The B Hive 2016
What does this video teach you about our individuality?
Thursday, September 29, 2016
We Love IXL!
Remember to use the correlation chart attached to their pre test to help them focus their IXL use at home. We will be taking our first math assessment on Tuesday. I know they are ready!
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Weekly Update #3
Here’s what we were up to this week"
Math: This week we had four math lessons and a flex day. We focused on estimation and traditional addition strategies. If you noticed that your son/daughter struggled with any of these concepts on the pretest, these would be great things to practice on either IXL or the home links. These are on top of the math fact fluency practice that they should be doing. We want to work on everyone getting 90 percent or better on their first math assessment in a few weeks.
Reading: Students have been doing a great job getting into our routines during reading. We finished up benchmarking last week and most of us finished the NWEA Reading Test. We will begin guided groups this week.
Writing: This week we began personal narratives. We focused on special people, places, and events in our lives. We created a beginning, middle, and end plan to map out that story. We also wrote fantastic leads that pull our readers in. Finally, we added dialogue to our stories to help the reader know how our characters were thinking and feeling.
PBL: We spent this week on a mini PBL unit about healthy brains and bodies. This week we will begin a fantastic unit on our government.
Forms to Return: A permission slip went home with your student on Friday. Please sign it and have them return it.
Upcoming: A link was sent to you this week to sign up for conferences. If you have not done so yet, please sign up here.
I’m looking forward to another great week! Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Monday, September 19, 2016
Let's Hear from Ms. Jones
Dear Fourth Grade Families,
My name is Maggie Jones and I will be in your child's classroom learning from and helping Mrs. Bertelson this year. I am in my fourth year of college at the University of Michigan and in my second year in the School of Education's Elementary Education program. I am working toward a Bachelor of Arts in Education, majoring in Language Arts. I am very excited to be at A2Steam this year and even more excited to be Mrs. Bertelson’s student teacher! I look forward to teaching and learning from the students in the classroom.
I’ve been very lucky to have many opportunities working with children in the past. During high school, I volunteered at a summer camp and for a tutoring program through my school. During my first two years of college, I taught Spanish to third and fourth graders around Ann Arbor. I have been a camp counselor at the Natural History Museum here in Ann Arbor for the past two years, working with children of every age group. I work at the museum during the year as well, as a docent. Additionally, I was a teaching intern last year and worked in both a kindergarten and fifth grade classroom. All of these experiences combined have contributed to my career choice as a teacher. I look forward to furthering my experiences and sharing my enthusiasm at A2Steam.
One of the strengths of the elementary program at the School of Education is its emphasis on fieldwork. In the next few months, I will assist Mrs. Bertelson in the daytoday activities of her classroom and will be working in various situations with the fourth grade students. Throughout the year, I will have opportunities to lead math discussions, teach lessons, and eventually teach a unit on my own. I am delighted to be working with your child, Mrs. Bertelson, and the rest of the fourth gradeclass this semester. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me through Mrs. Bertelson.
Sincerely, Maggie Jones
My name is Maggie Jones and I will be in your child's classroom learning from and helping Mrs. Bertelson this year. I am in my fourth year of college at the University of Michigan and in my second year in the School of Education's Elementary Education program. I am working toward a Bachelor of Arts in Education, majoring in Language Arts. I am very excited to be at A2Steam this year and even more excited to be Mrs. Bertelson’s student teacher! I look forward to teaching and learning from the students in the classroom.
I’ve been very lucky to have many opportunities working with children in the past. During high school, I volunteered at a summer camp and for a tutoring program through my school. During my first two years of college, I taught Spanish to third and fourth graders around Ann Arbor. I have been a camp counselor at the Natural History Museum here in Ann Arbor for the past two years, working with children of every age group. I work at the museum during the year as well, as a docent. Additionally, I was a teaching intern last year and worked in both a kindergarten and fifth grade classroom. All of these experiences combined have contributed to my career choice as a teacher. I look forward to furthering my experiences and sharing my enthusiasm at A2Steam.
One of the strengths of the elementary program at the School of Education is its emphasis on fieldwork. In the next few months, I will assist Mrs. Bertelson in the daytoday activities of her classroom and will be working in various situations with the fourth grade students. Throughout the year, I will have opportunities to lead math discussions, teach lessons, and eventually teach a unit on my own. I am delighted to be working with your child, Mrs. Bertelson, and the rest of the fourth gradeclass this semester. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me through Mrs. Bertelson.
