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Below you will find our weekly newsletters. - September 14, 2012
- September 21, 2012
- September 28, 2012
- November 9, 2012
- November 16, 2012
- November 30, 2012
- Brainwork Goals
- December 14, 2012
- January 4, 2013
- Brainwork Goals Due!
- January 25, 2013
- February 1, 2013
- FYI
- February 8, 2013
- Feb. 22, 2013
- March 1, 2013
- March 8, 2013
- Thank You!
- April 19, 2013
- April 26, 2013
- May 10, 2013
- May 17, 2013
September 14, 2012 Hello parents,
Welcome back to PALS! We had a wonderful reunion this morning, with the kids and teachers sharing the most exciting thing that had happened to each of us over the summer. It sounds like we all had some adventures!
We began our first project, which will we will complete within the next three weeks, before our October break for MEAP and testing for possible new PALS students. We are making a class book called Fortunately, Unfortunately.
Each child is creating his/her own page for our book, the object being to make light of a situation that at first seems great—and then turns out not quite as planned (kind of a “be careful what you wish for” event). For example, one idea might be, “Fortunately, I got to go to Thunder Falls. Unfortunately, it was fifty degrees that day”. We have found our students often have a difficult time when things don’t go just as planned, or they have setbacks. We will work throughout the year on being able to move on from mishaps, and to laugh at ourselves. Why not??
The students are also illustrating their own book pages. Everyone completed their sentences and most began a rough draft for their illustrations today, so we’re off to a good start!
Students also got a good chunk of scrapbook writing done today. We had such a busy, fun end to the school year that we hadn’t had time to write captions for the photos taken on our field trips. We will get these caught up over the next couple of weeks as well.
We then went outside to have our annual “mug shots” taken :-). It is so fun to see how the kids change from year to year in PALS. We love this tradition! They then got to play together for a few minutes on the playground.
The students finished the morning by choosing some Brainwork and setting their goals to be met by the end of January. The minimum number is 11, one for each PALS class session.
We then went outside to have our annual “mug shots” taken . It is so fun to see how the kids change from year to year in PALS. We love this tradition! They then got to play together for a few minutes on the playground.
All in all, we had a super first day.
Kathy & Jen
*We have completed PALS paperwork turned in for most kids. If you need another set of copies, please give us a call. As you know, Mrs. Smith is unable to transport any child in her vehicle without the “Volunteer Transportation Form” completed and signed by a parent.
September 21, 2012 Hello parents,
We started today by rotating through our PALS stations—Brainwork, Brain Activities, Scrapbooks, and WOW Words. Today’s word is impecunious.
We then continued work on our Fortunately, Unfortunately class book. We will finish these up next week.
We then went outside for our first affective activity of the year—an old favorite, Jedi Mind Trick. As you may remember, this is a fun way to visit the topic of eye contact, and to practice using it.
Kathy & Jen
*We have completed PALS paperwork turned in for most kids. If you need another set of copies, please give us a call. As you know, Mrs. Smith is unable to transport any child in her vehicle without the “Volunteer Transportation Form” completed and signed by a parent.
September 28, 2012 Hello parents,
We started today by rotating through our PALS stations—Brainwork, Brain Activities, Scrapbooks, and WOW Words. Today’s word is caterwauled. I nearly caterwauled when I heard the cost of my car repair.
Our affective activity today was a game called Make Six. We have played this in past years. Each player is given a grid in which to write numbers 1-100. As the person to one’s left is rolling a pair of dice, trying to roll a combination that adds to the number, six, s/he is writing numbers in his/her grid as quickly as possible. As soon as the roller “makes a six”, the writer must stop writing and the one who just rolled gets to write. The first person to complete his/her grid of numbers is the winner. The game keeps going to see who comes in second, third, etc.
This game is a good exercise in taking turns, practicing good sportsmanship, having fun even when not winning, and accepting that some outcomes are out of our control. The kids did a great job and had a great time.
We then continued work on our Fortunately, Unfortunately class book. Most, if not all, students are now working on their final drafts.
Kathy & Jen
*This is our last PALS session until November. October is the month for Mrs. Slack to test prospective new PALS students. Our next session will be on Friday, November 9.
