October 16 - 20:
This week was our final week studying about the Oceans and Ocean Life. Concepts we recently covered included: geography—location of oceans on the map, the difference between an ocean and a sea; ocean creatures—sharks, whales, chambered nautilus; salt water and fresh water experiments; and differences between ocean life at different depths.
A few of the games and activities we did this week were: play a whale information board game, sing a whale song, measure whale sizes on the gym floor, examined whale fossils and make Venn diagrams comparing whales and fish. We also discussed changes in the season and went on a nature walk to Phillips Park to hunt for signs of fall. We saw several dreys (squirrel nests), a praying mantis, an ootheca (mantis egg case), squawking blue jays, evidence of a hawk's blue jay meal, a groundhog burrow, a lazy, slowed-down bumble bee ready for hibernation, migrating birds, and of course, changing leaves... lots of red!
In Math, the younger kids began a study of more and less. We played games where the kids were comparing groups of numbers and learning to answer questions like, "How many more or less?" The older group is continuing to work on composing and decomposing numbers to 20. We are also discussing different strategies for problem solving.
In Reading, we worked on our spelling words, read our Weekly Reader Newspapers and National Geographic magazines, and practiced reading-aloud fluency, (reading with automaticity as though speaking). We will be working on fluency skills for the remainder of the year.
In Art this week, the kids learned about the artist Vincent Van Gogh. They then tried drawing pictures using his style. Spanish class worked on making skeletons with Paula and began discussing the Mexican holiday called "Day of the Dead."
On Friday, we watched Group 2's production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
October 16 - 20:
First of all, hats off to the kids for a great production of parts of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." They worked really hard for the last two weeks, and we all realize more clearly how much there is to keep track of when we're on stage. Thanks to all of you who helped with the production, whether by practicing lines or by attending. Special thanks to Bill C., who helped us get into the spirit of the play, and to Michelle M., who worked on costumes and helped backstage. I think the kids had a good time. When we got back to the classroom from the gym on Friday morning, they asked me, "So what is our next play?"
On Monday we traveled to Wilmington to visit the Delaware History Museum. We participated in their Native American program, learning about the food, clothing, and homes of Lenni Lenape people in Delaware before Europeans arrived. The kids were able to make their own bead necklaces, and we saw models, implements, and furs. Thanks to Rob H. for acting as chaperone.
Wednesday we went to Ashland Nature Center for their Native American program. It was a beautiful day to be outside, and we were able to see some of the plants the Lenni Lenape would have used. We also saw a fishing weir and entered a wood hut that was equipped with many objects that would have been used. Thanks to Michelle M. for joining us for this trip.
During the week Sue and I will put up a sign-up sheet for fall conferences. We try to meet for about 25 minutes to share information about your child.
October 23 - 27:
This week was a mix of regular classes and preparation for Friday's Halloween events. The kids planned and ran game booths for the rest of the school to enjoy on Friday morning. Ducks were matched, cups were switched, wagons were pulled, lollipops were guessed, pumpkin weights were considered—a good time for the people running the tables as well as those who visited them. The kids did a great job of cleaning up from the activities before lunch.
In math, we've gone beyond factors of 100 to see how they can help us find factors for larger numbers (300, 500, etc.). In the coming week we will work on activities that help us consider how many factors there are in multiples using charts, calculators, and money. Part of math class this past week was spent learning how to use our new TI-15 calculators. One feature the kids found quickly was a quiz program that allows them to control what operation and what degree of difficulty they practice. They can also teach it to count by a particular number (which is one of the ways we think of factors).
We are continuing our work with personal narratives. Our goal is for each child to have several personal narratives written down. Our next step will be to choose one of those narratives to develop. Talk with your child to see how s/he is progressing. We may be asking some children to do more writing at home to get ready for this next stage.
Shelby (Sue's dog) visited on Thursday morning. She was very excited to be back in school, and the kids were very excited to see her.
