Kokopelli's Flute

We have just started a novel in social studies called Kokopelli's Flute by Will Hobbs. I only have 30 copies to share among two classes, so the kids will not be able to take the book home. I will provide time in class to do the work related to this book. However, I have had several kids who wanted to read ahead. I got my copies at Barnes and Noble, but I imagine the public library might have a copy as well. I love to see so many kids excited about reading!

Everyday Math

If you had trouble logging in to www.everydaymathonline.com last week I think we have the problem fixed. For some odd reason they kicked the fifth grade classes out of their database. I have reentered all my kids' names and it should work now. Thanks for your patience!

Regions Presentations

The presentations of the regions in the United States were great! We even had some groups make a DVD for their presentations! It was a good learning experience for the kids to have to collaborate while pulling their own weight for a project. Next in social studies we study ancient civilizations like the Anasazi. To enrich that experience we will be reading Kokopelli's Flute by Will Hobbs.

Book Club

The kids are really enjoying our Book Club meetings! It is great to be able to talk about literature with only 10 kids. Mrs. Low and Mrs. Lengerich each take a group! If you get a chance, ask your child about the book he/she is reading. It makes for great dinner table discussion!

No Folder Friday

I will not be sending Friday folders home this week. It is a short week and in social studies the kids have been working on their region presentations and so no graded papers were generated in that class. Also, we had a guest speaker talk about recycling and the Dog Dash is on Friday so that takes the time when we would normally write our Friday letters. It is a busy week filled with fun activities, but not a lot of written assignments.

Fall Break Trip

In social studies we study the five regions of the United States. To make this more enjoyable for the kids, I created a project for them to research one region in groups of six. I am "funding" a fall break trip for each group to their region, so they are busy planning where they want to go. This activity encompasses a lot of skills from nonfiction reading, map skills, teamwork, and organizing information in a presentation. They are having a great time with this project!

Homework

This week we have had several children who have been late turning in homework. Please check with your child each night to make sure that they finish any work that needs to be done. Thanks!

Dog Dash Information

In your child's Friday folder is an envelope explaining the Dog Dash. There are lots of great prizes including lunch with a Colts player for kids who get a lot of pledges. This is a great fundraiser for Brown and a fun experience for the kids and myself. We will "run" from 10:50-11:25 on the 10th! Come join us if you'd like.