To launch a 2-liter rocket all you need is a rocket, cork, pump water and an inflating needle. Fill the rocket halfway with water and then plug it with a cork. Stick the pump needle through the cork and then pump air into the bottle. After about eight pumps the rockets blast off. Click on the picture above or this link to see some examples of our rockets blasting off.
Safari in Kenya
On Monday we will begin our last unit of the year, Safari to Kenya. This will be the third Storypath of the year. Our first was the Great Barrier reef Unit where the kids became scientists at the reef. The second was the neighborhood unit where we created families. In this unit the class will become photojourbalists who go on a photographic safari to Kenya. They will create their own character, and then as a class they will create a mural of a Masai Mara Game Reserve, and a model of a Masai village. On May 22 we will head to the Knoxville Zoo for a special look at African animals and more!
Spelling Words/Word Wall
You may have noticed on the spelling tests that come home that we have more than the five words we have been studying. These extra words come from the spelling patterns that are on the word wall already. For example, make is on the word wall so I may put flake on the next test. This helps me see how much retention and transference of spelling patterns the students have.
The next spelling test words are him, them, smaller, get, go. That test will be on Monday, April 16. The following Monday our spelling words will be how, nice, who, two, with.
Announcements
tAuthor Visit – On Wednesday, April 25 author Michael Shoulders will be visiting ESK. Ms. King has sent home an order form if you would like to order some of his books to be signed. The order form is due next Friday, April 20
tSnacks – Please do not send chips, cookies, or candy as snacks. These do not fit the description of healthy snacks and we no longer let the kids eat them.
tBehavior Reports – A week or so ago I started using a behavior report to help focus each student on something they thought (or I thought) they needed to work on. With my help they decide what they need to work on. At the end of the day they score how they felt they did, and then I score them. We use a 1-5 scale. I will try and do one most every day for awhile. It is a good tool to force them to self-evaluate. We send these home so please look for them.
