Marble Runs

The Marble Run Challenge is such a great activity to start the year.  I learn so much about each student by observing them in this initial group setting.  We discussed the necessary qualities, such as communication, collaboration, and compromise, that exist in successful teams.  This activity also helps the students to learn about a "maker" mindset.  They were constantly finding problems and fixing them.  It's important that students know how to rebound from situations that do not go as planned.  I snapped a few pictures and you can also click on the links below to watch the marble runs.  The winning team's marble run took 68 seconds for the marble to run all the way down--impressive!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhXdp0iJ4S8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV06ye6kt70 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0f2cfAQ78k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbOIG1LR5mE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zg0feF5uRt0

Planners

I sent planners home last night (Thursday) for the first time.  I give the students a little bit of leeway with having it signed the first week or so.  I ask that you sign the planner only if your child did do their required 15-20 minutes of reading that night.  Over the weekend, they only need to read ONE of those days.  I meant to check the planners today, but we aren't quite into that routine yet so I did not get that accomplished.  Hopefully we can solidify that next week.

Friday Folder

Every Friday, I send home a Friday Folder.  Inside the folder are your child's papers from the week for you to look at and review.  By signing the folder, it just lets me know that you saw the information inside.  You are welcome to ask questions or make comments if you wish, but it isn't necessary. 

Field Trips

Iowa History is a large part of the 5th grade social studies curriculum.  Our trip to the capitol building and Living History Farms in Des Moines is scheduled for Thursday, September 29.  We absolutely need volunteers to make this trip run smoothly so please let me know if you are able to go along with us!  We leave at 6:30 in the morning and return approximately 5:30 in the evening.

Our Winter Survival Trip at Foster Woods is scheduled for Friday, January 13.  This is an afternoon only trip.  We need parents to help supervise groups and the open fires!

The overnight at Crooked Creek is scheduled for Thursday, May 4.  While we don't necessarily need parents to go along I thought I would get this date to you so you could plan accordingly.  We do occasionally ask a dad or two to go along and help supervise the boys!