Sincerely, Maggie Jones
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Weekly Update #2
We had a great second week! We are beginning to get into the routine of school. Here’s what we were up to:
Math: This week we had four math lessons and a flex day. We focused on place value, rounding, and estimation. If you noticed that your son/daughter struggled with any of these concepts on the pretest, these would be great things to practice on either IXL or the home links. These are on top of the math fact fluency practice that they should be doing. We want to work on everyone getting 90 percent or better on their first math assessment in a few weeks.
Reading: Students have been doing a great job getting into our routines during reading. I’m excited to begin reading with all of them next week in order to form our first guided reading groups. We will be finishing up benchmark assessments this week and next week start guided groups.
Writing: This week we wrote poems about ourselves called bio poems. We finished typing them and they will soon be on display for you to check out.
PBL: We finished our first PBL unit! We took selfies that represented us in some way, we wrote poems about ourselves, and we made self portraits to teach each other a little more about us.
Forms to Return: A permission slip went home with your student on Friday. Please sign it and have them return it.
Upcoming: A link was sent to you this week to sign up for conferences. If you have not done so yet, please sign up here.
I’m looking forward to another great week! Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Weekly Update 1
We had a great first week! What a great group of students! Here’s what we were up to:
Math: This week students took pre-tests to help me determine how to best guide my instruction for each student. We also started our math curriculum on Friday. Off to a great start!
Reading: Students have been doing a great job getting into our routines during reading. I’m excited to begin reading with all of them next week in order to form our first guided reading groups.
Writing: We started working in our composition notebooks this week.
PBL: We started our first project this week “Selfies on Common Ground”. Ask your student what colors and objects they used to represent themselves in their self portraits.
Supplies: Thanks so much to those of you who have volunteered to bring in supplies for our classroom! We really appreciate it and will put them to good use.
Upcoming: This Thursday is curriculum night. It’s a great chance to learn about our curriculum and policies for the school year. Ms. Fitzgibbon will be making a presentation from 7:10-7:30. Our presentation will be from 7:35-8:05 in our room, 402. I look forward to seeing you there! If you aren’t able to make it, all paperwork will be sent home with you student the following day.
I’m looking forward to a great year! Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
One More Day!
We only have one more day!!!
FYI Makerspace Grant! When 500+ students get ready to present their ideas at biannual Expos for the school community, you can imagine the flurry of activity and excitement that ensues. The main problem we have, and the reason why this grant is so essential, is they need to have a solid library of consumable materials for “making.” How many emails go out in the two weeks before Expo to the effect of, "Does anyone have any...?" One of the newer trends in schools and libraries are Makerspaces. A Makerspace is a "creative, DIY space where people can gather to create, invent, and learn." In our case, we will be supporting our student projects by having a room full of supplies they can access whenever the need arises. The worst thing we can say to students caught up in the verve of an idea is, “No, you can’t create that, we don’t have the supplies for it.” Help us keep their excitement fueled by providing the basis for a starter Makerspace. Click this link to donate now!
It's Time for Scholastic Book Orders!
Tomorrow, Monday September 12th, three Scholastic book orders will be coming home in their Yellow Communication Folders.
Class Code - HB47X
Order Due Date - 09/23/2016
Dear Families,
This month’s Scholastic Reading Club flyers are now available! Please take a few moments to explore the selection together and let your child help choose books he or she is excited to read.
You can order online at scholastic.com/readingclub, where you’ll find a wide selection of quality children’s books that are just right for your child’s reading level and interests. Or return your paper order form to me with a check made out to “Scholastic Reading Club.”
Remember, you help our class earn FREE Books and supplies with every order. Thank you for supporting your child’s reading both at home and in the classroom!
PS: Please let me know if your order includes a gift for your child, and I will contact you when it arrives!
First Time Ordering Online?
Enter our one-time Class Activation Code.
Shop and submit your child's book order.
Your books will be delivered directly to the classroom.
Sunday, September 4, 2016
It is Almost Time!
I can't believe that in a few short days we will begin our 2016-17 journey together. There are a few important things to note. I'll try to be brief. :)
Ticonderoga Pencils
At the beginning of the year, families often ask what they can do to help the year get started. We have all of the supplies that we need to get going. If your son/daughter would like to bring their own things, they are more than welcome. If you want to do something for us, send in some Ticonderoga pencils. They last longer and sharpen better. No worries if you are not able to send them in. Every month, I will ask for something specific that will meet our classroom needs.
Pick Up Plan
It is very important to us to know how your child will get home at the end of each day. If you have not filled out the pick up plan, do so here.
