Monochrome

Parent conferences continue this week, and it has been a pleasure to see almost everybody so far. 

We took a break from our usual activities today to do some art. We reviewed our discussion of color, and this time we turned our attention from primary and opposing colors to a monochromatic color palate. The students did a winter scene using tempera. It was a messy project, but the results were often lovely.

Homework:  (1) Write spelling words two times each in cursive. Write a sentence for words 11-15. (2) Do the spelling word search. (3) Write a précis for a children’s holiday story. There should be one paragraph discussing the main character in the story. There should be another paragraph describing the problem and explaining how the main protagonist will solve it. (4) Do the Factors practice sheet.  

Melodramatic

Today was a theatrical day! Our students performed their melodramas for Mr. Pratt. This is the culminating project of this session of theater arts. We had practiced a lot in class as well as on Wednesdays and it showed. The students were great! In fact, Mr. Pratt had some of our students come back and perform for the other classes to show them how it should be done! Unfortunately, he kept me busy too with coaching and assessing the performances. I somehow did not get a chance to even take some photographs. I’m hoping he’ll create some time before Winter Break so I can actually record the productions so we have them available for parents to see.

Otherwise … just all the usual stuff.

Homework:  (1) Write all spelling words twice in cursive. Write sentences for words 11-15. (2) Do the spelling crossword. (3) Finish the packet for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. This was handed out Tuesday. (4) Fourth grade history:  do the “Alta California” study sheet. Fifth grade history:   Read and outline pages 26-29. (5) Do the “Multiplying Money” practice sheet. (6) Fourth grade math:  do pages 165-166. Fifth grade math:  Do pages 175-176.

Positive and Negative

Today we started out in the Tech Center. Mr. Seagren spoke to the students about cyberbullying. They seemed to mostly understand what he was talking about and why it is important.

After recess, Mr. Alberson, the district art teacher, taught a lesson about positive and negative spaces in art. The students looked at a number of works including some fun ones by M. C. Escher. Then they created their own works using construction paper.

We also listened to another chapter of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. We checked and corrected homework. And we practiced our melodramas a bit. We ended the day with reading buddies.

Homework: (1) Write all spelling words twice. Do sentences for word 6-10. (2) Do the spelling jumble. (3) Start on the reading packet for the novel. This will be due THURSDAY. (4) Do Making Change. (5) Fourth grade math:  Do pages 162-163. Fifth grade math:  Do pages 165-166 and 168-169. 

Back in California

A big thank you to Mr. Halpern for taking the class while I was back east dealing with my mother’s health problems. He said the class was great … but of course I knew they would be. Another big thank you to Sarah and Evan for spearheading the Halloween party. The decorations were so cute! If anybody has any pictures, I’d be delighted to post a few.

Homework:  (1) Write all spelling words two times each in cursive and write a sentence for each word. (2) Divide the words into syllables. (3) Do the “Multiplying Money” practice sheet. (4) Fourth grade math:  Do pages 160-161. Fifth grade math:  Do pages 162-163.