Ms. Aldrich, Mrs. Criss and Ms. Clement

Important Dates & Reminders

• January 1st: New Years Day, No School
• January 15th: MLK Day, No School
• January 25th: End of Quarter 2, Early Release Day
• January 26th: Teacher Work Day, No School for Students

Language Arts What are we learning?

Reading Unit: Functional Format

Students will be able to...

• Analyze how elements of text are used to convey messages and beliefs
• Critically analyze traditional and fractured tales to determine whose perspectives the author chooses to represent and whose perspectives are left out
• Determine whether or not to accept how the text is positioning them

Writing Unit: Non-Fiction All-About Books

Students will be able to… 

• Explore a variety of mentor texts in order to build an understanding of the genre and craft their own stories. 
• Consider power, perspective, and positioning when crafting the elements of their stories.  

Home/School Connection

Questions to ask your student:

• Why do you think the author wrote this story?
• What do you notice about ____?
• Who has the power? 
• Who is being left out?
• What character do you think the author likes best?
• How do you think ___ became this way?
• What is the author’s perspective?
• What does the author want you to believe or do?
• What other perspectives exist? 
• What do you believe about this topic? 
• How does this text position you?
• Who decided that this is true?
• What are the rules that the sources created?
• What privileges do you have that might be impacting your perspective on this issue?

Books We’ve Been Reading: We’ve been reading Cinderella stories from around the world.

Math What are we learning?

We’ll be starting Multiplication and Division Part 2 later this month. 

• Math Unit: Geometry

Students will be able to…

• Identify and draw representations of points, lines, line segments, rays, and angles.
• Define polygon.
• Identify and name polygons with 10 or fewer sides.  
• Combine and subdivide polygons with three or four sides and name the resulting polygon(s). 
• Identify and describe congruent and noncongruent figures. 

Home/School Connection

Things to do with your student:

• If student has access to the computer, have them practice on ST Math 
• Use geometry flash cards that were sent home to practice  
• Use real life examples when possible - looking at a STOP sign and naming the shape, etc. 

Science What are we learning?

We will begin our unit on Soil in 3rd quarter. 

Social Studies What are we learning?

Social Studies Unit: Ancient Egypt

• Describe how people in Ancient Egypt adapted to their environment
• Explain how the contributions of Ancient Egypt continue to influence our world today
• Understand the use of natural, human, and capital resources in relation to Ancient Egypt 

AAP Corner What are we learning?

 Students will be able to understand that…

• Change can be cyclical
• Change is everywhere
• Change can be positive or negative
• Change happens over time
• Changes are caused by people or naturally
• Changes can be predictable or unpredictable

Home/School Connection

Questions to ask your student:

• How does the concept of change connect to me, the world, or what I am learning?
• How do relationships connect to me, the world, or what I am learning?

Specials:

What are we learning? &  Home/School Connections:

• Library: We are exploring authors’ adaptations of fairy tales with the SCAMPER method, and beginning an inquiry project to create a Who Would Win book comparing two animals. We will research with databases including World Book Kids, PebbleGo, and others. Contact Ms. Wixtrom on Talking Points or email with any questions or anything you’d like me to know! I want to help your child thrive in their reading journey!
• PE: Thank you to all families for being strong co-teachers with us. Regarding pacing, we completed our “Gymnastics Unit” and “Routines Review” with all grade levels. Now, all students will move into their “Basketball Unit.” Learners will better understand the anatomy of a basketball court, and how to dribble with hands, bounce pass, chest pass, and shoot the basketball. Towards the end of the unit, we hope to teach different “playground games” such as “H.O.R.S.E.” and “Knock-Out.” As always, Mr. Bergin ([email protected]) and Ms. Brod ([email protected]) are here for any questions or concerns.
• Music: 
  • Ms. Shaw’s 3rd graders are working on a new recorder song, “Kagome,” working with skipping from G to E and vocal canon work with “Donkeys Love Carrots.”
  • In Mr. Sawasky’s music class, All grades are learning a frame drumming composition called, “Jennifer Bobby Bobby.” We are also learning about Martin Luther King Jr. and the song, “Hymn to Freedom” by Oscar Peterson. 3^rd and 4^th will be learning about composition and music theory.

• Art: 
  • In the Forestdale art program, the primary goal is to create an environment in which every student feels confident, safe, and supported by Ms. Barrett and by the other students. The goal is that each student will reach a level of technical mastery and self-confidence that allows them to take risks with their own artwork and create work they value.
  • In January, all students will be wrapping up their COLLAGE units and doing planning drawings for the upcoming CLAY units! 
  • All students’ collages are fantastic! They would look great in a frame, hanging on the wall – or at least on the refrigerator!
  • Thank you to all families for returning the Interview Forms for each Art unit! Students in grades 1st - 6th continue to use their Art Planning and Reflection Books, increasing their literacy skill practice during art classes!
  • As always, Ms. Barrett ([email protected]) is here for any questions or concerns regarding the art program.
  • 3rd graders are creating collages picnics! They made a weaving with red and white paper and glued on cut paper plates, and food to create their picnic collage. Students will add ladybugs to their collages as the uninvited guests (this connects to their classroom science ladybug unit!)

ESOL - English for Speakers of Other Languages

During the month of January, all ESOL students will begin preparing for our annual assessment of their English language proficiency. The state of Virginia administers the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs assessment from January 16-March 15. This assessment monitors students' progress in learning academic English in the areas of reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Families can find translated information about this assessment at this link: https://wida.wisc.edu/resources/what-access-ells 

Students in grades 1-6 can practice at home for the assessment through this link: https://wbte.drcedirect.com/WIDA/portals/wida/assessment_selection?adminId=596372