Make-Up Day

Last week was a bit of a mess.  There seems to be a stomach bug going around, and instead of continuing to pass it around, we opted to reschedule classes until the germs had subsided.  Instead of working in class, the teachers posted at home assignments for those days last week.  I read the kids' writing journals today, and it seems that they didn't care much for the sick days, and wished that they had been able to come and learn together!

Today's make up day was a fun combo of the older kids and the 1st grade class!  Teachers came in and out, alternating between classrooms (or the picnic table on the deck).  It was a beautiful day! 

Ms. Jennifer is wrapping up math class with lessons on volume.  They have come so far this year, and learned so very much!  They will continue to work with volume through class tomorrow.

We took the final practice tests for both math and language arts today.  We were able to discuss the answers to the language arts section, and will continue working through the rest tomorrow.  Today's big lesson was to read the directions... always!  They also learned that, even if they do not understand a term, or it is a slightly different term than they are used to (such as expanded notation instead of expanded form), they do not NEED to use the exact words that they are familiar with in order to answer the question correctly!  I asked, "What does EXPANDED mean?"  I then explained that it didn't even matter what "notation" meant.  They are looking for an expanded version of the number.  Sometimes, kids can get so stuck on the terminology that they freeze.  I am hoping to teach them some mental flexibility and confidence with test-taking!

We read the rest of "Midsummer Night's Dream" today, and these kids enjoyed it thoroughly!  I loved hearing the laughter and seeing them get completely caught up in the story!

Ms. Gail made cupcakes for the class, to celebrate their last day of class together!  She is going to miss them through the summer, and is thrilled to be coming back to teach Oceanography next year!  After a test over Greek mythology, the students took turns sharing the myths that they wrote.  There was a tale of why chickens lay eggs, where lava came from, and a hero myth about Perseous and his Flying Puppy, Finn.  These students have excellent imaginations! 

The children also brought in their final science poster & cube project on an endangered animal.  We were able to discuss some of them today, and we will talk about the rest tomorrow!  They look great!

In social studies, Mr. Dennis began with a discussion of World War II.  They then reviewed their last test over what they had previously learned of WWII and the New Deal.  Their talks will continue tomorrow, when they come to class and share with Mr. Dennis what they learned at home about the WACs, WAVES, and SPARs.