The Kersey Chronicles
Rockstars Choosing to Matter in Room 25
Soft Skills Initiative: Communication
This month's soft skill focuses on communication, and we continue to practice this 21st century skill in may ways. We have explored the many ways to communicate ideas: speaking, body language, listening, and the general way we present each ourselves to others. The TED Talk below by Kate Hartman is a funny and entertaining look at the different forms of communication - enjoy!
In the meantime, I would like to communicate again to you just how much I love being your child's teacher, and I enjoy the time I get to spend with them. Thank you!
Try This At Home ...
Ask your child about our novel study book, Number the Stars.
- What is your favorite thing about the novel study? Why?
- What is your least favorite thing?
- What is the best part of the book? Why?
- What is the worst part?
**The kids appear to especially enjoy this novel study and we have had some AWESOME group discussions so far!**
This Week's Set List (February 15-19)
Week at a Glance/Skills for the Week:
LITERACY – We will wrap up our Q3 novel study on Friday. In the next week, we will finish reading Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. This critical reading focuses on comparing and contrasting characters (within and across texts), analyzing themes, and evaluating the use of literary devices. Students will do this through a combination of word study, written responses, comprehension checks, and group discussions.
***During this novel study, all other literacy tasks are put on pause. This is so students can focus their time and attention on critically reading one novel together. It also ensure students have enough time to finish the majority of work at school. Any remaining work should be completed for homework that night in lieu of Read at Home time.***
WRITING – We continue writing our Young Author Books. Students have started brainstorming and drafting a possible story arc. The books this year will be a picture book appropriate for an audience similar to their 1st grade buddies. My hope is that this will limit the amount of time students need to complete these books. I still expect 5th grade level writing, but in the form of an "everybody book" (aka less text!) There is often a misconception that a lot of writing is equivalent to excellent writing, which is not true. We are currently conducting a book study of picture books and are noticing a lot of interesting writing! Tentatively, a rough draft of the book is due to me on Friday, February 19th. The final copy of the book will be published by Monday, March 21st in time for Art and Author Night.
MATH – We will finish unit 8 this week, with a review on Wednesday. The main purpose of this unit is to investigate fractions and ratios. Students will review the concept of renaming fractions as equivalent fractions, and will be introduced to algorithms for multiplying fractions, and mixed numbers. They will also practice estimating and calculating a percent of a number. These skills will be tested at the end of unit 8. This test is currently scheduled for Thursday, February 18th. A student guide will be sent home the week before and we will review the day before the test on February 18th. Per usual, please remember to utilize the family letter to support your child's work throughout this unit.
SPELLING – We will continue spelling. Students will take either 4th grade words, unit 14 ( ) or 5th grade words, unit 7 ( ).
SCIENCE – We continue an engineering unit where we will learn the engineering design process, and practice problem-solving skills.
SOCIAL STUDIES – We are taking a break from Social Studies and will resume later in the school year.
TIPS - We will use this time to practice test taking skills in reading, writing, and science to prepare for ISTEP+ (testing begins on February 29th)
Upcoming Events
February 15th: Presidents' Day, No School
February 17th: Early Release Day, 2:55pm Dismissal
February 26th: Wild Wild West Carnival, 5:30-8:30pm