Target Tidbits

Target Tidbits - April 2011

It is actually March 31 but I wanted to get a jump on things as the next few weeks will be super busy.

First, I want everyone to enjoy their spring break.  We all deserve a rest before the end of the school year.  There will be Target classes held during the CRCT week of testing.  The students will test in their own classes and then will be picked up after testing to come to the Target classroom.

First grade is traveling around the world with the various Cinderella stories.  We have have been to Germany, Korea, China and Alaska.  The students have also learned about Japan while trying to arrange tatami mats to fill a specific area.

Third graders shared their heart models which are on display in the media center.  There are so many creative ideas, we enjoyed hearing about each and every one.  Now we will be working on the creative aspect turning prose into poetry.

Fourth and fifth graders continue to learn about frogs and the effect of their disappearance on humans.  We are doing extensive research and engaging in stimulating discussions.

Enjoy the time off to be with family and friends so we can gear up for the end of the school year.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Target Tidbits - March 2011

Exciting News!!! - We have 80 students being served in the gifted program at Dowell.  Our numbers continue to grow and that is awesome.

First Grade - The children are familiar with the routines and are doing a super job with the unit, Stepping Into Target.  Each week we learn new things and read another version of the Cinderella stories.  The students have learned words from other languages that relate to the various settings of the stories.  They are already solving logic puzzles, using creative  thinking and going above and beyond the expectations.  We went to the media center and used the computers to research the continent of Africa.

Third Grade - We have been doing an intensive study of the human heart.  The children are researching and writing ABC books of the heart, blood and circulatory system.  We are also doing a novel study, Love That Dog,  by Sharon Creech.  Please remember that their project, a model of the heart, is due by March 24.  I do not want the children to go out and buy things, they can use common household items such as tissue paper rolls, boxes, etc.

Fourth and Fifth Grade - I hope you have  had an opportunity to look at the posters they made to Save the Frogs.  We have had amazing things brought in for "above and beyond".  The students are writing text to the picture books by Mercer Mayer as well as discussing the implications of the demise of the anurans on our lives.

Please remember to check Target Tallies weekly and encourage your children to prepare for Target with all of their supplies the night before.  Several students are telling me they are unprepared because they got up late and rushed out the door.  Target Tallies need to be signed each week so that I know you are aware of what is going on. 

Let's enjoy the beautiful weather and hope that winter is behind us - we shall see!