Twelfth Pnight Friday

Hello Team 201 Families!   Today was a busy one.  I am having a blast working with your kids.  They are a creative bunch. Today we explored yet another Shakespeare title, Twelfth Night, adapted by Lois Burdett and Christine Coburn.  What a saga!  The kids created fantastic story maps. I hope that you will see these and our other projects on Thursday. They will all be on display. Students are coming home with a flyer today.
Here is the rundown:

MacBeth and A Midsummer Night's Dream

Deuling Shakespearean Trash Talk

Project Gallery

Thursday, June 5 

11:00 a.m.

CAC Dining Room

This Weekend.......

• The Marble Maze Lab Sheet is due on Monday.  Late work will not be accepted.  If you need another copy, log on to Mrs. O'Brien's website.  Click on the projects tab.  You will see it.
• Marble Mazes are due on Friday
• Many kids need to edit their Zoo Research.  Bring it back on Monday.
• If you did not finish today's Shakespeare work, it is homework.
• I will make an announcement regarding Pizza money on Monday. Stay tuned.

Thursday Thoughts

Hello 201 Families-

It looks like our final performances of MacBeth and A MidSummer Night's Dream will be on Thursday, June 5th, at 11:30.  I am waiting for final approval and will send a special note home as soon as I have it.

Prop Needs-

• Three white sheets
• royal crowns, his and hers
• someone to help set up the day of show in the morning

Reminders-

• Marble Maze lab sheet: due June 2. Late lab reports will not be accepted!  The dimensions for the maze are 22 x 22.  A regular piece of cardboard will work well. All other materials, with the exception of glue/tape to adhere the maze, can be found items.  Towel rolls work great!  Remember, your goal is to get your marble from start to finish, without getting stuck.  How can you slow down your marble?  Think about adding friction and using gravity to your advantage.
• Field Day is June 4th.   Students should bring a picnic lunch. The PTA will not be providing water or snacks. Students should be prepared for a long day outside: bring plenty of water and sunscreen!  Students who forget a lunch will be escorted to the cafeteria during our regular lunch time at 1:00 p.m..
• All Disney library books are due tomorrow!   Students may keep Wonder until the end of the year.

This evening at home.....

• Complete the My Math pages.....  be precise!
• Study your lines and think about your role.
• Wonder work: complete the Jack Character Analysis sheet.  If you are not finished, keep on reading!  You should be reading every night!
• Read for pleasure and record!

Parents, want to come to the Zoo?

Hi Parents,

We have room for another parent volunteer for tomorrow's trip.  If you can make it, send me an email!

mport@cps.edu

Today is Not Monday Tuesday

It kind of seems like a Monday!   We are are all excited about tomorrow's trip to the Brookfield Zoo. We will leave school at 8:30, so all volunteers should be here bright and early.

This evening at home..

• Complete the "Character Notes for Via" sheet.  We've spent lots of class time analyzing her. As Deandre said, "Via is kind of complicated."  Use the text to support your ideas.  Details, please!
• Complete the My Math Homework found on pp.891-2
• Read for pleasure and record on your Green Card.  If you are not finished with Wonder, read Wonder.
• Bring a bag lunch to school. You will be carrying this lunch all day, so be prepared!
• Bring a small water bottle.
• Bring a pencil/ colored pencils
• A small backpack might be helpful
• Comfortable shoes are a must!

Titleless Thursday

We are having difficulty coming up with something new are creative today.  Well, we did invent a new word.


This evening at home....

• Complete the Check My Progress pages in My Math
• Write a first person diary entry from the perspective of August, Olivia, or Jack Please use evidence from the text to support your ideas.
• If you are not finished with Wonder, keep reading. Most kids are finished.
• If you are finished with Wonder, read something else and record on your green card.

Unfinished Classwork?

• SS Mind Map
• Character Tree
• Speak Like Shakes Ad

Words-of-War-Wednesday

We had a great time dueling with Shakespearean insults today.  Students practiced yesterday, and today battled one another with some pretty way-out and wacky word wars.  Students were asked to focus on their "character" voice.  We practiced speaking slowly, clearly, and with "command."  Your kids really rose to the occasion!  There are more than a few surprise actors in the group.  It was fantastic to hear their confident voices! 

We also worked on our costumes.   Thanks to all who are sharing things from home.  Here are a few items that we need:

• 3 plain, flat, white sheets.  We will need to cut them to make ghost costumes, so this will be a donation.
• a king's crown
• an "elf" type hat

• someone to make the "Act/Scene" signs for each play.  I can provide sharpies and paper. They can be hand-drawn or created on the computer and printed out.  We need a sign for each Act/Scene in each play: MacBeth and Midsummer.
• someone who can turn bunny ears into donkey ears. I have the bunny ears and the brown felt.  Are  there handy parents/sewers that can use the felt to make them look like donkey ears?

 I will be updating this list later today and tomorrow, as costume needs arise. Please check back and let me know if you can help!


*I apologize for not returning the "green cards" yesterday.  I am blaming it on the excitement of putting on two plays.  They did get stamped yesterday, and will go home tonight.

