The Power of Words

We the people….. students of the Brisbin Crew are learning about the famous words that have shaped out country via our third Case Study: The Power of Words.  From the Preamble of the Constitution, to Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, to Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanac, students are participating in art projects, EL protocols, oral recitation, and research based writing to soak up these examples of complex text.  Students are fulfilling their research paper standard by choosing to study Benjamin Franklin’s maxims or inventions, and will look at a four point rubric this week to begin crafting their piece.  

Students are also working with the Donner Summit Historical Society and the Town of Truckee to install another sign for the 20 Mile Museum.  This sign will be placed at the McIver Dairy on Donner Pass Road.  We are set to visit, research, choose photos, and graphically create our masterpiece as our final product!

Bridges Math:

5th graders are taking a look at angles and angle relationships, as well as multi-sided shapes.  Students played a game last week called “Guess My Polygon” in which they had to narrow down an assortment of polygons to only one based on clues given by me.  Alongside our Bridges curriculum, students are also working on some extra practice to solidify their learning.  Please continue in the Mathletics practice and basic skills at home.

Language Arts:  Reading

All students have been assessed and placed in appropriate reading levels.  Students are devouring award winning literature and writing Responses to Literature.  We will continue to progress monitor and conference with each child to ensure they are practicing the appropriate reading strategy.  The Daily 5 is a focused and wonderful time each day that the students experience self-direction and motivation.  

Writing:

Students just participated in their first Voice writer’s workshop.  One of my favorite traits to teach, Voice allows students to find their inner style and set it free. We have many fascinating and fun writing pieces to create with this trait.  Students are also working with a new conventions program called “Wordly Wise,” as well as a source that focuses on building words from root meanings.  

Dates to Remember:

Monday January 28:  walking FW

Thursday January 31: walking FW

Monday February 4: Tahe Safe Alliance visits our classroom

Wed, Feb 6 is a Minimum Day

Mon-Fri, Feb 18-22 is Ski/Skate Week – NO SCHOOL

Tuesday March 19- science expo FW

Have a great week!

 

Julie