Omega Update

Reading
We are finishing up literature circles this week. There may be some groups, though, who do not finish. Those students will be encouraged to finish reading their book over the vacation. When we come back from the winter break, students will be designing a new book cover (front and back) for their literature circle book. It is this activity that caused me to request cereal boxes (empty, please).

Writing
We are wrapping up current writing projects and doing free writes in which students can write about anything they choose. When we come back from the vacation, we will start to take a close look at the writing pieces we want to include in our class book-a compilation of students' work-and what types of pieces we still need to write in order to have substantial variety. Students will also be illustrating some of their writing pieces.

Spelling
My goal is that all students will complete their work with their current word set this week. Then we'll start fresh when we return in March. Students who finish early in the week will work with "brain teaser" word puzzles. They will be allowed to work cooperatively, as the puzzles can be challenging. Those students who need all week to finish the work with their spelling words will work on word puzzles when we return from the break, so that I can stagger the spelling groups for management purposes.

Friendship Group
This week we will be working more with conflict resolution. The students have practiced using the "I feel...I want" language in role playing situations. This week we are going to create a conflict resolution ladder that will act as an aid in following the steps in the process. I'll need a parent volunteer to take the ladder to Staples to be laminated. Hopefully, the ladder will be a resource for the SH community.

Cultural Display
I have been thinking about what direction I want to take with our upcoming study of Native American Indians. In accordance with my style/theme/role, I want to focus our classroom study on the Native American's connection to the land...living by cycles and seasons, agriculture, shelters, etc. I'd love to hear your ideas and suggestions. Maybe we could have a mid-year potluck/brainstorming party? Let me know what you think.

FYI
I will be absent on the Monday and Tuesday after break (March 3 and 4). Dew will be my sub on Monday, and Amy (Lonna's mom) will sub for me on Tuesday.