This evening at home.....

• finish any classwork on pp. 873-875 and do the My Math homework pp.877/8.
• read for pleasure and record.
• respond to this Wonder question in writing:  How do August's medical and physical conditions affect Via?  How might his conditions be hard on her? Do you think that Via is jealous of August in some ways? Explain your ideas using details from the text.  Make it your best. This should be two to three paragraphs.  
• Of course, study your lines.   Practice your expression and pronunciation.  Remember our dueling exercise and put some feeling into it! 

 

"M" To The Third Power Monday

We've been waiting all weekend to post this title: MAPS MATH MONDAY.  Thanks to all the creative, Team 201 minds who helped develop today's title.  It was a collaborative effort.  Well, the MAPS test is behind us.   I will be sending home information about your child's progress soon.

This evening at home.....

• My Math pp. 837-838
• Create a Character Tree. Use your script to help you. Select either: MacBeth, Lady MacBeth, Puck, Helena, or Hermia.  Choose 5 adjectives to describe the character.  Use story/text evidence to defend each choice.
• Read for pleasure and record.  You will get a double stamp tomorrow!
• We will take a Math test on Wednesday on Chapter 13
• Field Trip forms/fees are due no later than Wednesday.
• Please turn in the Shakespeare Request form.  I have about 50% of them.

Searching For Sunshine Saturday

Sun, please come back!  I hope that 201 families are enjoying the weekend.  Thank you for returning the Shakespeare Survey.   If you have not read and returned the form, please bring it in on Monday!

Notes/Reminders...

• Please complete the math review sheets. I sent these home to keep your brain in math-mode this weekend!  Bring your questions to me first thing Monday morning, and we can review specific problems.   Please do not leave these until Sunday night, as I hope that all 201 students can make it an early night on Sunday, because on Monday we have......
• MAPS testing!   We will test at 9:00 a.m. on Monday.   It may be helpful to have a small bottle of water with you.
• Don't forget, our field trip to the Brookfield Zoo is on May 28 .  All forms and money are due this Wednesday!
• Please send in your Shakespeare Survey. I want to get as much input as I can so that we can set a date.
• Hey kids, spend some time looking over your lines this weekend.  Do you want to make further changes? Just write them down in the margins and we can discuss them on Monday.
• Enjoy this video from our favorite teacher-rapper, Mr. Lee.  I hope that he inspires you!

To Thine Own Self Be True Thursday

Today's title combines some of the themes in Wonder with a nod to Shakespeare.  Want some extra credit in writing?  Answer this question: What does this title mean?  What does it have to do with how we make decisions and treat others?


Today we spent lots of time with Shakespeare. The kids read through their roles, and created extra lines and scenes that will add to the plays.

This evening at home.....

• read the Mini Page : The Play's the Thing...Shakespeare's Theater
• select one section and respond in writing.  Share your thoughts and impressions. Use evidence from the text to back up your ideas. Please proofread your writing!   Responses should be 8-10 sentences, no less.
• complete the Math review page
• please read, respond to, and return the Shakespeare parent survey
• remember, field trip money and forms are due next Wednesday.

Enjoy these adaptations of A Midsummer Night's Dream and MacBeth. Brought to you by Animaniacs.......

Where Did the Time Go Wednesday

This post will be short and sweet.

This evening at home

• Marble Maze Lab Sheet. Please read. 
• My Math pp 855 and 856
• Wonder: reread pages 61-80, or read them for the first time.  Here is your question: Why is Halloween a positive thing for August?  Use examples from the text and your own ideas, opinions and experiences to answer the question.

Test Taking Tuesday

Students are finished with the reading portion of the Spring MAPS assessment!  Next week, we tackle math.

This evening at home.....

• reread the sections in Wonder necessary to answer the two response questions.  You may do the writing directly on the page or on a separate sheet.
• complete the My Math pages 849 and 850

I made a mistake!  The field trip form and money is due next Wednesday!  I apologize for the confusion.

MAPS Tomorrow Monday

Tomorrow we take our final MAPS assessment in Reading.  We revisited our goals today, and talked about strategy.   We will be in testing mode tomorrow from 9-11.  Students may want to bring a small bottle of water.  Please make sure to bring Wonder to school.

Today we also spent some time measuring area in square units. We worked toward our individual math goals in ESparks, too.  Pod 200 is trying to keep the pod very quiet during testing time, as we want to encourage each 4th grade student to meet his or her goals.   Today, 201 spent most  of the morning in the CAC Dining room.  We worked on our Shakespeare, sat through a mini lesson on Poetry and Theme with Mrs. Ginn, and auditioned for parts in either MacBeth or Midsummer.  Each child will have a part mid-week.


This evening, there is no regular homework.  Read for pleasure and record on your Gold Green Card.  Sleep well, and eat a healthy breakfast in the morning.

***Please bring in your Field Trip form and fee!  The money is due on Wednesday.  If you do not have  the form, simply write a note that includes your contact information and the signature.  The cost is $8.00.