Parent Survey
If you have not had a chance to fill out the parent survey, please do. I get a lot of beginning of the year information from this form. Thank you in advance. It is often helpful to sit with your child as they may have some insight. They will also be filling out a similar form for me. This form is also embedded below in our blog.
Birthday T-Shirts
Our school district is very concerned about the amount of sweets that our students encounter every day. Because of this, we have a no sweets policy at A2 STEAM. We would like to begin a new 4th grade tradition this year. Each student should bring in a white t-shirt on their birthday. Students will sign that shirt and your son or daughter can keep it as a reminder of their special day. If you would like to send it pencils, gift bags, or something else, please feel free.
Curriculum Night
STEAM Curriculum night is Thursday, September 15th. Please come to learn about the exciting opportunities your family will have this year and the dynamic curriculum that has been created over the past few years.
Last But Certainly Not Least...
Please donate what you can to our makerspace. Read below from more information from Ms. Reader and Ms. Jensen...
When 500+ students get ready to present their ideas at biannual Expos for the school community, you can imagine the flurry of activity and excitement that ensues. The main problem we have, and the reason why this grant is so essential, is they need to have a solid library of consumable materials for “making.” How many emails go out in the two weeks before Expo to the effect of, "Does anyone have any...?" One of the newer trends in schools and libraries are Makerspaces. A Makerspace is a "creative, DIY space where people can gather to create, invent, and learn." In our case, we will be supporting our student projects by having a room full of supplies they can access whenever the need arises. The worst thing we can say to students caught up in the verve of an idea is, “No, you can’t create that, we don’t have the supplies for it.” Help us keep their excitement fueled by providing the basis for a starter Makerspace. Click this link to donate now!
Ticonderoga Pencils
At the beginning of the year, families often ask what they can do to help the year get started. We have all of the supplies that we need to get going. If your son/daughter would like to bring their own things, they are more than welcome. If you want to do something for us, send in some Ticonderoga pencils. They last longer and sharpen better. No worries if you are not able to send them in. Every month, I will ask for something specific that will meet our classroom needs.
Pick Up Plan
It is very important to us to know how your child will get home at the end of each day. If you have not filled out the pick up plan, do so here.
Parent Survey
If you have not had a chance to fill out the parent survey, please do. I get a lot of beginning of the year information from this form. Thank you in advance. It is often helpful to sit with your child as they may have some insight. They will also be filling out a similar form for me. This form is also embedded below in our blog.
Birthday T-Shirts
Our school district is very concerned about the amount of sweets that our students encounter every day. Because of this, we have a no sweets policy at A2 STEAM. We would like to begin a new 4th grade tradition this year. Each student should bring in a white t-shirt on their birthday. Students will sign that shirt and your son or daughter can keep it as a reminder of their special day. If you would like to send it pencils, gift bags, or something else, please feel free.
Curriculum Night
STEAM Curriculum night is Thursday, September 15th. Please come to learn about the exciting opportunities your family will have this year and the dynamic curriculum that has been created over the past few years.
Last But Certainly Not Least...
Please donate what you can to our makerspace. Read below from more information from Ms. Reader and Ms. Jensen...
When 500+ students get ready to present their ideas at biannual Expos for the school community, you can imagine the flurry of activity and excitement that ensues. The main problem we have, and the reason why this grant is so essential, is they need to have a solid library of consumable materials for “making.” How many emails go out in the two weeks before Expo to the effect of, "Does anyone have any...?" One of the newer trends in schools and libraries are Makerspaces. A Makerspace is a "creative, DIY space where people can gather to create, invent, and learn." In our case, we will be supporting our student projects by having a room full of supplies they can access whenever the need arises. The worst thing we can say to students caught up in the verve of an idea is, “No, you can’t create that, we don’t have the supplies for it.” Help us keep their excitement fueled by providing the basis for a starter Makerspace. Click this link to donate now!
Saturday, September 3, 2016
We Need Your Help!
When 500+ students get ready to present their ideas at biannual Expos for the school community, you can imagine the flurry of activity and excitement that ensues. The main problem we have, and the reason why this grant is so essential, is they need to have a solid library of consumable materials for “making.” How many emails go out in the two weeks before Expo to the effect of, "Does anyone have any...?" One of the newer trends in schools and libraries are Makerspaces. A Makerspace is a "creative, DIY space where people can gather to create, invent, and learn." In our case, we will be supporting our student projects by having a room full of supplies they can access whenever the need arises. The worst thing we can say to students caught up in the verve of an idea is, “No, you can’t create that, we don’t have the supplies for it.” Help us keep their excitement fueled by providing the basis for a starter Makerspace. Click this link to donate now!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)