Staying Connected to Learning
Week 10 - May 25-29, 2020
Keeping students happy, healthy, and learning at home
Reading and Writing
Reading Strategy for Parents and Children: Writing - Grades K-5
Connect through literature with the writing strategy. This strategy helps readers write about things that are important to them.
2. Watch the writing strategy read-aloud modeled examples and practice along with your child. You’ll find examples for fiction and nonfiction.
Modeled Examples:
3. Select a book to read using the writing strategy.
4. Use the writing bookmark.
5. Add writing to your practice and help your child to fill out the K-3 Journal or 4-5 Journal pages.(Feel free to download and print or just make your own journal at home and use the journal here to help guide you.)
6. Be sure to remind your child to use their writing non-negotiables (capitals and periods).
7. Repeat with a different genre. If your child chose a fiction book, try an information book next.
8. Continue practicing the writing strategy with your child using all types of text (books, movies, Twitter postings, news reports, etc.)
For more read-aloud fun, check out this collection of famous people reading various texts aloud or the Big List of Children’s Books: Read-Alouds.
For more literacy activities to do every day of the year, check out our Student Success Calendar or our Read-at-Home Book.
Reading Informational Text: The Week Junior - Grades 6-8
The Week Junior is a current events magazine for 8- to 14-year-olds that informs, empowers, and inspires its readers. It helps kids make sense of the world, provides context and clarity on complex issues, and encourages discussion and debate.
Encourage your child to look through Issue 3, particularly the article on page 12 regarding the Golden Gate Bridge, and page 24 on keeping a journal.
Writing: Developing Ideas - Grades 6-12
As summer approaches, it provides an abundance of time and resources to write freely and creatively in our journals/writing notebooks. Encourage your child to use a few of the ideas presented to continue developing ideas for future writing pieces.
Read/listen to the spoken word poem by Sarah Kay. Think about the amount of work your hands have done: homework assignments, practicing sports, playing a musical instrument. Think about the other hands your hands have held. Trace your hand on a page of your journal/writers notebook. Use this drawing to list the ideas that come to your mind. For inspiration, see Penny Kittle’s examples.
SAT/PSAT Prep: Vocabulary - Grades 9-12
This week's vocabulary lists:
This week's vocabulary quizzes (you will need to create an account to access quizzes):
Mathematics
Basic Fact Fluency: Ten Plus a Number - Grades K-2
Basic Fact Fluency: Products 4-in-a-Row - Grades 3-5
Mathematics, Science, and Art
Math/Science/Art: Balance - Grades K-3
Hold a wondering and noticing conversation with your child about the balancing rock picture.
Try creating a balancing rock sculpture.
Math/Science: Measurement - Grades K-3
Exploring Balance: How Many Legos Does it Weigh?
Build a balance scale with a coat hanger, string, and some legos! Start by keeping a chart and recording items around your house. After weighing 3-4 items, start estimating the weight before you actually weigh the item.
Read the webpage to see how to make the balance scale
Gather materials: hanger, string, legos, items to weigh
Make a chart to keep track of your measurements (Object/Weight)
Find 3-4 items to weigh and practice using your balance scale
Make a new chart, this time with an estimation (guess) column added
Find new objects to weigh and keep track of your measurements by using your chart
Math/Science/Art: Balancing Sculptures - Grades K-3
Make an incredible gravity-defying balancing structure and investigate the science of stability. Find all directions, tips, and resources here.
Science: Matter/Conducting an Investigation - Grades 3-5
Science/Art: Optical Illusions - Grades 6-12
Watch the music video The Writing’s on the Wall by OK Go. Observe all of the different ways the video using optical illusions. Watch this video clip as the band OK Go describes the science behind optical illusions. Use this link to access two different activities: Triangle Accordion Fold and Illusions in a Box! Create beautiful art using science!
Career and College Corner
Summer Employment: The Importance of Summer Jobs for High School Students - Grades 9-12
Top 5 Benefits of a Summer Job - Besides Pay
As we approach the end of the school year and summer month, businesses and employers will be hiring part-time summer employees. Here are a few tips to help you land your summer job:
Set Your Goals - Ask yourself how much money you want to make? How many hours do you want to work?
Make a Target List - What are your career interests? Which businesses are hiring summer employees?
Tap Your Personal Network - Ask family and friends who are hiring. Does anyone own their own business and looking for extra help?
Submit your applications - Visit each company or business you're interested in and ask for an application. Complete and return your application with 24-48 hours.
Mindfulness & Self-Care
Compassion Fatigue - For Parents
For Parents
How to Combat Compassion Fatigue with Self Care