In math, I introduced a new website to your child. The site tenmarks.com is an excellent way for your child to review topics that we are covering in math class. Each child has a user name and password so that they can access the site at home. They have changed the user name and password so that it is the same as the one that they use to log in to the computers at school. We will be using this site at school as well. I am able to assign a section for your child to complete and then they are able to do it in class. If they get stuck, they are able to use up to 3 hints per problem and there is even an explanatory video that will review the concept for them if they need it. At the end of the section, they will be given an opportunity to review their work before they submit the score to me. They are allowed to change their answers at this point and the program rescores based on the new answer. Once they have completed 6 assignments, they unlock a game section where they can play a math game to increase their competency. There are also" jam sessions" for them to choose from if they would like to work on a particular skill or just test their knowledge of a new one. Your child should have brought home a paper for you with a parent code so you can sign up and monitor their progress. If you would like a copy of this paper, please let me know and I will be happy to send one to you. Some of their math grades this year will come from this site and I have asked them to read the message from me to make sure that the assignment that I have given them is one that they can work on at home.
We are almost finished with our study of square numbers, exponents, and order of operations. A test will be given on Friday. I have encouraged your child to bring home his/her note book and review all concepts that are in there. They need to understand what makes a number a square number and also how to apply the order of operations to do well on the test.
In science, we are working on our first of many science experiments. Last Friday, your child tested four brands of paper towels to see which was the most absorbent. Since this was the first lab that we have done, I have really been doing a lot alongside of them. This way, they know my expectations and can use what we have done on this lab as an example for the many more that we will complete throughout the year. The next lab that we will do will be an alka-seltzer lab and that will more student-run than this one.
Last week in writing, we wrote our own Spoonerisms. They were a lot tougher to write than we first thought. But once we figured them out, we ended up getting some very good ones! I even had a few students tell me, "Ha! Mrs. Gosney, I just said a spoonerism and I wasn't even trying!" after they had their words get mixed up. This week we are working on grammar and the quiz on Friday will be on identifying whether a group of words is a sentence or not a sentence and also on the 4 types of sentences. Next week we will work on authentic writing tasks.
And finally, a few quick reminders...Refection entries are due on Friday. Be sure to get those entries in! Picture day is next Wednesday. An order form is coming home today. You may order online for your convenience, but if you could send the envelope back so the photographer will know, that would be great! Also, October 13 is a student holiday. Enjoy the extra day off with your child!