Ninja Pig News
Mrs. Caldwell's Classroom
Oct. 3-7, 2016
Weekly Hellos
Our class has "Stuff the Boot" donations!! Thank you for contributing to a wonderful cause. Three students actually put in some of their own money last week. I thought that was really sweet. Keep 'em coming. The contest and fundraising ends on Sunday, Oct. 9th. If everyone pitches in, we'll hit our class goal of $682 in donated funds!!
Check out the PTA video and online site!
We set learning goals in class. You'll see these at our parent conference.
Here is the conference sign up doc. I try very hard to accommodate your busy schedules. Please choose a time that you can definitely attend. I have moved my personal family schedule around to meet with you so being on time and in attendance is important to me and your child. Please do not delete another family's name. Thank you!!!
Make sure you sign up for Remind 101! It's my communication piece with you that replaces Bloomz. Instructions are on my website and in the email sent out.
The Class Would Like...
*fall/Halloween stickers
*more staplers (THANK YOU SAM for the 2 new staplers!!)
*Mad Lib books to do in class during free time (Thank you Khloe!!)
*frisbees for recess
Class Events
Writing Workshop- Students worked on setting goals last week and practicing answering questions in complete sentences. This week we're going to take a crack at writing a poetry. The focus for this week will be on learning that poems are written in lines and gathered in stanzas. They also pack a lot of description and sensory noticings in one sentence or phrase. I LOVE teaching poetry to kids. It makes teaching fun!
Spelling- On hold until I have read with everyone. I like to move around the room and check in with students during this time.
Grammar- We will continue to look at simple and complex sentences. We've started connecting parts of speech to sentences we create and study.
Math- We finished going over our first math DCA. We will continue to study the strategies for multiplication that involve the x5 and x10 relationship. Then we'll start on the connection between the x2, x4 and x8 strategies. We'll be these strategies to help support students in their learning of the facts. Memorization is expected by the end of the year. It's a process so we aren't going to rush this. Fact practice will begin by mid October once I've taught and we've practiced the new strategies.
**About the DCA's: Students code each missed problem with a C (careless error), a P (they want more practice with this concept) or a T (they need this concept taught again because they have confusions). I use this to guide my work with small groups during Stallion Stampeded time daily.
Science- We will begin to study how Heat Causes Change and to learn about Mixtures. There is a sign up sheet for items needed for a Fun Friday activity connected to mixtures.
Social Studies- We will finish looking at ways citizens have helped out their country, community or those in need across history in the USA.
Handwriting- IF your child wants to write in cursive already, he/she will have to submit a page of writing for me to inspect for correct formation and connection. I don't want anyone to train his/her brain using the wrong way!!! If I agree with anyone, that kiddo will be able to write all work in cursive or print. Print is expected for students not prepared or properly forming cursive letters.