Sunday, November 29, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
what's new
updates from extended day (thanks molly!):
we have been working a lot on making our class a greener place. we have started a compost bin in our class. we gathered up lots of leaves, we got worms from the greenmarket, every day we add water and food scraps. we are working on starting a window farm, which is a system of the plant life cycle made out of recycled materials. last month we visited the science barge. that's where we learned about all we're doing in the class.
we are still working on the darfur project and we came up with the idea that we would do all kinds of green activities, such as: each 4-5 grade class will have a week to make their classroom the greenest and there will be a pile of newspaper and 3 teams, each team will have a role of tape and 30 seconds to make a fashion look. and many more ideas yet to come. our green zeen is almost done...stay tuned!
we have been working a lot on making our class a greener place. we have started a compost bin in our class. we gathered up lots of leaves, we got worms from the greenmarket, every day we add water and food scraps. we are working on starting a window farm, which is a system of the plant life cycle made out of recycled materials. last month we visited the science barge. that's where we learned about all we're doing in the class.
we are still working on the darfur project and we came up with the idea that we would do all kinds of green activities, such as: each 4-5 grade class will have a week to make their classroom the greenest and there will be a pile of newspaper and 3 teams, each team will have a role of tape and 30 seconds to make a fashion look. and many more ideas yet to come. our green zeen is almost done...stay tuned!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Curriculum Update
News From Room 405...

The next couple of weeks are very busy and packed with lots of important things. Here are some to remember…
Tues. Nov. 3: Election Day, no school for students
Wed. Nov. 4: Fieldtrip to Central Park
Fri. Nov. 6: Fall Family Celebration (more info to follow soon!)
Mon. Nov. 9: Evening Family conferences
Tues. Nov. 10: Afternoon Family conferences
Wed. Nov. 11: Veteran’s Day, no school
Mon. Nov. 16 AND Tues. Nov. 17: 5th grade Social Studies Test
November 2, 2009
Dear Families,
Greetings! I hope everyone is settling into the Fall routines well. We have had a busy but incredibly fun and productive several weeks of school, and it has been lovely to reconnect with some of you and get to know so many others. This year I am thrilled to have Eileen working with our class. During the Fall semester, we have a Bank Street student teacher with us, Gretchen. Please feel free to say hello or introduce yourself! Here are some updates on some of the things we’ve been talking about and working on!
Community and Social Studies
Building community takes top priority at the beginning of the year! To that end, we have been having so many important conversations as we get to know one another and build a class together. We read the bell hooks book The Skin I’m In and talked about how we can make our classroom a safe place to be open and welcoming of different perspectives, experiences, and identities. Kids were very open about what they need from one another in order to feel safe and appreciated. All of these discussions and activities help us know each other more intimately and lay important groundwork for our future work together.
We’ve been doing important work together in Social Studies. Our visit to the New Amsterdam Village was a great way to kick off the year! We visited a greenhouse, where we learned about how the Dutch use “good” bugs instead of pesticide to protect the plants. We also got to sample some of the veggies!
We have embarked on an exciting new collaboration project with Nancy’s class, piloting a composting program at school. Our goal is to reduce the waste at lunch, starting with the upper grade lunch. Students are meeting together in 3 groups- Reuse, Recycle, and Renew. The last couple of weeks they created posters in their groups that represent the group’s name. We are trying to raise awareness of the many ways we can Reuse, Recycle, and Renew. You may have seen some of their many amazing posters hanging in the hallways. They did a beautiful job.
Together, we visited the Science Barge in Yonkers, which was a great success. The Science Barge is a floating science museum. It is completely sustainable, powered with solar panels, wind turbines, and biofuels. They It is a great model for city dwellers, with a greenhouse where plants vertical grow! They are open to families on weekends. You can check out more about the Science Barge at: http://www.groundworkhv.org/programs/environmental-education/science-barge/
I will be loading pictures on our class blog, so be sure to check them out:
http://lauren-newsfromroom405.blogspot.com/
You can also get to the blog from the school website.
We have been looking at the mayoral election the past week, focusing on the candidates- Thompson and Bloomberg- and what they stand for. The students generated a list of issues they have heard in the news and debates. Last week they chose an issue and started a poster showing what the candidates thought, as well as what they thought. Please talk with your child about the election and your thoughts. If it is possible to take your child with you to the polling site it would be a great opportunity for them to see first hand how the process works.
This Wednesday we are taking a trip to the Urban Park Rangers at Central Park. This should connect well with science. We will be taking the subway with Stephanie’s class. Students should bring their own lunches and we will eat at the park. We are leaving around 11:15 and should return by dismissal.
Reading and Writing
We have plunged right into our work around literacy this year! In reading, we started the year by making sure everyone has good habits for independent reading. The kids are expected to read at home for at least 30 minutes each night, and they spend at least 30 minutes reading in school as well. Every time they read, they should log their reading on their reading log (inside their reading folder) and jot down two or three thoughts in their reading notebook. We have been talking about what kind of thinking they can record- anything from questions to theories about characters, from predictions to strong reactions. One goal is to start moving beyond summaries to more inferential and original thinking about books, and we are working on different strategies to prompt this sort of thinking. We have started working on ways to respond more extensively to reading in writing. Currently, the kids are working in partnerships, which I will write more about next time. We are also finishing our first chapter book read-aloud of the year, Joey Pigza Swallowed a Key. It is a great first read-aloud with a wonderful balance of humor and seriousness. Everyone seems to really enjoy it! Read-aloud serves so many purposes: first and foremost, it gives us a common literary experience to draw on, and there is something so beautiful in enjoying a story together as a community. Read-aloud also provides an opportunity to practice the comprehension strategies we work on in reading. Different children respond to the same story in very different ways, so they are able to challenge and open each other’s thinking as we discuss the book.
