2017 - 2018 Nerd House Coffee Talk
Home of Ms. Smalling's Strong Brewed Crew, Issue 20
Loss for Words
Why is it that a four day week always seems longer than a "regular" week? We shoved an incredible amount of learning into these four days, and I'm speechless by how much the students have been stepping up to do their very best on a daily basis. These kids constantly amaze me by their zest for learning and remind me why I love what I do. Thanks to all of you for encouraging their sense of wonder.
Here Comes The Sun
We finally got to enjoy the much missed sun this past Friday! Desperately needing fresh air and vitamin D, we took time out of our math day to work outside! The kids had a blast, and loved every minute of it.
This Week
On Tuesday and Wednesday of this week the students will be taking their practice math and reading STAAR test. I've reminded them that it's only one day, and then it's done...but of course, I worry they will stress about it. Please help me alleviate any underlying anxiety by reminding them that, although I want them to do their best, there's no judgement here. The purpose of practice is so that I know where to begin remediation if any is needed. This is purely diagnostic. Sadly, this is part of our reality.
Speaking Subject-ively
Our Week In Math
Comparing and finding equivalent fractions have had us riding the struggle bus this past week. We will continue to find ways to make our understanding of these topics better. We will also be working with fractions as decimals.
Our Week In Science
Weather has taken center stage this week in science. We will use what we know of the Earth's patterns to continue our study of patterning with weather.
Our Week In Reading
After meeting with so many of you, I heard the reoccurring theme that you wanted your children reading for pleasure more. Well....the students and I came up with a way to make that happen. Every two weeks, the students will complete a book review for their peers on a book they've gotten from the library (or wherever they've gotten their latest read). We created a review form of questions they would want the answers to prior to reading a new book. They also have access to the reviews that have been posted. I'm so proud of each and every one of them.
Our Week In Social Studies
During our conversations about the Alamo, many questions came up about the Battle of Goliad. In order to stay true to my historian heart, I indulged the kids' questions, and we put a lot of our focus this week into a 30 minute massacre.
Our Week In Word Work
We completed our study of numeral prefixes this week. (uni, bi, tri, penta, quad, hex, and oct) We introduced the suffixes -y, -ly, -ily. Attached is a video for students to have additional instruction at home. The spelling test will be on Thursday this week.
Our Week In Writing
Ask your kids about Ba-Da-Bings, Pitchforking, and Vivid Verbs! We concentrated on adding craft elements and depth to our writing this week. I'm impressed with the direction our writing is taking.
Upcoming Events
February 27 - Practice Math STAAR
February 28 - Practice Reading STAAR
March 12 - 16 Spring Break