Can you believe that Memorial Day is in EXACTLY TWO WEEKS! It seems like the end of the year is upon us! However, there is still so much more to do! This week we are wrapping up our research on our Famous Americans. By the end of the week your child should have a brightly colored (large) index card with their finished speech. I hope that your student will be able to memorize their speech and really make it pop. They have worked so hard on this all I want if for them to have a little fun with it. As I stated before, we will be sharing our speeches with the First Grade on May 30th & Kindergarten on May 31st before presenting it to you all the 31st of May.
Last week, we finished reading We Can't All Be Rattlesnakes which was a comical story told from the perspective of a captive Gopher Snake. Your student was asked to explain many higher level concepts such as "Is it better to be a Gopher Snake in the wild or captive?" and "Do you think that animals from different species can really coexist?" I was floored by some of the creative and unexpected answers I received such as "It's better to be free in the wild than have everything you need and be a pet. Having someone make all the decisions for you isn't fun especially if you were born free," I also thought it was interesting how several students supported their answer for the question regarding different species based on interactions that they have had with their pets such as dogs/cats living in harmony. That is one thing I love about the new core curriculum, it makes you asks questions that you may think students will have difficulty with but then you see how observant kids really are realize how much they already know.
This week and next week we are reading Tuck Everlasting as our read aloud book. In it, we will examine how the characters and community of TreeGap have changed and haven't through the course of the book. Then, we'll examine a little closer some of the ways that Raleigh has changed. I'm hoping that we'll be able to fit in a Venn Diagram or two and explore a few higher level thinking questions too. Be prepared for some interesting questions and comments around the dinner table. Please be sure to sign off on the back of the sheet each night so that your child gets credit. Remember, you child only has to record one answer in writing on the back.
Our Math extension groups have wrapped for the year. During the rest of the year all of the Harvey's Heroes will be back in the saddle in my room. We will continue to explore fractions, word problems, and problem solving strategies so that your child will be a strong student next year. The 4th Quarter Math Assessment will be coming up next week (before the Memorial Day Weekend). That way once we're back I'll be able to remediate and extend all the students who need it.
That is about all that I have to say. If you have any questions then please feel free to email me or contact me at school. As always, I can be reached at Gharvey@wcpss.net. Have a terrific week and be sure to turn in those IMax movie forms. They cannot be accepted after Friday, May 18th.
**Don't Forget***
- IMax "To the Arctic" is next Thursday, 24th. We are leaving at 9:20am and will be back in time for lunch. Please make sure that your child is on time to school.
- Field Day will be in Tuesday, May 29th.
- Electives end this Wednesday.
- ArtPlosure is Saturday in Moore Square. It is a great time where kids can see local artists, create items, and see the huge sandsculpture that is created every year in Moore Square. It's free so mark it on your calendar! Here's the link: http://www.artsplosure.org/artsplosure2012/index.html
- Lego is also having a thing at the NR Hilton (on Wake Forest Rd). This event is not free but you can find more information about it at: http://events.triangle.com/raleigh_nc/events/show/248388544-help-lego-builder-dan-parker-build-a-6foot-wide-lego-deathstar-see-a-huge-hall-filled-with-custom-lego-creations-see-top-secr
Hey Parents,
ReplyDeleteHere is a copy of the Higher Level Questions for the week. Enjoy and be sure to sign off on the hard copy that your child has!
Higher Level Questions for Your Parents!
Please discuss these questions with your parents and have them sign-off on the back of the sheet. Then, pick one question to answer on paper. Note…your parents have to give you the answers but YOU DO NOT have to write them down
Monday-If you could live (on earth) forever without getting older,
would you? Explain why or why not.
Tuesday-What do you think your life will be like when you’re 87 years
old?
Wednesday-Do you think it’s better to be an only child or to have
some siblings?
Thursday-In your opinion, is catching fireflies the greatest use of time
on a summer evening? Explain.
Friday-**This one is for you all to answer** Parents-Looking back at when you were 17 years old, how has your life changed? Students-What do you think your life will be like when you’re 17.