“Early.” The eggs that are not successful will be laid to rest in the
woods on Tuesday by our class.
Responsive Classroom: The heat may have played a role in both student and adult behavior this week -- cranky, cranky, cranky :)
Ask me about:
· How we problem-solved soccer play at recess
· Mrs. Wirsing’s hatch
· Vista’s Performance
Other: Please
help your child remember to bring a water bottle to school these last
few weeks. Our classroom can be quite hot, and it is easy to get
dehydrated in such warm weather. As always, thank you for keeping
consistent home routines (even throughout May Madness © The Warren Family). Please see the note in the School Bell
regarding parent feedback surveys (found online). Please complete
these as soon as possible, as your feedback informs our practice and is
greatly appreciated. Finally, we look forward to several Calliope
events in June! Have a fun, relaxing and safe Memorial Day weekend!
May 21, 2010
Calliope Weekly Update
May 17-21, 2010
Week Thirty-four
May 17-21, 2010
Week Thirty-four
Reading & Writing:
The Reading Restaurant was a huge success! Thanks to all families for
your support with the restaurant itself, and for being kind and
generous patrons! In the upcoming weeks, students will be completing
end-of-the-year assessments in reading and spelling in preparation of
June report cards.
Math: Fourth
graders worked on dyads and problem solving this week, as well as,
participated in the fourth and final ‘studio’ class of the year. Third
graders are working with geometry; specifically attribute blocks and
lines, line segments, and rays.
Word Study: Both classes maintained a consistent spelling routine despite the reading restaurant preparations this week. Ms. S’s class completed unit 9 in Fundations, including the application of the 1-1-1 rule for adding vowel suffixes to 1-1-1 words with r-controlled vowels.
Science: Fourth
graders completed the first two sessions of the Science NECAP on
Tuesday. Fourth graders will finish with the inquiry task next
Tuesday. A good night’s sleep and breakfast prior to testing helps
students start off on the right foot. In other news, our expected
hatch day is Wednesday, 5/26. Students are eagerly anticipating the
hatch of our chicks. On Thursday, we visited Mrs. Wirsing’s classroom
to view an embryo that has been developing without its shell. We were
able to see what our embryos look like and identify body parts…the eye,
egg tooth, feathers, and feet. Science is amazing!
Responsive Classroom: I
continue to be impressed and amazed at the manners and kindness I
witness between students. Much of this came to fruition at the reading
restaurant; students remained calm and were incredibly polite not only
to our guests, but to each other. That is a success to be celebrated
by all of us.
On Thursday, both classes were able to ‘serve’ each other as we visited
one another’s reading restaurant. How wonderful to see the excitement
as students visited each other’s core classes and experienced the
reading restaurant as a guest.
Ask me about:
· Art Show
· Reading Restaurant Rehearsal!
· Discovery’s Reading Restaurant
· Science necap – 4th grade
Other: With
the Reading Restaurant behind us, we have the final four weeks of
school fast approaching. As we prepare for many endings – Calliope
House, Allen Brook for all of us, the completion of another grade, 4th grade graduation (to name a few…) let’s take a deep breath and slow down.
We have much excitement planned in the upcoming weeks…let’s enjoy every
minute with each other, practicing respect and kindness. You are all
an amazing group of kids and parents and I am so thankful to be a part
of the house that is Calliope.
Friday, April 16, 2010
April 16, 2010
Calliope Weekly Update
April 3 - April 16, 2010 Week Thirty
Reading and Writing: in Mr. Bolger’s and Ms. Schoolcraft’s classes, students have been bringing to conclusion their “response to text” pieces. We have been focusing, especially, on how you invite your reader into your essay by first engaging them with a question. (For example: “How many books do you know that feature talking rats? Remember Stuart Little? Remember The Mouse and the Motorcycle? Well, I think Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH is even better...” )Then you need to summarize the story for them and anticipate their questions before you narrow to your analysis of one of the characters. This week, students also brought a number of poetry projects to conclusion. Congratulations to Olivia, Katelyn, Cameron, and Bennett for having their news articles published in the recent ABS Blue and Gold newspaper!
Spelling/Grammar: Mr. B’s class and Ms. Schoolcraft’s classes have been working on reining in run-on sentences! Mr. Bolger’s spelling class continues its study of word endings: tally à tallies and tallied, but play just goes to plays and played. Can you explain why?
Math: In Grade 3, Mrs. Schoolcraft’s class continues its study of probability w/spinners, probability language (certain, impossible, likely, equally likely, more likely, unlikely), combinations and tree diagrams. In Grade 4, students are digging into fractions with problems like: what is 2/3 of 270? and what does it look like to have seven fourths of a brownie?
Responsive Classroom:
We have continued our discussions this week about being kind: (it’s not ok to say, “Other kids don’t like you because…”), being direct: (“What did you mean when you said…?”), and being strong in the face of a friend who is trying to control who you hang out with: (“You take care of yourself and who you hang out with, and I’ll take care of myself and who I hang out with.”)
We are hard at work on our Calliope CD. Peter Engisch will be running two recording sessions with us in our Calliope Kiva on May 4th and May 5th. May students are volunteering to be Music Leaders. They are committing to memorizing our song list and being role models to the other students. Way to go, Music Leaders!
Ask me about:
• how far we’ve gotten towards our 1000 paper cranes,
• which Red-Clover book earned the most votes statewide (Owney, the Mail Pouch Pooch)
• which DCF book got the most votes in ABS (The Gollywhopper Game)
• what it means to be a “Singing Leader” for our upcoming CD.
Upcoming Events to put in your calendar: Mother’s Day Tea – 5/7 @ 11:45-12:30; Reading Restaurant – 5/19 @ 6:15-7:00 and 7:15-8:00; Catamount Picnic – 6/14 @ 10:00-2:00; 4th Grade Graduation – TBA; Last day: 6/16
Take Care, Everyone.
David and Sarah
April 3 - April 16, 2010 Week Thirty
Reading and Writing: in Mr. Bolger’s and Ms. Schoolcraft’s classes, students have been bringing to conclusion their “response to text” pieces. We have been focusing, especially, on how you invite your reader into your essay by first engaging them with a question. (For example: “How many books do you know that feature talking rats? Remember Stuart Little? Remember The Mouse and the Motorcycle? Well, I think Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH is even better...” )Then you need to summarize the story for them and anticipate their questions before you narrow to your analysis of one of the characters. This week, students also brought a number of poetry projects to conclusion. Congratulations to Olivia, Katelyn, Cameron, and Bennett for having their news articles published in the recent ABS Blue and Gold newspaper!
Spelling/Grammar: Mr. B’s class and Ms. Schoolcraft’s classes have been working on reining in run-on sentences! Mr. Bolger’s spelling class continues its study of word endings: tally à tallies and tallied, but play just goes to plays and played. Can you explain why?
Math: In Grade 3, Mrs. Schoolcraft’s class continues its study of probability w/spinners, probability language (certain, impossible, likely, equally likely, more likely, unlikely), combinations and tree diagrams. In Grade 4, students are digging into fractions with problems like: what is 2/3 of 270? and what does it look like to have seven fourths of a brownie?
Responsive Classroom:
We have continued our discussions this week about being kind: (it’s not ok to say, “Other kids don’t like you because…”), being direct: (“What did you mean when you said…?”), and being strong in the face of a friend who is trying to control who you hang out with: (“You take care of yourself and who you hang out with, and I’ll take care of myself and who I hang out with.”)
We are hard at work on our Calliope CD. Peter Engisch will be running two recording sessions with us in our Calliope Kiva on May 4th and May 5th. May students are volunteering to be Music Leaders. They are committing to memorizing our song list and being role models to the other students. Way to go, Music Leaders!
Ask me about:
• how far we’ve gotten towards our 1000 paper cranes,
• which Red-Clover book earned the most votes statewide (Owney, the Mail Pouch Pooch)
• which DCF book got the most votes in ABS (The Gollywhopper Game)
• what it means to be a “Singing Leader” for our upcoming CD.
Upcoming Events to put in your calendar: Mother’s Day Tea – 5/7 @ 11:45-12:30; Reading Restaurant – 5/19 @ 6:15-7:00 and 7:15-8:00; Catamount Picnic – 6/14 @ 10:00-2:00; 4th Grade Graduation – TBA; Last day: 6/16
Take Care, Everyone.
