What is the Hour of Code? Hopefully you had a chance to read the latest bulletin from Dr. Robinett. Our school is joining schools across the nation in instructing students how to "code." Kids are fascinated by video games, right? This is an opportunity for them to see how they are created, and give them a chance to dabble in a little coding themselves. Schools that have already participated in the hour of code report that once students are introduced to it, they just "take off!" Your child will be given specific instruction in my classes in the computer lab on December 8th. After that, they will be given opportunities at school (and they can work at home) to develop their skills in coding, which can result in real world applications for their future. We want all students to be given the chance to see the possibilities that might be available to them when they understand basic coding. Code.org is one way for your child to start learning the ropes. wCan you all believe it's already December? Where has the time gone? It's crazy how fast this year is passing! I guess it's true that time flies when you're having fun, and I AM having fun. Your kids are such a joy to teach! In Writing, we have had practice writing a personal narrative, an expository, and a persuasive piece. The students are showing improvement in adding details and showing their own personal voice in their writing. We are still working on revising and editing. The kids know HOW to do it, but they often don't do it. In looking at the benchmark tests, many students simply didn't follow the expected steps of the writing process. MANY went straight to the final copy, knowing that is not what was taught, practiced, or discussed before testing. We will be doing some improvements to our benchmark writing to show what we know! For the next few weeks before break, we will focus on the writing process, either in whole group or in stations. After a brief mini lesson on one aspect of writing, students will apply what they learn in their own benchmark pieces, as they improve their first attempts. I will grade the final two writings based on following the steps in the writing process. In spelling we will work in small teacher-led groups on prefixes and suffixes. In Social Studies we finished learning about the French exploration into Texas and the attempt at setting up a fort (Ft. St. Louis). This caused the Spanish to gain a new interest in settling Texas for themselves because they didn't want France, or any other country, to start colonizing. This brings us to the time of Spanish Missions. I hope you all had a wonderful time with your families. Welcome back! |
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May 2019
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