Beautiful October....what's new in Project Arrow!

I can honestly say that I cannot remember a more beautiful beginning to the month of October. Each day is more beautiful than the day before. I am very lucky to have a view of the field and lake from my window, and the colors are magnificent!
We have been very busy in PA finishing up our novel studies and working on end of the unit projects. The room is full of boxes, and crafts....and creative minds are hard at work. My second graders have just completed Frindle and are making dioramas. Their diorama reflects their favorite part of the story, and it's no surprise that all five of them have chosen the scene where the class is playing beach volleyball. Next week we will discuss and practice Benjamin Bloom's Taxonomy of thinking, and become familar with the verbs associated with how we learn and think (remember, understand, apply, analyze, evaluate and create). The following week our group will grow in size, as several students from second grade join us in our study of words and literature! The Green Book has inspired great enthusiasm, as our third grade PA students begin to design and build their models. After brainstorming several project ideas, each chose and personalized a plan of their own. Look to see these models take form at home this weekend. They will complete and share them next week in class. This has always been a favorite PA project!You can look forward to learning all about Ancient Egypt as our next core unit begins to unfold at the end of the week! As the fourth graders continue to read The Secret Garden, they have absolutely amazed me with their sensitivity and keen insight.This beautiful classic is full of magic and symbolism, and they just can't seem to get enough of it. They will be creating posters, venn diagrams and an extended written response. Their final project will be creating a story wheel! Last but not least, fifth grade is completing Beverly Cleary's Autobiography, The Girl From Yamhill.It is exciting to see them make connections to the author, and come to understand the influence early experiences have upon a person's lifework. Fifth graders will also be completing a Literature Web and extended written response. Their story wheel will require them to think at Bloom's highest levels (analysis and evaluation). It has been a great two weeks working with your children. I look forward to seeing you all at fall conferences in November. I will be sending home conference confirmation letters at the end of next week. If you did not have an opportunity to sign up for a conference, and would like to, please email me and let me know. I hope you all have an opportunity to enjoy some special family time on this wonderful Columbus Day Weekend.