End of Sept Update!

In writing

 We are officially off to a spectacular start on our narrative pieces. Most students have selected a small moment topic to write about as a full out narrative. This will include taking a moment and writing about it with an introduction, middle and conclusion, as well as using author's craft techniques such as figurative language and dialogue to help make the story interesting. I am also focusing heavily on what type of writer's they are and how they work through the writer's process. If you want to help your child at home, I recommend asking them about the topic and help them remember details from that particular topic. I know they would appreciate the help! 

In reading

we are working on writing a good stop and jot using Kyleen Beer's Fiction Signpost strategy. These signposts help students recognize moments in a story that give clue to larger concepts such as conflict, theme, symbolism, craft, etc. We used common clips from videos to help teach us of these moments, and then looked from them in our own texts. On Friday (today), we took one of those ideas and talked about how to write a good write long about it, as we will be using this technique in reading frequently. 

**Our September reading challenge is finished on Tuesday. Their goal was to read 350 minutes this month(in and out of class) to reach 9,000 as a class. They have a log that does need to be signed and turned in to get credit. If they lost theirs or forgot it, I have extras 

 You read Challenge

For Math (Ignore if your child not in my class or in CC1)

 This first unit is all about teaching routines for Bridges and multiplication strategies. We are just getting into the heavy lifting of the unit by discussing different methods of multiplying larger strategies. If you need any help at home teaching these ideas, please let me know or check it out on the Bridges Website.  With the pacing we are going at, my class will be  looking to take our first Unit test sometime in the first full week in October (not next week but the week after).

In social studies

 we are working on geography basics. We had an informal states and capital test which went very well, and I will continue to give the option to retake the test so students can nail all 50 states and capitals by the end of the semester.  They are also currently working in groups to identify characteristics of the US regions.  I extended the deadline for Monday, which hopefully they will be ready for. If not, I can extended it again if necessary.  

Overall, we've had a wonderful first month together. I have really enjoyed teaching your children so far, and have loved the sense of community they are developing. We have a lot of fun working together, talking things out and sharing ideas.  I have also really loved our classes' sense of humor!

 Things you can ask your kiddos this weekend:

1. What is a metaphor vs. a simile?

2. Who are the Little Rock 9?

3. What's the difference between revising and editing?

4. What is a longitude line and what is a latitude?

5. What was the best post it you had this week about the videos?

6. What is your narrative topic? How do add details to your writing?

7. What did the BFG do with Sophie in the last chapter?

8. When does Mexico celebrate their Independence from Spain?

9. How do you play alibi?

Middle School FAQ

Middle School FAQ

Homework?

A: I generally don't give out a lot of "homework." Most work we do is hands on in the classroom and/or students will have plenty of time to complete in class. The only homework provided regularly is AT LEAST 30 minutes of independent reading time, and maybe a math assignment from your teacher. Eventually, there will also be a short word work activity. 

Reading expectations?

A: Students should be reading 30-45 minutes 3-4 times per week OUTSIDE of school. They will have time daily to read in school. There are no reading lists for them to follow as research shows us that students will be come better readers when given choice. During certain parts of the year, students will be asked to read books that are in the genre we are studying, but they are welcome to continue reading their own texts as well.

Band is when?

A: Mr. Raye sent out schedules during the first week of school and lessons usually start the second week. 

When is Orchestra?

A: Mrs. Kurr should have sent out a schedule during the first week of school, and lessons also usually start the second week.

All small groups are during Literacy and large groups will be during EL time.

What is Bridges Math all about?
Some of the best info you can find is located here:
https://sites.google.com/a/mcpasd.k12.wi.us/math-resources/

How can I be sure my kid is staying on track and not letting things fall behind?
A:  Talk to them - You can always ask students to bring writing, reading, science or social studies home with them and see what we've been up to. One of the goals in middle school is to really get the kids to be more independent for themselves and their actions.

Can you explain more about the device policy?
A:  This year, the ENTIRE SCHOOL is putting devices off and away in lockers until 3:36. This means that students will need to keep them out of sight and out of mind. If you need to get a hold of your child at any time, PLEASE do not text them or expect them to text you during the day. My phone number is at the bottom of all my emails, and you can also call the main office for any messages that need to be relayed.
If students are caught with the device, they will be given one warning before cell phones will be given to the main office and further action is taken.

Device addiction is real, and we are trying to do everything we can to help monitor, support and teach proper device use.
Thank you for your support and understanding.