First Monday

Hello,

We started the week off with the NWEA MAP Math test.  It is not a timed test, so four students went back in the afternoon to finish.  The test is designed to get harder and harder if you are doing well, so finishing later than others is usually a good sign.

We had our first physical education class.  100% of the class brought sneakers which is fantastic. Unfortunately for everyone interested in running around for a good forty minutes, the first p.e. class involves a lot of procedure learning, including fire alarm and lockdown what ifs.  I saw some disappointed faces after the class, instead of the usual exhilarated, but exhausted faces.

We mixed some corn starch and water this afternoon in our study of solids and liquids.  We made a mess and I am very glad that we have a floor instead of a rug.  Some kids brought some home, some will probably request that you buy some.

We are going to be starting our class government soon.  I outlined where we will go: a president, a congress, and judges.  We will start slow with the whole class experiencing what it is like to be a senator or representative in the class.  Bills will be discussed. Compromises may be reached.  We'll add one branch at a time as we go.

I read the first two pages of The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau.  It has an excellent hook to start the story. That will be our first read aloud novel of the year.

I am trying to get in the habit of only putting one space at the end of a sentence after the punctuation, but I realize that I am still failing many times. I promise to get better. I was taught to put the two spaces, but lately was told that this is an outdated practice. I'm sorry for the inconsistency.

I still haven't written any of my preachy posts, but fear not, they are coming.

Thanks for reading.

Mr. Shea