November 9, 2012 Hello parents,
We started today by rotating through three of our PALS stations—Brainwork, Brain Activities, Scrapbooks, and WOW Words.
To those of you who are new to PALS:
Brainwork is PALS homework. Each student set a goal number of brainwork pieces to complete before the end of January. The minimum number is 9; one for each time we meet for PALS. Students are not expected to get all the right answers or even to have an answer for every problem. As long as students have done their best, challenged themselves, and learned something new, they have been successful.
Brain Activities are games, puzzles, and activities, some of which are played in pairs or groups, and some that are done individually. Each month we teach new games to add to this station.
Scrapbooks are books of photos from the students’ time in PALS. We took a photo of each new student today on their first day in PALS. Throughout the year we will photograph activities and projects, and each student will write descriptions of the pictures in their scrapbooks. At the end of fifth grade, the kids all have great records of their time together.
Each week we have a new word of the week. Today’s WOW word is perpend. One boy said he will sometimes perpend why people have to die. Students write three sentences using this new word. Each chooses his/her best sentence to share on a sign in the hallway. Sheridan students are then able to read their sentences and see if they can guess the meaning of the word.
Mrs. Slack took the kids on a tour of the school, and introduced them to our classroom routines.
Today’s word is perpend. I sometimes perpend the meaning of life.
While “veteran” students needed to finish their pages for our Fortunately, Unfortunately class book, our new students were given a tour of the building, and were introduced to our classroom routines.
We then went outside for an affective activity. We stood in a circle, each on a marked spot. One person started in the center, without a spot, saying his/her name loudly and clearly, followed by a statement that is true about him/her. For example, “My name is Mrs. Smith, and I like sushi.” Everyone who also loves sushi then had to move from their spots and find different spots, quickly and carefully, while Mrs. Smith tried to get a spot for herself. The one who was left without a spot was then in the center. This activity helps kids practice being assertive, keeping each other physically safe while having fun, learn each other’s names, and get to know each other a little better.
Things seemed to go really well today, with experienced students helping out those new to our group. It is always heartwarming to see how these kids take care of each other.
Have a great week!
Kathy & Jen
*We have completed PALS paperwork turned in for everyone in this group. Thank you, parents!
November 16, 2012 Hello parents,
We started today by rotating through our PALS stations—Brainwork, Brain Activities, Scrapbooks, and WOW Words. Today’s word is pusillanimous. One student’s sentence was, “The pusillanimous puppy ran away when I got out the vacuum.”
We next chose partners for an affective activity. Today’s was a fun race! Each student was given a small paper turkey cut-out and a straw. The object was to hold the turkey onto the end of the straw by inhaling and keeping it suctioned to the straw’s end—all while walking as fast as possible to the finish line of the curvy course we set up in the classroom. It was a hoot! This is a fun, safe activity to help kids become comfortable with not being successful at something immediately (Often PALS kids have trouble with that.), and to have fun, “win” or “lose”. We also talked about the variables that could affect keeping the turkey on the straw—air current, angle of the turkey, flat vs. wrinkled paper, the size of the straw opening, etc.
Finally, We introduced our next all-class project, the “Yak’s Corner” Favorite Book Character Contest for the Detroit Free Press. Each child will draw his/her favorite character from a book s/he’s read. Each student will also write two paragraphs describing what makes this character special to him/her. We will work on these for a few weeks, striving to do our best art work. Each year we have several children win prizes in this contest, which is wonderful, considering it draws hundreds of entries from across the state.
Mrs. Benn (subbing today for Mrs. Slack), read an Amelia Bedelia book to the class. Next, Mrs. Smith guided students through writing their own classroom example of two good paragraphs describing Amelia Bedelia. They began with a planning page listing three adjectives that describe Amelia, and then an example from the book demonstrating this adjective. The students also gave examples of how they, themselves, are sometimes similar to the characters they chose. Those who did not finish their planning pages today are bringing them home. These pages should be completed and returned at our next PALS session.
Have a great Thanksgiving! Our next session will be Friday, November 30.
Kathy & Jen
November 30, 2012 Hello parents,
We started today by rotating through our PALS stations—Brainwork, Brain Activities, Scrapbooks, and WOW Words. Today’s word was gaffe. Congratulating someone on her pregnancy when she is not expecting would be a terrible gaffe.
