Ms. Wilson

Final 2008-2009 Update

This year has gone by so quickly!  I have greatly enjoyed working with my students--those I've had all year and those it seems like I've had such a short time.  These are wonderful kids, enthusiastic learners, and gifted students!  I hope everyone has a wonderful summer.

Second Grade

Please remember that we will make up our missed Target day (May 7) tomorrow.  We will wrap up our unit as we continue our focus on satellites and discuss the future of concepts we've studied.  I forgot my video camera at home last week, so we'll tape our PSAs tomorrow.  I hope to have them up for you to see very soon!

Fourth and Fifth Grade

I enjoyed seeing many of you this afternoon!  I saw many students giving adults great explanations about the features of their castles.  We are asking that all castles be taken home tomorrow by the student taking the one constructed by his/her group. 

Best wishes for middle school!!!  This is a very engaged, creative fifth grade group; they'll do great things!

Have a great day!

Week of May 11-15

I can't believe we're already at the end of the year!  We have a busy week ahead of us...:)

Second Grade

Our ozone group delivered our class's first public service announcement this morning during Tritt's morning announcements.  We are very proud of them!  I plan to videotape each presentation in class this week.  They're between 1-1.5 minutes long, and I'll do my best to get them up on the blog by next Monday for you to see.  Again, please let me know if you prefer I not put them up! 

This week, we'll take an in-depth look at satellites.  We'll look specifically at what a satellite is, different types and purposes of each, and satellite tracking.  This topic is a very interesting one! 

Fourth and Fifth Grade

Each class will have a short period of time to make any final modifications to their castles.  Then, groups will present their castles, focusing on the protective features of each one.  Please remember that--following class this week--we'll display all the castles.  YAs mentioned in last week's posting, you are welcome to come see your child's castle--any many others!--if you'd like Monday, May 18, between 2:30 and 3:15.  Students are deciding in class this week who (if they'd like) may take their group's castle home.  Students should take them Monday afternoon (at 3:15), or they may be picked up Tuesday morning before 9:00 a.m.  I've loved having them, but I'm also looking forward to a little more space in our classroom...:)

Thank you so much to the wonderful chaperones that accompanied us to the Renaissance Festival!  It seems like the kids had a great time, and we hope you did, too. 

Have a great day!

Week of May 4-8

As you know, this week's schedule is an unusual one.  So, this week's blog posting will be unusual as well.  I'm focusing on schedules, so please read below.  Thanks!

Second Grade

I spoked with Coach Adams, and we're on for delivering our public service announcements next week.  :)  I went to each classroom and spoke with students this morning to relay the plan.  They'll deliever their messages next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday morning.  The ozone group will go on Monday, UV index on Tuesday, and sun safety tips on Wednesday.  I'm asking the kids to meet me in the media center at 7:45 a.m. on their morning so we can make sure they have everything they need and do a quick run-through.  I think this extra few minutes will be helpful since I won't see them this week. 

Please remember that I will see my 2nd graders as usual next week and then on Tuesday the last week of school to make up for this week. 

Fourth and Fifth Grade

Please remember that our field trip to the Georgia Renaissance Festival is this Thursday--rain or shine!  Right now, there's only a small chance of rain.  Please check the weather forecast ahead of time, though, so your child can take a jacket if needed.  I'm attaching the information sheet sent home last week in case you'd like to review it.  Finally, if your child needs a morning snack, he/she may bring one for the bus ride.  We will each lunch at the festival, and I have an afternoon snack (goldfish and Capri Sun) for every student. 

Download Renaissance Festival Info.

Ms. Neal and I know many of you are anxious to see your child's castle.  Many of the kids are anxious to see others that have been completed.  Each group will present their projects in class next week.  At the end of the week, we'll make sure all castles are set up in the classroom.  Our classrooms will be open Monday, May 18, from 2:30-3:15 if you and your child would like to come by to see them.  Your child is more than welcome to come to our rooms when car riders are dismissed if you'd just like to meet them instead of waiting for the bus.  Once the kids decide who will take the castle, you may take them home that Monday afternoon.  They may also be picked up Tuesday morning if that's better for you.  Students will work out who is taking the castle home (if they would like to) next week in class. 

Have a great week!

