Storyline:
We are working on creating the song Gabriella sings on her adventures in Venice. The children have been working really hard on composing both the musical and instrumental components of the song. I am really excited about what they have done. I think you will be amazed at the end product.
As I have mentioned earlier, the children will be putting on a modified play/retelling of Gabriella's Song. Your children will be bringing home scripts later this week, hopefully by Wednesday. It will be very important that they practice reading their parts at home.
MATH:
Due to the fact that we are coming to the end of the school year as well as entering the "preparing for the culmination" stage of the year, I may be sending math journals home with the children as homework. So, if your child brings his or her math journal home, it may be for one of two reasons. He or she either did not get it done during the given class time or everyone is taking it home for the day. Please let me know if you have any concerns about this. I will not be sending home homelinks and math journals on the same night.
HOMEWORK:
Completing homework is expected. Not completing homework occasionally is fine. We all have those days and nights! However, not turning in any homework assignments for the week in not an exception, it is a pattern. As your child moves through school, homework will continue to be expected. Please help your children with this aspect of school, support them and give them the guidance that they need. Help them develop good habits now and life will be much easier later!
Some tips~
Check your child's homework folder nightly. (Some children have items in their folders from APRIL!!!)
Have your child share what he or she completed during the school day.
Sit down and complete the homework together.
Don't expect them to remember that they have homework. Set up a time each evening where everyone sits down and does work together. Adults can read, work on a crossword puzzle, complete projects for work or home, pay bills etc.
Have a happy Sunday!
Becky
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
May 16, 2010
Storyline:
This past week we have been focusing on playing the instruments the kiddos brought in as well as instruments from the music room. We are working on creating the sounds of Venice. It has been fun to watch and listen to the children work.
As I mentioned earlier, the children will be putting on a "retelling" of Gabriella's Song, the book we are using as a base for our storyline. It is my goal to have the parts picked out by early next week (not this week). The children will have to practice their parts at home. Some will have speaking parts and some will be narrators.
We will want the children to "dress for the part". This will not involve anything extravagant. Hopefully, everything you need can be found in your home!
Spelling:
Each week your child brings home note cards with words on them. In the past, the children have been practicing reading the words. Starting two weeks ago, we began working on spelling. Every Friday, your child will have a spelling test on the words he or she brings home. Please be creative in helping your child learn his or her words. There is also a spelling program link on the left hand side of the page that some children are finding fun to use. The words that the children are getting are taken from their writing journals and from the first 100 and second 100 sightword list.
Great Gondola Race:
The children are making great progress in this event. The last day to turn in Gondola slips is Friday, June 11.
Scholastic Book Orders:
I will be ordering books on Monday, May 17. Please turn in any orders or order online.
I hope you have a great weekend.
Becky
This past week we have been focusing on playing the instruments the kiddos brought in as well as instruments from the music room. We are working on creating the sounds of Venice. It has been fun to watch and listen to the children work.
As I mentioned earlier, the children will be putting on a "retelling" of Gabriella's Song, the book we are using as a base for our storyline. It is my goal to have the parts picked out by early next week (not this week). The children will have to practice their parts at home. Some will have speaking parts and some will be narrators.
We will want the children to "dress for the part". This will not involve anything extravagant. Hopefully, everything you need can be found in your home!
Spelling:
Each week your child brings home note cards with words on them. In the past, the children have been practicing reading the words. Starting two weeks ago, we began working on spelling. Every Friday, your child will have a spelling test on the words he or she brings home. Please be creative in helping your child learn his or her words. There is also a spelling program link on the left hand side of the page that some children are finding fun to use. The words that the children are getting are taken from their writing journals and from the first 100 and second 100 sightword list.
Great Gondola Race:
The children are making great progress in this event. The last day to turn in Gondola slips is Friday, June 11.
Scholastic Book Orders:
I will be ordering books on Monday, May 17. Please turn in any orders or order online.
I hope you have a great weekend.
Becky
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Saturday, May 8
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
Storyline
There is a famous composer named Giuseppe Del Pietro who lives in Venice. He is very frustrated because he has been working for months trying to create a symphony that he must perform in a couple weeks at Piazza San Marco. He has worked and worked and has not been able to create the simplest tune. For the first time in his career, he could not create the simplest tune. Frustrated, he walked to his second story window, and like a miracle, the music found him. Gabrielle's song greeted him from down below. As he listened to her song, he became inspired to continue his work. Giuseppe still need help. That is were we come in. The children of Venice, along with Gabrielle will now help Giuseppe create a symphony for his concert. To prepare, we have been learning about the different elements of music which include: duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre (pronounced tambre),and texture. This week we will be working on pitch and structure. This week, we will also begin to work on the different instrumental families in an orchestra.
In the coming weeks, we will begin working on a modified play that tells the story of the book Gabriella's Song, which will be presented at our culmination. There will be musical parts as well as speaking parts. If your child ends up with a speaking part, they will have to memorize their lines (it won't be too much). The children will learn what parts they are playing by the end of this week or at the beginning of next week. I am playing around with how the culmination will look, we might actually have two plays (two groups doing the same play). We will see......
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
Pam Bird, a local artist will be working with our children this week and one day next week. We will get a to work with Pam a total of six hours. Last year she worked with our first grade classes and the art they produced was amazing! They will be working with a variety of media. It should be a fun week!
I have heard a lot of positive feedback from the Gondola Race. The children are doing a great job. Remember, if the children's gondola sheets are not signed by a parent, I will not move them forward. If you feel your child is struggling, please let me know. I have some "alternative routes" available :)
Scholastic Book Orders are due Friday, May 14. If you want to order on line, go to the link I have posted on the left hand side of this page. If you would rather send a check to me that is fine as well. I will do one more book order before the end of the year.
