Catching Up

It has been a while since the last post.  The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity.  From NECAPs (Hunter said, "Wow, my kneecaps hurt!" as he walked into the classroom on the first day of testing), to Polar Caves, we sure have been busy.

First of all, thanks to our many parent chaperones.  Even though we gave the option for driving, many took the bus and enjoyed the ride.  Mrs. McCullar, Mr. Dustin-Eichler and I all crowded into the front row barely containing our trio of bus sickness.  Perhaps the option next year should be for the teachers to drive!  Mrs. Poirier, Mr. Sneddon, Mr. Nalette, Mrs. Derosier, Mrs. Lebrun and Mrs. Noyes were our volunteers and guides.  Mrs. Peoples, the fifth grade special educator, enjoyed the Polar Caves so much that she went the following weekend with her own kids.  Here's a bit of trivia:  one Polar Caves group did the cave tour three times!

Here's the group at the annual photo.

For those of you who have never been to the caves, here's an example of the intricate walkways and paths built into the side of the mountain.  At this particular spot, kids would rush out screaming, "I made it through the Lemon Squeeze."

Trips aside, we are back into the academic swing following NECAPs.  In reading, we've moved away from character studies, and as soon as we finish our most recent book groups, we'll be focusing on shorter, non-fiction reading until after Thanksgiving.  As the kids get older, more and more of their information will come from different types of nonfiction text and it is important to study the text features of those.  Kids will still be expected to read for pleasure from fiction books during this time.

In math, we've wrapped up a unit which is a mixture of different topics to kick off the year, and are moving into area models of multiplication.  We will spend a lot of time on modeling multi-digit multiplication.  This is the time of year where a lack of math fact fluency will begin to slow the students down.  I also have been doing a lot of research on how to help the kids master their facts.  Basically I have found that constant repetition, a variety of activities, and a tracking system to monitor progress are key components.  I am always brought back to articles published by NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics), and here's one for you to look at if you're so inclined.

Click the blue words to access article.

Please encourage your child to write the facts, say the facts, rhyme the facts, or sing the facts.  Quizzing them in the car, in the shower, in line for the movies, or ANYWHERE will help!

In science, we've started our study of Earth's Changing Surface.  We've studied the layers of the Earth, the rock cycle and are now exploring rapid and slow changes to the surface.  Be sure to ask your child how the Earth is like a kiwi!

In writing, we're working on writing thesis statements, and are working toward an independent response to literature. 

We're nothing if not musical!

There's never a dull moment around the Vielleux Crew, and if you're strolling through the halls you might just see us "throwing our hands up" to the tune of "Layers of the Earth" by Rhythm, Rhyme & Results.  We've listened to it a few times, and the scientific content within the song is amazing.

Listen for yourself:





This is the beginning of our first science unit of the year.  We focus on the Earth's changing surface and begin with models of Earth's layers.  We review the rock cycle and learn about more in depth (just wait until you hear Ricky the Rapping Rock) and then we look at the way the surface changes rapidly and slowly.

Wednesday is our annual trip to The Polar Caves.  We love it there... it's a great time to wander around the wooded paths with friends, and a great time to see the fall foliage.  The kids were a little concerned that there might be "bears in the caves" but we assured them that was not the case.  These caves were actually formed when boulders broke off the side of Hawk's Cliff.  According to the website, "The Polar Caves were formed an Ice age ago. Our caves are granite caves and do not have stalactites or stalagmites, which are found in limestone caves.  Instead they were formed when the glacier moved overhead dropping boulders at the base of Hawk’s cliff.  These boulders formed passageways, which over the years we have built boardwalks through to make a neat experience."


As a reminder, here is what the kids can expect for the trip and a list of expectations and reminders:

• Everyone needs to bring lunch and snacks.  Please, no glass containers and bring drinks that can be closed easily.
• Wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
• Clean out your school backpack so you aren't carrying around extra weight.
• Students may bring electronics, ipods, and amusements for the bus ride.  Students are responsible for their belongings and bring them at their own risk.  All songs must be school appropriate.
• Students may bring no more than $10 spending money for the gift shop and/or rock collecting areas.
• Chaperones may ride the bus or follow in private cars-- it's up to you.  As the green chaperone paper states, please check in with your child's teacher at 8:15.
• Students are expected to stay with the chaperones and meet at the agreed upon time.  Please be prompt.  If a chaperone has any problems with a student, please report it to a teacher right away.
• Chaperones are welcome to bring cameras!  Please share any photos you have with us.  We love pictures of adults trying to get through the Lemon Squeeze.
• Have fun!