Spring is (Almost) Here!

As I write this post, it's sunny and beautiful outside. If only this weather could continue through next week so the kids could enjoy a lot of outside time over Spring Break.

We have been working extremely hard in the classroom since the last post. We have completed the Kansas Reading State Assessment and the students did a wonderful job of taking the test. Hopefully, soon after we return from Spring Break, we can get some preliminary results and give the kids a better idea of how they did as a grade level. We cannot give out individual scores at that time, but I can let them know if they did well. I cannot tell you all how much they enjoyed the letters from you as parents. Many of them held on to that letter all three days of the test and pulled it out before each test and had it sitting on their desk while they took the assessment. It meant so much to them to have those letters from their parents and family members. Thank you for taking your time to do that for them.

In MATH, we have taken a break from the book this week to work on skills for the Math State Assessment. All three groups are working on skills such as coordinate graphing, variables, Function Boxes, Measurement, and Geometry. These are all tested skills that are not covered well in our textbook, so we have come up with some fun activities to get the kids excited for these skills. We've had a lot of fun this week creating pictures using coordinates to practice that skill. We will continue these skills until the state assessments on April 16, 17, and 18.

In READING, we read a story this week about Inventors. The students enjoyed the story and found out a lot about how much these inventors failed before they became successful. We discussed how it's ok to make mistakes and learn from them and how this makes us become more successful over time.
Next week, we will take a break from the textbook to do a fun descriptive writing activity. The students will have fun using their imagination to write a fun story.

In LANGUAGE ARTS, we reviewed synonyms and antonyms. The students did a great job distinguishing between the two and completing an activity to go along with that. Next week, we will discuss adjectives and verbs in order to help us make our writing activity more exciting to readers.

In SCIENCE, Miss Burns has done an excellent job on her unit of the Human Body. The students have learned the names of many different bones and joints. She will continue her unit after Spring Break when students will learn more about joints and muscles. They will have a test shortly after Spring Break, so be looking for a review sheet to come home the Monday or Tuesday we get back.

Just a reminder that tomorrow, Friday, March 15 is Early Dismissal. Students will be dismissed at 1:20pm, so please make arrangements for them after school and be sure they know what to do.

Have a great week next week and be sure to spend time reading with your child! If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.