In writing, we have spent a while talking about how to live the life of a writer. Each child has decorated his own writer’s notebook with pictures they feel will inspire good writing, and are spending a lot of time collecting notebook entries and working on stamina. We have talked about where writers get their ideas- from observing the world around us to list-making, from describing our utopias to reacting to things that matter to us. To help us, we have read many picture books by different authors, as well as excerpts from writers talking about writing, and looking at author’s quotes that we identify with. The kids are doing a lot of sharing of their own writing, as well as a great deal of reflection on what kinds of writers they are. “I am the kind of writer who loves to tell stories about my family,” one child said, “So if I’m stuck for ideas I just think about the fun times we’ve had together.” Another child explained, “I am the kind of writer who likes to watch animals, how they behave and react. I think about animals’ personalities and then I turn them into characters for fiction stories.” Last week, we settled on a piece to nurture and publish before moving into our first structured genre study of the year, Memoir. You will be able to see our publishing during the Fall Family Celebration, this coming Friday morning.
Math
This year math looks a little different from last year. We are trying out “streaming.” Rachael will be teaching the 5th graders and I will be teaching the 4th graders from our classes. Children work in small groups, partnerships, and also as a whole class. They are encouraged to show and explain their strategies for solving problems, as they construct their own mathematical understandings. Working together and building community will be at the fore of our work for the next few months. Kids receive homework on a daily basis. They also have some homework on the weekends. Each night, children should spend approximately 30 minutes on their math work. Reviewing multiplication and division facts is always something great to support your child’s development and confidence. Our first math unit of the year is a study of multiplication and division. We have been working on different strategies of multiplication and division, such as the array strategy. We have had discussions about arrays, multiples and factors, prime and square numbers. I will write about math in more detail in my next letter.
Project Time Wish List
So many of you have been so generous with supplies that I hate to ask for anything else! However, if you are inclined to donate anything to our project time arsenal, here are some things that we can always use:
**-non-drying CLAY! (we are in need of all colors)
-HOT GLUE STICKS!! (These are a hot commodity, and we never seem to have enough.)
-cardstock, unusual paper
-fabric, yarn, thread, needles, lace, buttons or other sewing-related odds and ends
-foam core or styrofoam from packaging of any sort, empty egg containers
-pipe cleaners
Thanks so much, and please be in touch with any questions or comments!
Yours,
Lauren

The next couple of weeks are very busy and packed with lots of important things. Here are some to remember…
Tues. Nov. 3: Election Day, no school for students
Wed. Nov. 4: Fieldtrip to Central Park
Fri. Nov. 6: Fall Family Celebration (more info to follow soon!)
Mon. Nov. 9: Evening Family conferences
Tues. Nov. 10: Afternoon Family conferences
Wed. Nov. 11: Veteran’s Day, no school
Mon. Nov. 16 AND Tues. Nov. 17: 5th grade Social Studies Test
November 2, 2009
Dear Families,
Greetings! I hope everyone is settling into the Fall routines well. We have had a busy but incredibly fun and productive several weeks of school, and it has been lovely to reconnect with some of you and get to know so many others. This year I am thrilled to have Eileen working with our class. During the Fall semester, we have a Bank Street student teacher with us, Gretchen. Please feel free to say hello or introduce yourself! Here are some updates on some of the things we’ve been talking about and working on!
Community and Social Studies
Building community takes top priority at the beginning of the year! To that end, we have been having so many important conversations as we get to know one another and build a class together. We read the bell hooks book The Skin I’m In and talked about how we can make our classroom a safe place to be open and welcoming of different perspectives, experiences, and identities. Kids were very open about what they need from one another in order to feel safe and appreciated. All of these discussions and activities help us know each other more intimately and lay important groundwork for our future work together.
We’ve been doing important work together in Social Studies. Our visit to the New Amsterdam Village was a great way to kick off the year! We visited a greenhouse, where we learned about how the Dutch use “good” bugs instead of pesticide to protect the plants. We also got to sample some of the veggies!
We have embarked on an exciting new collaboration project with Nancy’s class, piloting a composting program at school. Our goal is to reduce the waste at lunch, starting with the upper grade lunch. Students are meeting together in 3 groups- Reuse, Recycle, and Renew. The last couple of weeks they created posters in their groups that represent the group’s name. We are trying to raise awareness of the many ways we can Reuse, Recycle, and Renew. You may have seen some of their many amazing posters hanging in the hallways. They did a beautiful job.
Together, we visited the Science Barge in Yonkers, which was a great success. The Science Barge is a floating science museum. It is completely sustainable, powered with solar panels, wind turbines, and biofuels. They It is a great model for city dwellers, with a greenhouse where plants vertical grow! They are open to families on weekends. You can check out more about the Science Barge at: http://www.groundworkhv.org/programs/environmental-education/science-barge/
I will be loading pictures on our class blog, so be sure to check them out:
http://lauren-newsfromroom405.blogspot.com/
You can also get to the blog from the school website.
We have been looking at the mayoral election the past week, focusing on the candidates- Thompson and Bloomberg- and what they stand for. The students generated a list of issues they have heard in the news and debates. Last week they chose an issue and started a poster showing what the candidates thought, as well as what they thought. Please talk with your child about the election and your thoughts. If it is possible to take your child with you to the polling site it would be a great opportunity for them to see first hand how the process works.
This Wednesday we are taking a trip to the Urban Park Rangers at Central Park. This should connect well with science. We will be taking the subway with Stephanie’s class. Students should bring their own lunches and we will eat at the park. We are leaving around 11:15 and should return by dismissal.
Reading and Writing
We have plunged right into our work around literacy this year! In reading, we started the year by making sure everyone has good habits for independent reading. The kids are expected to read at home for at least 30 minutes each night, and they spend at least 30 minutes reading in school as well. Every time they read, they should log their reading on their reading log (inside their reading folder) and jot down two or three thoughts in their reading notebook. We have been talking about what kind of thinking they can record- anything from questions to theories about characters, from predictions to strong reactions. One goal is to start moving beyond summaries to more inferential and original thinking about books, and we are working on different strategies to prompt this sort of thinking. We have started working on ways to respond more extensively to reading in writing. Currently, the kids are working in partnerships, which I will write more about next time. We are also finishing our first chapter book read-aloud of the year, Joey Pigza Swallowed a Key. It is a great first read-aloud with a wonderful balance of humor and seriousness. Everyone seems to really enjoy it! Read-aloud serves so many purposes: first and foremost, it gives us a common literary experience to draw on, and there is something so beautiful in enjoying a story together as a community. Read-aloud also provides an opportunity to practice the comprehension strategies we work on in reading. Different children respond to the same story in very different ways, so they are able to challenge and open each other’s thinking as we discuss the book.
In writing, we have spent a while talking about how to live the life of a writer. Each child has decorated his own writer’s notebook with pictures they feel will inspire good writing, and are spending a lot of time collecting notebook entries and working on stamina. We have talked about where writers get their ideas- from observing the world around us to list-making, from describing our utopias to reacting to things that matter to us. To help us, we have read many picture books by different authors, as well as excerpts from writers talking about writing, and looking at author’s quotes that we identify with. The kids are doing a lot of sharing of their own writing, as well as a great deal of reflection on what kinds of writers they are. “I am the kind of writer who loves to tell stories about my family,” one child said, “So if I’m stuck for ideas I just think about the fun times we’ve had together.” Another child explained, “I am the kind of writer who likes to watch animals, how they behave and react. I think about animals’ personalities and then I turn them into characters for fiction stories.” Last week, we settled on a piece to nurture and publish before moving into our first structured genre study of the year, Memoir. You will be able to see our publishing during the Fall Family Celebration, this coming Friday morning.
Math
This year math looks a little different from last year. We are trying out “streaming.” Rachael will be teaching the 5th graders and I will be teaching the 4th graders from our classes. Children work in small groups, partnerships, and also as a whole class. They are encouraged to show and explain their strategies for solving problems, as they construct their own mathematical understandings. Working together and building community will be at the fore of our work for the next few months. Kids receive homework on a daily basis. They also have some homework on the weekends. Each night, children should spend approximately 30 minutes on their math work. Reviewing multiplication and division facts is always something great to support your child’s development and confidence. Our first math unit of the year is a study of multiplication and division. We have been working on different strategies of multiplication and division, such as the array strategy. We have had discussions about arrays, multiples and factors, prime and square numbers. I will write about math in more detail in my next letter.
Project Time Wish List
So many of you have been so generous with supplies that I hate to ask for anything else! However, if you are inclined to donate anything to our project time arsenal, here are some things that we can always use:
**-non-drying CLAY! (we are in need of all colors)
-HOT GLUE STICKS!! (These are a hot commodity, and we never seem to have enough.)
-cardstock, unusual paper
-fabric, yarn, thread, needles, lace, buttons or other sewing-related odds and ends
-foam core or styrofoam from packaging of any sort, empty egg containers
-pipe cleaners
Thanks so much, and please be in touch with any questions or comments!
Yours,
Lauren
Saturday, September 12, 2009
FLOW 7 pm TONIGHT @ Solar One...
THIS IS A GREAT FILM! It is part of Solar One's Solar-Powered Film Series...
Sat Sept 12- Flow: For Love of Water: Experts are calling the World Water Crisis the most important political and environmental issue of the 21st Century. This film presents the case against the growing privatization of the world's dwindling fresh water supply with an unflinching eye on politics, pollution, human rights, and the emergence of a domineering world water cartel.
Series is free and open to the public. Films are suitable for all ages.
All films are screened outdoors at Solar One (23rd St. & FDR Drive)
For map and direction, visit www.solar1.org/about/map
For more info on this and upcoming events see: www.solar1.org/events/film.
UPCOMING: Special Presentation! What's On Your Plate?
Fri Sept 25 at 7pm
what's On Your Plate? is a film by Catherine Gund, which humorously explores local food systems through the eyes of 2 NYC schoolchildren. Program will include speakers, kids' activities and a performance by the band Saffire.
Sat Sept 12- Flow: For Love of Water: Experts are calling the World Water Crisis the most important political and environmental issue of the 21st Century. This film presents the case against the growing privatization of the world's dwindling fresh water supply with an unflinching eye on politics, pollution, human rights, and the emergence of a domineering world water cartel.
Series is free and open to the public. Films are suitable for all ages.
All films are screened outdoors at Solar One (23rd St. & FDR Drive)
For map and direction, visit www.solar1.org/about/map
For more info on this and upcoming events see: www.solar1.org/events/film.
UPCOMING: Special Presentation! What's On Your Plate?
Fri Sept 25 at 7pm
what's On Your Plate? is a film by Catherine Gund, which humorously explores local food systems through the eyes of 2 NYC schoolchildren. Program will include speakers, kids' activities and a performance by the band Saffire.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
2009-2010 Class List
Lauren’s Class List 2009-2010
* please let me know if there are any misspellings! - thanks
4th Graders
Anette Bonilla
Njeri Campbell
Sammy Claudio
Siu Loong Englander
Julien Florez
Martin Levy
John Lugo
Lola Northrop
Courtney Plummer
Jacob Rios
Dante Rivera
Javian Torres
Kei Tsuruta
5th Graders
Maria-Lucia Delgado
Kofi Hope-Gund
Gabriel Hoshino
Molly Kass
Tatiana Lee
Conor Loy
Isaiah Pereles
Joe Pupello
Hale Sheffield
Rohan Sheridan
Gustavo Valdes
* please let me know if there are any misspellings! - thanks
4th Graders
Anette Bonilla
Njeri Campbell
Sammy Claudio
Siu Loong Englander
Julien Florez
Martin Levy
John Lugo
Lola Northrop
Courtney Plummer
Jacob Rios
Dante Rivera
Javian Torres
Kei Tsuruta
5th Graders
Maria-Lucia Delgado
Kofi Hope-Gund
Gabriel Hoshino
Molly Kass
Tatiana Lee
Conor Loy
Isaiah Pereles
Joe Pupello
Hale Sheffield
Rohan Sheridan
Gustavo Valdes
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
update: FRIXION erasable pen
I made a mistake on the supply list- it is NOT fusion, but FRIXION PENS!!
sorry about that. and thanks regina!
sorry about that. and thanks regina!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Welcome Back...Supplies!!!
*****In an attempt to build a more environmentally conscious and sustainable classroom, I’m asking for some different supplies than usual… Thanks for your help!******
FRIXION ERASABLE PENS: These are the only erasable pens that I’ve found to work really well (and they look cool). I hate erasable pens, but LOVE these! I’ve found that they last longer than the store brand pens and therefore cut down on waste. Staples has a good supply.
MECHANICAL PENCILS: The mechanical pencils that look like “wooden pencils” are the only ones that I have found to really stand the test of 4th and 5th graders. They are more costly, but hopefully more economical and sustainable in the long run.
REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE for water- students can take home and bring back, or simply leave at school.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I know the list is long, but these supplies will really help us get off to a strong start. I am listing the supplies in four categories: individual, communal, optional, and at-home. Please review the list carefully and read the descriptions of each item. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding these supplies!
Individual Supplies
These supplies should take priority. It is important for each child to have the following supplies in hand by the first day of school. Children should bring these supplies to school with them so that they can get off to a strong start.
□ 3- 4 composition notebooks (Meade or similar brand), lined paper
□ 1 graph-paper notebook for use in math (same size as composition notebooks)
***Please do NOT get spiral bound notebooks; these come apart too easily. Notebooks work much better.***
□ 1 assignment notebook (This can be a daily planner or small pad for keeping track of homework assignments.)
□ 1 thin lightweight loose-leaf binder (These are for storing papers and homework. The homework binder travels back and forth, and a lighter weight makes it easier on the shoulders! Also, the bulkier binders will not fit in the children’s cubbies.)
□ 1 folder with three holes punched, for keeping inside the binder
□ 1 zip-up pencil case for holding pens, pencils, etc. in backpack
□ 1 (or 2) pen(s) that you really love
□ 1-2 packages of dividers for binders
Communal Supplies
These are supplies for the entire class to use. Because there are many supplies, I am splitting the list in half. If your child’s FIRST name begins with the letter A-L, please buy the items on list one. If your child’s FIRST name begins with the letters M-Z, buy the items on list two. I have done my best to make the lists approximately even in terms of price.
LIST ONE (First names from A-L)
□ 3-4 packs of Fusion pens (varied colors) □1 pack 200 sheets of loose-leaf paper
□ 1 package of page reinforcements for loose-leaf papers □ 2-3 rolls transparent tape (with dispenser)
□ 2-3 packages of post-its (any size, shape, or color) □ 2- 3 boxes Kleenex
□ 1-2 pack(s) of markers
LIST TWO (First names from M-Z)
□ 6 packages .07 mm lead for mechanical pencils □ 1-2 packages of hot glue gun sticks
□ mechanical pencils for size .07 lead (The imitation “pencil” kind is preferable)
□ 2-3 sturdy, absorbent sponges □ 2-3 packs of paper towels
□ 2-3 packages of post-its (any size, shape, or color)
□ 1-2 packs of colored pencils
Optional Supplies
I know this list already seems really long! Here are a few things that are always good to have, in case you’d like to contribute more to our class supply.
□ dish soap and/or all-purpose cleaning spray/ Clorox wipes (such as Windex, 409, etc.)
□ post-its (different size, shape, color, design is best!)
□ tabs (post-it kind for dividing notebooks into different sections)
□ clear CONTACT PAPER (notebook decorating)
□ TAPE (different size, color, dispensers)- scotch, masking, packing, etc. + glue gun sticks!!
□ Zip-lock baggies
□ STAPLERs □ Sharp scissors □ sharpie markers (black and/or bold colors)
□ BLANK RECORDABLE CD’S
□ 3-hole punchers
□ sculpting CLAY (any non-drying sculpting clay- all colors), SCULPTING WIRE (any hardware store carries this), NEEDLE NOSE PLIERS OR JEWELRS PLIERS
□ Fresh flowers (for our tables)
□ Band-aids (Band-aid brand has worked the best for us. The others do not stick or hold, so we end up wasting a lot!)
□ any art or craft supplies you feel might be useful for project time.
- GLUE GUN STICKS
- GLUE GUNS
- CLAY (see above)
- MARKERS
- colored pencils
- colored or interesting paper, card stock, construction paper, origami paper, fabric, needles and thread, old magazines, scrap cardboard, etc.-- you’d be surprised what can get turned into a project!)
At-Home Supplies
These supplies are to help students complete their homework. They will stay at home and do not need to travel back and forth with the students.
□one ruler with inches and centimeters □ one student dictionary
□ supply of Post-it notes for reading assignments, etc. □ supply of loose-leaf paper
THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP TO A GREAT START!!!
FRIXION ERASABLE PENS: These are the only erasable pens that I’ve found to work really well (and they look cool). I hate erasable pens, but LOVE these! I’ve found that they last longer than the store brand pens and therefore cut down on waste. Staples has a good supply.
MECHANICAL PENCILS: The mechanical pencils that look like “wooden pencils” are the only ones that I have found to really stand the test of 4th and 5th graders. They are more costly, but hopefully more economical and sustainable in the long run.
REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE for water- students can take home and bring back, or simply leave at school.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I know the list is long, but these supplies will really help us get off to a strong start. I am listing the supplies in four categories: individual, communal, optional, and at-home. Please review the list carefully and read the descriptions of each item. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding these supplies!
Individual Supplies
These supplies should take priority. It is important for each child to have the following supplies in hand by the first day of school. Children should bring these supplies to school with them so that they can get off to a strong start.
□ 3- 4 composition notebooks (Meade or similar brand), lined paper
□ 1 graph-paper notebook for use in math (same size as composition notebooks)
***Please do NOT get spiral bound notebooks; these come apart too easily. Notebooks work much better.***
□ 1 assignment notebook (This can be a daily planner or small pad for keeping track of homework assignments.)
□ 1 thin lightweight loose-leaf binder (These are for storing papers and homework. The homework binder travels back and forth, and a lighter weight makes it easier on the shoulders! Also, the bulkier binders will not fit in the children’s cubbies.)
□ 1 folder with three holes punched, for keeping inside the binder
□ 1 zip-up pencil case for holding pens, pencils, etc. in backpack
□ 1 (or 2) pen(s) that you really love
□ 1-2 packages of dividers for binders
Communal Supplies
These are supplies for the entire class to use. Because there are many supplies, I am splitting the list in half. If your child’s FIRST name begins with the letter A-L, please buy the items on list one. If your child’s FIRST name begins with the letters M-Z, buy the items on list two. I have done my best to make the lists approximately even in terms of price.
LIST ONE (First names from A-L)
□ 3-4 packs of Fusion pens (varied colors) □1 pack 200 sheets of loose-leaf paper
□ 1 package of page reinforcements for loose-leaf papers □ 2-3 rolls transparent tape (with dispenser)
□ 2-3 packages of post-its (any size, shape, or color) □ 2- 3 boxes Kleenex
□ 1-2 pack(s) of markers
LIST TWO (First names from M-Z)
□ 6 packages .07 mm lead for mechanical pencils □ 1-2 packages of hot glue gun sticks
□ mechanical pencils for size .07 lead (The imitation “pencil” kind is preferable)
□ 2-3 sturdy, absorbent sponges □ 2-3 packs of paper towels
□ 2-3 packages of post-its (any size, shape, or color)
□ 1-2 packs of colored pencils
Optional Supplies
I know this list already seems really long! Here are a few things that are always good to have, in case you’d like to contribute more to our class supply.
□ dish soap and/or all-purpose cleaning spray/ Clorox wipes (such as Windex, 409, etc.)
□ post-its (different size, shape, color, design is best!)
□ tabs (post-it kind for dividing notebooks into different sections)
□ clear CONTACT PAPER (notebook decorating)
□ TAPE (different size, color, dispensers)- scotch, masking, packing, etc. + glue gun sticks!!
□ Zip-lock baggies
□ STAPLERs □ Sharp scissors □ sharpie markers (black and/or bold colors)
□ BLANK RECORDABLE CD’S
□ 3-hole punchers
□ sculpting CLAY (any non-drying sculpting clay- all colors), SCULPTING WIRE (any hardware store carries this), NEEDLE NOSE PLIERS OR JEWELRS PLIERS
□ Fresh flowers (for our tables)
□ Band-aids (Band-aid brand has worked the best for us. The others do not stick or hold, so we end up wasting a lot!)
□ any art or craft supplies you feel might be useful for project time.
- GLUE GUN STICKS
- GLUE GUNS
- CLAY (see above)
- MARKERS
- colored pencils
- colored or interesting paper, card stock, construction paper, origami paper, fabric, needles and thread, old magazines, scrap cardboard, etc.-- you’d be surprised what can get turned into a project!)
At-Home Supplies
These supplies are to help students complete their homework. They will stay at home and do not need to travel back and forth with the students.
□one ruler with inches and centimeters □ one student dictionary
□ supply of Post-it notes for reading assignments, etc. □ supply of loose-leaf paper
THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP TO A GREAT START!!!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
DARFUR DAY A HUGE SUCCESS!
Thanks to all for the amazing support at Darfur Day 2009!
We raised over $600! And spread a lot of awareness. There
were so many people who came out to support our Sister School!
We still have some art work up on the walls in the lobby for sale
(located on the lobby wall between the 2 stairwells). This will only be up for sale tomorrow, Monday June 22nd!!
Students from Stuyvesant High School donated pieces from a "Stained Glass"
art project inspired by Gothic Cathedrals. They are incredibly intricate and gorgeous
with a modern spin and look beautiful in windows or against walls!
Kenton's Theater Games Video for sale- $4
Kenton has generously allowed us to sell the Theater Games production video for proceeds to go to our Sister School. If interested, please stop by room 405 or email me!
Special thanks to:
Jane Sachs-Agas for the video and DarfurDarfur t-shirts and general organization
Darfur Day Committee: students from room 405 (Georgia, Saya, Molly, Hale, Isaiah, Kofi...)
Jazsmen and Tati's Nail Salon
Kim for donating his time and Popcorn Popping sales
Amy and Zach's class
Ayo Harrington for all of the publicity and posters
All of the donations, from all of the families, including Saya, Molly, Kofi, Maria Lucia, Gustavo, Gabriel, Naya, Romeo, Isabel, and Joe's
including original art from Aki, Ron, and Saya Baker, Molly's family, and Catherine, Bruce, and Kofi, Lissette!
We raised over $600! And spread a lot of awareness. There
were so many people who came out to support our Sister School!
We still have some art work up on the walls in the lobby for sale
(located on the lobby wall between the 2 stairwells). This will only be up for sale tomorrow, Monday June 22nd!!
Students from Stuyvesant High School donated pieces from a "Stained Glass"
art project inspired by Gothic Cathedrals. They are incredibly intricate and gorgeous
with a modern spin and look beautiful in windows or against walls!
Kenton's Theater Games Video for sale- $4
Kenton has generously allowed us to sell the Theater Games production video for proceeds to go to our Sister School. If interested, please stop by room 405 or email me!
Special thanks to:
Jane Sachs-Agas for the video and DarfurDarfur t-shirts and general organization
Darfur Day Committee: students from room 405 (Georgia, Saya, Molly, Hale, Isaiah, Kofi...)
Jazsmen and Tati's Nail Salon
Kim for donating his time and Popcorn Popping sales
Amy and Zach's class
Ayo Harrington for all of the publicity and posters
All of the donations, from all of the families, including Saya, Molly, Kofi, Maria Lucia, Gustavo, Gabriel, Naya, Romeo, Isabel, and Joe's
including original art from Aki, Ron, and Saya Baker, Molly's family, and Catherine, Bruce, and Kofi, Lissette!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
GREEN BUILDING MUSEUM EXHIBIT this Thursday June 18th 10:00-12:25 am and 1:30-2:30 pm
Our class has been really busy all year working on their Green Buildings. They will be having a Green Building Museum Exhibit this Thursday June 18th 10:00-12:25 am and 1:30-2:30 pm. The students have building models including all elements of green design, iMovies made by them at the Apple store, scratch projects, and writing to accompany, in both Spanish and English. We have invited classes, and would love to have families, too! The Exhibit will be held in their classroom, hallway and in the Spanish classroom.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
I wanted to reach out to everyone about the Darfur Day fundraiser our class is doing this coming Friday June 19, afterschool in the lobby 3pm-5pm for our Sister School.
If you are able to donate anything, such as artwork, crafts, used books, baked goods, nail painting (oh yes, a nail salon!), etc. we would be really appreciative! nothing is too small or uncreative!
** special thanks to those who have already donated!
we also have some parents and kids doing paintings, collages, any other crafty things!
*OR IF YOU CAN DONATE ANY OF THESE ITEMS FOR THE CLASS TO MAKE PROJECTS that would be AWESOME:
- canvas boards/ artist panels for painting (any size- small is fine! Utrecht Art Store, Pearl Paint sells these in packs)
- plain t-shirts (to screen print on- Kmart or Target has packs of 3 for ~ $6)
- frames (used are great!)
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
If you are able to donate anything, such as artwork, crafts, used books, baked goods, nail painting (oh yes, a nail salon!), etc. we would be really appreciative! nothing is too small or uncreative!
** special thanks to those who have already donated!
we also have some parents and kids doing paintings, collages, any other crafty things!
*OR IF YOU CAN DONATE ANY OF THESE ITEMS FOR THE CLASS TO MAKE PROJECTS that would be AWESOME:
- canvas boards/ artist panels for painting (any size- small is fine! Utrecht Art Store, Pearl Paint sells these in packs)
- plain t-shirts (to screen print on- Kmart or Target has packs of 3 for ~ $6)
- frames (used are great!)
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
4/5 DANCE Performance tomorrow...
where: auditorium
when: 10:45 (wednesday june 10th)
come enjoy! hope to see you there...
p.s.- today's theatre performance was spectacular!! great job sunshine, naya, maria lucia!
when: 10:45 (wednesday june 10th)
come enjoy! hope to see you there...
p.s.- today's theatre performance was spectacular!! great job sunshine, naya, maria lucia!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Darfur Day: June 5!
Darfur Day
Help raise money for our sister school in Darfur!
Location - The Neighborhood School lobby
Time-3pm-5pm
There will be an art auction, used book sale, cd's, Darfur t-shirts from DarfurDarfur, and baked good to purchase
*If you would like to donate or drop off items, please come to Room 405
For more information on the sister school program, please check out this site:
http://www.darfurdreamteam.org
Hope to see you there...
Help raise money for our sister school in Darfur!
Location - The Neighborhood School lobby
Time-3pm-5pm
There will be an art auction, used book sale, cd's, Darfur t-shirts from DarfurDarfur, and baked good to purchase
*If you would like to donate or drop off items, please come to Room 405
For more information on the sister school program, please check out this site:
http://www.darfurdreamteam.org
Hope to see you there...
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
GAME NIGHT CHANGE OF TIME!
Game Night- Tonight, Wed. May 13, 5:30-7:00
Looking forward to seeing everyone!
Looking forward to seeing everyone!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
GAME NIGHT WED. MAY 13TH...5-6:30
Come join us for a Spring Game Night next Wednesday evening!!
We had a lot of fun last time, so I'm looking forward to this one :)
We had a lot of fun last time, so I'm looking forward to this one :)
Monday, May 4, 2009
Curriculum Letter Update
May 4, 2009
SPRING IS HERE!
And There is a lot to Celebrate in Room 405...
Spring Rooftop Gardens Blooms
This past week I spoke with Scott Stringer’s office about our Green Rooftop Garden grant application and the news is promising! It looks like we will be getting funding to conduct a building feasibility study to see that the building is fit to hold a garden. Of course, nothing is final until the budget comes out July 1, but it sounds very hopeful! This is just the first step in the process, but a very important one.
I want to thank all of the parents who offered such strong support and time helping put together the application and following up with Stringer’s office. This is definitely a group effort! It is so inspiring to work with such wonderfully passionate and committed families. Thanks for all you do!
As the students finish up their green building models, we are getting closer to the next planning steps for our green rooftop garden. We will need to form a building committee consisting of parents, staff, and students from both our school and P.S. 63. I have already spoken with Darlene, the principal of P.S. 63 and she is very excited about the prospect. If you are interested in being a part of this, please let me know. I will also send out more information as we start to finalize this.
CURRICULUM UPDATES:
Green Buildings:
Students are finalizing their buildings. They have been working very hard for several months now and all of the details are starting to come together. Last week, Isaiah attached solar panels to his roof and used them to light up his building. It was really exciting! All groups will have mini solar panels to use on their buildings, which were donated. If anyone has access to small light bulbs for the buildings, these will allow the students to use solar power to light their buildings. I think any local hardware store should carry them. In the next month, we will be having a museum-style showing of the student’s buildings for the whole school to see. Invitations will be sent home to notify you.
Earth Day:
Some students made Earth Day presentations of their Green Building work and knowledge to different classrooms. They shared their iMovies, buildings, and knowledge about global warming and their efforts. We have some really great posters that were made, too, which we will hang around school and outside our classroom.
Apple Store Field Trip:
Our trip to the Apple Store was a lot of fun! I wanted to thank Sandra, Hales’ mom, for finding out about this cool opportunity. The students had a chance to learn and excel at iMovie ’09. They created (and still are creating and updating) movies to go along with their buildings. I posted a few of the movies on our blog, News From Room 405, on the school website. They are really fantastic! Students are also using iMovie to create other movies, such as a guide for playing Yugioh, among others.
Word Work:
Our great student teacher, Patrice, has been working with students on word work. Each day she meets with 2 small groups, following Words Their Way. Students have small group instruction two times a week. They have word study notebooks and also have homework.
Social Studies: Mesopotamia is here...
Patrice has also been working on our Mesopotamia social studies curriculum. Students were recently paired up students for research projects. Some of the topics include: Arts, Daily Life, Rulers, Myths, Inventions, Clothing, Food. We will be doing work around research- based writing, creating good questions (and revising, when needed), using different sources to gather information, organizing sources and ideas, creating a paper citing sources. This unit is important because the students have a lot of experience crafting essays and narrative writing, but research helps them combine their nonfiction reading skills, interests, and organizational skills. Students will also have a chance for hands-on activities, such as creating models, sewing clothing, baking. They will then teach the rest of the class. Next up: Myths!
Writing:
We’ve been doing a lot of writing lately! We will be having a double publishing soon, for both Independent Projects and our current unit, Realistic Fiction. I’m hoping for Thursday, but invitations will follow. In our Realistic Fiction study, we have spent time developing strong characters, strong beginnings (beginning with action, setting description, character description), and detailed story elements (setting, plot, problem/suspense, change, movement through time) to help the readers envision. Next we are moving into a Mentor Author study. Our reading work will help us with this unit...
Reading: Book Clubs Arrive!
Students are in author book clubs. They will be reading the work of authors: Walter Dean Myers, Sandra Cisneros, Jacqueline Woodson, Gary Paulson, and Patricia Reilly Giff. Each group chose an author and book. The books have just arrived, so I’m excited to move into the study. Our work will focus on talk and thinking that readers do. Book clubs provide such a great opportunity to really push everyone’s comprehension skills. One thing we worked on a lot as a class was reading with a lens for social issues. This author study work in book clubs will also prepare students for the next writing unit, Mentor Author Study. In that unit, they will be studying the work of their mentor author as a writer!
Math: Students Publish Data Projects!
We have finished up our data study with individual data projects. Students designed a unique experiment to collect and analyze data about a particular question. They focused on presenting the data in a clear and logical way using line plots, bar graphs, range and median to show results. It was a lot of fun! Some questions included: Who can stare longer eyes open without blinking, 4th or 5th graders? These projects will also be on display during our celebration. We will moving into probability and then back to multiplication and division, focusing on larger numbers and more efficient strategies.
Student Activism Sparks Up Awareness About Darfur:
Georgia’s mom, Jane, has been doing activist work for Darfur for a while. Last month I went to a gallery show supporting this work and raising awareness, which was very powerful. Jane connected us with a couple of organizations doing work with students and Darfur, which I thought it would be a perfect match for our class’ commitment to activism. We are going to be participating in the Sister Schools Project, which matches our class with a sister school in a Darfuri refugee camp. Two main objectives are to provide quality education for students in Darfuri refugee camps, and develop connections and mutual understanding between students from the U.S. and Darfur. For more information, here is a link to the website: http://www.darfurdreamteam.org/
Georgia and many other students are working on a fundraiser, which will take place in June 5, after-school in the lobby. If you can donate anything, that would be great! They already have commitments for original artwork, books, gift certificates. So, anything you could contribute would be very much appreciated!
OTHER UPDATES:
Homework:
Homework has been a little disrupted this past month because of all of the birthday celebrations in April! There were many wishes for no homework, so if you noticed less homework than usual, that’s why! I’m hoping to get back on track this week. Students have a Homework Log to write down each night’s homework. Students have reading EVERY night! There is a weekly reading log that goes home, which they complete and add their thinking to. In addition, there may be a Writing Entry, Social Studies handout, or Math Handout. Students have been making goals for themselves on their reading logs, Reading Notebooks, and Writer’s Notebooks.
Typing:
Kofi’s mom, Catherine, found this website, so I wanted to pass it on. It’s a great way for students to practice and learn typing skills. During open work/ project time, some students have been trying it out:http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/
Schools Attuned:
The past two Fridays I have been out at a for a 5-day workshop. I will be out the next two Fridays as well. This workshop is based on understanding how students learn and individualizing needs, with a focus on neurodevelopmental diversity.
We are excited to be welcoming a new member to our community, Maria Lucia. If you see her around be sure to say hi! Take care and please feel free to contact me!
Sincerely,
Lauren
Dates to Remember:
* May 5- Cinco de Mayo!
* Celebration: Writing and Math! (TBA)
* May 15- 1/2 Day, 11:30 dismissal
* May 21- Science field-trip to the Queens Museum ($6.50)
* May 25- Memorial Day, No School
* May 27- SING @ 8:45 a.m.
* June 5- Darfur Fundraiser in the lobby after-school
* Green Building Museum Expo- Coming Early June...
Materials Needed:
* glue sticks for glue guns (large and small)
* tape: scotch, masking, packing
* paper towels
* all-purpose cleaner
* tissue
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Math Testing...
is this week. The 4th graders have 3 days of testing, and the fifth graders have 2 days of testing.
- Today (Wed. 3.4) was Day 1 (multiple choice)
- Tomorrow (Thurs. 3.5) will be Day 2 (short answer, show your work/strategy)
- Friday 3.6 will be Day 3 ONLY FOR 4TH GRADE (more short answer, showing work and strategies)
- Today (Wed. 3.4) was Day 1 (multiple choice)
- Tomorrow (Thurs. 3.5) will be Day 2 (short answer, show your work/strategy)
- Friday 3.6 will be Day 3 ONLY FOR 4TH GRADE (more short answer, showing work and strategies)
Monday, March 2, 2009
CAMP ASHOKEN MARCH 11-13!
Camp is coming up. Quickly!! We will be going to Ashoken next week, Wednesday March 11- Friday March 13. We will be doing the trout release this year, which should be exciting.
If you need another form, please let me know ASAP so you will have time to look it over and get it to your doctor, if needed. Tomorrow, I will send home the packing list.
If you need another form, please let me know ASAP so you will have time to look it over and get it to your doctor, if needed. Tomorrow, I will send home the packing list.
Friday, February 27, 2009
CORALINE TRIP THIS MONDAY!!!
We will be taking a trip to see the movie Coraline this Monday so that we can do a comparison between the movie and book, which we've been reading...
Dear Families,
This coming Monday, March 2, we will be taking a tri p to see the movie Coraline (finally). As you may know, we have been reading Coraline in class, so this will be a great opportunity to compare the book to the movie.
We are collecting $7 from each student to make the trip possible. If you cannot pay the $7, please know that your child will still be able to go. If you are able to cover the cost of another child, that would be greatly appreciated.
Please return the attached permission slip, along with payment if possible, so that your child can join us on the trip. We will be traveling by subway to the Court Street Theatre in Brooklyn. We will be leaving school at 10:30 in order to make an 11:35 show time. Please provide your child with lunch on this day, as we will be leaving early and returning late.
Take care!
Lauren
Dear Families,
This coming Monday, March 2, we will be taking a tri p to see the movie Coraline (finally). As you may know, we have been reading Coraline in class, so this will be a great opportunity to compare the book to the movie.
We are collecting $7 from each student to make the trip possible. If you cannot pay the $7, please know that your child will still be able to go. If you are able to cover the cost of another child, that would be greatly appreciated.
Please return the attached permission slip, along with payment if possible, so that your child can join us on the trip. We will be traveling by subway to the Court Street Theatre in Brooklyn. We will be leaving school at 10:30 in order to make an 11:35 show time. Please provide your child with lunch on this day, as we will be leaving early and returning late.
Take care!
Lauren
Friday, February 13, 2009
Green Building Construction
"I'm proud of myself!" exclaimed one student during green building construction. Lots of exciting details are being added. Here are some updated pictures...
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