Team Dankoski
January 11th, 2016
Welcome back!
Workshops
Writer's and Reader's Workshop: We are working on our Fairytales, Myths, Folktales, and Fables unit. This week we read Rumplestiltskin and several other variations of Fairytale where names and naming a character are important. We read a story about Ijapa the tortoise from Africa, and Oniroku from Japan. These stories helped us learn about other cultures and how fairytales can have similar themes across cultures. We also use these tales to compare and contrast the different versions to find similarities and differences. The class created a Venn Diagram to help us track our thinking. Next week students will create a Venn Diagram to help assess their understanding of a fairytale they will read.
Before winter break we discussed opinions, and students were asked to share their opinion. We are taking that learning a step further by working on persuasion. Why do we persuade other? How do we do it? We read the "Circus Ship" a fictionalized version of a true tale of a ship with circus animals on it that wrecked and exotic animals "took over" a town. We conducted a debate and students pretended they were citizens of the town, they had to choose sides. Were they excited to have the animals? Were they scared that the animals might harm them? After students formed an opinion they got in groups and used their power of persuasion to try to convince the other side of their sides merits. During our town meeting very intense and heated debate ensued! I'll let your student tell you which side won.
Math Workshop: We focused on division and the different ways to think of dividing. We learned about dividing as sharing and dividing as repeated subtraction. We also discussed division and how it is the inverse operation of multiplication. We used times tables to help us solve division problems. We discussed how just like addition and subtraction, multiplication and division can be shown as fact families.
Science: We are beginning our Simple Machines Unit with a review of measurement. We have discussed the different types of measurement systems: Metric and Standard. We also focused on length and students completed an assignment where they measured, sketched and labeled 10 classroom items to the nearest 1/2 inch, then ordered them from shortest to longest. We will continue different types of measurement next week as we discuss and do hands-on activities about volume and weight.
Fact Fluency and Maintenance
Homework
Students should read for 30 minutes each night.
10-15 minutes of math:
I sent home some fun math games to help with multiplication fluency. If your student is getting good on the facts from 1-6 while using dice, consider adding a twist and have them use playing cards with the J-K taken out. They can flip two cards and multiply the two numbers to
The MobyMax website is a good supplement to student studying as well https://www.mobymax.com/signin
Teaching Tip: When your child finds a new word... Don’t immediately tell the unknown word to your child. Instead, ask him/her to:
•Break the word into parts
•Try a different vowel sound (long/short)
•Use illustrations for clues
•Skip the word, re-read sentence, and go back – what word would make sense?
VolunteerSpot: Updated
There are now Volunteer Spots up for 2016. Thanks so much to the Volunteers, you help is very much appreciated. The kids love it when you come in, too!
Here's how to volunteer in 3 easy steps:
1) Click this link below to see our Sign-Up on VolunteerSpot
2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on VolunteerSpot.
Dress Warm
Important Information
Specials Classes 1/11- 1/15
Monday: Music
Tuesday: P.E. (Bring or wear gym shoes)
Wednesday: Computer Lab
Thursday: Art
Friday: 1/2 day
Our Schedule
8:45-9:00 Morning Procedures
9:00-9:30 Learning Clubs
9:30-10:10 Science/Social Studies
10:15-10:50 Related Arts
10:55-12:35 Reading Workshop
12:35-12:55 Recess
1:05-1:35 Lunch
1:40-2:55 Math Workshop
2:55-3:30 Writer's Workshop
Transportation
If there is ever a transportation change for your child please send your child into school with a note, or contact the office by 2:00 pm. I must have a note from you or the office stating a transpiration change. If I do not receive a note I will send your child home the usual way.
Upcoming CRES Events
December 14th & 15th - NWEA Testing for our classroom
December 17th at 7 pm - Musical Showcase
**Get this Special Event on Your Calendar**
April 22nd: CRES Fest
Snacks and Lunch
Snack: Students will be allowed to bring a snack in the morning since our lunch time is later in the day. Snacks need to be healthy and nutritious. Please refrain from bringing items with tree nuts due to allergies. Students can also bring a bottle of water to school each day.
Lunch: We will eat lunch each day from 1:05-1:35 in the cafeteria. Your child may eat school lunch or bring his or her lunch from home. Lunch options this year are hot lunch, turkey sandwich, peanut butter & jelly, chef salad, or pizza pack.
Lunch Visits and Background Checks
For more information on background checks and the anti-bullying webinar, please visit:
Philip Dankoski
Email: pdankoski@hse.k12.in.us
Website: http://www.hse.k12.in.us/CRE/home.aspx
Location: 13535 Cumberland Rd, Fishers, IN 46038, United States
Phone: 317-594-4170 (1113)