Week of April 27-May 1

We are finished with CRCT and back to full days with our students!  We'd like to remind and update you on our schedule.  Please remember that we have a 4th-5th grade Target field trip next week to the Georgia Renaissance Festival.  Thursday, May 7 will be 5th grade students' Target day that week.  We will make up 4th grade days missed due to holidays.  I'll see Monday's students on Monday and then on Thursday for the field trip.  I'll see Friday's students for the field trip and then on Friday.  Because I'll not be able to meet with Thursday's 2nd grade class, we'll make up that day on Tuesday the last week of school.  Each of these changes has been cleared with 2nd, 4th, and 5th grade teachers. 

Our last week of class is May 11-15.  We typically do not pull students from their classrooms the last week of school due to Author's Teas, breakfasts, transition activities, and other special events with their classes.  The one exception this year is my 2nd grade class.  Please know that Mrs. Lupiani, Mrs. Womble, Mrs. Martin, and Mrs. Gentry are already aware that students will come to me Tuesday, May 19. 

Second Grade

This week's warm-up brainteaser will be a Venn Perplexor.  We've worked on a few together, and I've seen much improvement in the analytical thinking these problems require.  I plan to see how students tackle one independently.  We began our galaxies research this past week and will complete it this week.  Students are learning about the types of galaxies and how they're classified.  We'll also begin to look at satellites and how they're used.  Finally, we'll run through our final PSA rehearsal in front of the green screen before next week's broadcast over Tiger Talk News. 

Fourth and Fifth Grade

We will work diligently to nearly complete our castles.  I've been impressed with the creativity students have shown in using recycled materials and substituting some materials for others.  We'll also complete the next lesson in Hands-on Equations this week.  Please see the Renaissance Festival update--printed on green paper--coming home with your child.  This memo contains helpful information and reminders. 

Have a great day!

Week of April 20-24

Please remember that as we begin CRCT testing this week, all of our students will come to Target at 10:30.  Also, please see the attached "Download THANK YOU" regarding some additional Target funds you helped us receive.  We greatly appreciate your support!

Second Grade

We made considerable progress on our PSAs last week and need only to run through a rehearsal before making our pitch to Tritt students.  We'll hopefully be able to conduct these rehearsals in the newsroom this week.  We were not able to begin our research on galaxies last week, as the web site we needed was down.  Time permitting, we'll get started with the research this week. 

Fourth and Fifth Grade

With CRCT testing, lunch, recess (Students won't have gotten a break after testing.) and afternoon specials in 4th and 5th grade, we anticipate having about 1-1.5 hours in the Target classroom.  We'll use this time for focused castle construction.  :)

My Monday 4th graders asked me to include this problem in my blog posting--I think they'd like to challenge you...:)  My wording won't be exact because I'm writing it from memory--my book is at school.  I'll include all the important info., though.  Here goes:

You plan tomatoes in half your garden.  You plant broccoli in 1/4 of what is left.  After planting the broccoli, you plant lettuce in half of what is left.  Finally, you fill the rest of your garden with cauliflower.  What fraction of the garden is cauliflower? 

Good luck!

Have a great week, everyone!

Week of April 13-17

I hope everyone had a wonderful Spring Break!  We're jumping right back into some ongoing projects this week and will be very busy in the coming weeks.  It's hard to believe we have less than 6 weeks left of school! 

We will have Target next week following CRCT testing.  Students will come to us at 10:30, and we'll have them for the second half of the day. 

Second Grade

We will continue to work on our PSAs this week.  In addition, we'll begin looking at galaxies and the Milky Way in particular.  We'll begin with a verbal/mathematical challenge titled "Where is the Milky Way?"  We'll talk specifically about our galaxy and our place in it before conducting research on the classification of galaxies.  A little piece of trivia for you:  What astronomer came up with our system of classifying galaxies by their shape or form? 

Fourth and Fifth Grade

Fourth and fifth grade are back on the same page;  fifth grade has made it just a little farther down that page.  :)  Students--in groups--will be working this week to complete their castle floor plans and begin building a scaled model.  They should bring any materials they need from home, remembering to think "recycled materials".  As previously stated, I have paper, scissors, glue, string, and a few other basic supplies.  We'll also complete the next lesson of Hands-On Equations and work some related word problems. 

Have a great day!

Week of March 30 - April 3

Ipromise I'm not on Spring Break yet... I apologize for my late posting this week! 

