Sturgeon Learning + Swimming Lessons

Our kindergarten reading buddies came for a little bit to see what we were learning about!

I was hopeful that our fish would arrive before Thanksgiving, but it looks like it will be the week we come back.  The kids had a great time learning all about the fish, it’s history, and hope for the future.  We sure will be excited when that lucky little fish arrives to spend the rest of the year with us.

 We have been writing persuasively about the creation of a lake sturgeon license plate that could be added to the Michigan license plate options, and funds could be raised to help with the continued habitat restoration process and awareness.  The kids took a look at some actual sampling data from the Black Lake's sturgeon population to design and create their own life sized lake sturgeon, labeling all the fish anatomy, life cycle, human impacts, threatened fish, and habitat restoration for each model.  Needless to say when that fish arrives I’ll be holding them back!

SWIMMING LESSONS

DEC. 2—6

The kids will need to bring their towels and swimsuits each day.  There will be a note coming from the aquatic staff explaining the details.

Concepts to re-enforce with your students

I CAN Explain…

Multiplication Methods of their choice.

Creating effective introductions for persuasive writing.

Units of Study

Language Arts:

We have been reading and writing all about lake sturgeon.  Students are continuing to work on retelling and persuasive writing.

Math:

Unit 3 Division with whole numbers

Science:

Sturgeon Learning—Our fish is almost ready!

A View From Earth (next)

Social Studies:

Midwest Region (Focus on Farming)

Upcoming Important Events:

Purple and Green Quincy Spirit Day Nov. 26th

NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving Break Nov. 27-29

SWIMMING LESSONS

DEC. 2—6

NO SCHOOL Christmas Vacation Dec.  23rd – Jan. 6th

Conferences + Midwest Region

Conferences are this Monday and Tuesday from 2-8pm.  I am looking forward to meeting with all of you and discussing the progress of your student!  We had a great Friday learning about the famous sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

This past week we learned about the Midwest Region in our Social Studies Alive text.  The kids enjoyed learning about the stops on our Midwest Tour.  There is an extra credit project that I will attach in an email, and I have told the kids where to find it on Edmodo.  It’s called the Midwest Region Profiler Project and it’s similar to the invasive project we did.  Again, it’s optional, but the kids can get extra credit for completing it.  They will also receive a bonus badge on their Edmodo profile.

Concepts to re-enforce with your students

I CAN Explain…

Area Model and Short-cut Model for 4 digit by 1 digit multiplication

What are some strategies for effective Persuasive Writing?

Why do we call the Midwest “America’s Breadbasket?”

Units of Study

Language Arts:

We will continue to read about the Midwest Region this week.  We are continuing to work on our persuasive writing skills.

Math:

Unit  2 Multiplication with Whole Numbers ( 4 digit by 1 digit)

Science:

Sturgeon Learning—Our fish is almost ready!

A View From Earth (next)

Social Studies:

Midwest Region

Upcoming Important Events:

Parent Teacher Conferences Nov. 11-12   2-8pm

Purple and Green Quincy Spirit Day Nov. 26th

NO SCHOOL Nov. 27-29

Paddle to the Sea + Water Testing

 Last week we read the famous story “Paddle to the Sea.”  It’s always a kid favorite, and  very memorable.  If you are unfamiliar with the story make sure to ask your student all about it.   Read more at http://www.amazon.com/Paddle-Sea-Sandpiper-Books/dp/0395292034

We also spent some time water testing our wetland for the second week.   We are going to be collecting weekly water samples.   Testing for PH, Ammonia, Nitrate, Water Temp, Air Temp, which we will compare with our sturgeon tank.  The students are assigned to a specific site with a partner that they will monitor all year.  The kids created some fantastic research questions about water quality and habitat for their specific sites. 

Concepts to re-enforce with your students

I CAN Explain…

Area Model and Short-cut Model for 2 digit by 2 digit multiplication

What are some strategies for effective Persuasive Writing?

Why do we call the Midwest “America’s Heartland?”

  

Units of Study:

Language Arts:

We will be reading about the Midwest  Region and also this Friday we’ll learn about the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.   We are starting persuasive writing.

Math:

Unit  2 Multiplication with Whole Numbers ( 2 digit by 2 digit)

Science:

Organisms in Our Environment (finished)

A View From Earth (next)

Social Studies:

Midwest Region

Upcoming Important Events:

Picture Re-takes / Edmund Fitzgerald Day

Nov. 8th

Parent Teacher Conferences Nov. 11-12   2-8pm

Purple and Green Quincy Spirit Day Nov. 26th

NO SCHOOL Nov. 27-29

Supplies to Donate:

Large White Construction Paper