Colonial Williamsburg / Unit 4 Math Test

We had some fun this week learning about Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia.  We moved our desks around and made a little imaginary Williamsburg.  The kids did a walking tour of the historic town and completed activates that re-created life in Williamsburg.  We had planned to do more, but once again we had a snow, or ice day, so that changed our plans a bit. 

Next week we will be learning about growing tensions between early American colonists and the British.  The students will be creating a Loyalist or Patriot newspaper (persuasive writing) and we’ll end our week in a mock debate centering on the question “Loyalist or Patriot?” 

Also, next week either Tuesday or Wednesday we’ll take our Unit 4 math test.  The kids will have worked through a practice test here, and can bring that home to study. 

I can…

What were some of the causes that led the colonists to want separate from England

Write to Persuade.

Use multiple strategies to solve multiplication equations using decimals and exponents.

Harriet Tubman Reader’s Theater / Camp Pendalouan T-Shirts and Info!

The kids are pretty excited about our Harriet Tubman readers theater.  They have worked a little this week, and now it will be up to them to continue practicing at home or during recess.  I am hoping we can perform the reader’s theater some time in February for African American history month.   They can bring in props and costumes to help bring the story to life.  I will keep you posted on how it goes, I am hoping we could perform in the multi-purpose room.

I have also decided to do the Sturgeon Wristband Fundraiser after our persuasive writing studies to get closer to the actually Sturgeon Guard weekend coming this spring.  Hoping the kids will be more excited about it. 

I will send home the remaining camp balances and a sheet for marking your child’s tee shirt size so we can get the shirts order and coming soon!  Reminder the camp shirts are part of the camp cost so no additional money is necessary.   Please refer to the notes coming for more information.

I can…

Identify how early colonies in America were different.

Write to Persuade.

Use multiple strategies to solve multiplication equations using decimals and exponents. 

Math Tip of the Day:
Patterns in Multiplication by Powers of 10 Using Exponents 

Slavery Projects, Discovery and Delta Testing

Asking questions about images and presenting

Coming up with authentic questions based on images

Kids experience laying down on the slave ship

We have been working on our slavery projects here at school.  The kids presented their learning this Friday as they all did different projects related to the topic of slavery.  It is always interesting to see the direction each kid takes and their own personal creativity they put into their learning. 

We have been taking the Discovery tests this week.  They give us important information about how our kids are doing overall in comparison to other groups of kids around the country that take the same assessment.  Delta is a specific test to see which kids still need some refreshing on concepts we learned last year in math.

Next week, we will continue to learn more about African Americans and delve into their experience and how it has shaped the America we know today. 

I can…

Identify the causes of how slavery was instituted in the American colonies.

Write to Persuade.

Use multiple strategies to solve multiplication equations.