Next, we walked down to the salmon tank. The eggs have hatched. They are now at the sac-fry stage, meaning they are tiny fish with large portions of their egg sacs still attached to their abdomens. This portable food will slowly be digested, and the abdomens will “button up”.
Our affective activity today was a name-learning game. We sat in a circle, and the first person said his/her own name followed by the name of a food starting with the same letter, such as “Slack spaghetti”. The next person says his/her own name and a food, and the name and food of the person before him/her. The next person has to recite the two that have come before him/her, and add his/her own, and on and on. Obviously, it gets more challenging as the list grows! It is a fun way to make sure we know our classmates’ names.
The kids then continued work drawing their favorite book characters. Today students wrote their two paragraphs describing their characters. Many began rough drafts of their drawings.
Enjoy your weekend!
Kathy & Jen
*There is no PALS next week. Mrs. Slack will be traveling to work with small groups at all elementary buildings. Our next session will be Friday, December 14.
Brainwork Goals Hi parents,
We have discovered that several students were under the impression that their brainwork goals need to be met before the holiday break. Please don’t panic! Brainwork goals are due at our mid-year of PALS, which is the end of January.
Mrs. Slack will be going over each student’s goal with him/her next week. The kids will then collect and take home the number of brainwork pieces still needed to meet their goals. That way they can work on brainwork over the holidays if needed, and know that when the brainwork in their folders is done, they have achieved their goals.
Enjoy this busy season!
Please email or call if you have any questions.
Kathy & Jen
December 14, 2012 Hello parents,
We started today by correcting and getting new brainwork. Mrs. Slack met with each student today to see how s/he is working toward his/her brainwork goal. Then the kids collected the number of new pieces of brainwork to be completed before the end of January. (These are now in their PALS folders.) Holiday Break is a great time to get a good chunk of these done.
Rather than rotating through the rest of our stations, we got right to work on The Favorite Book Character Contest. These need to be mailed at the end of next week. Sheridan and Central kids do have morning PALS next Friday (so have one more session to finish their entries), but Lincoln and Ottawa students will be remaining at their schools for special activities. Many students finished their entries today, and the remainder should be able to finish during class next week.
Enjoy your weekend!
Kathy & Jen
January 4, 2013 Friday, January 4, 2013
Happy New Year!
We started today by rotating through our PALS stations—Brainwork, Brain Activities, Scrapbooks, and WOW Words. Today’s word was clinquant. We remove the clinquant from our Christmas tree before we put it outside so the animals don’t choke on the thin plastic strips.
Our affective activity today was a bit silly and fun. Each student was given the name of a character or object in a story that Mrs. Slack read. As Mrs. Slack was reading, if a child’s character was mentioned, that person had to stand up, spin around, and sit back down—all while trying to keep track of the storyline. With 21 students in this group, it was quite a spectacle of movement!
Next, we introduced the Claymation unit. Students will work in pairs to create short stop-action films of their own creation. The kids watched part of a Reading Rainbow episode documenting the making of a Claymation movie from a book. They then were able to see some Claymation examples from previous PALS classes so we could discuss what worked well and what needed improvement in each video.
Mrs. Slack then went through the rubric (expectations) for the project, including the quality of the clay figures, the contents of the background, the number of slides (photos) required to put into the Powerpoint program, etc. These are always a favorite project for PALS kids, and they will take many weeks to complete.
Kathy & Jen
*Brainwork goals for this group are due to be met on Friday, January 25. Please check in with your child as that day approaches to see how s/he is progressing toward his/her goal.
**Although we try to minimize conflicts between classroom and PALS activities, sometimes they are unavoidable. We are happy to work with kids, parents, and teachers to find solutions that allow students to experience as much as possible. It is extremely important for parents to let us know ahead of time if a child will not be attending PALS for part or all of his/her regular time here. If we do not hear from a parent, we will expect a student to follow the PALS schedule that is in place. This way, we and parents know where a student is at any given time.
Brainwork Goals Due! Hi parents,
This is just a friendly reminder that fourth grade Brainwork goals are due to be met this Friday, January 25. Please check in with your child, and help him/her to remember his/her folder when coming to PALS this week!
