It was great to get back to school and hear about the fun that everyone had during the vacation. We have been busy since we returned to school! We kicked off our new unit on "How We Organize Ourselves" by experiencing three very different organizational systems. Students rotated to the 3 different 5th grade classrooms where they were given a task to decorate lockers. In Ms. Gamble's room they voted on everything, in Ms. Foley's class they experienced a communistic approach. Finally, in our classroom they experienced a dictator led activity where there was no decision making and no voice.
This unit provocation elicited strong responses and many inquiries. At the end of our discussion, students arrived at the central idea: Citizens can impact the formation and change of governments. We are learning about the formation of the U.S. government and how it functions. Independent inquiry projects will require students to find out about different forms of governments. Students will research another form of government and write a compare/contrast essay for the summative task.
This unit provocation elicited strong responses and many inquiries. At the end of our discussion, students arrived at the central idea: Citizens can impact the formation and change of governments. We are learning about the formation of the U.S. government and how it functions. Independent inquiry projects will require students to find out about different forms of governments. Students will research another form of government and write a compare/contrast essay for the summative task.
TECHNOLOGY NEWS
Our class is piloting new technology. We had a lesson from Ms. Handy, LJA's new technology director on how to use AirServer. Ask your child to tell you about how this technology works at school!
Students may also bring their own device to school. They may bring iPads, Kindles, and laptops- no phones for learning. Students will only use their devices for learning purposes and devices will be stored in a cabinet when not in use. It is NOT a requirement for students to bring in their own device. Ms. Johannson will be sending home an official letter with more details.
Our class is piloting new technology. We had a lesson from Ms. Handy, LJA's new technology director on how to use AirServer. Ask your child to tell you about how this technology works at school!
Students may also bring their own device to school. They may bring iPads, Kindles, and laptops- no phones for learning. Students will only use their devices for learning purposes and devices will be stored in a cabinet when not in use. It is NOT a requirement for students to bring in their own device. Ms. Johannson will be sending home an official letter with more details.
Important Dates-
January 19th- No School- Martin Luther King Day
January 23rd- Field Trip to the State Capitol- Chaperones Needed
February 26- Parent Workshop in the evening. There will be a session on Exhibition, Science Inquiry, Math, Language and Music. More information on the sessions is forthcoming. Look for a reservation form that will be sent electronically.
January 19th- No School- Martin Luther King Day
January 23rd- Field Trip to the State Capitol- Chaperones Needed
February 26- Parent Workshop in the evening. There will be a session on Exhibition, Science Inquiry, Math, Language and Music. More information on the sessions is forthcoming. Look for a reservation form that will be sent electronically.