Dawkins’ Class News – October 13, 2018

Hello Families,

It was nice being able to meet face to face this week during conferences. Thank you for taking the time to come and talk about your kids. We have just a couple left next week. We have set some great goals!
Here is a look at our past week:
History 
Kids continued studying a Native American Region. We also introduced them to their final project which will be to create a Google slides presentation with their research team. Each child is responsible for one or two slides. They are wrapping up their research and will put together their slides this next week. Presentations will be Wednesday and Thursday.
Writing
Kids are wrapping up their second narratives. This week we took a close look at revising by using figurative language. I saw many attempts to use similes, metaphors, and some even tried meaningful alliteration! We also worked on making internal thoughts and dialogue as powerful as it could be by structuring it carefully after an action scene.  We finish publishing our stories next week and hope to share them with our buddies from Mrs. Mack’s class.
High Frequency Words
Most everyone took their second assessment and many were a lot more successful this week!  New lists went home on Thursday. Tests will be on Thursdays. Thanks to Angie Heuker for helping out last week.
Reading
Most kids are loving their silent read time. It has been great to see them beg me for more and more time to read their personal books. Many of our young readers made a goal about choosing more challenging books or finding a series of books to read. Remember to read at home at least 20 minutes each day.
Special Events & Expectations Reviewed
We had local firefighters come in and talk to the kids about fire safety in the home. They also got their annual look at a fire truck, very exciting. Overall, the kids did not handle the task with ease. This event led to a big conversation on how to behave when we are excited.  We now have some very specific expectations when a guest teacher is presenting and also for when we are outside doing a special activity. Please review with your child: hand up if you want to speak, no side conversations, whisper when traveling outside, give people personal space (no piggy back rides, no poking others, no grabbing).
More Zentangles!
We continued learning about new types of Zentangles. This not only are amazing art, they are also great for our fine motor and focusing skills!
Picture Retakes
Didn’t like school pictures or were absent that day? No worries! We will have school picture retakes on Wednesday, October 24.
Math
If you have NOT received an email from your child’s math teacher this school year…PLEASE let me know.