David and Sarah
Friday, April 9, 2010
April 9, 2010
Calliope Weekly Update
March 29-April 2, 2010
Week Twenty-Nine
Reading: in Mr. Bolger’s and Ms. Schoolcraft’s classes, students have been writing “responses to text” (short essays about literature they have been reading). We hope to be done by next Friday. We are using graphic organizers and have been focusing on writing effective introductory paragraphs.
Writing : both classes have been writing poetry. Mr. Bolger’s class has been studying the poet, Caleph Brown and have been writing autobiographical “I Am…” poems. In grammar studies, they have been working on quotations and on proper nouns. Ms. Schoolcraft’s class has been learning to write haikus and cinquains, rhyming couplets, limericks, and autobiographical poems including "Where I'm from" poems. We have had lots of laughs, good writing, and fun.
Spelling: Ms. Schoolcraft’s class , studying with Fundations, finished -le syllable types (unit 8) and will move on to unit 9 next week. Mr. Bolger’s class is on a tear with vocabulary words like ensure, frequent and vast; spellers have wrestled with “Is it storys or stories? Is it alleys or allies?”
Math: In Grade 3, it’s all about probability w/spinners, probability language (certain, impossible, likely, equally likely, more likely, unlikely), combinations and tree diagrams. Ask about monsters combinations! In Grade 4, students have concluded their introduction to long division. They took a test on Thursday. Next unit: fractions.
Science: dozens of fizzing Mentos later, pounds and pounds of Ooblek-on-the-floor later, quarts-of-vinegar-and-baking-soda-and balloons later, we have, sadly, come to the end of our unit on Solids, Liquids and Gases. Next unit up: a social studies unit – The Vermont Economy.
Responsive Classroom:
The two 3-4 classrooms met today and did some problem-solving around teasing and other not-very-nice behaviors. Many students shared thoughtfully about how it has felt when they have been teased, and they created a poster entitled: "What 3-4s need to be their best." Students were so engaged and gave so much to the discussion, that we needed to take an Outside break to get recharged for Math.
Ask me:
• about how far we’ve gotten towards our 1000 paper cranes,
• about who I voted for as my favorite Red-Clover book,
• about what it means to be a “Singing Leader” for our upcoming CD,
• about the chicks we will be hatching (eggs will be set in late April.)
Thanks, everyone, for the time you have taken, and the flexibility you have offered, to meet with us for Parent Conferences. It has been such a pleasure to sit down with you and see the progress your daughter or son has made.
Take care, everyone.
David and Sarah
March 29-April 2, 2010
Week Twenty-Nine
Reading: in Mr. Bolger’s and Ms. Schoolcraft’s classes, students have been writing “responses to text” (short essays about literature they have been reading). We hope to be done by next Friday. We are using graphic organizers and have been focusing on writing effective introductory paragraphs.
Writing : both classes have been writing poetry. Mr. Bolger’s class has been studying the poet, Caleph Brown and have been writing autobiographical “I Am…” poems. In grammar studies, they have been working on quotations and on proper nouns. Ms. Schoolcraft’s class has been learning to write haikus and cinquains, rhyming couplets, limericks, and autobiographical poems including "Where I'm from" poems. We have had lots of laughs, good writing, and fun.
Spelling: Ms. Schoolcraft’s class , studying with Fundations, finished -le syllable types (unit 8) and will move on to unit 9 next week. Mr. Bolger’s class is on a tear with vocabulary words like ensure, frequent and vast; spellers have wrestled with “Is it storys or stories? Is it alleys or allies?”
Math: In Grade 3, it’s all about probability w/spinners, probability language (certain, impossible, likely, equally likely, more likely, unlikely), combinations and tree diagrams. Ask about monsters combinations! In Grade 4, students have concluded their introduction to long division. They took a test on Thursday. Next unit: fractions.
Science: dozens of fizzing Mentos later, pounds and pounds of Ooblek-on-the-floor later, quarts-of-vinegar-and-baking-soda-and balloons later, we have, sadly, come to the end of our unit on Solids, Liquids and Gases. Next unit up: a social studies unit – The Vermont Economy.
Responsive Classroom:
The two 3-4 classrooms met today and did some problem-solving around teasing and other not-very-nice behaviors. Many students shared thoughtfully about how it has felt when they have been teased, and they created a poster entitled: "What 3-4s need to be their best." Students were so engaged and gave so much to the discussion, that we needed to take an Outside break to get recharged for Math.
Ask me:
• about how far we’ve gotten towards our 1000 paper cranes,
• about who I voted for as my favorite Red-Clover book,
• about what it means to be a “Singing Leader” for our upcoming CD,
• about the chicks we will be hatching (eggs will be set in late April.)
Thanks, everyone, for the time you have taken, and the flexibility you have offered, to meet with us for Parent Conferences. It has been such a pleasure to sit down with you and see the progress your daughter or son has made.
Take care, everyone.
David and Sarah
Friday, April 2, 2010
April 2, 2010
Calliope Weekly Update
March 29-April 2, 2010
Week Twenty-eight
Reading/Writing : As we continue our work with various texts in our reading groups and during read aloud, we had special visits from Mr. Terko, Ms. Carr and Mr. Nardelli this week, each sharing a Red Clover book with us. On Thursday, after Mr. Nardelli’s read aloud, students informally voted for their favorite: Finding Home By Sandra Markle, which was read by Ms. Trasciatti-Holmberg, our very own music teacher. On Thursday, Ms. S read Sadako by Eleanor Coerr, a story about a girl’s struggle with leukemia in the aftermath of World War II, as well as, origami cranes as symbols of hope. We have set a Calliope House goal to make 1,000 paper cranes for Dominic’s sister Maria.
Reading Link Frenzy: As we approach the end of the year, we are making a final push with reading and reading chains. We will take them down after our Reading Restaurant in May, we’ll attach them, and make a gigantic circular chain that we’ll take up onto the hill. We think it’s going to be the biggest Reading Chain ever. If you have any little toys or trinkets that your child has grown out of – that you’d like to donate to our Reading Chain grab bag, we’d be happy to have you offload them here .
Math: Fourth graders reviewed their Mid-Year Math Assessment. They also continue to work on gaining deeper understanding of the concepts of multiplication and division, as well as, the partial quotients algorithm. Mr. B is continually implementing strategies and teachings from the Best Practices in Teaching Mathematics course. Third graders started a unit on probability…making predictions and analyzing data from activities involving sampling with replacement.
Word Study: With so many students out this week, and with half-days interspersed across last week and this week, Mr. B’s spelling groups focused on grammar and punctuation as they read and commented on each others’ most-recent spelling stories on the blog. The stories aren’t just “silly” any more. They are quite inspired, and students are giving insightful feedback to their friends. Ms. S’s group is continuing to work with the consonant-le syllable type, including consonant-le syllable exceptions (bagel, camel, etc).
Science: We wrapped up our study of states of matter this week with a written assessment on Thursday. Students explored the “in between” state of oobleck…not quite a solid, not quite a liquid. Aside from making oobleck, we also made a HUGE mess! Students did a fantastic job working together to clean up tables, chairs, desks, and the rug afterward!
Responsive Classroom: We have made it to April…and the “spring jitters” are in full swing. Please remind your child to dress in layers and bring a water bottle to school for warmer weather!
Ask me about:
• Paper Cranes
• Mrs. Frisby’s daring challenge.
• How the Rats of Nimh got captured.
• Oobleck: solid or liquid?
• Grammar: does that period go inside or outside of the quotation marks?
Other: We’ve had several students out this week (including Ms. S on Friday with a sore throat)…please encourage your child to wash hands often and get good rest to stay healthy! With our origami project underway, we could use donations of origami paper—all sizes and colors—and thank you to the families who have sent in glue sticks…we will continue to accept donations!
David and Sarah
March 29-April 2, 2010
Week Twenty-eight
Reading/Writing : As we continue our work with various texts in our reading groups and during read aloud, we had special visits from Mr. Terko, Ms. Carr and Mr. Nardelli this week, each sharing a Red Clover book with us. On Thursday, after Mr. Nardelli’s read aloud, students informally voted for their favorite: Finding Home By Sandra Markle, which was read by Ms. Trasciatti-Holmberg, our very own music teacher. On Thursday, Ms. S read Sadako by Eleanor Coerr, a story about a girl’s struggle with leukemia in the aftermath of World War II, as well as, origami cranes as symbols of hope. We have set a Calliope House goal to make 1,000 paper cranes for Dominic’s sister Maria.