Have a great weekend!
Becky
Storyline
There is a famous composer named Giuseppe Del Pietro who lives in Venice. He is very frustrated because he has been working for months trying to create a symphony that he must perform in a couple weeks at Piazza San Marco. He has worked and worked and has not been able to create the simplest tune. For the first time in his career, he could not create the simplest tune. Frustrated, he walked to his second story window, and like a miracle, the music found him. Gabrielle's song greeted him from down below. As he listened to her song, he became inspired to continue his work. Giuseppe still need help. That is were we come in. The children of Venice, along with Gabrielle will now help Giuseppe create a symphony for his concert. To prepare, we have been learning about the different elements of music which include: duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre (pronounced tambre),and texture. This week we will be working on pitch and structure. This week, we will also begin to work on the different instrumental families in an orchestra.
In the coming weeks, we will begin working on a modified play that tells the story of the book Gabriella's Song, which will be presented at our culmination. There will be musical parts as well as speaking parts. If your child ends up with a speaking part, they will have to memorize their lines (it won't be too much). The children will learn what parts they are playing by the end of this week or at the beginning of next week. I am playing around with how the culmination will look, we might actually have two plays (two groups doing the same play). We will see......
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
Pam Bird, a local artist will be working with our children this week and one day next week. We will get a to work with Pam a total of six hours. Last year she worked with our first grade classes and the art they produced was amazing! They will be working with a variety of media. It should be a fun week!
I have heard a lot of positive feedback from the Gondola Race. The children are doing a great job. Remember, if the children's gondola sheets are not signed by a parent, I will not move them forward. If you feel your child is struggling, please let me know. I have some "alternative routes" available :)
Scholastic Book Orders are due Friday, May 14. If you want to order on line, go to the link I have posted on the left hand side of this page. If you would rather send a check to me that is fine as well. I will do one more book order before the end of the year.
Have a great weekend!
Becky
Saturday, May 1, 2010
May 1
Storyline ~
Venice is now complete! The streets of Venice are full of sound and music! The frieze is a piece of art that all should enjoy.
Last week we explored sound. We explored what sound is, sound vibrations and sound waves. The children went to the Bend Science Station and explored even more aspects of sound. The children were very excited about the experience.
In Music, Mrs.Smith has been working with the children on Elements of Sound. Specifically, dynamics, durations, tempo, timbre, pitch, volume and texture. She has also been exploring the musical instruments in orchestras and the different families such as woodwinds, brass and percussion and strings.
Are you wondering why we are learning so much about sound and instruments? Only time will tell!
Storyline Homework:
Making an instrument
The Great Venetian Gondola Race
Instruments needed in our classroom:
We are looking for percussion instruments to use in our classroom. If you have any we can borrow, that would be wonderful! Thank you.
Thank you to all who donated pencils. We are still looking for erasers and glue sticks.
Make sure you ask your children how they are doing in the colored pencil category and watercolor category. They may need some more to carry them through to the end of the year.
Artist In Residence:
Pam Bird, an Artist in Residence will be working with our children for five days beginning the week of the May 10 and finishing up the following week. Pam is an amazing teacher and artist. I am so excited that she will be working with our children. I have known her for many years (about 15) and I know she will give our children an amazing experience in art! I can't wait because I know I will learn as well! I will be sending out a volunteer schedule next week, as extra hands during an art project is always welcome!
The next two months ~
The next two months are going to fly by. It always amazes me how quickly this time goes. I have spoken to many parents about placement for next year and I thank you for your input. I have to work with the other teachers to make sure all the 2/3 classrooms are as equal as possible in all areas including academics, social and emotional. We spend a great deal of time working through this process. Please know I will do my very best to put your children in an environment that will suit their learning styles and social/emotional needs.
Have a great Sunday!
Becky
Venice is now complete! The streets of Venice are full of sound and music! The frieze is a piece of art that all should enjoy.
Last week we explored sound. We explored what sound is, sound vibrations and sound waves. The children went to the Bend Science Station and explored even more aspects of sound. The children were very excited about the experience.
In Music, Mrs.Smith has been working with the children on Elements of Sound. Specifically, dynamics, durations, tempo, timbre, pitch, volume and texture. She has also been exploring the musical instruments in orchestras and the different families such as woodwinds, brass and percussion and strings.
Are you wondering why we are learning so much about sound and instruments? Only time will tell!
Storyline Homework:
Making an instrument
The Great Venetian Gondola Race
Instruments needed in our classroom:
We are looking for percussion instruments to use in our classroom. If you have any we can borrow, that would be wonderful! Thank you.
Thank you to all who donated pencils. We are still looking for erasers and glue sticks.
Make sure you ask your children how they are doing in the colored pencil category and watercolor category. They may need some more to carry them through to the end of the year.
Artist In Residence:
Pam Bird, an Artist in Residence will be working with our children for five days beginning the week of the May 10 and finishing up the following week. Pam is an amazing teacher and artist. I am so excited that she will be working with our children. I have known her for many years (about 15) and I know she will give our children an amazing experience in art! I can't wait because I know I will learn as well! I will be sending out a volunteer schedule next week, as extra hands during an art project is always welcome!
The next two months ~
The next two months are going to fly by. It always amazes me how quickly this time goes. I have spoken to many parents about placement for next year and I thank you for your input. I have to work with the other teachers to make sure all the 2/3 classrooms are as equal as possible in all areas including academics, social and emotional. We spend a great deal of time working through this process. Please know I will do my very best to put your children in an environment that will suit their learning styles and social/emotional needs.
Have a great Sunday!
Becky
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