A Few Thoughts About Sargent Camp...

In a week, we will be boarding the buses and heading to Sargent Camp! The weather during the past two weeks is a reminder to us all to pack for any and all types of conditions. In the past we have had sun, rain, snow, wind, colder temperatures and warmer days while at camp. When you pack be sure to include a water bottle and plenty of socks, along with several grocery or ziploc gallon bags. If your child's footwear becomes wet, these bags can act as a layer to keep feet dry. Please keep in mind all students must carry (or roll) their luggage from the U-Haul to the cabin.

You may want to mail a letter or card to your child during the latter part of this week in order for him or her to receive it on time. The address is:

Nature's Classroom at Sargent Center

36 Sargent Camp Road

Hancock, NH  03449

Please write "Swasey" on the envelope for easier delivery.

In the past, some students became quite homesick and teary after reading mail from home. Please consider this as you write your card or letter. "We know you are well and having fun. We are excited to hear about your adventures at camp" may be less upsetting than "We all miss you so much and are counting the days until you get home."

Please remember if your child is bringing a prescription or nonprescription medication to camp, it must be turned in to Rebecca Doucet. If you can send it in prior to April 11, it would be helpful. The morning we leave is normally hectic and having the medication taken care of beforehand will eliminate any confusion.

On Monday, April 11, please bring your child to school around 8:15-8:20 (no earlier please). All luggage should be brought to the U-Haul truck which will be parked by the Kindergarten entrance. After storing luggage, please meet me in the gymnasium. We will load the buses and plan to leave by 9:00.

We will return back to Swasey on Friday, April 15 around 12:00. Please arrange to have your son or daughter picked up from school at that time. An Alert Now message will be sent to your phone number on file indicating our arrival time.

When Swasey staff have the opportunity to take pictures, we will upload them to two photo sharing sites. Wifi is spotty at best at camp, and there is a lot going on each day. Therefore, photos may not be added regularly. Our goal is to post to Instagram throughout the day, and to upload any and all pictures we take at camp to the FlickR account whenever possible. Images on the FlickR page can be downloaded at home more easily. However, out of respect for others, please DO NOT SHARE OR POST images of children other than your own on any personal social media site or otherwise.

Instagram Account: Swaseygrade5

FlickR Account: https://www.flickr.com/photos/139839523@N05/

If you have any last minute questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to give me a call. I am so excited to spend the week with your child. This out-of-school time together allows me to get to know all of the children on a different level.

Have a wonderful week and I will see you on Monday, April 11.

The Age of Discovery: A Research Project

As we move into the third quarter of 5th grade, it is time for our main research project of the year. On Thursday, each student chose an explorer from the Age of Discovery to research. We reviewed a list of the project requirements and discussed a variety of options your child can choose from to share the information learned.  Each student must choose a project format by Wednesday, February 3. A calendar specific to each project type will then be developed. This calendar will include deadlines for each step in the process, breaking the project into smaller, manageable segments to reduce stress and prevent last minute breakdowns. My purpose in assigning this project is for your child to learn new information, to draw conclusions, to understand how to complete a long-term assignment, and to learn how to present information to others.

We are now beginning the research phase in earnest. An initial text was read to gain an overall picture of the explorer's life and accomplishments. Using additional resources, both in print and on-line, notes will be taken (either digitally on Google Slides or on index cards) and then organized. All research will be completed in class by Thursday, February 4.

It is expected your child will construct (or write, videotape, etc.) the final project at home.  I want to take a moment to discuss ways you can help support and encourage your child in this endeavor. For some, it may be helpful if you discuss project formats with him/her which showcase personal strengths: a journal or newspaper for a writer, sketches paired with an oral presentation or a comic book for an artist, a reenactment or talk show for an actor or actress. Ask your child how you can help him/her get started. The task can sometimes be overwhelming. Helping your child identify and gather needed materials, as well as establishing a work space may be beneficial. The actual construction of the project will begin the second week of February, but early planning is helpful.

As with all projects, it is important this be the work of your child. As a parent, I know how easy it is to step in and complete the task with your child. However, when children successfully complete their own work, not only are they proud of their accomplishments, but the experience builds their confidence in their abilities and their self-esteem. As they share their projects in class, my hope is they will gain information about the topic, as well as share the strategies they used to complete the task, learning from each other. Allowing your child to complete the work will also allow me to fairly grade each project. Grading becomes difficult when parents help with the completion of the project.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email me. The project guidelines and a grading rubric can be found in your child's binder and on our class website. All projects are due Thursday, February 18.

December News

Our class started the month participating with millions of other children in grades K-12 in the Hour of Code. The Hour of Code takes place each year during Computer Science Education Week. The Hour of Code is intended to introduce computer science to children, nurturing problem solving, logic and creativity. We are continuing to learn about coding by taking a free computer science course from code.org.

In December we finished our study of the Incas, Aztecs and Maya by creating a secret door foldable. As we study the Spanish explorers, Pizarro and Cortes, we will add information explaining how these men conquered two of these ancient civilizations.

