Friday, December 2, 2011

A Song in Our Hearts

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Students in Mrs. Mac's class have been taking part in Music this first semester with Mrs. C. McIlvaine. We've enjoyed learning so much about opera and various composers of opera. Other things we've enjoyed include playing Boomwhackers and drums. Most recently, we have been learning how to play the piano. We've been taught to play an excerpt from an opera, Turandot, which is one of the operas we studied. The slideshow above shows our class practicing Spring in China. Enjoy!

Homework:
Reading - Please read the rest of Number the Stars and complete your final role for next Thursday.

HAVE FUN AT ACTIVITY NIGHT! DON'T FORGET YOUR TICKET!!!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Walking in Someone Else's Shoes


Today's class meeting topic was empathy. We want to learn to show empathy so that we may develop closer and more true relationships with other people. In class, we talked about the meaning of empathy, ways to show it, and how it plays a role in bullying situations. Our group freely shared times when they showed empathy, as well as times they missed the opportunity. We also shared instances when it seems easier to show empathy as opposed to caring less. Empathy often results in compassion and a desire to help others. From now on, we're trying to think about what it would be like to walk in someone else's shoes.

During our time in McD's Reading Cafe, we shared our roles for chapters 6-10 in Number the Stars. We're very involved in the story of Annemarie and her family and friends. Parts of the story are making us feel tense and uncertain. Many of us identify with the main character Annemarie, as she tries to be brave during these difficult circumstances. Our palms were sweating as we read about the soldier who wanted to open the casket of Annemarie's Great-aunt Birte, who we know does not exist. Annemarie's mother was really thinking quickly when she told the soldier that her aunt died of typhus to prevent him from opening the casket. This particular portion of the story was really frightening for most of us. We're looking forward to the final chapters. We enjoyed great discussions during cafe today, and we thank Emily and Ben, as well as their parents, for the delicious drinks.

Homework:
Reading - Our quizzes for 'A Trouble-Making Crow' are tomorrow (including assigned spelling list). Please be ready. Also, finish Number the Stars, along with your final role, for next Thursday.
Math - Stained glass worksheet and quiz tomorrow.
Social Studies - Review study guide and pages of Ch.1, Les. 1 (Geography of Latin America) for tomorrow's quiz.
DON'T FORGET THAT YOUR GIVING TREE GIFTS ARE DUE TOMORROW!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Crows That Spell T-R-O-U-B-L-E!


Our Language Arts story, A Trouble-Making Crow by Jean Craighead George, was a very interesting story. We learned more than we ever knew about crows, and most of the information was so surprising! Actually, many of us will never look at crows quite the same way. Ms. George has a vast knowledge of nature, and she shares this knowledge in the many stories she has written for children. Students who enjoyed this story may also enjoy her first novel, My Side of the Mountain. Check it out!

Our Social Studies review today challenged all "HOOPERS!" When a team answered their review question about the geography of Latin America correctly, they were allowed to shoot to double their points. Some had just the right touch! Others....well, as long as they can apply the information, that's the most important thing (wink, wink).

Homework:
Reading - Study. Quizzes on A Trouble-Making Crow this Friday. Be prepared for Cafe tomorrow.
Math - Multiplying decimal sheet
Spelling - Quiz Friday
Social Studies - Geography quiz on Friday
PSSA Practice - Page 37 PSSA Language Arts for Monday