Reading Link Frenzy: As we approach the end of the year, we are making a final push with reading and reading chains. We will take them down after our Reading Restaurant in May, we’ll attach them, and make a gigantic circular chain that we’ll take up onto the hill. We think it’s going to be the biggest Reading Chain ever. If you have any little toys or trinkets that your child has grown out of – that you’d like to donate to our Reading Chain grab bag, we’d be happy to have you offload them here .
Math: Fourth graders reviewed their Mid-Year Math Assessment. They also continue to work on gaining deeper understanding of the concepts of multiplication and division, as well as, the partial quotients algorithm. Mr. B is continually implementing strategies and teachings from the Best Practices in Teaching Mathematics course. Third graders started a unit on probability…making predictions and analyzing data from activities involving sampling with replacement.
Word Study: With so many students out this week, and with half-days interspersed across last week and this week, Mr. B’s spelling groups focused on grammar and punctuation as they read and commented on each others’ most-recent spelling stories on the blog. The stories aren’t just “silly” any more. They are quite inspired, and students are giving insightful feedback to their friends. Ms. S’s group is continuing to work with the consonant-le syllable type, including consonant-le syllable exceptions (bagel, camel, etc).
Science: We wrapped up our study of states of matter this week with a written assessment on Thursday. Students explored the “in between” state of oobleck…not quite a solid, not quite a liquid. Aside from making oobleck, we also made a HUGE mess! Students did a fantastic job working together to clean up tables, chairs, desks, and the rug afterward!
Responsive Classroom: We have made it to April…and the “spring jitters” are in full swing. Please remind your child to dress in layers and bring a water bottle to school for warmer weather!
Ask me about:
• Paper Cranes
• Mrs. Frisby’s daring challenge.
• How the Rats of Nimh got captured.
• Oobleck: solid or liquid?
• Grammar: does that period go inside or outside of the quotation marks?
Other: We’ve had several students out this week (including Ms. S on Friday with a sore throat)…please encourage your child to wash hands often and get good rest to stay healthy! With our origami project underway, we could use donations of origami paper—all sizes and colors—and thank you to the families who have sent in glue sticks…we will continue to accept donations!
David and Sarah
Friday, March 12, 2010
March 13, 2010
Calliope Weekly Update
March 8-12, 2010
Week Twenty-five
Conferences: I will be emailing a conference sign-up list to you over the weekend. Please email back with preferred times. Looking forward to seeing you.
Big-Basket Raffle: Please donate by March 17th. Our theme is Ice Cream Social. We have received two nice sets of bowls. Still needed: items such as sugar cones, sprinkles, scoops, syrup, spoon set, a Friendly’s gift card, etc. Thank you. Thank you!
Williston Variety Show: tonight 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Come see your teachers and friends perform! $5.00 at the door. Call ahead for availability.
Green Breakfast: March 17th! Hope to see you here
Reading and Writing: We celebrated the completion of our research on Friday morning with a “cupcake” celebration—students decorated their own cupcakes in honor of the “icing on the cake” which was the presentations of our research. Students will work in guided reading groups starting next week and will be writing their second response to literature in the weeks to come.
Math: Fourth graders learned quick strategies for big multiplication problems. Third graders continued their work with fractions. Third graders explored area model, set model, and linear model fractions. Students used a variety of manipulatives to represent, compare and order fractional amounts. Students also learned several new games: Fraction Top-it, Wipeout, Building Rectangles, Fraction Memory and Fraction Riddles.
Word Study: Mr. B’s spelling group did a power cursive week, and will resume their work with sorting words by spelling concepts next week. Ms. S’s spellers began unit 7 and are studying the addition of suffixes to words ending /y/, as well as, learning the capital C, O and G in cursive.
Science: We kicked off our next science unit—States of Matter—this week. Students are learning how to identify the difference between solids, liquids and gases. Students worked in groups to create collage posters of each state of matter. Next week, we will explore the properties of each state in depth.
Responsive Classroom: We welcomed two new students to Calliope this week! Rudy is a 4th grader in Ms. Schoolcraft’s class, and his brother Wayne is a 2nd grader in Mrs. Dodge’s class. Calliope students have been warm and welcoming to their new classmate, and have done a great job showing the boys around, introducing themselves, and helping explain Calliope routines and rituals.
Ask me about:
• Friday’s surprise
• Writing for the Blue & Gold
• Our presentations
• Calliope Yellow Pages
• How to solve 999 x 999 in 40 seconds or less. Can you do it, parents?!
Please Enjoy the warm weather and don’t forget to “spring ahead” this weekend!
March 8-12, 2010
Week Twenty-five
Conferences: I will be emailing a conference sign-up list to you over the weekend. Please email back with preferred times. Looking forward to seeing you.
Big-Basket Raffle: Please donate by March 17th. Our theme is Ice Cream Social. We have received two nice sets of bowls. Still needed: items such as sugar cones, sprinkles, scoops, syrup, spoon set, a Friendly’s gift card, etc. Thank you. Thank you!
Williston Variety Show: tonight 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Come see your teachers and friends perform! $5.00 at the door. Call ahead for availability.
Green Breakfast: March 17th! Hope to see you here
Reading and Writing: We celebrated the completion of our research on Friday morning with a “cupcake” celebration—students decorated their own cupcakes in honor of the “icing on the cake” which was the presentations of our research. Students will work in guided reading groups starting next week and will be writing their second response to literature in the weeks to come.
Math: Fourth graders learned quick strategies for big multiplication problems. Third graders continued their work with fractions. Third graders explored area model, set model, and linear model fractions. Students used a variety of manipulatives to represent, compare and order fractional amounts. Students also learned several new games: Fraction Top-it, Wipeout, Building Rectangles, Fraction Memory and Fraction Riddles.
Word Study: Mr. B’s spelling group did a power cursive week, and will resume their work with sorting words by spelling concepts next week. Ms. S’s spellers began unit 7 and are studying the addition of suffixes to words ending /y/, as well as, learning the capital C, O and G in cursive.
Science: We kicked off our next science unit—States of Matter—this week. Students are learning how to identify the difference between solids, liquids and gases. Students worked in groups to create collage posters of each state of matter. Next week, we will explore the properties of each state in depth.
Responsive Classroom: We welcomed two new students to Calliope this week! Rudy is a 4th grader in Ms. Schoolcraft’s class, and his brother Wayne is a 2nd grader in Mrs. Dodge’s class. Calliope students have been warm and welcoming to their new classmate, and have done a great job showing the boys around, introducing themselves, and helping explain Calliope routines and rituals.
Ask me about:
• Friday’s surprise
• Writing for the Blue & Gold
• Our presentations
• Calliope Yellow Pages
• How to solve 999 x 999 in 40 seconds or less. Can you do it, parents?!
Please Enjoy the warm weather and don’t forget to “spring ahead” this weekend!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
March 5, 2010
Calliope Weekly Update
March 2-5, 2010
Week Twenty-four
Reading and Writing: Students have already begun presenting their research. We have heard twelve presentations this week, and look forward to presentations through Thursday of next week. Students are doing a fantastic job making their presentations interesting, speaking loudly and clearly, and addressing the audience. Students are also asking great questions of their peers when it’s time for questions and comments. We enjoyed a break in our regular routine on Wednesday, when we visited the Flynn theater for a performance of the story Frindle by Andrew Clements. Students in both classes got some good laughs, and wrote responses to the question, “what would it be like if the Calliope 3-4’s all started using made-up words?!”
Math: Third graders have started up with a unit on Fractions. We read Ed Emberly’s Picture Pie and used construction paper circles to create symmetrical “masterpieces”—using the whole, half, quarter, and eighth pieces of the circles. Students then wrote number sentences to show the total amount of each color paper used. Fourth graders are working on concepts of measurement.
Word Study: Both spelling classes did a week of review. Students in Ms. S’s class did a Unit 6 “retake” on Friday to hopefully improve overall scores.
Science: Third and fourth graders completed the CSSU Science Inquiry task entitled Soil Soakers this week. Students worked independently, in pairs, and in small groups to follow the scientific process in response to the question: what Earth material is best suited for planting seeds—clay, sand, humus or gravel?
Responsive Classroom: We’d like to compliment students for their mature and respectful behavior at the Flynn this week. This is a solid stretch of teaching and learning time—from February break to April break—and we’re really getting back into the groove. Thanks for supporting your child with homework routines.