Sue found some videos about Lenni Lenapes and the seasons, so we will be viewing and discussing them as part of our study of Native Americans. Our television was misbehaving, but I think that we now have it back under control.
On Friday afternoon, despite the threat of rain, we went to Phillips Park to clean the area. NCCL has taken on the responsibility of cleaning the park once a month, and the groups rotate doing the cleaning. We were pleased to find that the park was not too littered, although some class members did find some intriguing (and heavy!) metal bars.
Dates to Remember:
Starting Friday, November 3: fall conferences for Group 2. There is a sign-up list on the side of the lockers in Joe's room. As a staff, we decided to devote two half-day Fridays to fall parent conferences, so we are hoping to use those afternoons effectively. But don't fear! If neither Friday fits your schedule, Sue and I will post other times that we can be available. We meet for about 25 minutes to share information about your child. We'll talk about what we've seen here at school, and we hope to hear what feedback you are hearing at home. Although we will keep these conferences to 25 minutes, we can always schedule another one if there are further questions or issues that need to be addressed.
As always, let us know if you have any questions or concerns: Joe - cutterfamily@comcast.net; Sue - susanckenney@aol.com.
No report this month.
The Group 4 class has had a busy and exciting month! We went to Shaver's Creek, started apprenticing, have been working furiously on our plays and studying the skies.
We had a thrilling trip to Shaver's Creek where the kids went on an eight mile hike, caving, canoeing and rock climbing (albeit on an indoor wall). We cooked over an open fire, slept in cabins, engaged in many cooperative activities and enjoyed each other's company. (See some of the students' writing on the trip below.)
Friday, 10/20/06 was the students' first day of apprenticing. Before starting, they filled out job applications and discussed qualities that make a good employee. It was great to see their enthusiasm in anticipation of their first day. We met for awhile on Monday and the kids talked excitedly about their experiences. Some kids realized that working is actually hard work!
Our writing class has been a beehive of activity! Our plays are coming along extremely well. Our deadline is rapidly approaching - our first drafts are due to be delivered to Delaware Theater Company on Monday, November 6th. I will be having a playwriting afternoon workshop next Thursday, November 2nd from 3pm until 6pm. Any of the kids who need a last-minute chunk of time can stay and work on their plays and I'll supply snacks.
It has been thrilling to see the kids write, print out copies of their play and grab some peers to act out what they're writing. The author takes notes as the play is being acted to see what works and what doesn't. After discussing the play and taking suggestions from the actors, often the scene or the next scene to be written is improvised. Through these improvisations and acting sessions, the writers have been getting great ideas. I love watching the kids run back to the computers following an acting session to furtively get down all of the lines of dialogue that have been changed and improvised. It has been a wonderful avenue for collaboration and feedback, in addition to an opportunity for the kids to see their written words put into action.
In Reading we have been acting out the plays that have won the festival in previous years. One of the plays was written exclusively as a monologue. Several students are experimenting with that form for part of their plays. To get more experience, each kid was given a short monologue to perform for the class. They have to memorize it and deliver it, taking into consideration setting, motivation, voice and physical movements.
In research we discussed current events that relate to the Constitution. Sean has put together some great activities surrounding the upcoming election for us to do with Group 3. We will be looking at issues that are central to this election year. Small groups will study candidates in several key races, but the names and party affiliations will be unknown. After studying the candidates' opinions on the issues, the students will vote on a candidate and take an exit poll survey. Following the activity, we will have a whole group discussion. This activity will take place next Monday and Tuesday, so ask your child about it.
In Science the kids are studying space exploration, in particular the lunar missions and landings.
In Math both classes are studying XY graphing. The non-grads (7th graders) are learning to plot lines on a graph and about linear equations. The graduates are reviewing those concepts and are looking at different graphing curves and non-linear equations.
Upcoming Events:
Some Thoughts on Shaver's Creek from the Students of Group 4
As always, please call or e-mail us with any questions or concerns.