Welcome week two

Hello,

Now we're picking up the pace. We were in the computer lab for math. The IXL website is a good place to go for extra practice on things. That was reintroduced and passwords reassigned. We also took our Rocket Math Prep quizzes. I'll correct those tonight and get everyone started where I think they can be successful and build. Rocket Math is a program to learn basic mathematical computations. We used it last year for multiplication and division. Unfortunately, our addition and subtraction skills aren't where they need to be. This year we will start with addition and move from there. This takes up the first five minutes of each math class. Each new test adds a mere two more facts to memorize. The pressure is on now. We have to get these down for Jr. High.

In read aloud we have moved on to Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea. It is a story of a fifth grade class, told with alternating narration from seven of the students. We'll hear from Jessica, the new girl not fitting in; Alexia, a bully, your friend one minute, your enemy the next; Peter, class prankster and troublemaker; Luke, the brain; Danielle, who never stands up for herself; Anna, a shy outcast with a tough homelife; and Jeffrey, who hates school. Much like Wonder, by R.J. Palacio, the different narrators give the readers some unique points of view, which really works well. I'm excited to get into this book with our group.


Pat was back today! The kids were excited to see her. Pat is our class volunteer from last year. She was my mentor teacher eleven years ago. Pat taught in the Portland school system for many years and recently retired. We were lucky to have her spend most of her class time last year in literacy. The schedule is different this year, so the plan is for her to be here for three math classes a week. This should help with breaking up into smaller groups on those days.

We have a science field trip to the Jr. High on Thursday. I got the permission slips in the mailboxes, but forgot to remind kids to clean them out at the end of the day. I actually have a postmaster general who also forgot to remind kids to clean them out. (I have these back ups for a reason.) The field trip is actually closely tied to writing, as we will be making observations around the stream behind the school and gathering evidence for our claims. No chaperones are needed, but parents are welcome to walk to BJH with us and observe scientists in the field.

Book orders went out on Thursday. Thank you for helping to get books into your child's hands. Our class code is J36TM if you order online. The traditional methods of cash or check with the order form still work too. Every order helps the class earn points for free books as well, so thank you. Let me know if you'd like a new form or two.

I'll make the first order on Sunday. I generally order every Sunday, as long as someone is waiting.

Some of you have asked if we need anything for the class. Extra snacks for the homework clubs would be really nice. I say clubs with an s because I think I'm going to team up with Mr. Larrabee and start a guitar club. We both have guitars, but we never learned how to play. Our classes seemed to have an interest in learning along with us. I'd like to start next week. More details to follow. As for the snacks, we have no peanut allergies.

All for now. I know some of you are waiting on the Motivation Quiz results. I had to rescore all of the quizzes. I think I accidentally threw away my initial tallies. I wasn't sure until I went through all of my papers on Sunday. My apologies.

Thanks for reading.

Mr. Shea