Happy New Year!

We started off 2011 with a bang and wasted no time jumping right back into the swing of things. Here's what is on the agenda the next few weeks:

Language Arts - We have started a literature study on one of my very favorite books, Frindle, by Andrew Clements. We will be addressing all levels of Bloom's Taxonomy throughout this literature study.
In keeping with the theme of Frindle, worked in small groups renaming common items. They had to use their new word in a sentence and other students had to try to figure out the word using context clues. Ask your student what he or she wants for selder tomorrow and if they plan to drink qual with it. Or see if he or she is in need of a new zlamp. Students had a lot of fun exercising their creativity!

The spelling lists this week are taken directly from Frindle. Students were pre-tested this morning and appropriate lists were sent home.

Math - The Multiplication Challenge has begun! Similar to our other math fact challenges, students are expected to answer 100 multiplication problems (0-12 facts) in three minutes or less. A practice packet was sent home today. We will be doing various activities with multiplication and work will be differentiated according to current ability level.

Social Studies - This month we will be learning about Chinese New Year and Martin Luther King Jr. I have several exciting activities planned including timelines, webquests, oral presentations and classroom Jeopardy. I've heard through the grapevine that we may have some parents that have a good deal of knowledge regarding Chinese New Year. If anyone is interested in coming in to share an activity or information about China, Chinese New Year or anything related, please let me know. We would be thrilled to have you!

Science - Our next science investigation will have to do with ice, salt and sand. I experienced a blizzard in New England during Winter Break and it seems many students were somewhere with snow and icy roads. We will discuss what we learn about the effects of salt and sand on ice and apply it to real life.

We spent some time writing goals for the new year this morning and also reviewed expectations and guidelines. Students seemed excited and happy to be back in the classroom and I must admit, I was too.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and has a fabulous 2011!