Book Report and Parcc Testing

Hi! 

First, I wanted to remind you that tomorrow is the first day of Parcc testing. Our class will be taking the test during the first morning session which begins at 8:45 and ends at 10:00. This does not leave us much time to have a big snack before testing so please be sure that your child eats a big breakfast. We will have our usual snack at 10:00, but lunch will not happen until 12:45 due to other classes that are testing. This will feel very late for the kids who are used to lunch at 11:15 so feel free to send a little extra for the 10 snack and they can munch if they need to. Please send in your child's book report book tomorrow. They may have time to read when they finish testing.

Second, below you will find a list of ideas that are options for student book reports. Please help your child select a project that makes sense with the book they are reading. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. 

Book Report Ideas and Guidelines (Also posted on Homework Tab)

There are 2 main components to your book report.

1. You will be writing a complete summary of your book with a beginning, middle, and end. You should include all main events, problem and solution. Characters and setting should be included. You may want to use the graphic organizer from the book talks, but remember unlike the book talk this be a complete summary.
2. You will be choosing an idea to visually represent your book. I have included a list of ideas below.

1. Write a children’s picture book based on the Newbery Book you read. Include the main ideas and characters in your book as well as the problem and solution. Your book must contain colorful, detailed illustrations and short text accompanying each. You may use your computer to develop your final copy.
2. Make a scrap-book. The scrap-book should tell the “story” through photos, journal entries, and mementos.
3. Create a board game based on your book. You must include the names and descriptions of all main characters, the setting, problem and solution. You may present the information however you like, but the game must include a description of the rules and HOW the game is played. All pieces must be included so that the game could actually be played in class.
4. Create a newspaper based on your novel. The title should be something relevant to the book. There should be letters to the editor about events in the story, classified ads, advertisements, weather report, articles, etc…
5. Book-in-a-Box. Neatly decorate the outside of a box and label it with the title, author, illustrator, and decorate it with illustrations representing something from the book. Inside the box you must include 10 - 20 objects that represent characters, setting, problem, and solution from the story. Each item has to have an index card attached that explains in detail why the object was included.
6. Your own idea. Do you have an idea for a project that is not on this list? Would you like to find a way to integrate more technology or creativity? Does your book lend itself to a different type of project? If you would like to develop your own idea you must find a time to meet with Ms. Moores to describe your idea and why you would like to do it.

Book Report Assigned today

Our Newbery Book report is officially assigned. Book choices can be found under the homework tab. I am asking that all children try to choose a book they haven't read before and one that is on the provided list. All students are asked to bring the book to school with them this Tuesday March 24th. If the book is on an electronic device a note from their parent with the book title will work as well.

Please note that I have not previewed every Newbery book. Some books are a higher level and others may contain content you do not want your child to read. Please ask me if you have questions about the accessibility of a book or would like suggestions.

The final project details will be coming out after the students begin reading.  Please do not have your child start a "project" until I have sent out the guidelines. I really want the students to get into their books before jumping into a project.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The Leprechauns were busy in room 105 today! Ask your child about the simple machines scavenger that they were sent on  to find their pencils.

I enjoyed seeing you all at conferences last week and appreciate your taking the time to fill out my website survey. The feedback is fun to read, and I look forward to the changes and additions that I can make to the website in the future.

In technology the students are enjoying our new classroom game "Osmo". If you haven't heard about it look it up online. It is a great new way to collaborate and use the Ipad in a hands on way.

We have begun our new writing unit on Opinion Writing. This is my favorite unit of the year as I love helping the children breath life into their opinions and learn how to respectfully defend and argue their beliefs. Try discussing some current events with your children and give them an opportunity to form an opinion based just on the facts. It is always very interesting how their brains form new ideas.

EdHeads Simple Machines online assignment is due tomorrow. If your child encounters computer difficulties please send me a note or email to let me know.

Survey Fixed

Hi Parents,

My original link to the website survey was locked only allowing Westford Public School emails to access the form. I have corrected the problem and the link is now accesible to all. Please consider taking a moment to fill out this survey.

Thank you!
Ms. Moores

Website Survey

Hi Parents!

As some of you may know it has been my professional learning goal over the past two years to develop, launch, and maintain a classroom website. Last year before I launched my website I asked parents to fill out a survey on what would be the most helpful information to have on a classroom site. Now that the website has been up and running for almost a year I am again looking for feedback on what is working and what could be improved. I really appreciate your taking the time to help me strengthen my website and use of technology in the classroom. Click HERE to fill out the survey.

Thank You!

Reminders

I wanted to remind you all that our class will be visiting the book fair tomorrow.

In addition there are two assignments outside of the typical homework week:

1. Students will be taking a Social Studies quiz on Friday.
2. I am also asking them to take a look at their current informational writing piece and edit/revise at home. I have included the grading rubric on the homework page to help with this process.

I am looking forward to seeing you all next week during parent teacher conferences. If you have any questions about your time please contact me. Report cards will be visible on the parent portal on Tuesday March 10th.

• If you have specific concerns you would like addressed during conferences please contact me ahead of time so that I can adequately prepare to address it. 15 minutes can go by very quickly!