Newsletters

__ Ms. Duran’s News __ January 14, 2013

The Classroom Set of iPads is ours for 2 Weeks!!! Technology allows me to push the boundaries of traditional education And equip students with skills to achieve success in the 21st Century.


 * Reading: ** Our Fables Unit has come to a close, however I encourage you to continue to check out the collection of Fables at The Hyannis Public Library, as your children are so adept at deciphering multiple morals from each story. Mrs. Silk, our Reading Teacher, was very impressed with their ability to think deeply and communicate original ideas. We are moving on to Folktales, stories that originated as oral stories passed down from generation to generation, in cultures worldwide. Our Data shows that Reading Fluency skills are increasing weekly. Vocabulary skills continue to develop, take time during nightly reading, to discuss the meaning of unfamiliar words. I am teaching your children that it takes endurance to be able to demonstrate Comprehension Skills. As they learn to answer open Response questions, they must search for key words and phrases, and then support their responses with valid details from the text. We are striving toward excellence! Word study will focus on grade level phonics: “ar” and “or.” Study daily!


 * Writing ** : Each student composed a retelling of a favorite Aesop’s Fable. The iPad Apps “Book Creator” and //__Art Set__// were utilized as tools to create and publish //__iBooks__//. Initially, students brainstormed, organized and planned outlines for their “I Have A Dream Speeches.” The iPad App //__Educreations__// allows you to draw, type, and record your voice simultaneously. So I used this as a platform for students to formulate their ideas without the confines of pencil and paper. Next they viewed the exemplar speeches of Elementary age students who have won the __Guardere National M.L.K. Jr. Oratory Competition__ in Houston. We were all inspired. Then they wrote an introduction, and are just beginning to state their Dreams for their neighborhood, community, or world. Lastly they will conclude with a call for action. I will show them that it is possible for the words, followed by actions, of one can affect change in many. I will then instruct them to use the iPad App //__Memos__// to record themselves, playback, edit and revise to perfection. My job will be only to facilitate this process. I only //wish// I had a set of iPads for the remainder of the year. In all my years of teaching this is the most effective tool I have come across, that promotes risk-taking, inquiry, and higher-level thinking.

We continue to work on 3-digit subtraction with regrouping. Differentiated assessments will be given on Wednesday morning. The students understand the concept and the process, the only ones struggling at this point, are those who do NOT have their Math Facts memorized. It is an investment in the future of their relationship with Math, to spend time as a family working on Math facts to 20. Here are the relevant websites for subtraction with regrouping (otherwise known as “borrowing,” back in the day).
 * Math: ** The families that are making a concerted effort in the Practice of Math facts with their child/grandchild are making a tremendous difference in their loved one’s achievement in Math! Thank you. As I say: **Family + School = Success @ HYWEST!**
 * [[image:http://msduranswiki.wikispaces.com/site/embedthumbnail/placeholder?w=200&h=50 link="http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/frames_asid_155_g_1_t_1.html"]] || [|**Base Blocks Subtraction**] – Use base ten blocks to model separation of groups in subtraction. (You are going to love this!) ||

Practice Subtraction Facts []


 * Science: ** Simple machines are basically the building blocks of more complicated machines: lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, and screw. Point out examples of these simple machines in your environment. (bicycles, ramps, door stops, jar lids, seesaws etc.) Encourage discussions with elder members of your family/community regarding uses of these basic machines in their generation. If you would like to record a video clip of a family member demonstrating simple machines, send it to me and I will share it with the class. Duran_Kathy@barnstable.k12.ma.us


 * Social Studies: ** The life of Martin Luther King Jr. is being studied from the perspective of how his life and achievements affect the lives of students in the U.S. today. The bigger message of The Civil Rights Movement: “The Power Of One, The Magnitude Of Many,” will lay the groundwork to inspire your sons and daughters to reflect on how they would like to initiate change in the world. This unit of study will culminate with each student writing an original speech to communicate his/her Dream. The most important part of this is the process, so we are taking our time. Ultimately, you will be invited to come and “Listen…” to each child deliver a speech in our Hyannis West School Cafetorium on Wednesday, January 30th at 10:00 a.m. Coffee and sweets will be served!

//I am working to impress upon your children the truth that **they** are the **heroes of the Future!**// //The most vital component of my role as an educator is to spark the fire that lights your child’s love of learning,// //And empower them, through **belief in self,** so that they can **initiate change in the world.**//