The countdown has begun, and the kids are really excited about the end of the school year. That excitement often shows itself as excessive talking, sensitivity, and sometimes even anger about upcoming changes. I try to keep things as "normal" as possible and stick to our daily schedule as much as possible.
Language Arts: We are in review mode right now, remembering and taking a second or third look at the different genres in reading as well as different ways questions may be written or asked to test comprehension. We are reviewing test taking strategies. I can't emphasize enough that ALL students know exactly what to do to take their time and do their best on the upcoming STAAR test. I still have a few kiddos who want to rush through our practices or resist using strategies they know help them get the right answers. Please know they are prepared, and now it's their turn to show what they know. STAAR tests are next week in math and reading.
In writing, students completed their simile poems which are on display in the hallway right now. They are currently working on a fiction story. We are using the plot pyramid to help us move the stories along in a logical way, while adding enough supporting details to engage our readers. It is my hope to have a sharing day where students can share their fiction stories or any other story they've written throughout the year.
In Social studies we are finishing up learning about railroads in Texas and moving on to the discovery of oil! Students were offered an extra credit project they can work on this week and next with a due date of May 17. I told them to write it down in their agendas and talk about it with you all to determine if it was something they wanted to do. There will likely be some down time here and there (including after STAAR testing hours on Monday and Tuesday of next week) that students can work on the project. Please email me if you want me to send it home for you to see.