Geography Unit and What in the World Wednesdays

We began a unit on geography yesterday with an overview of why it is important to study geography and what the five themes of geography consist of (location, place, human environment interaction, movement, regions).  Today we will learn about latitude and longitude.

Also, we began "What in the World" Wednesdays this week, a practice that we will maintain throughout the year.  Every Wednesday we will watch CNN student news and discuss what is going on in the United States and throughout the world in current events.  You can check out CNN student news by using this link: http://www.cnn.com/studentnews/.  Other sources that we will use for news this year include ourlittleearth.com and http://america.aljazeera.com/.

Yankee Candle Fundraiser

Today we began the first fundraiser of many for the end of 5th grade Boston trip!  The cost per child and guardian for the trip totals $170, and you may choose to pay or fundraise your way to Boston.  Remember that Yankee Candles make great gifts!  Please let me know if you have any questions about the fundraiser.

ECO FRIDAY!

I am very excited to start another year of ECO (Educating Children Outdoors)!  We will head out this Friday and every 2nd and 4th Friday throughout the year.  Please send your child to school prepared for whatever weather might come our way.  Parent volunteers are always wanted and welcome.  Come along for part or all of a day.

Study Hall

Today we resumed the practice of providing Study Hall at the end of the day for those kids who need to complete schoolwork or homework, and rewarding those kids who are caught up on work with an extra recess.  Please let me know if you have any questions about Study Hall!

Cellos, Violas, and Trumpets, Oh My!

Today 4th and 5th graders welcomed musicians from Montpelier High School for a demonstration of band and orchestra instruments.  Please have your child return the instrument form by Monday (Tuesday at the latest) if he/she is interested in joining band or orchestra.  If you are unable to afford an instrument rental, the school does have some available for loan.  Contact Hilary Goldblatt for more information at HilaryO@mpsvt.org.

Classwork, Group Work Skills, and Working Toward Success

This week we are reading, writing, having math time, and starting a social studies unit.  In addition, we created guidelines for successful group work, are practicing those skills during academic times, and reflecting on how we can improve our group work skills.  We spent time talking about success, and are reading Inch and Miles The Journey to Success by Coach John Wooden.  We are reading and discussing the necessary building blocks for success.  So far, we have discussed hard work, enthusiasm, friendship, and loyalty.

Another Busy Day

The first week of school flew by!  Today we continued math, reading, and writing.  We also established expectations for group work and for taking care of the classroom.  Ask your child about the math game we played today, about Cinquain poetry, and the time we spent with our first grade buddies.