We have boogers!

Howdy all, I neglected to mention in today's post that we have exhausted our supply of tissue. I would appreciate greatly each family donating a box of tissues to the classroom in the coming weeks. Add it to your grocery list, and send one in with your child. We want to stay healthy!

Muchos gracias, Mr. B

Thursday and Friday

Howdy all. Well, we had a bit of a better today than yesterday. We have a class point system in place now that seems to inspire compliance with directions, etc. It is new, and we are working through a few kinks, but the kids have taken to it with a seriousness that is admirable.

Today's district assessment went well. The kids, while initially quite stressed, seemed to get in to the groove of things after about 15 minutes or so. They produced some interesting work thus far.

Tomorrow brings a spelling and math quiz. We will also be looking at the deep sea habitat for our biome studies.

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

-reading log (due tomorrow)
-study for Maria Isabel spelling quiz
-math quiz 11a
-reading practice book page 227, if necessary

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday & Thursday

Howdy all, we had a very rough day today. The kids are experiencing issues on the playground and in their neighborhoods that are finding their way into the classroom. We're constantly discussing ways in which to manage these issues in a positive manner, but the kids have opted for the easy eye-for-eye resolution. It's unfortunate, and we are working diligently to work our way through and around the negative. It is certainly upsetting to me to know the kids are purposely antagonizing each other, because I want the classroom to be a safe space for everyone. I need everyone to know that I do not tolerate negative behavior in the classroom, and will address it immediately (when it arises). The kids are well aware of this.

Thursday brings us our first district writing assessment. The kids will be writing on a fictional character of their choosing.

Tonight's homework includes:

-reading log
-math 70
-reading practice book pages 223 - 225 (irregular forms of the verb "be")

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

-reading log (due Friday)
-math 69 (all)
-reading practice book pages 216 - 218
-continue studying spelling words for Friday's quiz

I am still gladly accepting Scholastic book orders through this Friday. If you have a book or two that you'd like (hint, hint), be sure to send orders in post haste.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Monday and beyond...

Howdy all. Thanks for checking in at the beginning of what is sure to be an interesting week. We begin some serious exploration of biomes starting Tuesday. Kids got a sample of the Planet Earth series that we'll be using as a resource for our studies on Friday, and they are pumped up for science! It makes me happy.
Math will be business as usual.
Social studies has us wrapping expeditions to California and changing our focus to the Gold Rush and statehood. The kids know that I go all out for the Gold Rush. We'll be playing a three-week long interactive Gold Rush simulation, reading By the Great Horn Spoon and studying some documentaries. All-in-all, the GR will last us through the middle of March.
We are back into our language arts book this week. The kids have spelling to study for "My name is Maria Isabel.." for Friday's quiz.
Will will have a district writing assessment on Thursday as well.
I need permission slips and $1 from the following five students: Aleks, Mick, Navid, Annika and Jalen. Parents who have offered to chaperone or drive have been listed on events / field trips section of this blog. If your availability changes, please let me know.

Tonight, the kids are responsible for the following:

-reading log
-orange folder
-math 68
-reading practice book pages 220 & 221

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant