Homework

Homework is now in folders under each heading.  The writing is now a word document instead of a pdf so it's "pretty"; it bothered me that unattractive printouts were going in their storyline books.  The folders also allow access is past homework for those who need it.  The due dates are part of the name for each file so hopefully it won't be confusing.  Mr. Morgan (my blog master) and I send home the same homework at the same time whereas Mr. Pfaff sends his home on Mondays; that's why their names are part of the files.  I know it's annoying to have to print out all four math pages separately; I'm not sure why that's happening.  I do appreciate all you patience and flexibility as we do homework via the blog!

Have a great weekend!

It's Been a Busy Week in the Village!

On Thursday, we discovered our stockade had been destroyed and Deer Running Downhill was missing.  There were several theories - a storm knocked it over and took Deer Running Downhill with it, intruders came and kidnapped Deer Running Downhill or perhaps it fell over on its own and Deer Running Downhill wandered off.  Students were working on staying in character.  It was necessary to look at the events as an Onondaga person, not as a Sexton Mountain student looking at paper, clay and sticks.

On Friday, we discovered that Dancing Dove of the Wind's basket of strawberries had been stolen.  Chief Atotarho said he saw some intruders in the forest, thus furthering the invader theory for some.  Other tribes were having troubles as well.

Later that day, we learned of a secret conversation out by the steam house.  Apparently, Chief Atotarho is unhappy that he was replaced earlier and wants his power back (thus introducing another theory).  The green hair?  He was said to have had snakes in his hair like Medusa.

Despite the causes, it was necessary to repair the stockade and move on.  We are definitely more on alert now.  We talked about how invasions and conflict between tribes were, unfortunately, a way of life for the Onondaga.  They aren't yet fully aware of what a terrible man Chief Atotarho was. 

We were also very busy this week with lots of writing.  Some students were finishing up their Thanksgiving books as well as writing about a typical day in winter and creating their own legends.  I enjoyed hearing all of the many things your children are thankful for and am entertained by their imaginations.  It's very likely you will hear your child read one of those pieces at the party on the 15th.

Spring has Sprung!

 Yesterday, the snow started melting in our Onondaga village.  Today we saw further signs of spring (time is moving very quickly now).

 Someone is about to pick some strawberries.

A lovely patch of daffodils.

Stay tuned as trouble is on the horizon...

From Jen Fife-Adams, Esme's mom and book order organizer:

Hi all - Scholastic book orders will be going home with your children on Wednesday.  I'll be placing two orders this month: December 4th for those who want items for the Holidays and December 23rd, for those wishing usual delivery in January.  If you want items to be earmarked for gifts, pop me an email at jfifeadams@gmail.com, and I can either wrap them before placing in the cubby, or we can make separate delivery arrangements!

I love it when you order online because we get free stuff everytime you order online. Your online orders have allowed us to add some great books to the classroom library such as some Roald Dahl, E.L. Konigsburg and Rick Riordan titles. These are great books to have in the

library!  For the holidays, the class will be receiving the entire Percy Jackson series and a collection of six books about mythology - that wouldn't have been possible without the online orders that have been placed.  Thanks so much for your orders; they are appreciated incredibly!

Go to  www.scholastic.com/bookclubs and log in using your user name and password.

If it’s your first time ordering online, use the Class Activation Code (H8KRK) to get started.

Thanks for reading!

Jen Fife-Adams, Scholastic Mom and mom to Esme (9) and Harper (5)

Snow Has Come to our Village

Snow came to our Onondaga village early Friday morning.  Fortunately, we are well-prepared for the coming winter and look forward to some cozy time indoors.  Ask your child what we did during the fall to prepare ourselves.

I just wanted to remind everyone that our Storyline culmination/publishing party is Thursday, December 15, at 1:30.  Students will be reading a piece of their writing in front of the audience and, most importantly (in the eyes of your children), there will be snacks at the end.  Invitations will be sent out later but I wanted you to be able to get it on your calendars.  We hope you'll be able to make it!

Homework

Students are receiving two weeks of homework again this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday.  Everything is due on Friday, December 2nd.

Under Writing Homework, you will find five assignments.  Students need to choose two stories to read and write about.  The first part of each document is the story followed by two pages that need to be filled out.  Students are familiar with this assignment as we completed one together in class for Knots on a Counting Rope.

I have a few math websites posted to support your child's learning.  If any of you have other recommendations, please let me know.  They don't have to be math-focused.

Welcome!

Thank you all for visiting our new classroom blog!  My goal is to keep you updated as to what is going on in class as well as to have all the information you need in one place.  Going forward, you will be able to access each week's homework from this site.  If you have any suggestions about making the site more user friendly, please let me know.