Second Grade

Our research task on ancient civilizations and measurement of time went very well.  Students demonstrated their understanding in some way, and most chose to create a model.  They had a great time doing so, and everyone enjoyed seeing what their peers accomplished.  We ran out of time to work on our PSAs last week, so we'll be working diligently on them this Thursday.  We'll also continue our work with a Venn Perplexor we started last week. 

Fourth Grade

We'll begin this week with "Medieval Math".  Students may use problem solving strategies of their choice to solve these word problems.

Students will continue where they left off in their castle groups.  After completing their brainstorming tasks, groups will create a sketch of their present-day or future castle and begin working on floor plans.  Students will have guidance in creating these.  Using the ActivBoard, we'll examine several examples and highlight key features.  Students will be given 1/2 in. grid paper on which to create their floor plans. 

Homework:  Groups are brainstorming a list of supplies needed for their castle models in class this week and should begin bringing them to class next Target day.  Paper, glue, scissors, string, and other basic supplies are available in my room. Students will need some sort of platform for their castle since they will need to be able to move it.  Cardboard, foam, or posterboard should work.  All models will be 17 x 22 in. or smaller.  I am highly encouraging students to use their creativity and look for recycled materials rather than buying new supplies.  They may ask themselves the questions:  What could I use to create _________?  What could I substitute for _________? 

Fifth Grade

Castle projects are now in full swing!  Groups are working this week to complete their floor plans, and some will be ready to begin working on their scaled models.  We'll also get an introduction to Hands-On Equations verbal problems. 

 

I hope everyone enjoys their Spring Break!  I'll be visiting some medieval sites during the break.  I plan to bring back many pictures to share...:)

Week of March 23-27

Target progress reports are coming home with students this week.  Please look over these with your child and encourage him/her to ask me any questions he/she may have.  Thanks!

Second Grade

Last week, students completed their first Venn Perplexor.  A Venn Perplexor involves using a Venn diagram to solve an analytical problem.  Students found this type of brainteaser a challenge, so we're going to work together on one this week look at problem solving strategies.

We'll continue to work on creating our PSAs this week.  Students have been put into groups based on their interests.  One group is creating a PSA on the ozone layer and depletion, one on UV index, and one on sun safety. 

We'll also continue to look at ways ancient civilizations used the sun and stars to explain the passage of time.  Last week, students began researching an instrument their chosen civilization used, when it was used, how it worked, its limitations, why we no longer use it today, and how it could be improved.  We'll complete our research this week and share what we've learned. 

Fourth Grade

This week, students will complete an activity titled "Offense or Defense?" on protective features of medieval castles.  Small groups will share their brainstormed lists of present and future dangers.  These discussions will lead to groups' planning of a present-day or future "castle" to protect them from the dangers they've discussed.  In the coming weeks, groups will create a sketch, floor plan, and model of their castle. 

We have a simulation planned for this week as well, and we’d love students to tell you about it after their Target day.  As stated earlier, we’ll be examining the role of monasteries in medieval times.  All materials will go home with your child at the end of his/her Target day.

Fifth Grade

We'll begin this week with "Medieval Math".  Students may use problem solving strategies of their choice to solve these word problems.

Groups will continue where they left off in their castle groups.  After completing their brainstorming tasks, groups will create a sketch of their present-day or future castle and begin working on floor plans.  Students will have guidance in creating these.  Using the ActivBoard, we'll examine several examples and highlight key features.  Students will be given 1/2 in. grid paper on which to create their floor plans. 

Homework:  Groups are brainstorming a list of supplies needed for their castle models in class this week and should begin bringing them to class next week.  Paper, glue, scissors, string, and other basic supplies are available in my room. Students will need some sort of platform for their castle since they will need to be able to move it.  Cardboard, foam, or posterboard should work.  All models will be 17 x 22 in. or smaller.  I am highly encouraging students to use their creativity and look for recycled materials rather than buying new supplies.  They may ask themselves the questions:  What could I use to create _________?  What could I substitute for _________? 

Tuesday's class - I will be out on Tuesday; this was a last minute absence.  Ms. Neal will get progress reports to students.  Please encourage your child to come talk to me Wednesday (at car pool) or Thursday (in my classroom) morning while it's fresh on his/her mind if he/she has any questions.  I wish I was there to discuss them with the kids when they're being distributed.  Thanks for your help!

 

Have a great week!