T' Was All A Dream Thursday

That's what Puck said, basically, at the end of A Midsummer Night's Dream, which we read today.  I think that there are several students who are ready to play the parts and really ham it up.

This evening at home...

• Read, or reread, pp. 20-44 of Wonder.  This includes 8 chapters.  Here is your task: explain each chapter title.  Why did the author select each title?  Each explanation should be two to three sentences.  Think deep thoughts and share them with us.
• My Math: complete My Homework on pp.835-836
• Please get your Field Trip Form signed and turn it in.  
• Parents, I am sending home some work for you!   Today, your child should bring home a 1/2 sheet asking you to create an "encouragement" poster. Every bit of encouragement helps!   Letters/Posters should be no larger than 8.5 x 11.

Woe is Me Wednesday

That's what MacBeth said. Not really, but he could have said it.  Same goes for Duncan.   Today, we read the wonderful version of MacBeth written by Brendan Kelso.  It was a blast.  We also discussed last night's " famous Shakespeare quote" homework. Then we created a resume for Shakespeare.  Students combined autobiographical information with creative embellishments about Shakespeare's talents and qualifications. They are almost finished and are looking great. I think he might get hired, even in this economy!


This evening at home.....

• complete the perimeter and area practice page. Make sure to create models!
• read, or reread, pp. 1-20 in Wonder.   Then, complete the "fact finder" page.  Fill it with 8-10 things you know about the story or character so far.  It is o.k. to include opinions about the situations and characters, as long as they can be supported by the text.  Do not tell me that the book is over 300 pages. This is a fact, but nobody cares.  The illustration can be a series of small sketches or one large one. Don't forget the caption.

Notes:

• Each student received a copy of Wonder today.  I highly recommend that parents read it too. It is a moving story and there are many discussion points. Steal it after your child goes to bed!  This is a Disney library book.  Bring it to school each day and take good care of it.  
• Progress reports are going home today.  Please sign and return by tomorrow.  
• Yesterday's Math test is also coming home today.

'Tis Tuesday Thou Sayest

Today we talked about, and tried to talk like, Shakespeare.  Students began to research the life of this famous poet and play write.  We discussed last night's Shakespeare Said It phrases, and talked a bit about his work. The adventure continues tomorrow.  I will let you know as soon as our performance date is set.

This evening at home.....

• Read the Yo, Shakespeare! Mini Pages. Select one of the famous quotes on the second and third page to work with this evening.  What does this quote mean to you?  Can you think of an example from another text or movie that relates to the quote. Make sure to include the exact quote from the paper. Your writing should be about 2 paragraphs.
• My Math page 819 and 820
• Field Trip forms went home today. 

Many Bridges Monday

Finally, we make our bridges. Thank you, Kelbe, for bringing us the straws. There are just so many of them!  We may be able to attempt this project a second time. Several of the bridges were able to bear weight.  I think that a second trial would bring better results. Scroll below to see some photos.

Today we....

• read about and discussed the Proclamation on 1763. Those colonists are getting fed up with King George and his imperial ways.   
• worked on individual reading and math goals in Esparks.
• corrected last night's math homework and did some review to prepare for tomorrow's test.
• took last week's reading test on The Fun They Had.
• went to the Science Lab to build bridges, and were rudely interrupted by a fire drill. 
• ate lunch and had outdoor recess.
• worked on our ST Math goals in Mr. Marshall's class, who looked a lot like Mr. Fisher today. 

Tonight at home...

• complete the Chapter Review sheet, both sides. We will correct and have a Q and A session tomorrow. 
• complete the Common Shakespeare Phrases sheet, both sides. If you are not sure what the phrases mean, ask around. If you still are not sure, you may use internet resources, or take an educated guess. What do you think it means?  Can you think of an example of the phrase in context?
• read for pleasure and record on your Green Card. You will get a double stamp tomorrow.

MAPS Testing:

• May 13- Reading
• May 19- Math

The design was promising. How could changing the cup's center of gravity aid stability?

These ladies used the triangle model to add strength.  Next time, they will keep the straws long, so that the strength won't be compromised.

This solid based was foiled by a "leaning" cup. 

Talking About Art Thursday

Today's trip to the MCA was fantastic.  We were given a tour that  led us to specific works.  We asked questions. We pondered. We wondered. Then, we created.   The second half of our trip led us the the Creation Lab. Students were provided with random materials and were given free-reign to create.   The structures were beautiful, amazing, thought-provoking, and a bit whacky.   Thank you, MCA, for offering this free trip.


This evening at home...

• finish the bridge brochure. I will be collecting the graphic organizers and the finished product in the morning.  Yes, the headings need to be colored. Yes, it should reflect your best work.    All of the guidelines for the project can be found on the previous post.
• practice your multiplication by completing the following problems. Please show all of your work:
• a) 675x 346  b) 107x456 c) 368 x 1,258  d) 92x 868  e) 702x 670

Notes.....

• We will NOT take our regular reading test tomorrow. We will take it on Monday.
• We WILL take the CPS Literacy Performance task.  Students will read a passage and respond to several prompts.
• We will build bridges tomorrow. If any student can donate plastic straws, we will use them!