Welcome back!! We had a great, productive day. In math, we continued plotting ordered pairs, remembering to go over first then up! Ask your child what picture they made on today's assignment and write it in their planner for a $10 bonus at tomorrow's check in. In reading we started a new novel, Rescue Josh McGuire. The kids were very excited about the first chapter and we had some great connections. Kids also got into their small literature groups for the first time today. They wrote their group expectations and signed the poster saying they agreed to them. Tomorrow, we start reading their novels. Kids will earn points during these groups by completing their assignments BEFORE they come to group and by being an active participant in the group discussion. This is different than normal, because I have always read the novel aloud to them. Now they will have to read independently and apply all the skills they have learned in our read aloud groups on their own. I am excited to see it all come to life. They actually start to discuss like miniature Ms. Ericksons. In science, we took our first look at a common myth in the animal world. Bears do not hibernate. They go into a state of dormancy. We will be taking an in depth look into this topic from all different angles. Mrs. Hankin's and I are pretty excited about the projects we have planned for this unit. Lots of science grades to come, but even more some pretty cool life long learning. I am guessing that our good friend, Jeff the Nature Guy will be in on this one as well. In Social Studies, we will continue learning even more about the Southeast states. Finally, in spelling today students took their first independent spelling test. I am sad to report that no one passed. I gave them all back in class today, gave them the opportunity to write down the correct spelling of the words they missed, and they will all try again tomorrow. These words are all words that they should know how to spell, and many of them are homophones. They need to pay attention to the text around the word. They also need to pay attention to where the word is in the text. If it is a the beginning of the sentence, in order for it to be correct, it needs a capital letter. I know that now that they know what it is like, they will study tonight and pass with flying colors tomorrow morning.
Wow, I told you we were back in action!
Lastly, Kids are bringing home two important pieces of information with them tonight.
1. Yearbook order forms. They need to be turned back in by March 4th with the money. PTA is not purchasing extras this year, so it is a one time deal. Forms need to be turned into the office.
2. Venture Theatre is coming to Bitterroot again. Your child in now old enough to try out. All kids that try out will get a part in the play. It is a musical about the American Dream called, Old West. These plays are FANTASTIC and FUN!! Try outs are this Wednesday from 3:15-5:15 in the gym. Kids MUST be able to attend ALL practices. Practices start next Monday and are for two weeks (not weekends) from 3:15-5:15 daily in the gym. They may not miss practices. They only have two weeks to get it all down. Can you imagine??? They do an amazing job with kids. The cost is free and they do not need any experience to participate. Everyone that can, should participate!! The performances will be Friday, January 21st at 1 and 2 pm in the gym and at 6:00 in the evening in the gym. Come one, come all!
Lastly, Lastly...Kids will begin their 4th grade Recorder playing in music this coming Monday. Kids can bring their own recorder from home (a good one) or borrow one from the school. If they are going to borrow one and bring it home to practice (highly recommended) they need to have you sign their contract in their recorder music book. Kids also have homework tonight due Wednesday. If kids are bringing a recorder from home, it needs to be here next MONDAY. They will need it every Monday and Wednesday until further notice. Thanks!!
Have a great night!!