Thanks very much,
Jen & Kathy
January 25, 2013 Hello parents,
We started today by rotating through our PALS stations—Brainwork, Brain Activities, Scrapbooks, and, instead of WOW Words, “Sketch and Tell”, in which they drew and wrote about personal goals for the new year.
We then divided into groups of 3-4 students for our affective activity. Each group was given 20 sheets of scrap paper. They were twenty minutes to make the highest free-standing tower they could. It was a great exercise in trying lots of ideas (and abandoning many), using time wisely as well as using all the time given, cooperating, and listening to all members of the group.
Next, we began our study of cotton candy today by first writing down what we each already knew about the treat. We then, as a class, read an informative article on the confection. As we read, we used a different column on the paper to add “things I’ve learned”. Please ask you child to share some interesting cotton candy facts with you this evening.
Mrs. Slack demonstrated how a cotton candy machine works—melting solid sugar and using centrifugal force (by spinning very rapidly) to pull the liquid into fine threads as it cools. Next week, students will begin using the machine to make themselves their own scientific treats ;-) . The $2 we asked to be sent in per child will pay for cotton candy once per month for the remainder of the year (and our study :-). If you forgot or didn’t get the message before PALS today, please just send $2 in with your child next week.
Mrs. Slack conferenced briefly with each student to see how s/he did in meeting his/her brainwork goal for the first half of the year. More than half of the kids in this morning’s group met or exceeded their goals. “Great job” to those kids!
The minimum goal to set is equivalent to one piece of brainwork per session of PALS. Each day in PALS, students are given 10 minutes to choose, work on, and/or correct brainwork. Although this is not enough time to complete all of the goal brainwork, it should be a good start. Given the results of the goal check today, it is evident that some students have not been using their work time at the brainwork station wisely, and that some are not working on brainwork at home.
Kathy & Jen
February 1, 2013 Friday, February 1, 2013
We started today by rotating through our PALS stations—Brainwork, Brain Activities, Scrapbooks, and, instead of WOW Words, “Sketch and Tell”, in which they drew and wrote about personal goals for the new year.
We then were finally able to see all of Piggy in a Puddle, a Claymation version of a book documented in a Reading Rainbow episode. The third time’s a charm! Our new technology, although wonderful, makes it challenging for us old fogeys to show our VHS tapes. Today Mrs. Smith ordered a copy of the program on DVD.
The kids then worked with their project partners to come up with story lines, draw rough drafts, and begin drawing and painting the backdrops for their own Claymation videos.
During this work time, the kids took turns trying out the cotton candy machine! Thank you to those parents who have sent in $2.00 for this ongoing project. If you haven’t yet had the chance to send it in, please get the money to us as soon as possible.
Lastly, we handed out information packets detailing our big spring field trip, an overnight at Camp Daggett. Although it doesn’t take place until mid-March, we like to give students and parents a heads-up well ahead of time. Please read through all the materials, and feel free to call or email with any additional questions or concerns.
Kathy & Jen
FYI Hi parents,
During an upcoming PALS session (dates below), we will be taking a walking field trip to NCMC property to take winter photography. We do this project every year along with poetry, and the results are always wonderful!
2nd. Grade: February 20
3rd. Grade: Feb. 25
4th. Grade: Feb 22
5th. Grade: Feb 21
It is not necessary for children to bring their own cameras; we have classroom cameras that we share for this activity. If s/he would like to bring a camera, that is fine, but we cannot be responsible for any accidents that might occur. Please make sure your child has a coat, gloves, snow pants, and boots that day. It looks like this will be the first time in several years that we will be able to snowshoe to the college! (We have a school set of snowshoes for kids to use. If your child has his/her own snowshoes and would like to bring them, that is fine, too.)
Please feel free to call or email with any questions or concerns.
Jen & Kathy
Kathy Slack
Elementary Enrichment Coordinator/Teacher
Sheridan Elementary School
348-2226
February 8, 2013 Hello parents,
Mrs. Slack was absent today, as she was attending a college music audition with her daughter. Mrs. Benn joined us as a guest teacher.
We started today by rotating through stations—Brainwork, Scrapbooks, and Brain Activities. Rather than WOW words today, the kids worked on their February Sketch and Tell.
