The Paw Print
October 2018
Art Studio News
Kindergarten and first graders learned about Lines and Shapes. They used a variety of lines and shapes to draw and color their picture. They also learned how to neatly glue colorful streamers to their artwork by using “Dots Not Lots”. Second through fifth grade used the Drawing Studio to make an Observation Drawing. They were to choose an object found in the art room to examine and draw all the details they can see. They could enhance their drawings by adding other details to the background. Each student matted their artwork and wrote a 3-2-1 Statement. I have enjoyed seeing the students use the Studio Habits of Mind by observing , exploring and envisioning their art!
Science News
This month in the lab students are extending their focus on life science. Fifth grade is learning about ecosystems and will begin a dissection of owl pellets. Fourth grade will be studying the amazing world of invertebrates. We will focus on the mollusk family and prepare for a squid dissection. Third grade is learning about honey bees and will be making “bee bread”. Second grade will participate in a seed dissection and learn what seeds need to grow. First grade is learning about animal adaptations and how these help them survive. They will be doing a fun lab to experience how bird beaks work. Kindergarten has been learning about textures. Watch for a family texture project coming home soon! This month Kindergarten will learn about Ladybugs.
Music Notes
It’s hard to believe it’s already October! All grades are preparing for the big PUSIC event, “Boogie on the Blacktop!” Please save the date on your calendars: Thursday, October 25th. PTA has sent home a flyer with detailed information. They will have food to purchase, so come early with your lawn chairs or blankets for one of the most enjoyable all-school events of the year. As a bonus, students may wear trick-or-treat costumes to perform in, if they want to. With songs like The Monster Mash and Ghostbusters, you’re in for a treat. Wear your boogie shoes, because we are counting on you to join in on one dance with your student. Food service starts at 5:00 PM and dancing around 6:00 PM, so bring the family and enjoy this evening with us.
With grade cards coming out this month, I want to share with you a model of how I discuss the grading of music skills with your students. The elementary music grade scale is from 1 to 4, with 4 being the highest possible. Here is the language I use with all classes. Students self-evaluate as we practice the skill, well before I do the actual grading. I hope this helps you understand the process better.
4 - EXPERT ”I understand this and I can help others.”
3 – PRACTITIONER “I understand this and can do this by myself.”
2 – APPRENTICE “I am starting to understand this, but still need some help.”
1 – NOVICE “I do not understand this yet and need help.”
It’s been great to meet more of you at Conferences. I hope to see you at “Boogie on the Blacktop!”
Have a musical month!
Mrs. Johnson
P.E. Shorts
Well it has been a good start to the school year; I have enjoyed getting to know all my classes. We are just finishing up a throwing unit and getting ready to start a jump roping and rhythms unit. Boogie on the black top is coming up October 25th, the kids may wear a Halloween costume if they choose to as long as it is school appropriate. I want to also remind parents to make sure the kids have appropriate shoes the days they have PE. If you have any questions about PE, please feel free to contact me. My office number is 973-8263 and my e-mail is jdoornbos1@usd259.net
Jack Doornbos
Library News
We have been very busy in the library. Kindergarten is learning the routines of coming to library, working on their letters of the week the next week. Kindergarten has library on Friday so keep bringing back your book so you can check out a new book each week. First grade is working on using a shelf marker to find a book while keeping the other books on the shelves in order. This is their first year to check out of the library shelves. Second grade is being introduced to the Nonfiction shelves. We started in first grade with the Easy Nonfiction section. Second grade will be working on fiction books then working on learning about the Dewey Decimal System which will take several lessons before we actually are ready to check out from the main Nonfiction section. The 3rd- 5th grade students have been introduced to the William Allen White Award books for this year. Each 3rd- 5th grade student in the state of Kansas will read these books then vote on their favorite book from the list in April. To vote each student needs to read at least 2 books on the list by the end of spring break. The more books on the list that are read, the more choices the student will have when they vote.
We have been organizing Battle of the Books teams. Battle of the Books is a reading challenge where each member of the team of 4 students will read 16 books from now until January and memorize the titles and authors. There will be a tournament in January to find the team that will represent McLean at the district competition. All of the William Allen White and Battle of the Books titles are also available at the Wichita Public Library if all of our McLean copies are checked out. I have enjoyed working with your students.
Keep on reading!
– Ramah Coffman