Hello Parents and Students –
I thought I would give an update on how things are going, as we are in the final laps of the race, figuratively speaking.
STRENGTHS:
- iReady Math: Overall, our class is doing GREAT on Math iReady. I have 100% passing lessons above 50%. 57% are passing all their lessons at 80% or above. This is GREAT…I remind my students that their math iready path is set at THEIR individual level. That path is where they can go FASTER or slower, if needed. We are in the final stretches, I motivate as best I can in class… but finding out how your child is doing on iREADY math and reading will help motivate them.
- Class Work : The students know this is (practice) and will help them score and master their standards on tests. Overall again, they are getting things done and working hard. I hope our individual conferences helped parents to know if their child was struggling to get work done. This is usually the time of year when kids want to slack off. I am going to try a few new things in class to motivate them. I want to thank parents who donated to our class prize box. We could use some more if anyone wants to donate holiday items, pencils, cheap earbuds, highlighters, those types of things. It will be a class store starting Monday till the end of the year now! Money is always a motivator!!! Thanks in advance!
Weaknesses:
- Reading iReady is a little less awesome. Passing our lessons on reading has been a struggle. Mostly because the students don’t LOVE the material they are reading. Engagement and connection are key to comprehension. “The more you read the more you’ll know, the more you know the more places you’ll go” to quote Dr. Seuss. I don’t LOVE everything I read either, but I try to encourage my students to read for enjoyment at HOME and free time, but for work, they need to learn to power through subjects that are not always something that peaks their interest. Small group reading/ (book club) is helping the kids to try something new and read things a little above their comfort zone, as to challenge them. Our read aloud has really helped them too, but the more help at home the better! So READ READ READ!!!! AND I know it is hard, but if you cut screen time at least an hour before bed, research has shown better sleeping habits and even helps eyes and other areas I didn’t realize.
- Overall Reading – As I stated before…. most kids are not reading at home. PLEASE, encourage this. In the world of technology, there are different ways to read and listen. I love them all, but nothing compares to a good old fashioned book. It triggers different areas of our brains and (as I tell kids) gives us Wrinkles on our brains. LOL
Upcoming Standards and Dates:
- March 8 – 12:
-MATH- Learning: Converting Measurement(MD.1)
TEST: Re-test week or iReady for (3) standards
-ELA- Informational (RI5.3) compare the relationship between two texts, (RI5.1) will quoting accurately from the text.
TEST:Language (L5.5 & L5.4) Figurative language and context clues to help you understand words.
-Science- Plant Growth ( this is one of the NEW standards with 5th grade!)
-Writing-Opinion Paper- “Are Shamrocks Lucky”
S.S – focusing on middle US states and their capitols
*March 14 – Day Light Savings – Spring Forward
* March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day
*March 20 – 1st Day of SPRING
**March 29 – April 2 = SPRING BREAK – No School
*April 4 – Easter
Have a wonderful weekend! I am excited to jump into the last weeks of school!!!
FINAL thought: If you want to opt your child out of RISE (end of level testing) then I need to know ASAP, we will be doing practice tests starting next week. THANKS
xoxoxo,
Mrs. Young
