Sunday, January 10, 2016

"Even when the sky is filled with clouds, the sun still shines." ~ Paul F. Davis



Ahhh, early adolescence.  These guys, by virtue of their ages (10-12) are all at the crossroad of a great metamorphosis, and as they journey forward, you'll no doubt observe that they're more focused on social relationships and expectations than ever before.


Their "task" is individuation, the process by which we become our distinct selves.  This is often a confusing, frustrating, emotional process.



Sometimes coping with "the task" becomes so perplexing that they resort to the kinds of behaviors we identify with adolescence.  Understandably, this can cause tension both at home and at school.





Many children this age tend not to talk with adults about things that are going on in their lives --particularly those things that are uncomfortable or confusing.


If you think back on your own adolescence, you will agree that this is not an easy time for kids.  

I'll be fine. . .

That being said. . .As we enter what is, perhaps, the most substantive learning time of the year, it's time to remind students that, just as socializing is an important part of their emotional growth, paying attention in class,  following directions, and attending to task are vital to their academic growth.  It's a balance that needs tweaking every so often.  



There is much to do, and the learning opportunities are plentiful.  I want all students to "own" their learning, to listen respectfully, to persevere, to ask good questions, and to contribute to a safe, meaningful, and enjoyable classroom environment. 






Hey guys:Look HERE for a Poster & Writing contest for Green Up Vermont!
You may submit one entry each for both of Green Up Vermont's annual poster and writing contests. They must be received no later than January 31. Posters should be 11" X 14", created by hand without the aid of computers and must include the words "Green Up Vermont." Writing entries can be a poem or an essay of up to 400 words relating to what "Green Up Day" means to you. 



ASSIGNMENTS FOR 
THE WEEK OF 
JANUARY 11-15




SCIENCE

    Tuesday:  Complete Climate vs. Weather Interactive Notebook activities -
    Part 1:  WEATHER MAPS.
    • Interactive Notebook:  Weather Symbols
    • Interactive Notebook:  Weather Tools  (More information can be found  HERE.)



    Done early?  Go HERE for a fun activity. (I'll also print it off. . .)


        Check out EXPLORING WEATHER  for facts on, well, weather. It's cool! While you're at it, check out THIS animated map of global wind, weather, and atmosphere.  . . .And then there's THIS great site. . . (Good grief; I'm doing it again. . .)  


        For a little background before you do today's assignment, watch:

        Weather Fronts





        Wednesday:  Forecasting the Weather Webquest. (Find it HERE)


           
          
           
         







        Thursday: "Air, Wind, and the Atmosphere" packet
        • Interactive notebook:  Types of Fronts & Describing Weather

        Friday:  Complete all work from the week.




        SOCIAL STUDIES



        Tuesday:  A Video Worth Watching from National Geographic


        Wednesday--Thursday: Continue work on Ancient Egypt Fact Books.
        Friday:  How to Draw Frontalism


        MATH

        Tuesday: 4.6:  Finding Unit Rates.  Share & Show, pages 245-246.  Practice & Homework, pages  247-248.

        Essential Question:  How can you use Unit Rates to make comparisons?

        What is a Unit Rate??


        A bit more practice 
        with Unit Rates:




        Wednesday:  Using Unit Rates 4.7 

        Essential Question:  How can you solve problems using unit rates?




        Applying Unit Rates andRatios in the Real World






        Thursday:  Algebra--Equivalent Ratios and Graphs  

        Essential Question:  How can you use a graph to reprresent equivalent ratios?




        Graphing Equivalent Ratios






        One More Time:



        Friday:  Review Test


        READING  
        How are you coming along on your independent book? Remember to fill in the contract as you read, and be sure your book and contract are with you wherever you go!


        Because of Winn Dixie

        Monday:  A day to organize. . .
        Tuesday:  Read Chapters 15 & 16 (and answer questions)
        Wednesday: Read Chapters 17 & 18 (and answer questions)
        Thursday:  Read Chapters 19 & 20 (and answer questions)
        Friday:  Read Chapters 21 & 22 (and answer questions) 


        Just a little extra!


        SPELLING 
        Monday-Thursday:  21-24.  Test Friday