WOW...I feel so appreciated!

Thanks so much for all of the kind, creative gestures for Teacher Appreciation week...I am humbled and want you to know that it is indeed my absolute pleasure teaching your kids...but it sure feels good to know the kids are having a great year...so thank you!

We had a great week...we just got back from visiting the Science Fair...WOWOWOW!!  Yesterday your child brought home his/her science fair rubric with their grade.  I was SOOO impressed with their projects...AND with how comfortable they have become speaking in front of our class.  We saw groups of projects every day this week and all of us enjoyed listening and learning!  I took pictures today of each student with his/her board and will try to get that movie up soon!

In Language Arts we have finished our novel unit and are heading into plays!  We have picked FOUR plays to perform and I will be casting them today...you will be invited to see our plays, but please wait on that date...probably the first week of JUNE...I will let you know as soon as I know so that you can adjust your schedules.  We have spent this week analyzing plays...the elements of plays, the differences between scenes/acts and stage directions/dialogue instructions.  We have discussed the fact that every play needs much more than actors and actresses...that plays cannot be produced without great sound effects, props people, curtain "pullers", directors, etc.  A very exciting piece of news is that our class will be performing a play WRITTEN BY TWO OF OUR STUDENTS!!  This play was produced in Writer's Workshop and is such a testament to what kids can do when given the option to choose their own topics, genres of writing, and the time to create.  I am VERY excited about this and VERY proud!!

In Math we have been focusing on problem solving using the algorithms for multiplication and division.  Most students have mastered double digit X double digit multiplication!!  We are now focusing on interpreting remainders in word problems that require division.  So many kids that are strong with the division and multiplication algorithms believe, "Oh, I already know that, " but they are the ones that when asked, "Well, how many cars will they need?" answer with "11 remainder 2" and don't realize they need 12 cars because those two leftover kids still need to travel there.  So we are focusing on what the remainders really mean when found in the context of a word problem!!

Although the year is winding down...your kids' behaviors are unwinding a bit.  You may notice a difference in their checklists...I need them to know that I have curriculum to cover all the way until June 8th and need them to "keep with the program"...the end of the year brings many exciting things to our schedule...science fair, field trips, choral concerts, public library visits, etc...and it is hard to keep them focused...any conversations you can have at home to help your child continue to follow directions and stay on task will be helpful!  Thank you.

Next week we venture into our final Social Studies unit of the year...Environmental Issues and United States holidays and heroes.

I have a very full weekend ahead as I'm sure you all do...my Springtime is chock full of baseball and softball...this weekend alone we have 5 games with the potential of 8 depending on how they do!  Also, tonight I will be at the Frederick Relay for Life walking for too many that I've lost to cancer and many more that I know fighting it right now.  Please send positive thoughts my way as I walk to find a cure.  Have a wonderful weekend with your families.  And again, thanks for thanking me...you made my week extra special.