The Kindergarten class has had a great time in the library this month. We read “A House For Hermit Crab,” which was great for them since they just acquired a class pet, a hermit crab, whom they named Racer.
I created a large hermit crab out of paper and they decorated it with all sorts of sea creatures just like the book. They were very excited.
Mrs. Ruiz
Both PK classes have been “reading” books on their own. They have gotten a chance to walk around the library and pick books that they want to look at. It’s great to see how they love books. We have also continued to read one book together as a class at the beginning of the period.
Mrs. Ruiz
Second grade has been writing letters to friends and family. It was interesting to discover that most of the letters were addressed to each other. The majority of the kids made invitations to each other to spend a day together during the summer time. Some even expressed their desire to have their friends join them in their family trip to a foreign country. Most importantly, they were able to express how they feel about each other. In addition, they were encouraged to use a lot of descriptive language. As a result, our students are not only bonding with each other but they’re beginning to write longer sentences. Soon they will get the opportunity to mail their letters. It’s an exciting opportunity to make life long friendships and, at the same time, learn how to properly compose a letter.
We’ve completed the reading of the novel, Old Yeller, by Fred Gipson. This story takes place in the mid-west during the late 1800’s. It’s a classic story of a boy and his dog. Travis, the main character, must take on much responsibility while his dad is away. He learns about the joys and sorrows of life. Students participated in class discussions and thoroughly enjoyed reading this book as we learned about responsibility ad companionship.
ENGLISH: During this month, students read several articles about the controversial issue of school uniforms. Then, students brainstormed the pros and cons of this issue. Next, they wrote a rough draft essay using a step-by-step packet. Students implemented quotations from the articles to support their stance on the issue. Finally, after I read over their rough drafts, they wrote a final, persuasive, 5-paragraph essay with three reasons supporting their thesis. This exercise was very beneficial to students and help them to realize the importance of uniforms.
Mrs. Foster
We’ve been reading the novel Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes. This story takes place during the the beginnings of the American Revolution. The main character, Johnny, is humbled early on in the story by a career-ending injury to his hand. As he learns more about why the Bostonians are rebelling, he decides to help in their fight. Students learned a lot about history and pereverence as we read this book together.
ENGLISH: During this month, students read several articles about the controversial issue of TV’s influence: positive or negative. Then, students brainstormed the pros and cons of this issue. Next, they wrote a rough draft essay using a step-by-step packet. Students implemented quotations from the articles to support their stance on the issue. Finally, after I read over their rough drafts, they wrote a final, persuasive, 5-paragraph essay with three reasons supporting their thesis. We found that there are pro’s and con’s to watching TV. We realized that we needed to be careful what we watch and that reading can be a lot more fun than watching TV!
Mrs. Foster
READING: We’ve been reading Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, the novel by Mildred D. Taylor. The story depicts life for African Americans in the South in the 1930’s (pre-civil rights). Students have read aloud in class, and they have read some at home on their own. In addition, students have participated in good class discussion of the events and issues brought up in the novel.
Mrs. Foster
ENGLISH: During this month, students read several articles about the controversial issue of pro athletes making too much money. Then, students brainstormed the pros and cons of this issue. Next, they wrote a rough draft essay using a step-by-step packet. Students implemented quotations from the articles to support their stance on the issue. Finally, after I read over their rough drafts, they wrote a final, persuasive, 5-paragraph essay with three reasons supporting their thesis.
Mrs. Foster
Consumer math finished out the year by looking back at ratios and percents. Students also worked on a study guide, which helped prepare them for their Finals.
Mrs. Racoma