Hello Parents,
I hope you are having a great week! I can't believe we only have one full week until Christmas. So Crazy!

Reading- This week we read a story about King George. It is a narrative nonfiction piece. There are facts in it about the war and King George, but the author also add some funny information into it. We have had big discussions on how he thought he was in the right and doing only good things as a king for the colonists. He couldn't understand their unhappiness with him. He said they were like children who weren't listening to their parents. When they disobeyed he would punish them. One of the things he did was close the port to Massachusetts to them. We also discussed how he became really ill at the age of 50 and people thought he was basically crazy. He wasn't, but the illness did affect his brain.

I showed them a YouTube video from Hamilton of King George singing his song. It kind of goes along with our story because he sings about he will kill your friends and family because he loves you.  I also showed them a video of the original cast singing for President Obama and his wife in the White House. I just wanted them to put a face to the many voices they listen to on my cd. They were excited to realize that one of the singers was also the teacher in the movie Wonder that we saw last year.

In grammar we are focusing on present, past and future tense verbs. We have also spent a lot of time on figurative language. Today we discussed similes, metaphors, alliteration, and idioms.  Those can be difficult to remember which is which. They will be tested over those on Friday.

Math- They took their chapter test today! I told them yesterday that checking by multiplying was up to them on the test. I don't know that anyone chose to do that. I also told them that based on their work, I really expect some good scores. They have really caught on much quicker than other classes I have taught in the past. I have a good feeling. Our next chapter will start with learning about the place value names of decimals, but then we will turn it into adding and subtracting them. I think decimals will be in the next 3 chapters. They will learn to multiply and divide them.

Food Pantry- This Friday we will walk down to help out Mark and the others. We will also be bringing him the collection we have of items outside the office. I know the 4th graders took some stuff down last week. We have quite a bit gathered. I may need to have them come along too. Thanks so much for the donations. I know Mark and Mary really appreciate it.

Geography Bee- The 2nd round is next week. I know none of the 5th graders made it to that round, but you are welcome to join us in the gym to watch it if you like.


Friday, December 21- We will get out 2 hours early that day. They need a sack lunch. The milk or water will be provided. They will be eating with their Advent Angels. We will be singing Christmas carols with them from 12:15-12:45. You are more than welcome to join us for the singing! It is one of my favorite things!!! That day they can also dress up in their favorite Christmas sweaters, clothes, antlers, jewelry,etc! I know I have some girls with the onesy Christmas pajamas. They can wear those too. It is not required.  I know in the past some kids get their angel a Christmas gift, which is fine, but NOT required or expected. If you do this, please keep it reasonable and small...something they can carry or put in their bag at the end of the day. 

Loved the Christmas concert last week! I thought the 4th and 5th graders did an outstanding job! Mrs. Stoner always does a great job. The 5th graders did it again on Thursday when they sang at church! 

I hope everyone has a great weekend! The weather is certainly warmer! I am not complaining! 
God Bless, 
Miss Surma