Extra Credit Opportunities

Many of the students have been requesting opportunities to earn extra credit points. The quarter is almost over, but I would like everyone to have an opportunity to boost their grades. The students have been learning about biographies in class. I have given them the opportunity to write a biography on a parent/guardian, older sibling, neighbor, or community member. I would like them to use the writing process and clearly illustrate each stage. Each paper shall be submitted typed 12 pt font, double-spaced, and no less than 1 1/2 pages and be submitted no later than December 10, 2010.

Student Interactions in the Classroom

Many parents have been requesting information on how the classroom seating chart is designed--so I am sharing this information on here.
At the beginning of the year, each student wrote his/her name on a popsicle stick. I collected all of the popsicle sticks and put them in a decorative cup. We use these popsicle sticks for multiple classroom activities, including the seating arrangements. I also have a popsicle for each desk number. When we begin a new month, the students and I will take turns selecting a popsicle stick with student names and also a popsicle stick with a desk number simultaneously. The name selected will sit at the desk number selected.

The students have really enjoyed this method. It allows the students to interact with other students who they may or may not otherwise interact with. This also allows the classroom to have a diverse structure that starts a new cycle every month.

Test Taking Tips

It's almost the end of the 2nd Quarter and students will be taking end of quarter tests soon. Here are some test taking tips to go over with your child:

• Allow plenty of time to study and go over notes before the test date.
• Use flash cards to help familiarize yourself with definitions of terms that will be on test.
• Review your notes and homework over the material.
• Focus on the main concepts and then learn the details.

Use these Tips to help teach your child good study habits! For more tips, check out this website: http://www.testtakingtips.com/

Upcoming Field Trips!

Please be sure to turn in all of the permission slips for next month's activities by November 30, 2010. If you have any questions or have misplaced your child's permission slip, please go to the class website and print off a new one. Thank you for your time and courtesies.