Let's go back to rewards

Hello,

Reading log participation was underwhelming.  Everyone who passed in a reading log on time and fulfilled the minimum requirements (20 min per night for five nights) is getting some potting soil, a pot, and seeds.  They will get to grow some vegetables or flowers on their desk.  And hopefully motivate some others in the process.  I made this announcement this afternoon and immediately two more reading logs were found.  Thirteen is not an impressive total.  I'm not a huge proponent of getting kids to read based on rewards, but at this point I've got to get them reading and will do whatever it takes.

We are nearing the end of The City of Ember, our class read aloud.  Doon and Lina are trying to find a way out of the city.  It is exciting and most of the class isn't happy when I stop reading.  Ask your child to make a prediction or two on what they think will happen or what they would like to see happen.  I have multiple copies of the sequel.  I'm hoping for a lot of interest.

Picture notices went home last night.  Picture day is Friday.  I'll try not to make them cry before our picture time.  That was supposed to be a joke.  Probably not a good one.   Let me know if you need a new notice.  It looks like three students haven't emptied their mailboxes this week.  The packages aren't cheap, but I heard that the school gets a cut.  I think that's a bright side.

A bunch of book order forms went home.  Our online code is J36TM if you would like to order online at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs  Thank you to those of you ordering books.  They make great gifts as well.  If you want a book to be a secret, let me know and I'll hold it back when it comes in.

Many students completed a poster-sized map today.  We are winding down map skills and should start Rocks and Minerals tomorrow or Thursday.  We will finish up our geography unit tomorrow playing around with google earth.  We talked about the international date line today.  Ask your child if they can go back in time.  Hopefully it will jog their memory to talk about the bizarre phenomenon of crossing the date line.

Have a good night,

Mr. Shea