 

 

Renaissance Festival Chaperones

Second grade parents - Please ignore this posting.  Creating another blog posting was more feasible than sending an e-mail out to ~80 addresses of 4th-5th grade parents.  :)  Thanks so much for your understanding!

Fourth and fifth grade parents - More than half of you volunteered to chaperone.  Thank you so much for your interest and support!  Please see the attached explanation and list of chaperones. 

Download Parent Chaperones

Have a great day!

 

Week of March 16-20

As you know, report cards are being sent home on Friday.  I am collecting any incomplete or missed work this week before finalizing students’ progress reports.  These progress reports will be discussed with your child through a student/teacher conference in Target next week and will come home with him/her on his Target day. 

Second Grade

Students have demonstrated excellent research skills with their Sun Wise research over the past couple of weeks.  They have focused on ozone, UV index, and sun safety tips.  This week, we’ll look at some well-known past and present public service announcements on topics from forest preservation (Remember Smokey the Bear?) to crime (Remember McGruff the Crime Dog?) to seatbelts (Click it or Ticket) to literacy.  Most of these PSAs are older than students, and we’ll discuss why that is.  Ask your child about this after school on Thursday to learn a little piece of trivia!  After seeing some excellent models of PSAs, we’ll begin creating our own.  Mrs. Bates has already agreed to allow us to share our public service announcements on the morning announcements later in the spring.

We completed our Sun R.A.F.T. projects last week, and I’ve seen some very creative work.  Some students took their work home to complete it, and I asked that they return it to class this week. 

This week, we’ll begin to look at ways ancient civilizations used the sun and stars to explain the passage of time.  Students will create a sundial.  We will observe this sundial each hour as we work on our PSAs and research ancient civilizations.  Students will research an instrument their chosen civilization used, when it was used, how it worked, its limitations, why we no longer use it today, and how it could be improved. 

 

Fourth Grade

We will research castles using a Trackstar track created by Ms. Neal.  Time permitting, students will then complete an activity titled "Offense or Defense?" on protective features of medieval castles.  Small groups will share their brainstormed lists of present and future dangers in their small groups.  These discussions will lead to groups' planning of a present-day or future "castle" to protect them from the dangers they've discussed.  In the coming weeks, groups will create a sketch, blueprint, and model of their castle. 

We now have collected most field trip money and have been able to confirm our trip.  J  Thank you for your help with this!  I apologize that I’m not able to attach our parent chaperone list and information this evening.  I completed the document at school this afternoon and e-mailed myself so that I could post it on the blog.  One problem…I got home and realized I forgot to attach the document!  I will post this information tomorrow, and I apologize in advance for the second posting you’ll receive this week.  Thank you for your understanding! 

Homework:  Next week, in addition to castles, we'll be examining the role of monasteries in medieval times.  We'll look at the work of St. Benedict (as discussed in our first Middle Ages activity this spring) and Pope Gregory.  We're asking each student to bring with them a robe (or sheet that could be used as a robe) and some sort of hood.  A hooded jacket or fleece would work, or students could bring a towel.  The robe and hood will go home with the child at the end of the day.  Remember:  This is homework for the week of Mar. 16-20.  Students do not need these items until Mar. 23-27.  

 

Fifth Grade

Our research on castles took the majority of our time last week.  This week, students will complete an activity titled "Offense or Defense?" on protective features of medieval castles.  Small groups will share their brainstormed lists of present and future dangers.  These discussions will lead to groups' planning of a present-day or future "castle" to protect them from the dangers they've discussed.  In the coming weeks, groups will create a sketch, blueprint, and model of their castle. 

We have a simulation planned for this week as well, and we’d love students to tell you about it after their Target day.  As stated earlier, we’ll be examining the role of monasteries in medieval times.  Please remind your child about his/her homework—it’s very important in order to participate fully in this simulation!  They should, as explained last week, bring a robe (or sheet to use as a robe) and some sort of hood.  This hood may be on a light jacket or fleece, or students may bring a towel to use instead.  These materials will go home with your child at the end of his/her Target day.

We now have collected most field trip money and have been able to confirm our trip.  J  Thank you for your help with this!  I apologize that I’m not able to attach our parent chaperone list and information this evening.  I completed the document at school this afternoon and e-mailed myself so that I could post it on the blog.  One problem…I got home and realized I forgot to attach the document!  I will post this information tomorrow, and I apologize in advance for the second posting you’ll receive this week.  Thank you for your understanding!