Greetings Families,
WOW! One last full week of school. It is
hard to believe. With this week coming to an end, most of the final assessments
are also this week. Students will take their last math test that will count
toward their grade tomorrow. The last science test is tomorrow as well. So,
even though we are nearing the end, it is vital that students maintain their
focus. There will be learning and review next week as well, but it won’t have
the stress of assessment following it.
Anyways, I’ll end my rambling here and turn my attention to
the lessons for the week.
Lessons
Writing/Grammar & Literature: This week, writing/grammar
and literature are being joined together as students write their final essay of
the year. This essay is a compare and contrast paper on the similarities and
differences between The Wonderful Wizard
of Oz (book) and The Wizard of Oz (movie).
Given how different the two are, it seems that students are really enjoying the
brainstorming and writing of this paper. For students who did not participate
in literature due to being in BURST, they will write a compare and contrast
paper on a topic of their liking.
History: Students took their last history test of the year
on Friday. They will spend time this week reviewing the major events they
learned this year from 476 (the fall of
Rome) to 1912 (the statehood of Arizona). The goal will
be to help students see how all we have studied this year leads to and finds
partial fulfillment in where we are today as a country. For example, the fall of
the Roman Empire leads to a plurality of nations in Europe. The conflict between
nobles and common citizens gave way to the Magna Carta and the rights of
Englishmen, which what lead to the American Revolution and the Bill of Rights.
The Model Parliament, which was instituted as a way to get higher taxes is part
of the inspiration for our three-branch government. In addition, as citizens of
Arizona, most of our governmental procedures follow in the precedent of the
federal government. It is my hope that as students go out of fourth and into
fifth grade, their understanding of Western development will prepare them for
the next stages of the history curriculum scope and sequences.
Math: The students will start the week with a test on Monday
over volume. They have two practice test worksheets to complete over the
weekend. Following that, students will spend time reviewing for the Great
Hearts Singapore test. This assessment is meant to function as a way of
assessing the Singapore instruction of the network on a large scale. This
assessment is important because it helps indicate whether or not the network,
the school, and me individually are being faithful to the Singapore curriculum.
However, this test will not impact the students’ grades.
Poem: Students will be required to recite “George
Washington” this week in class.
Greek and Latin Roots: On Wednesday, students will be
expected to show mastery of all one hundred Greek and Latin Roots. I've provided a link for the Quizlet below.
Science: Students will take their final science test tomorrow.
After that, students will create healthy living pamphlets from what they have
learned during the cardiovascular and respiratory units.
Spalding: The usual Spalding regiment of 30 words will be
taught this week.
Schedule
Monday-Friday: Poem – Recite “George Washington”
Monday: Math – Unit 11 Chapter 4 & 5 Test – Volume
Monday: Science – Respiratory System Test
Wednesday: Greek and Latin Roots Test (1-100)
Thursday: Math Quiz
Friday: Great Hearts Singapore Math Test (does not impact grade)
Friday: Spalding Test
Thank You
Lastly, I want to say thank you for the generous gives I received throughout the week. Your kindness is a true blessing to my family and me. I am very privileged to have such wonderful students with amazing families in my class.
If there is anything I can do to support you or if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me.
Best,
Michael Naaktgeboren