First, I want to thank you all for your support with MCAS practice homework. Every Friday, we go over the pieces and I ask your child what they deserve for a score. We are able to use the rubrics to score examples that have been released online. I also read some exemplary pieces from our class. When children bring in their homework before Friday, I am able to look it over and give them feedback if they need to add details. Overall, I have been impressed with the quality of work and the progress that I am seeing each week. If you haven't had a chance, please take a few minutes to look over the work your child has done. Thanks again for your support!
Reading and Writing
We have learned how to critique both our own writing as well as others. Using a variety of rubrics the students have shown an increased awareness of expectations and standard for their work. As we looked at our recent opinion piece assessments, I was thrilled when one student said, "That writing is organized but it is missing supporting details." We all agreed and talked about what details could be added to strengthen the piece.
We have finished our unit on opinion writing. Our next unit of study will be expository writing. Students will learn about this genre in reading and writing. We have a working understanding of nonfiction text features and how they help us comprehend. Now we will look at articles, biographies and autobiographies to use as model texts. Once we have explored mentor texts we will do research on topics that interest us. The students will have to propose a topic for my approval. This will include, topic, questions that they will answer, and reasons why they have chosen the topic. All of this work will be done in school.
Incorporating Technology into our writing. We have had the benefit of using our smart board and IPADS to enhance our learning. Now, with the support of Mrs. Klipfel, we are blogging. This is such a wonderful opportunity for our students. It motivates them to publish their written work. Students also know that their work will not be posted if it has more than two mistakes. When they want to post from home, please edit and encourage your child to produce quality comments. Mrs. Klipfel and I will not include posts that are irrelevant or inappropriate. I have told my students that anything they post could be seen by anyone in the world. They are representing Team Jordan, Steward School, and Topsfield when they post. I hope that our readers will be inspired and impressed by our work.
Math
Multiplication & Division
What is 8 tens worth? What is 8 tens times 3?
This is the kind of problem that many of my players need to practice.
8 tens = 80, 80x3= 240.
240 divided by 8 tens= 3 tens
For the most part, we know our facts. That being said, please review multiplication facts periodically with your child. We are so busy during the day that it is really difficult to find time to practice at school. I will continue to quiz kids on multiplication facts to 100. We are now going to be focusing on division. It is really easy to divide when we have a good handle on our multiplication facts.
Role Model Opportunities
On Fridays I will be sending three role models to help out in kindergarten. My role models will be reading, working on IPADS, running centers, and any other jobs that the kindergarten teachers need them to do. This is an exciting chance for me to reward my students. All of my students are role models and as such will get a chance to volunteer in kindergarten. This was our first week of implementation and I received great feedback. I was told my students were helpful, respectful, and patient with the younger learners.
MVP Julia loves basketball!
Final Thoughts
We will have our Valentine's Party in a bag on Friday. Please be sure to send in signed slips so that I know you have received this information. Your child does not have to give out valentines. If they choose to participate then they must have a valentine for each student.
NO CANDY PLEASE.
Friday is the 100th day of school! Time flies when you're having fun learning. Thank you for sending your child to school each day ready to learn. Believe it or not this trimester will be over in a few weeks. We still have a lot of work to do. As always, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Enjoy your February vacation!
Fondly,
Mrs. Jordan
Photos coming soon.
MVP Ben
MVP Delaney