Our affective activity today was a game called 5 Second Rule. Sitting in a circle, each person took a turn reading a clue, such as: “ List three things you would find in a freezer” The person to his/her left had to only five seconds to answer. If the player got three correct answers before time ran out, s/he got to keep that clue card. Although the questions seemed simple (usually), the very short time limit made the task extremely challenging! It always seemed easier to think of answers when it wasn’t one’s own turn :-).
Next, Mrs. Smith reintroduced an option for Brainwork. We have classroom magazines that we loan out (in plastic sleeves that read, "Return to PALS"). For fiction magazines, students read one story and complete their choice between two types of summary worksheets. For non-fiction magazines, students must read three articles and write one thing they learned from each. Each of these completed worksheets count as a piece of brainwork.
After our morning snack, we attended a Sheridan assembly on kindness and respect.
We finished the morning by continuing work Claymation movie backdrops.
Kathy & Jen
We do not have PALS next week. Mrs. Slack will be working with small groups in all elementary buildings next week. Our next session will be Friday, February 22.
Feb. 22, 2013 Hi parents,
Today, we corrected and got new brainwork, bypassing our other stations so that we would have more time with our winter photography.
We looked at examples of some good winter photographs and some not-so-good. We talked about the importance of a discernable focal point, getting to the level of the subject, lighting, focus, etc.
We then distributed snowshoes and went over how to put them on.
We walked to the college trail, and the kids got their snowshoes on. Each student took three photographs from which to choose two to describe via poetry.
Have a great weekend!
Kathy & Jen
March 1, 2013 Hi parents,
We started today by rotating through our PALS stations—Brainwork, Brain Activities, and Scrapbooks If students do not have scrapbook photos to write about, they are working on the monthly Sketch and Tell, which includes changing reflection illustration pieces.
Next, the kids chose two photographs from the three they had taken last week to use with poetry writing. Although we do winter poetry with each Word Wizard grade level, the poem forms change and become more complex with each year. The two poems for this grade level are Monotetra and Etheree. Each stanza of the Monotetra contains four lines that rhyme. Each line has 8 syllables. The last line has two sets of 4 syllables that are repeated. The poem must contain at least two stanzas. The poetry form, Etheree, consists of 10 lines of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 syllables.
Today the kids were able to begin with either poem. We will continue working on these next week, and the students will type them for display with their photographs when finished writing.
Enjoy your weekend!
Kathy & Jen
*If you have not yet had the chance to send in your child's signed permission slips and money for our spring trip to Camp Daggett, please do so asap. This is such a fantastic experience for the kids! Please contact us if finances are an issue for your family.
March 8, 2013 Hi parents,
We started today by rotating through our PALS stations—Brainwork, Brain Activities, and Scrapbooks If students do not have scrapbook photos to write about, they are working on the monthly Sketch and Tell, which includes changing reflection and illustration pieces.
Next, the kids worked on Claymation. They finished their backdrops today, and several groups began creating their clay figures. Students were careful to include the required number of materials necessary in their backdrops, and to make their backdrops fit their storylines and really add to their films.
Due to some early "spring fever", Mrs. Slack today introduced a little behavior modification to encourage good listening and excellent classroom behavior. An infraction (interrupting, being blatantly off-task, talking when the teacher is talking, etc.) will result in a 10 cent fine (The amount increases as grade level does.), which will go toward a purchase for the PALS classroom. This morning, the classroom only tallied thirty cents. If your student comes home telling you s/he owes Mrs. Slack a dime, please allow him/her to earn their payment with the completion of the household chore of your choice :-) . Your child will be able to tell you why s/he was fined.
Enjoy your weekend!
Kathy & Jen
*There is no PALS next week. Mrs. Slack is traveling to all elementaries for small groups. Our next session will be our Camp Daggett field trip. Detailed information will be coming via email this week about procedures for our departure to Camp Daggett on Thursday, March 21.
**Mrs. Slack will be available on a drop-in basis for PALS conferences at Sheridan on Tuesday, March 12, and Thursday, March 14, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. If you would prefer to speak with Mrs. Slack via email or over the phone, that is fine as well. Be assured that she will always contact you if there are concerns that need attention.
Thank You! Hi parents,
Well, we had an extremely fun and exhausting trip to Camp Daggett. We hope we delivered some good sleepers back to you last Friday afternoon.