Ask me about:
• Student of the week: Megan
• Jambalaya ♫
• Frindle
Other: Our next Calliope event is the Green Breakfast on Wednesday, March 17th at 7:30. Look for a flyer in Friday folders this week, and you may be contacted by our room parents if you had signed up to bring something “green” to the event. Parent/teacher conferences will soon be scheduled for the end of this month. Look for information in next week’s Friday folders. Thanks to the eight parent chaperones to the Flynn this week! Have a great weekend!
March 2-5, 2010
Week Twenty-four
Reading and Writing: Students have already begun presenting their research. We have heard twelve presentations this week, and look forward to presentations through Thursday of next week. Students are doing a fantastic job making their presentations interesting, speaking loudly and clearly, and addressing the audience. Students are also asking great questions of their peers when it’s time for questions and comments. We enjoyed a break in our regular routine on Wednesday, when we visited the Flynn theater for a performance of the story Frindle by Andrew Clements. Students in both classes got some good laughs, and wrote responses to the question, “what would it be like if the Calliope 3-4’s all started using made-up words?!”
Math: Third graders have started up with a unit on Fractions. We read Ed Emberly’s Picture Pie and used construction paper circles to create symmetrical “masterpieces”—using the whole, half, quarter, and eighth pieces of the circles. Students then wrote number sentences to show the total amount of each color paper used. Fourth graders are working on concepts of measurement.
Word Study: Both spelling classes did a week of review. Students in Ms. S’s class did a Unit 6 “retake” on Friday to hopefully improve overall scores.
Science: Third and fourth graders completed the CSSU Science Inquiry task entitled Soil Soakers this week. Students worked independently, in pairs, and in small groups to follow the scientific process in response to the question: what Earth material is best suited for planting seeds—clay, sand, humus or gravel?
Responsive Classroom: We’d like to compliment students for their mature and respectful behavior at the Flynn this week. This is a solid stretch of teaching and learning time—from February break to April break—and we’re really getting back into the groove. Thanks for supporting your child with homework routines.
Ask me about:
• Student of the week: Megan
• Jambalaya ♫
• Frindle
Other: Our next Calliope event is the Green Breakfast on Wednesday, March 17th at 7:30. Look for a flyer in Friday folders this week, and you may be contacted by our room parents if you had signed up to bring something “green” to the event. Parent/teacher conferences will soon be scheduled for the end of this month. Look for information in next week’s Friday folders. Thanks to the eight parent chaperones to the Flynn this week! Have a great weekend!
February 19, 2010
Calliope Weekly Update
February 15-19, 2010
Week Twenty-three
Reading and Writing: Our research reports are in final form! Students did an excellent job using the “big 6” model for research and writing 4 or 5 paragraph reports on their choice topic. We will be sharing this exciting product the week after break. Students have also spent time reviewing parts of speech through the coveted “P.O.S. ball” (parts-of-speech), as well as fun with Mad Libs. Students have also had some solid time for independent reading. Please encourage your child to read for pleasure over break. Often we’re so busy during the week that it’s difficult to really “get in” to a book. Teachers do some of their best reading over school vacations!
Math: Fourth graders took their end-of-the-unit math assessment on fact extensions (50 x 600, for example), word problems, and multidigit multiplication. Fourth graders also dabbled a bit in fractions this week. Third graders also completed the end-of-the-unit assessment in multiplication and division. Students took a pre-assessment for our upcoming unit on fractions. Both classes continue to work on multiplication facts on a weekly basis.
Word Study: Mr. B’s spellers reviewed homophones and tricky spelling “demons.” Ms. Schoolcraft’s spellers completed unit 6 with a look at multisyllabic words with open syllables, open syllable exceptions, and the addition of suffixes to these words.
Science: All students completed the science inquiry task, “playground trash” this week. The guiding question for the investigation was “Will putting magnets together make a difference in the distance needed to attract objects?” Students worked in small groups to conduct an experiment, and then worked independently to analyze and apply the data collected. Ask your child about this experiment. Later in the week, we reviewed student responses to the “NECAP practice” questions regarding this experiment, and compared student responses to the questions asked. We will continue to practice writing about our science thinking in weeks to come.
Responsive Classroom: Both classes have really enjoyed combining classes for Friday morning meetings. We continue to hold students accountable for their work, reinforcing complete work with team choice time on Fridays and upholding the logical consequence of “work room” for incomplete work. Please encourage your child to turn in homework daily.
Ask me about:
• Student of the week: Dominic
• Four Winds: Animal tracking
• My research project!
Other: Thank you for all that you do to support our 3-4 Calliope endeavors. Just a friendly reminder, there is no school for students on Monday, 3/1 (teacher professional development), and we will be going to the Flynn on Wednesday, 3/3 to see Frindle. We have emailed the parent volunteers who will be attending (we had to do first-come, first-served for chaperones)…sorry we couldn’t take all of you! Have a fantastic vacation and we’ll see you in March!
February 15-19, 2010
Week Twenty-three
Reading and Writing: Our research reports are in final form! Students did an excellent job using the “big 6” model for research and writing 4 or 5 paragraph reports on their choice topic. We will be sharing this exciting product the week after break. Students have also spent time reviewing parts of speech through the coveted “P.O.S. ball” (parts-of-speech), as well as fun with Mad Libs. Students have also had some solid time for independent reading. Please encourage your child to read for pleasure over break. Often we’re so busy during the week that it’s difficult to really “get in” to a book. Teachers do some of their best reading over school vacations!
Math: Fourth graders took their end-of-the-unit math assessment on fact extensions (50 x 600, for example), word problems, and multidigit multiplication. Fourth graders also dabbled a bit in fractions this week. Third graders also completed the end-of-the-unit assessment in multiplication and division. Students took a pre-assessment for our upcoming unit on fractions. Both classes continue to work on multiplication facts on a weekly basis.
Word Study: Mr. B’s spellers reviewed homophones and tricky spelling “demons.” Ms. Schoolcraft’s spellers completed unit 6 with a look at multisyllabic words with open syllables, open syllable exceptions, and the addition of suffixes to these words.
Science: All students completed the science inquiry task, “playground trash” this week. The guiding question for the investigation was “Will putting magnets together make a difference in the distance needed to attract objects?” Students worked in small groups to conduct an experiment, and then worked independently to analyze and apply the data collected. Ask your child about this experiment. Later in the week, we reviewed student responses to the “NECAP practice” questions regarding this experiment, and compared student responses to the questions asked. We will continue to practice writing about our science thinking in weeks to come.
Responsive Classroom: Both classes have really enjoyed combining classes for Friday morning meetings. We continue to hold students accountable for their work, reinforcing complete work with team choice time on Fridays and upholding the logical consequence of “work room” for incomplete work. Please encourage your child to turn in homework daily.
Ask me about:
• Student of the week: Dominic
• Four Winds: Animal tracking
• My research project!
Other: Thank you for all that you do to support our 3-4 Calliope endeavors. Just a friendly reminder, there is no school for students on Monday, 3/1 (teacher professional development), and we will be going to the Flynn on Wednesday, 3/3 to see Frindle. We have emailed the parent volunteers who will be attending (we had to do first-come, first-served for chaperones)…sorry we couldn’t take all of you! Have a fantastic vacation and we’ll see you in March!
February 12, 2010
Calliope Weekly Update
February 8-12, 2010
Week Twenty-two
Permission Slip to Sign and Return: We will be going to the Flynn Theater on Wednesday, March 3rd to see Frindle. Please sign the permission slip (sent in Friday folders) and please return with payment by this Thursday, 2/18. Thanks.
Reading and Writing: Students are working diligently in class on their research projects. Part B was finished for nearly all students on Friday, which means our research is done and we’re on to report writing! Students have gathered a number of interesting facts and information to answer their research questions. We are using a graphic organizer to develop the draft of our 4 or 5 paragraph report. We look forward to some good writing in the next week!
Math: Third graders learned a new math game, “Leftovers,” in which students demonstrate their understanding of division. Third graders also added a new “center” to math…multiplication fact games on laptops. We’ve been playing a balloon pop fact game, as well as, multiplication Pac-man. Students also practiced their skills and strategies with problem solving, including a valentine logic problem. Fourth grade mathematicians are working with the multidigit array model for solving multidigit multiplication problems (like 36 x 22). This visual representation demonstrates the connection between number/place value and multiplication. Both classes continue to make progress on weekly fact tests.
Word Study: Ms. Schoolcraft’s spellers reviewed open syllable concepts in unit 6. They will finish the unit next week with a Unit test on Friday. Ms. Schoolcraft’s spellers also wrote silly spelling stories using unit six words, including lots of rhyming! We will share these next week! Mr. B’s spellers have published their new silly spelling stories to the blog—posted as Silly Spelling Stories II. Students also commented on others’ stories. Great writing and spelling work!
