MCAS, conferences, and what's new

Well, MCAS is finally here.  Your children and I have been working hard getting ready by reading voraciously, and practicing test taking strategies.  We have talked about multiple choice questions, and how to read them carefully, cross out the obvious incorrect answers, and go back to the text to choose the best possible answer.  We have talked about answering short answer questions by choosing the best answer from the text, and explaining why that is the best answer.  We have talked about answering open response questions by formulating a topic sentence that reflects the question (to ensure that they are indeed answering what is asked), and supporting that answer with three pieces of evidence from the text, and explaining each piece of evidence.  I hope that you will review these techniques with your children, and reassure them that they are well prepared, and if they give it their best effort the day of the test, no one could or would ask for anything more. 

Just a reminder that a good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast play an important role in success.  We have also told the children that they are allowed to chew mint gum the mornings of the test.  There is some research which has shown that the mint stimulates brain cells and encourages focus.  I know the children were excited at the prospect.  If you would like your child to chew, please send in a stick or two this Wednesday and Thursday.

We have been very busy doing many other things, as well.  In reader’s workshop we have performed some reader’s theater to practicing fluency.   We are also finishing up the book groups mentioned in the last entry, and will be switching partners and books within the next week or so.

In math we have finished the division test, and are starting geometry this week.  We are also continuing to work on multiplication fact memorization.  Please make sure that your child is practicing their flashcards and/or going on Xtramath nightly.  The goal is to be able to say each fact (up to 10 x 10) within 3 seconds.  WIN groups are up and running.  WIN stands for 'what I need,' and each child has their own folder with papers to practice on skills that they have found challenging.  Mrs. Green and I meet with small groups to reteach challenging topics, as well as to push the thinking of those who understand the topics taught.

We have been working on our second non-fiction text in writing.  The children have researched in the computer lab and planned out their chapters.  They are using a variety of text structures and text features throughout their books.  We will be moving on to poetry after we complete these.

Please look for conference notices to come home this week.  Conferences at this time of year are optional, and I will let you know if I feel one is necessary.  Feel free to request one if you feel the need, and send it back either way so that I know you have seen it.

Finally, we are still trying to go outside as much as possible.  Please make sure that your child dresses for the weather.  Hopefully, spring weather will be here soon, but until then they should have warm jackets, hats and mittens as the wind makes it quite chilly on the playground.