Our reading instruction is focused on determining what is important as we read nonfiction. Determining importance has to do with knowing why you are reading a particular text, and then deciding which information or ideas are key to understanding the overall meaning of the text. We will put these skills to work in January as we begin our study of the Age of Exploration.

Genius Time is new to our class.  During Genius Time, the children are provided the opportunity to follow their passions during one class period each week.  Each child created a "Wonder List"-questions that piqued their interest. From the list, one topic was chosen and questions to guide their research were identified. We begin researching in earnest when we return to school in January.  At the conclusion of their independent study, students will choose a format to share what was learned.

Our month ended with several Swasey traditions. The annual 5th Grade Brunch was delicious. Thank you to the many families who helped with this huge undertaking! We had the opportunity to see the holiday performance by the 4th and 5th grade Chorus.  Finally, we enjoyed the balmy temperatures during our whole school Winter Walk.

As 2015 comes to a close, I would like to thank you all for your continuous support. I hope your family has a restful and fun holiday. Happy New Year!

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Wonder What’s Happening In Our Class?

I want to begin by offering my apologies for not using our class blog to update you about what is happening in our classroom. While I have sent many email updates and posted pictures on Instagram, I realize I have not taken the opportunity to regularly share the everyday events taking place at school. I plan to blog at least once a month to share this information with you. Now, onto the classroom…

Twice in the past two weeks, we put our geography skills to the test by Mystery Skyping with another class. During a Mystery Skype, each class tries to guess the location of the other by asking questions that can be answered by "Yes" or "No." During the Skype, each student is assigned a job. Two students act as spokesmen for our class, asking and answering questions. The “Think Tank” analyzes information in atlases, on wall maps, and on google maps to determine the next question to ask. Others are checking to accurately answer the questions posed by the other class. Two runners relay the answers and questions. One person is the greeter and photographer, another records questions asked, while another records what we learn after each of our questions is answered. It’s a busy and very productive half hour! 

Our first Skype was with a 5th grade class in Evergreen Park, Illinois, and our second was with a 5th grade class in Irvine, California. After each class guesses the location of the other, we spend a little time sharing information about our town or city with one another. We learned at Orchard Hills Middle School there are 256 5th graders!  

My plan is to Mystery Skype with other classes once or twice a month, keeping our geography skills fresh. Ultimately, my hope is to connect with a class in another country - which may present the opportunity for an evening Mystery Skype! You can keep up-to-date with the schools we Skype with on our class website. 

In Social Studies, we are learning about three early American civilizations: the Mayans, Incans and Aztecs. By studying these civilizations, we will better understand the impact of early European explorers. 

We ventured into the world of blogging by initially writing blog posts on paper. Next, we learned the art of commenting on blogs- how to add to the conversation. With blogging and commenting comes a high level of personal responsibility, so we discussed the dos and don’ts of making public posts. Our first blogs went public this week! Please take a moment to read and comment on the children’s blogs. You can access them at: https://kidblog.org/class/Bloggingin5R/posts.

I hope your family has a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. 

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Welcome to Our Class Blog!

Welcome! Our first four days were busy ones. We spent a lot of time building our classroom community and learning what we each need to have a successful year in 5th grade. Using a variety of iPad apps, we’ve been creating All About Me ebooks. These will be ready to share soon! We’ve also taken several beginning of year assessments. 

Working with others is an important skill in life. We took part in several challenges which required teamwork. Groups strategized together to attempt tasks like the Cup Challenge and Marshmallow Towers. After each challenge, we debriefed and identified what went well. We developed a list of skills we believe help groups work together successfully. 

Each afternoon we participated in 5th grade STEM Camp integrating science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  Students from all four classes first broadened their definition of the word "technology," realizing that technology is more than electronic devices. Several small STEM challenges were presented, encouraging problem solving and teamwork. Last Thursday, Swasey’s physical therapist, Mrs. Virgenson, explained to us how joints work. We’ll use this new understanding to tackle the main STEM challenge of building a knee brace. 

Thank you for sending your child prepared with all the materials needed to set up his or her binder. Your child's binder will go from home to school and back each day.

I hope you can join us on Wednesday, September 9 from 6:00-6:50 for Open House. Classroom expectations, curriculum, grading, homework, etc will be discussed.  You will be asked to sign up for a goal setting conference which includes your child, so please bring your calendar with you. I’m using Volunteer Spot to organize the conference times (as well as regularly scheduled parent conferences). You may sign up any time at: http://vols.pt/pC47T3. Please create an account with your email address and you will be sent reminders prior to your scheduled meeting. If the times listed do not work with your schedule, please let me know and we will find another time. 

Specials Schedule

Monday: Music

Tuesday: Art

Wednesday: Phys. Ed.

Thursday: Library

Friday: Phys. Ed. 

Please remind your child to dress appropriately for our special each day!

Finally, if you are sending in a note regarding dismissal, absence or other information that needs to be sent to the school office, please include your child's last name on the note. This way the office staff is clear about any changes taking place during the day.

 Enjoy the slideshow sharing a few first week activities!

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