Science: Our two classes joined together twice this week to practice some science inquiry. Students reviewed vocabulary and the scientific process on Monday, and gathered again on Tuesday to work in small groups to do a “bird beaks and survival” experiment. Ask your child about the beak types: tweezers, spoons, toothpicks, and which was the most versatile beak! On Thursday, we had one more science experiment…
Responsive Classroom: Both classes enjoyed lunch and recess together on Thursday to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Students did a wonderful job sharing valentines with their classmates in all of Calliope 3-4. We gathered in the kiva to sing and complement each other after lunch. Students shared heartfelt thoughts and comments about each other.
Ask me about:
• Student of the week: Rachel
• Mr. Bolger’s mad scientist valentines
• Ms. Schoolcraft’s mad lib valentines
• Tuesday 2/9 was Vermont Writes day. Students in both classes did 7-minute writes and shared with spelling groups.
• How do you divide two apples among nine kids? (hint: first divide one apple among nine kids. Then divide the second among nine kids. Each kid ends up getting 2/9 of an apple)
Other: Thank you to families who sent in goodies for our Valentine’s soiree. We had plenty of treats and a good time was enjoyed by all.
February 8-12, 2010
Week Twenty-two
Permission Slip to Sign and Return: We will be going to the Flynn Theater on Wednesday, March 3rd to see Frindle. Please sign the permission slip (sent in Friday folders) and please return with payment by this Thursday, 2/18. Thanks.
Reading and Writing: Students are working diligently in class on their research projects. Part B was finished for nearly all students on Friday, which means our research is done and we’re on to report writing! Students have gathered a number of interesting facts and information to answer their research questions. We are using a graphic organizer to develop the draft of our 4 or 5 paragraph report. We look forward to some good writing in the next week!
Math: Third graders learned a new math game, “Leftovers,” in which students demonstrate their understanding of division. Third graders also added a new “center” to math…multiplication fact games on laptops. We’ve been playing a balloon pop fact game, as well as, multiplication Pac-man. Students also practiced their skills and strategies with problem solving, including a valentine logic problem. Fourth grade mathematicians are working with the multidigit array model for solving multidigit multiplication problems (like 36 x 22). This visual representation demonstrates the connection between number/place value and multiplication. Both classes continue to make progress on weekly fact tests.
Word Study: Ms. Schoolcraft’s spellers reviewed open syllable concepts in unit 6. They will finish the unit next week with a Unit test on Friday. Ms. Schoolcraft’s spellers also wrote silly spelling stories using unit six words, including lots of rhyming! We will share these next week! Mr. B’s spellers have published their new silly spelling stories to the blog—posted as Silly Spelling Stories II. Students also commented on others’ stories. Great writing and spelling work!
Science: Our two classes joined together twice this week to practice some science inquiry. Students reviewed vocabulary and the scientific process on Monday, and gathered again on Tuesday to work in small groups to do a “bird beaks and survival” experiment. Ask your child about the beak types: tweezers, spoons, toothpicks, and which was the most versatile beak! On Thursday, we had one more science experiment…
Responsive Classroom: Both classes enjoyed lunch and recess together on Thursday to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Students did a wonderful job sharing valentines with their classmates in all of Calliope 3-4. We gathered in the kiva to sing and complement each other after lunch. Students shared heartfelt thoughts and comments about each other.
Ask me about:
• Student of the week: Rachel
• Mr. Bolger’s mad scientist valentines
• Ms. Schoolcraft’s mad lib valentines
• Tuesday 2/9 was Vermont Writes day. Students in both classes did 7-minute writes and shared with spelling groups.
• How do you divide two apples among nine kids? (hint: first divide one apple among nine kids. Then divide the second among nine kids. Each kid ends up getting 2/9 of an apple)
Other: Thank you to families who sent in goodies for our Valentine’s soiree. We had plenty of treats and a good time was enjoyed by all.
February 5, 2010
Calliope Weekly Update
February 1-5, 2010
Week Twenty-one
Reading and Writing: The next two weeks are dedicated to the 3-4 research project. Students are using the Big Six model to research a topic of their choice. Students will be writing a report about their research and presenting to their classmates in kiva the week before break. This work will be done during our reading and writing blocks over the next two weeks. Both classes are now reading Mrs. Frisby & the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien.
Math: Third graders used arrays to explore division models, and made some discoveries about the relationship between multiplication and division. Students learned a new math game called Leftovers, where students explored the concept of remainders. Fourth graders continue their work with decimals, extending to the thousandths place, and are exploring linear metric measurement.
Word Study: Mr. B’s kids continue learning different spelling patterns involving vowel combinations and are gaining independence in writing and publishing their silly spelling stories to the blog. Ms. S’s spelling group continues to work with open syllables, including open syllable exceptions and the schwa sound in Alaska.
Social Studies: Students completed their Vermont map “post test” on Thursday. We were able to compare our pre and post VT maps, and honestly, couldn’t stop laughing!
Responsive Classroom: Because we have truly combined our two 3-4 classrooms, we will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with a joint soiree on Thursday afternoon. We have asked students to write cards for students in both core classes. We understand that may make things more difficult on the home front, but we want to celebrate our combined community, and just think…double the valentines! Students will not have spelling homework next week. Instead good spelling skills should be applied to each valentine card! Thanks for your support with this.
Ask me about:
• Tell Grandparents: Google our “Bolgerwritingblog” and take a look at all the good writing! They can even post a comment.
• Thanks for all the support with our Haiti fundraiser. Ask what our schoolwide total was!
• Friday’s assembly: Peter & the Wolf. Can you name the instruments?
Other: We will be going to the Flynn Theater on Wednesday, March 3rd to see Frindle. We will be able to take a few chaperones from each class. Please contact us soon if you are interested in chaperoning. Details will follow shortly.
February 1-5, 2010
Week Twenty-one
Reading and Writing: The next two weeks are dedicated to the 3-4 research project. Students are using the Big Six model to research a topic of their choice. Students will be writing a report about their research and presenting to their classmates in kiva the week before break. This work will be done during our reading and writing blocks over the next two weeks. Both classes are now reading Mrs. Frisby & the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien.
Math: Third graders used arrays to explore division models, and made some discoveries about the relationship between multiplication and division. Students learned a new math game called Leftovers, where students explored the concept of remainders. Fourth graders continue their work with decimals, extending to the thousandths place, and are exploring linear metric measurement.
Word Study: Mr. B’s kids continue learning different spelling patterns involving vowel combinations and are gaining independence in writing and publishing their silly spelling stories to the blog. Ms. S’s spelling group continues to work with open syllables, including open syllable exceptions and the schwa sound in Alaska.
Social Studies: Students completed their Vermont map “post test” on Thursday. We were able to compare our pre and post VT maps, and honestly, couldn’t stop laughing!
Responsive Classroom: Because we have truly combined our two 3-4 classrooms, we will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with a joint soiree on Thursday afternoon. We have asked students to write cards for students in both core classes. We understand that may make things more difficult on the home front, but we want to celebrate our combined community, and just think…double the valentines! Students will not have spelling homework next week. Instead good spelling skills should be applied to each valentine card! Thanks for your support with this.
Ask me about:
• Tell Grandparents: Google our “Bolgerwritingblog” and take a look at all the good writing! They can even post a comment.
• Thanks for all the support with our Haiti fundraiser. Ask what our schoolwide total was!
• Friday’s assembly: Peter & the Wolf. Can you name the instruments?
Other: We will be going to the Flynn Theater on Wednesday, March 3rd to see Frindle. We will be able to take a few chaperones from each class. Please contact us soon if you are interested in chaperoning. Details will follow shortly.
January 29th, 2010
Calliope Weekly Update
January 25-29, 2010
Week Twenty
Reading and Writing: Students practiced responding to reading in a variety of ways this week. Mr. B’s class finished reading aloud The Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne and watched the film on Monday. Both classes are currently reading Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien aloud.
Math: Third grade mathematicians were treated to a special math class with Mrs. Dodge on Tuesday, while Ms. S taught the first graders about comparing numbers (and < > alligator mouths). Third graders continue to make arrays and learned about shortcuts for mastering multiplication facts, as well as, tricks for nine’s. Fourth graders took an assessment worked on manipulating numbers with decimals.
Word Study: Mr. B’s spelling group did a review unit this week. Ms. S’s spellers learned about open syllables and y as a vowel (y-cry-/i/ and y-baby-/e/).
