Bunnicula is Born

     For the literary pumpkin tradition at Chets our class voted on the blog to decide which book we wanted to use as our 'muse'. Each class in the school decorates a pumpkin based off of a book. Then, the pumpkins are all displayed in the front lobby until the carnival.
    After polling ended, it was decided to use the chapter book Bunnicula. Each child was a part of this creation. We painted, stretched, glued, and cut to make this vampire rabbit pumpkin. With the help from a few friends in our class, we even had to reread to double check we had his markings correct. You all worked so hard on this and we had so much fun creating him.

We hope to see everyone at the carnival this Thursday from 6-9. At least our candy is safe from him, but watch out vegetables! Bunnicula is loose in the school!

Crow Boy

This week we began writing a response to the book Crow Boy by Taro Yashimo. It begins in a Japanese village, where we meet the main character,Chibi, who is an outcast at school because he is different from the other children. He is very shy and isolates himself. However, this all changes at the beginning of his sixth grade year, he has Mr. Isobe for a teacher. Mr. Isobe saw something special in Chibi, and he helped him show his talent or gift to others.

We discussed many of the important themes this book teaches. Students began their response with a summary and then wrote about this message. Next, students are writing about the changes the main character goes through in the story and his strengths and weaknesses. They have learned the importance of using specific details to prove their thinking and support their claim.

Ask your child about their thoughts on the book and what they have been writing about in class. Also, ask what their advice was to the characters and what they learned in the story.

Vocabulary
forlorn - lonely and sad
trudging - to walk laboriously or wearily along or over
honored - high respect, as that shown for special merit; esteem
graduation - the successful completion of a program of study
attendance - the frequency with which a person is present
imitate- to copy exactly

Sunshine Math...Take the Challenge!

Are you ready to stretch your brain out and get those thinking juices flowing? Well, get ready for the start of Sunshine Math. With so many extremely talented math students, this is a fabulous way to make sure you are constantly practicing and increasing your brain power students!
        A math sheet will come home with your child on Monday. He or she will then complete the problems independently by Friday.  They will not be given a grade and they are not penalized for missed questions. If you get really stuck, it's ok! Just try your best! Students that participate in at least 80% of the program will be eligible for a special luncheon and prizes at the Pavilion.   At the end of the Sunshine Math program, a "Math Brawl" will take place among students at your child's grade level. The winner of the school Math Brawl will go on to represent Chets Creek at the district level.
        What a fantastic way to keep sharpening up your math skills! We hope you all consider signing your child up to participate!

Are you ready to accept the challenge?