I hope you all had a relaxing weekend. We have been very busy at school. In Writing, we have begun our first personal narratives. So far we have brainstormed for ideas, chosen one idea, and written a timeline of events for that idea. We've added sensory words for each event on the timeline, and as of Friday, we have completed our introductory paragraphs. During our writing workshops, we write uninterrupted for 15 minutes. Slowly we will increase this time, but for now 15 at a time is appropriate. We begin each class with a mini lesson over something the students are then asked to look for and apply in their own writing. The mini lesson may have to do with grammar, figurative language, or spelling.
On Thursdays we have a spelling lesson on a particular sound, rule, or group of words. We practice what is learned from that lesson throughout the following week, with an application/practice before moving to the next lesson. Each week, those words are then added to our word wall. Also on Thursdays, we study an Idiom of the Week. Idioms are great for kids to understand as many authors use them in their writing. We even hear them on TV. The more familiar students become with idioms, the more likely they will use them in their own writing. You will see the idiom of the week in your child's agenda on Thursday.
In Social Studies we are working in class on a brochure that showcases one of four regions in Texas. We have moved on in our studies, but we are applying the notes we have, maps and charts in order to make our brochures. Beginning tomorrow we will be going to the computer lab on Mondays. We will use specific websites to obtain more information on the regions for students to use in their brochures. Students will be given a designated amount of time each week in class to work on the brochures. By the end of the 25th, students will take them home to complete with a due date of October 3rd.
Recently I sent some information via email for extra credit. It's come to my attention that a piece may be missing. I originally learned of a similar assignment online, and I rewrote it to fit our needs in Texas History. Somehow along the way, a piece on "food" was there...and then it wasn't. If you find that to be the case, please don't worry. I just won't include that part in the overall scoring. I've tried to go back to the beginning of how I created it, and I can't even find it.
As we begin our fourth week of school, please know that we are becoming more and more strict on behavior that interrupts instruction. You may see notes stapled into agendas. If you begin to see more than an average amount, we may need to meet to discuss a better way to get disruptive behaviors under control. I adore my kiddos! They are sweet and funny, but we have to make sure we are talking and being silly at the correct times. We are all learning how to work together, and I know we will continue to grow stronger as a class. Thank you for your support at home.
Hopefully you saw the Friday folders. There was some graded work in there and notes from the office. Included in it was a notice about picture day, which is Sept. 25th. Payment envelopes are included, but you can also pay online. I graded papers all weekend, so you will see more grades next Friday. Please don't worry if you see a low average on the parent portal. It's still early and many more grades will be taken. Often, if I take more than I need, I get the ability to drop a low grade.
****Also, regarding grades. I keep a hard copy of the grades as well for a very important reason. The new grading system does NOT allow for anything over 100, so if your child makes 100 and extra credit points, I can't add them to that grade. My thought is if I keep a hard copy of all grades, then at the end of the nine weeks, any points above 100 your child made, I can add to the lowest grade in the same subject. I hope that makes sense. That's the most fair way I can think to be sure the extra points are not lost.
Have a wonderful week.
Sincerely,
Amy Klein