Newsletter for February 9, 2017

What We Learned This Week

Word Study
I introduced the "ow" sound. Students learned that if the ow sound ends the syllable or is followed only by an -n or -l sound (and nothing else), then they should use -ow to spell the word. Otherwise, they should use -ou. We also studied a few exceptions (e.g. thought uses -ou, but does not make the "ow" sound).

We reviewed parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs) using MadLibs, always a favorite and a reminder of how much joy young people have. The small group I worked with was full of laughter.

Reading Workshop
We are focusing on informational texts and their elements. We are also beginning to research our African American subjects on iPads.

Writing Workshop
Students completed drafts of multi-source opinion essays. I gave them the challenge in the second half of the week of supporting the opposing opinion using the same source materials. This is a very challenging exercise, but I find it is equally beneficial. I am continuing to stress the importance of explaining evidence in the student's own words.

Math Workshop
We used the distributive property to help us learn our multiplication facts. Students should be able to recall all multiplication facts with a factor of zero, one, two (doubles), five or nine. We are using the distributive property to help us learn the rest. For example... if we have to solve 6 x 7 we can build on our strength with fives and the distributive property.

6 x 7 = (5 x 7) + (1 x 7) = 35 + 7 = 42  builds off our strength with fives
4 x 8 = (2 x 8) +  (2 x 8) = 16 + 16 = 32  builds off our strength with doubles

I introduced parallelograms and their associated attributes: angles, sides, adjacent sides, opposite sides, parallel sides, and lengths. We will continue this next week. Students will learn to distinguish parallelograms, rectangles, squares, rhombi by looking at the lengths of adjacent sides and whether or not they have right angles.

Science 
Invention Convention

Click on the image to see this young inventor's interview.

She's from Hilliard, OH and the granddaughter of one of our interpreter's friends.

Your student has thinking homework this weekend. They should come up with three uniquely different solutions. I realize some students will not come up with three, but it is a good exercise to push themselves to think about this.

3 Solutions - Due February 12
Presentation Board Plans - Due February 20 
Presentation Boards - Due February 27 
Prototypes - Due March 6 

Invention Convention - March 9  

Ohio Wildlife Center Donations

Donations are due on Monday. Many thanks in advance. Thank you for supporting this unique experience.

In lieu of the fee they normally charge, we donate items the OWC needs. Your student brought home a wish list of items you can donate to the OWC. Please consider choosing a few items from the list to bring to school on February 12th. Your donations help ensure we can continue this unique up-close experience. You can also click on the following link: Ohio Wildlife Center Wishlist

Valentine's Day Cards

Some Harry Potter Valentine's Day fun:) 

Sorry - I couldn't choose just one:) 

My favorite:) 

We will exchange cards on Valentine's Day ~ please, no food or candy. Thank you.

Important Dates & Reminders

February 2018

11-14 Ohio Wildlife Center donation drive

12 Ohio Wildlife Center Donations due
14 Ohio Wildlife Center visits for Valentine's Day

19 No School Staff or Students:  Presidents’ Day
23 Kiva's Got Talent Show - 6:30pm

28 Early Release 1:00 (NO LIFT)

March 2018

5 Spring Pictures

9 End of Second Trimester
9 Invention Convention 10-10:30am in the Multipurpose Room/Cafeteria. Families are invited to help us celebrate student inventions and then take your student (and their materials) to lunch.
12-16  Spring Break

19 No School for Students:  Teacher Grading Day

27 Progress Reports available online

30  Good Friday:  No School for Students or Staff

April 2018

4  Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at Windermere 11-12 in lounge
17 & 18 Spring 3rd Grade State of Ohio Reading Assessment (AIR)
24 & 25 Spring 3rd Grade State of Ohio Math Assessment

May 2018

April 30-May 4  Scholastic Book Fair

4 KidFest, 5-8 p.m.

8  NO School for students or certified staff - Ohio Primary Elections
11 Science field trip to Livingston Elementary

21  Field Day

28 No School Staff:  Memorial Day

30  Last Day for Students

30 End of third trimester