We are very proud of the kids' helpfulness, willingness to settle right down to sleep at the end of the day, and their cooperation and teamwork at the Adventure Center!
We would also like to give a great big thank-you to our parent (and grandparent :-) chaperones, drivers, treat-makers, and helpers. Without your generosity and assistance, we would not be able to have these opportunities for our students. You are spectacular!
Sincerely,
Kathy & Jen
April 19, 2013 Hi parents,
Wow! Between Camp Daggett, Spring Break, and our "Ice Day", we haven't actually been in our classroom with this group since March 8! It's good to be back.
We began Friday rotating through stations.
We then got right to work finishing Winter Poetry. When both poems were completed and typed, students continued work on their clay figures for their Claymation productions.
It's hard to believe, but after today, we only have four class sessions for this group. Please check with your child to see how s/he is progressing toward his/her goal. Brainwork goals are due to be met for this group on May 17.
Have a great weekend! Keep your fingers crossed for some sunshine.
Kathy & Jen
April 26, 2013 Hi parents,
We began Friday rotating through stations.
We then got right to work finishing Winter Poetry. Those who didn't finish their poetry today are bringing them home to finish. These need to be completed before next week's session so the Claymation projects can be completed by the end of the year.
Brainwork goals are due to be met for this group on May 17.
Enjoy your weekend! Hopefully it will be snow-free ;-)
Kathy & Jen
May 10, 2013 Hi parents,
We began Friday rotating through stations. Those kids who are going to be absent next week due to their own field trips went over their Brainwork goals with Mrs. Slack today. Most students met or exceeded their goals. Great job, kids!
The kids continued work on their Claymation. Those who had finished last week finished Sketch & Tells and then worked on their scrapbooks. If those were finished as well, a new "Ode to..." poem was written.
Brainwork goals were checked today. Most students met or exceeded their goals. Way to go, kids!
Our eggs have hatched! Mrs. Smith came to check on the eggs Sunday night, knowing they were getting close. She came in to one pheasant already hatched (These were supposed to hatch after the quail, not before!). She then rushed to Meijer to buy light bulbs to heat the brooders (where the tiny chicks will spend some time growing). When she returned, she got to watch another pheasant hatch, and noticed several more eggs, including some of the quail, moving! By 1:00 am, she was tired of waiting, and just plain tired, and went home. Monday morning Mrs. Smith came in to find seven baby quail and five baby pheasant! Another pheasant and quail hatched Monday morning with the kids watching. Several more quail and pheasant have hatched since. What fun! There are still six eggs unhatched. They are now considered duds and will be discarded at the end of today.
Next week is our last PALS class. We have decided to graze on some yummy food while we work. The kids have signed (or been signed up ;-) up to bring the following:
Taryn--fruit
Lena--guacamole
Abby--Juice
Lucy--Hawaiian Punch
Hailey--Cheese
Ainsley--Veggies
Sandra--French Onion Dip
Greg--Root Beer
Emma--Brownies
Dom--Chex Mix
Gabe--Doritos
Addison--Crackers
Logan--Chips
Charlie--Tortilla Chips
If this item doesn't work for your family, please feel free to substitute another offering.
Have a great weekend!
Jen & Kathy
May 17, 2013 Hi parents,
We spent today wrapping up various projects (mainly Claymation) we have worked on throughout the year. This is the last week of PALS for this school year :-( We enjoyed some yummy snacks (Thank you, kids and parents!) while we worked.
Our chicks have gone to their new home on the farm. They all had feathers growing on their wings, and the pheasants, especially, were trying to get out of their enclosures. Mrs. Smith came in to clean their houses on Saturday to find the light on in the room. (It turns on by motion sensor.) After much crawling around and peeping from the little escapee, s/he was found shivering behind the toilet in the class bathroom. The little chick was fine, and the window of the brooder was taped shut :-)
Most students in this group met or exceeded their Brainwork goals this time around. Great job, kids!
Information will be coming soon about our annual PALS Open House. We had chosen a day, but we have a group who will be gone on an overnight field trip that day, so we are rescheduling. We'll email invitations as soon as possible.
Thanks for sharing your kiddos with us this year. They are amazing!
Kathy & Jen
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