Thursday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. As promised, we ventured into new territory today with our reading and language curriculum. On Thursdays and Fridays of weeks we spend working with short stories from our reading text, the kids will be given opportunities to extend their understanding of the content by participating in 3 enrichment activities of their choosing. For these three weeks leading up to the Winter Break, the kids will be choosing from 9 possible activities that they may work on individually or collaboratively. End results may be shared with the class, or they may be submitted directly to me for review. It is my sincere hope that the kids engage with material that piques their interests and fosters a deeper understanding of the materials that we cover as a group. As a starting activity, we began to work with perspective in storytelling. The activity was two-fold in its approach; yesterday we worked with storyboards to retell a narrative without using words, only imagery. Today, and continuing tomorrow, we are working with visual perspective. How does an ant see the world compared to a giraffe? The kids have been very excited about this change, and it is something I am excited to offer, as it instills a great deal of ownership and personal responsibility for one's self and work.

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

- reading log
- math 11.1, pages 91-92 of blue math book
- study for "The Stranger" spelling quiz

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. The kids were quite enthusiastic with the new math text today. We are looking forward to weaving the two texts to best support the learning of the class. The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

- reading log
- Saxon math lesson 22, problems 1-20
- Stranger storyboards (many were completed in class)
- Reflections textbook review questions 1-5, page 139
- please remember to bring in library books

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday & math

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. Hopefully you notice that the kids have a new math book that they are working with today. As I mentioned at Back-to-School Night, I have implemented a second textbook in our math curriculum. The Saxon math program is a rigorous one, but is a program that I have experienced nothing but success with. For kids that struggle with math, the program will provide them with the opportunity for daily concept review, as well as a much simpler approach when dealing with new content. For those that excel in math, the content will also enrich their understanding and challenge them with relevant, standards-based material. I will continue to use the Houghton-Mifflin math text in our day-to-day classroom sessions, but the Saxon text will be the basis for their homework and assessments from here on out.

Yes, this is a week of changes. Come Thursday I will write of the language curriculum enrichment that will be implemented in the classroom.

We have also begun a classroom crackdown on students who are falling behind in their assignments. Yes, unfortunately students have begun losing recess and lunch time to make up nature logs, reading logs, and work in general. Not my favorite thing, but needing to instill the notion of responsibility and ownership for one's self and their work. Hopefully it is a short-lived endeavor.

Tonight, the kids are responsible for the following:

- reading log
- nature log
- Saxon math lesson 21, problems 1-20
- reading practice book pages 158 & 159

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Monday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. I sincerely hope that you each had a pleasant and restful holiday. The kids came back today with bundles of energy. We've only got three short weeks together until the Winter Break, and I know we are all looking forward to more down time.

In the meantime, the kids are responsible for the following:

- blue folder
- reading log
- math 10.3
- reading practice book pages 162 & 163

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Wednesday & Thursday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. I'll be out of the classroom tomorrow working with our mathheads at the District Office. We're working diligently to make this text work for the kids. Mrs. Abelar will be here in my place, and the kids have made a vow to be nice to her in my absence.

Friday will be our last day of school before the Thanksgiving Break, so I'd like to wish you each a healthy, happy and restful week off from school.

Friday here will bring the kids first experience with The Big Spin Award Assembly. The kids will receive recognition from the staff and their peers for such things as Academic Achievement, School Spirit, Perfect Attendance and Accelerated Reader Achievement. It's a lively experience, and all are welcome to join from 1-2 in the MPR.

Wednesday night the kids are responsible for:

- reading log (due Friday)
- math 10.1
- continue with The Witches packet (due Friday)

Thursday night the kids are responsible for:

- reading log (due tomorrow)
- math 10.2
- Reading Practice Book pages 140 & 141
- complete The Witches packet (due tomorrow) Students know that they will not be allowed to watch the film on Friday unless the packet is completed.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Tuesday

Howdy all, and thanks for checking in. We wrapped up our reading of The Witches by Roald Dahl today, and the kids are chomping at the bit to see the film on Friday! We'll begin our next full literature endeavor following the winter break with By the Great Horn Spoon by Sid Fleischman. As we have finished our reading of The Witches, the kids have been made aware that I will be collecting their completed Witches study packets on Friday the 20th!

Tonight, the kids are responsible for the following:

- reading log
- nature log entry
- reading practice book pages 132 & 133

There will be a short math quiz on chapter 9 material tomorrow. There are no spelling or vocabulary words this week that will be quizzed on, but the kids will still work with "A Very Special Day" content from their reading practice book.

Respectfully, Mr. Bryant

Monday

I think that we are all very excited to understand that we are four short days from our Thanksgiving Break. There is a energy in the air that has us all abuzz. Hopefully we channel that energy into some productive school days this week. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

The kids are responsible for the following tonight:

- reading log (due Friday)
- math page 206, problems 1-21
- reading practice book pages 136 & 137

The kids were made aware today that they will have a short math quiz on Wednesday covering content from Lesson set 9.

Respectfully,
Mr. Bryant