Social Studies: Students interacted with their salt-dough Vermont landform maps by playing a “battleship” style game this week. Students also identified and painted Lake Champlain, the Connecticut River, the Winooski River, White River, and Lake Memphremagog. Next week, students will do a post-assessment by drawing a map of VT. It will be exciting to compare student pre and posttests!
Responsive Classroom: It seems to be the time of year around Calliope that a revisit of our school, house, and classroom rules is due. We spent some time as a house during our Wednesday kiva meeting discussing expected and unexpected behavior and followed up that conversation in our classrooms. On Monday, Ms. S’s class watched a movie, Monsters vs. Aliens (until the DVD skipped and then we watched Bee Movie). Students had earned this movie with “substitute stickers,” demonstrating respectful behavior with a substitute. Finally, on Friday, our lobby sing was dedicated to Haiti, and we sold ribbons to the Allen Brook community. We have raised over $555 and will finish this fundraiser just before February vacation.
Ask me about:
• Student of the week: Alyse
• Verb…it’s what you do!
• Noun…PPT
• Mr. B & Ms. S’s friendly battleship competition
Other: Please look for your child’s report card in Friday folders, and sign and return the envelope next week. Students have an early release on Tuesday, February 2nd. Thank you for all that you do in support of Calliope!
Teacher Comments: We will not be writing personal comments this week due to report cards. Please know that we have both spent a considerable amount of time working on each child’s report card. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated! We couldn’t be more proud of our third and fourth graders!
January 25-29, 2010
Week Twenty
Reading and Writing: Students practiced responding to reading in a variety of ways this week. Mr. B’s class finished reading aloud The Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne and watched the film on Monday. Both classes are currently reading Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien aloud.
Math: Third grade mathematicians were treated to a special math class with Mrs. Dodge on Tuesday, while Ms. S taught the first graders about comparing numbers (and < > alligator mouths). Third graders continue to make arrays and learned about shortcuts for mastering multiplication facts, as well as, tricks for nine’s. Fourth graders took an assessment worked on manipulating numbers with decimals.
Word Study: Mr. B’s spelling group did a review unit this week. Ms. S’s spellers learned about open syllables and y as a vowel (y-cry-/i/ and y-baby-/e/).
Social Studies: Students interacted with their salt-dough Vermont landform maps by playing a “battleship” style game this week. Students also identified and painted Lake Champlain, the Connecticut River, the Winooski River, White River, and Lake Memphremagog. Next week, students will do a post-assessment by drawing a map of VT. It will be exciting to compare student pre and posttests!
Responsive Classroom: It seems to be the time of year around Calliope that a revisit of our school, house, and classroom rules is due. We spent some time as a house during our Wednesday kiva meeting discussing expected and unexpected behavior and followed up that conversation in our classrooms. On Monday, Ms. S’s class watched a movie, Monsters vs. Aliens (until the DVD skipped and then we watched Bee Movie). Students had earned this movie with “substitute stickers,” demonstrating respectful behavior with a substitute. Finally, on Friday, our lobby sing was dedicated to Haiti, and we sold ribbons to the Allen Brook community. We have raised over $555 and will finish this fundraiser just before February vacation.
Ask me about:
• Student of the week: Alyse
• Verb…it’s what you do!
• Noun…PPT
• Mr. B & Ms. S’s friendly battleship competition
Other: Please look for your child’s report card in Friday folders, and sign and return the envelope next week. Students have an early release on Tuesday, February 2nd. Thank you for all that you do in support of Calliope!
Teacher Comments: We will not be writing personal comments this week due to report cards. Please know that we have both spent a considerable amount of time working on each child’s report card. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated! We couldn’t be more proud of our third and fourth graders!
January 22nd, 2010
Calliope Weekly Update
January 19-22, 2010
Week Nineteen
Reading and Writing: Students completed the CSSU on-demand grade-level writing task this week. Third and fourth graders wrote reports on assigned topics. Although guided reading groups did not meet this week, students had independent reading time and read-aloud.
Math: Both third and fourth graders are working to master the basic multiplication facts. Fourth graders continue their work with decimals, and third graders continue to study multiplication. Fourth graders are also reviewing the concepts of the first semester in anticipation of a semester-end assessment next week.
Word Study: All third and fourth graders completed the January round of the Developmental Spelling Assessment (DSA). This assessment helps us match students to their developmental spelling stage and plan instruction accordingly. Regular word study work will resume next week.
Science: Our Four Winds parents led us in an exciting exploration of snow! We learned about the names of different snow crystals, their commonalities and differences, conducted an experiment using “old” and “new” snow, collected and examined snowflakes outside, and even created six-sided coffee filter snowflakes!
Responsive Classroom: Our field trip to Catamount was a successful day of adventures and winter fun …students were able to engage with old and new friends, play in the snow, and possibly try something new. Thank you to all parent volunteers…we couldn’t have done this without you! (And, Ms. Schoolcraft and her group of 7 skiers may still have been at Catamount as we speak! )
Calliope students have taken the lead on ABS fundraising efforts for Haiti relief. We have made over 500 ribbons, and sold almost half that in our short week. Students should be proud of their leadership and enthusiasm in this school-wide effort.
Thursday afternoon, the Allen Brook school community gathered in the gym for the first-ever 3-4 chorus concert! The students sang beautifully, projected their voices, and faced the audience in a poised manner. We were so proud to see so many Calliope faces up there…GREAT JOB!!!
Ask me about:
• Julia Neeld, soloist
• Put a Little Love in Your Heart
• Under the Full Moonlight
Other: Thank you for all that you do to support your child and Calliope from home. It makes such a difference to work with such a caring, supportive community of families. Thank you. Report cards will be sent home Friday, January 29th. Enjoy the weekend!
January 19-22, 2010
Week Nineteen
Reading and Writing: Students completed the CSSU on-demand grade-level writing task this week. Third and fourth graders wrote reports on assigned topics. Although guided reading groups did not meet this week, students had independent reading time and read-aloud.
Math: Both third and fourth graders are working to master the basic multiplication facts. Fourth graders continue their work with decimals, and third graders continue to study multiplication. Fourth graders are also reviewing the concepts of the first semester in anticipation of a semester-end assessment next week.
Word Study: All third and fourth graders completed the January round of the Developmental Spelling Assessment (DSA). This assessment helps us match students to their developmental spelling stage and plan instruction accordingly. Regular word study work will resume next week.
Science: Our Four Winds parents led us in an exciting exploration of snow! We learned about the names of different snow crystals, their commonalities and differences, conducted an experiment using “old” and “new” snow, collected and examined snowflakes outside, and even created six-sided coffee filter snowflakes!
Responsive Classroom: Our field trip to Catamount was a successful day of adventures and winter fun …students were able to engage with old and new friends, play in the snow, and possibly try something new. Thank you to all parent volunteers…we couldn’t have done this without you! (And, Ms. Schoolcraft and her group of 7 skiers may still have been at Catamount as we speak! )
Calliope students have taken the lead on ABS fundraising efforts for Haiti relief. We have made over 500 ribbons, and sold almost half that in our short week. Students should be proud of their leadership and enthusiasm in this school-wide effort.
Thursday afternoon, the Allen Brook school community gathered in the gym for the first-ever 3-4 chorus concert! The students sang beautifully, projected their voices, and faced the audience in a poised manner. We were so proud to see so many Calliope faces up there…GREAT JOB!!!
Ask me about:
• Julia Neeld, soloist
• Put a Little Love in Your Heart
• Under the Full Moonlight
Other: Thank you for all that you do to support your child and Calliope from home. It makes such a difference to work with such a caring, supportive community of families. Thank you. Report cards will be sent home Friday, January 29th. Enjoy the weekend!
January 15, 2010
Calliope Weekly Update
January 11-15, 2010
Week Eighteen
Literacy: Students were engaged in lots of independent work time this week as Mr. B and Ms. S worked diligently to complete the January literacy assessments.
Math: Third graders have been working with fact triangles, multiplication and division fact families and using the multiplication table. Students shared their array projects, which are prominently displayed on the border of the Calliope lockers…they look fabulous! Mr. B’s 4th grade mathematicians are continuing their work with decimals.
Writing: We reviewed the format for writing a constructed response this week. Students had the opportunity to practice their skills, while writing about their teachers! How flattering!
Word Study: Ms. Schoolcraft’s class continued to work with schwa this week, specifically with words ending in -et. Mr. B’s class continues their work in the spelling-writing connection.
Social Studies: Students finished up their Vermont maps using toothpick flags to label important landforms and towns, and of course, green paint. They look outstanding!
Responsive Classroom: Looking forward to Catamount, gearing up for the making of our 4th Calliope Music CD, putting together a Calliope response to Haiti, discussing with our students the expected changes next year, and working with them to find some acceptance, perspective, and comfort in the middle of all these changes, OH MY!
Ask me about:
• New Student teacher from Champlain College: Jessica Palmer
• Assessments, Assessments, Assessments
Other: No school on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Wednesday will be our field trip to Catamount from 9-1. Thursday morning will be our January 4-winds, and Thursday afternoon will be music to our ears as we attend the chorus concert. Phew! Enjoy your three day weekend!
January 11-15, 2010
Week Eighteen
Literacy: Students were engaged in lots of independent work time this week as Mr. B and Ms. S worked diligently to complete the January literacy assessments.
Math: Third graders have been working with fact triangles, multiplication and division fact families and using the multiplication table. Students shared their array projects, which are prominently displayed on the border of the Calliope lockers…they look fabulous! Mr. B’s 4th grade mathematicians are continuing their work with decimals.
Writing: We reviewed the format for writing a constructed response this week. Students had the opportunity to practice their skills, while writing about their teachers! How flattering!
Word Study: Ms. Schoolcraft’s class continued to work with schwa this week, specifically with words ending in -et. Mr. B’s class continues their work in the spelling-writing connection.
Social Studies: Students finished up their Vermont maps using toothpick flags to label important landforms and towns, and of course, green paint. They look outstanding!
Responsive Classroom: Looking forward to Catamount, gearing up for the making of our 4th Calliope Music CD, putting together a Calliope response to Haiti, discussing with our students the expected changes next year, and working with them to find some acceptance, perspective, and comfort in the middle of all these changes, OH MY!
Ask me about:
• New Student teacher from Champlain College: Jessica Palmer
• Assessments, Assessments, Assessments
Other: No school on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Wednesday will be our field trip to Catamount from 9-1. Thursday morning will be our January 4-winds, and Thursday afternoon will be music to our ears as we attend the chorus concert. Phew! Enjoy your three day weekend!
January 8, 2010
Calliope Weekly Update
January 4-8, 2010
Week Seventeen
Literacy: Ms. Schoolcraft finished reading The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi aloud this week and started a new read aloud, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh by Robert O’Brien. Students in both classes spent time finishing their responses to literature with the book Brave Irene and worked independently while Mr. B and Ms. S worked to complete January’s reading assessments.
Math: Fourth grade students have focused this week on learning a variety of strategies for solving problems like this: Gaylord Farm harvested a truckload of potatoes. They sold 400 potatoes on Saturday at the farmer’s market, and had 324 left over. How many, exactly, did they harvest? 324 = P - 400. One great strategy is to write out the fact family for the number sentence: (P – 400 = 324, P – 324 = 400, so 400 + 324 = P, and 324 + 400 = P). Seeing it written as an addition problem makes it simple to solve for P. P = 724.
Third graders started a unit on multiplication. They explored the fact that multiplication is the study of things in equal groups, and is an efficient strategy for repeated addition. Students explored the concept of arrays, circles and stars, and read a math book entitled Each Orange has Eight Slices by Paul Giganti, Jr. Students will be working on a project around this book in the upcoming week.
Writing: Both classes completed publishing responses to text about the book Brave Irene by William Steig.
Word Study: Ms. Schoolcraft’s class studied the schwa this week. Mr. B’s class is really working on applying spelling rules in writing, and is publishing silly stories on the spelling blog.
Social Studies: Students worked in cross-class pairs to create salt-dough physical maps of the state of Vermont. We added a little math into the mix when we created dough using 1 part flour, 1 part salt, and 2/3 part water.
Responsive Classroom: With so many changes in our support staff (Ms. Gail, Ms. Landrigan, Ms. Kozlik), Calliope is reviewing classroom and house norms and expectations as we get settled into what is classically a great stretch of learning time (January and February).
Ask me about:
• Maps
• Our new classroom teacher Ms. Hillary
• Brainpop
• My narrative
Other: The Cochran ski program started today. Students are dismissed at 1:20 on Fridays to attend the ski program. Calliope will be attending the Catamount Family Center for our winter field trip at the end of the month. Please check the Friday folders for additional information and a permission slip.
January 4-8, 2010
Week Seventeen
Literacy: Ms. Schoolcraft finished reading The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi aloud this week and started a new read aloud, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh by Robert O’Brien. Students in both classes spent time finishing their responses to literature with the book Brave Irene and worked independently while Mr. B and Ms. S worked to complete January’s reading assessments.
Math: Fourth grade students have focused this week on learning a variety of strategies for solving problems like this: Gaylord Farm harvested a truckload of potatoes. They sold 400 potatoes on Saturday at the farmer’s market, and had 324 left over. How many, exactly, did they harvest? 324 = P - 400. One great strategy is to write out the fact family for the number sentence: (P – 400 = 324, P – 324 = 400, so 400 + 324 = P, and 324 + 400 = P). Seeing it written as an addition problem makes it simple to solve for P. P = 724.
Third graders started a unit on multiplication. They explored the fact that multiplication is the study of things in equal groups, and is an efficient strategy for repeated addition. Students explored the concept of arrays, circles and stars, and read a math book entitled Each Orange has Eight Slices by Paul Giganti, Jr. Students will be working on a project around this book in the upcoming week.
Writing: Both classes completed publishing responses to text about the book Brave Irene by William Steig.
Word Study: Ms. Schoolcraft’s class studied the schwa this week. Mr. B’s class is really working on applying spelling rules in writing, and is publishing silly stories on the spelling blog.
Social Studies: Students worked in cross-class pairs to create salt-dough physical maps of the state of Vermont. We added a little math into the mix when we created dough using 1 part flour, 1 part salt, and 2/3 part water.
Responsive Classroom: With so many changes in our support staff (Ms. Gail, Ms. Landrigan, Ms. Kozlik), Calliope is reviewing classroom and house norms and expectations as we get settled into what is classically a great stretch of learning time (January and February).
Ask me about:
• Maps
• Our new classroom teacher Ms. Hillary
• Brainpop
• My narrative
Other: The Cochran ski program started today. Students are dismissed at 1:20 on Fridays to attend the ski program. Calliope will be attending the Catamount Family Center for our winter field trip at the end of the month. Please check the Friday folders for additional information and a permission slip.
December 18, 2009
Calliope Weekly Update
December 14-18, 2009
Week Sixteen
Literacy: In Mr. Bolger’s Reading, four book groups are approaching the ends of their books this week. Ask your child about his or her book. Ms. Schoolcraft’s readers read a book entitled Fortunately, by Remy Charlip, and then published their own class book modeled after the pattern…fortunately/unfortunately. Ask your child what his or her “event” was! Students also continued to examine fiction and nonfiction text.
Math: Mr. Bolger’s math class was visited again by Master Math Teacher Claire Earley. She and Mr. Bolger taught the class together, and ten ABS and WCS teachers sat in and listened intently as our students grappled with the problems and explained their thinking. The class received a number of compliments for how earnestly they worked and how willing they were to take risks. A central question they debated was “What does subtraction mean?” (Hint: it doesn’t always mean taking away.) Third grade mathematicians wrapped up their unit of multi-digit addition and subtraction with an assessment on Thursday (with some very high scores!) and will round out the days before vacation with work on portfolio problems.
Writing: Two big things happened in Mr. Bolger’s Writing class this week. First, in the middle of a talk about what makes a good story, Mr. Bolger ripped off his shoe right in the middle of class, yelled, and hurled it across the room at a spider. Then he charged over, scooped up the shoe, dropped to his knees and hammered on the floor with it. The second big thing was that students got Pocket Pads – little flip pads to carry around with them for jotting down funny, sad, or interesting things they notice and might want to write about. Ms. Schoolcraft’s class did some creative writing for a treasured friend who will be leaving to student teach next semester…Ms. Landrigan.
Word Study: In Bolger spelling, the spelling bee concluded on Tuesday with Julia Neeld emerging as the winner! Beyond that, students studied high-frequency words this week. We will do the same for next week’s short week, and we’ll return to our regular sorting when we get back. Ms. Schoolcraft’s spelling group reviewed 1-1-1 words and v-e words with vowel and consonant suffixes, and did a Unit 4 assessment “retake” on Friday.
Social Studies: Students in both classes worked on independence, problem solving skills, and collaboration as they completed a map scale packet this week.
Responsive Classroom: In Mr. B’s class this week students shared “What color I am most like – and why.” Students in Ms. S’s class celebrated “tell someone they’re doing a good job week” by complimenting others.
Ask me about:
• H1N1 shots
• Crystals: In Mr. Bolger’s class, Jordan kindly shared her crystal-growing kit with the class. Everyone carefully mixed up the solution, and now they are watching anxiously as the crystals begin to form on the dangling yarn.
• Junior Great Books presentation
Other: Wow…what a whirlwind week! Just 3 more days until winter break! We will have our house cookie swap on Monday, December 21st. Please be sure to bring in 2 dozen cookies to share with the team. There will be no weekly update next week due to the short week and holiday. Have a restful, joyous, and safe winter break with family and friends. See you next year!
Mr. Bolger and Ms. Schoolcraft
December 14-18, 2009
Week Sixteen
Literacy: In Mr. Bolger’s Reading, four book groups are approaching the ends of their books this week. Ask your child about his or her book. Ms. Schoolcraft’s readers read a book entitled Fortunately, by Remy Charlip, and then published their own class book modeled after the pattern…fortunately/unfortunately. Ask your child what his or her “event” was! Students also continued to examine fiction and nonfiction text.
Math: Mr. Bolger’s math class was visited again by Master Math Teacher Claire Earley. She and Mr. Bolger taught the class together, and ten ABS and WCS teachers sat in and listened intently as our students grappled with the problems and explained their thinking. The class received a number of compliments for how earnestly they worked and how willing they were to take risks. A central question they debated was “What does subtraction mean?” (Hint: it doesn’t always mean taking away.) Third grade mathematicians wrapped up their unit of multi-digit addition and subtraction with an assessment on Thursday (with some very high scores!) and will round out the days before vacation with work on portfolio problems.
Writing: Two big things happened in Mr. Bolger’s Writing class this week. First, in the middle of a talk about what makes a good story, Mr. Bolger ripped off his shoe right in the middle of class, yelled, and hurled it across the room at a spider. Then he charged over, scooped up the shoe, dropped to his knees and hammered on the floor with it. The second big thing was that students got Pocket Pads – little flip pads to carry around with them for jotting down funny, sad, or interesting things they notice and might want to write about. Ms. Schoolcraft’s class did some creative writing for a treasured friend who will be leaving to student teach next semester…Ms. Landrigan.
Word Study: In Bolger spelling, the spelling bee concluded on Tuesday with Julia Neeld emerging as the winner! Beyond that, students studied high-frequency words this week. We will do the same for next week’s short week, and we’ll return to our regular sorting when we get back. Ms. Schoolcraft’s spelling group reviewed 1-1-1 words and v-e words with vowel and consonant suffixes, and did a Unit 4 assessment “retake” on Friday.
Social Studies: Students in both classes worked on independence, problem solving skills, and collaboration as they completed a map scale packet this week.
Responsive Classroom: In Mr. B’s class this week students shared “What color I am most like – and why.” Students in Ms. S’s class celebrated “tell someone they’re doing a good job week” by complimenting others.
Ask me about:
• H1N1 shots
• Crystals: In Mr. Bolger’s class, Jordan kindly shared her crystal-growing kit with the class. Everyone carefully mixed up the solution, and now they are watching anxiously as the crystals begin to form on the dangling yarn.
• Junior Great Books presentation
Other: Wow…what a whirlwind week! Just 3 more days until winter break! We will have our house cookie swap on Monday, December 21st. Please be sure to bring in 2 dozen cookies to share with the team. There will be no weekly update next week due to the short week and holiday. Have a restful, joyous, and safe winter break with family and friends. See you next year!
Mr. Bolger and Ms. Schoolcraft
December 11, 1009
Calliope Weekly Update
December 7-11, 2009
Week Fifteen
Dear Parents,
Literacy: In Mr. Bolger's reading, students have revisited this week what topics, what genres, and which authors really move them. Many kids are finally landing that book or that series that they can't put down. It has been exciting. Ms. Schoolcraft’s readers explored features of nonfiction text and noticed these features (captions, headings, bold words, etc) and how they enhance comprehension. Readers in both classes continue to write in their journals the thoughts they have about their reading.
Math: Fourth graders have focused on data collection and analysis with a particular focus on finding median and mean. Students measured heads of family members, and Megan reported getting her measuring tape wet measuring her fish's head. Third graders practiced partial sums addition, trade-first subtraction, and engaged in a variety of tasks manipulating numbers during group work and our games station. Third graders earned their 2nd popcorn party of the year by transitioning quietly from station to station during math.
Writing: Mr. Bolger's Writing this week has centered on students' developing their narrative stories. Ms. Schoolcraft’s authors will be finished with narratives and both classes will begin writing responses to text next week.
Word Study: Mr. B's spelling class earned the privilege of wearing pajamas for Friday's spelling bee when the group averaged an 85.9% on Thursday’s test -- a review of all their first semester words. Ms. S’s group has been hard at work with v-e words and the addition of vowel suffixes to both v-e words and 1-1-1 words. Students wore clothes backwards on Thursday, and drilled sounds backwards, spelled and wrote words backwards, and sat in chairs backwards!
Social Studies: Students finished world and North America maps this week, and started working on map scales. We will continue this work next week.
Responsive Classroom: Over the past several weeks, we have noticed many students working more efficiently, effectively, and independently. Also, we're seeing students in much of our cross-classroom work cooperate readily and productively. We've got a good head of steam going as we arrive soon at our Winter Break. Snowflake Bentley "saw beauty where others did not," and reading his story this week reminded us that we don't need more beautiful things. We just need to better see the beauty in the world, the people, and even the snowflakes around us.
Cookies! Just a reminder that Calliope house will be having our cookie swap on Monday, December 21st. We hope this experience will be a positive one for you and your child, as you select a recipe and prepare it together. Not only will we be able to share tasty treats on Monday, but we’ll hopefully learn a little more about Calliope family traditions, as well. December 15th is a half-day for students; please plan accordingly. Enjoy the chilly, snowy weekend!
December 7-11, 2009
Week Fifteen
Dear Parents,
Literacy: In Mr. Bolger's reading, students have revisited this week what topics, what genres, and which authors really move them. Many kids are finally landing that book or that series that they can't put down. It has been exciting. Ms. Schoolcraft’s readers explored features of nonfiction text and noticed these features (captions, headings, bold words, etc) and how they enhance comprehension. Readers in both classes continue to write in their journals the thoughts they have about their reading.
Math: Fourth graders have focused on data collection and analysis with a particular focus on finding median and mean. Students measured heads of family members, and Megan reported getting her measuring tape wet measuring her fish's head. Third graders practiced partial sums addition, trade-first subtraction, and engaged in a variety of tasks manipulating numbers during group work and our games station. Third graders earned their 2nd popcorn party of the year by transitioning quietly from station to station during math.
Writing: Mr. Bolger's Writing this week has centered on students' developing their narrative stories. Ms. Schoolcraft’s authors will be finished with narratives and both classes will begin writing responses to text next week.
Word Study: Mr. B's spelling class earned the privilege of wearing pajamas for Friday's spelling bee when the group averaged an 85.9% on Thursday’s test -- a review of all their first semester words. Ms. S’s group has been hard at work with v-e words and the addition of vowel suffixes to both v-e words and 1-1-1 words. Students wore clothes backwards on Thursday, and drilled sounds backwards, spelled and wrote words backwards, and sat in chairs backwards!
Social Studies: Students finished world and North America maps this week, and started working on map scales. We will continue this work next week.
Responsive Classroom: Over the past several weeks, we have noticed many students working more efficiently, effectively, and independently. Also, we're seeing students in much of our cross-classroom work cooperate readily and productively. We've got a good head of steam going as we arrive soon at our Winter Break. Snowflake Bentley "saw beauty where others did not," and reading his story this week reminded us that we don't need more beautiful things. We just need to better see the beauty in the world, the people, and even the snowflakes around us.
Cookies! Just a reminder that Calliope house will be having our cookie swap on Monday, December 21st. We hope this experience will be a positive one for you and your child, as you select a recipe and prepare it together. Not only will we be able to share tasty treats on Monday, but we’ll hopefully learn a little more about Calliope family traditions, as well. December 15th is a half-day for students; please plan accordingly. Enjoy the chilly, snowy weekend!
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