Happy Thursday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. We've had four very productive days this week, and the kids are already anxious for the weekend. It's amazing how the time flies. Tomorrow brings us an opportunity to unwind and appreciate the world of art and literature, as the kids and I explore the life and works of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat and revisit our Kingdom Writings from late October.

If you haven't noticed it, we have a new link on the blog that will direct you to DonorChoose.org. The website is an amazing one, as it allows teachers to submit projects for funding by the world-at-large. If you have some time, feel free to click on the link. And, if you're feeling particularly generous, feel free to make a donation to help us make our continued studies of the arts in classroom a reality.

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

fourth-
- Saxon 49
- study spelling words
- RPB pages 158 & 159
- complete nature log fact research (if necessary)

fifth-
- Saxon 9A
- study spelling words
- RPB pages 142 & 143
- complete nature log fact research (if necessary)
- continue with weather monitoring device

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday

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

fourth

- Saxon 48
- RPB page 163
- problem of the week
- nature log entry (subject of their choosing, but NO pets)

fifth

- Saxon 50
- RPB page 147
- problem of the week
- nature log entry (subject of their choosing, but NO pets)

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Happy Tuesday

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

fourth:
- Saxon 47
- RPB page 162

fifth:
- Saxon 48
- RPB page 146
- begin researching ideas for a weather monitoring device (i.e. rain gauge, weather vane, windsock)

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Three and half weeks to go...

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. The kids and I already have Winter Break Fever! After these last few days of freedom, we are craving more! Still, we have a few weeks of work in front of us and have much to look forward to.
The fifth grade is working diligently with their weather studies and will soon undertake the creation of a weather - monitoring device of their choosing. The fourth grade is exploring the rock cycle and growing crystals in the classroom. The class as a whole is engaging with a new novel, The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. Fourth grade is exploring life in California after the mission system and the fifth grade is continuing with their work on the original colonies. The kids' missions, presidio and colony models came out beautifully. I'll post pictures over the next few days.
I am really looking forward to facilitating three very unique artists' studies in the weeks leading up to Winter Break. This week we will be looking at Jean-Michel Basquait, followed by Chuck Close, and then photographer Cindy Sherman. I have very creative projects aligned for each. (I know that many of you have seen the kids' works in the classroom, and I have hesitated to send them home in the fear that they would be damaged in transport. With that, I am having the kids make portfolios here where they can keep their work safe until Open House in May.)

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

4th grade:
- Saxon 46
- Reflections review page 161 (1-5)
- RPB page 161 (this week's spelling words)

5th grade:
- Saxon 48
- Reflections review page 246 (1-4)
- RPB page 145 (this week's spelling words)

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant