High Ability Update

There are three days left of HA language arts (May 1, 8, and 9). We have two days left of HA math (May 3 & 4). After May 9th, I will be at Liberty Elementary with the HA team. It has been such a great year; I'm not looking forward to it ending!

Rebus puzzles really strain our brains to connect letters, words, numbers, and pictures! The kids really enjoy deciphering the puzzles. There were some words that aren't part of their vocabulary, but they still managed to successfully decode the words! They couldn't get enough of the rebus puzzles, so we did them both days this week! The students even created some rebus puzzles. It's so great to work with kids that love a challenge!

This group really impressed me during our review Wednesday! We reviewed our geometry content from the entire year, and they were on top of it. They took the post-assessment on Thursday. You'll see the graded post-assessments come home next week and will surely be impressed by how much geometry they've learned. Second grade HA math is not geometry. The students liked geometry, but they're looking forward to "regular numbers math" next year.

As you may recall, we have been exploring persuasion. Students began prep work to write persuasive paragraphs on reading Kate DiCamillo books. They used hamburger graphic organizers to start forming their paragraphs. I conferenced with each of them to answer questions and offer feedback. While these students can easily express themselves verbally, they are seemingly intimidated to put their thoughts down on paper. They need to include three reasons they believe other kids should read Kate DiCamillo books. Each reason needs to have supporting details/examples. We have just three language arts classes left in the year, but I'm confident the students will get their paragraphs done.

You may recall the class completed a pre-assessment at the beginning of the year. They have begun taking the post-assessment. With only a few math classes left in the year, we do not have time to review for a week or two before taking the test. To set them up for success, I am walking them through each problem and giving them examples every step of the way. When we are all done, I will be sending home the pre- & post-assessments together in a Proud Packet. The students will surely feel good about how much they've learned in HA this year!

Monday was our third and final work day on the third move/project of Fairy Tale Tic Tac Toe. We did not have class Tuesday due to ILEARN. The students will have one class session to tie up loose ends & put the finishing touches on their projects. They will be presenting their projects on our last two days of HA (May 8 & 9). I keep hearing them say they can't believe we are already nearing the end of Fairy Tale Tic Tac Toe. Time flies when you're having fun!

You may recall the class completed a pre-assessment at the beginning of the year. They have begun taking the post-assessment. When they are done, I will send home the pre- & post-assessments together in a Proud Packet. The students will surely feel good about how much they've learned in HA this year!

With only 3 classes left in HA language arts this year, we are hustling to finish The Westing Game. Some students are predicting who is guilty, and some students have no predictions. I cannot wait until we finish the book, because the students have no idea a major plot twist is coming. Shhh, please don't tell them there's a twist ahead. Homework due Monday: Read chapters 18-21.

"PEMDAS"

"PEMDAS"

"PEMDAS"

Throughout the year, I've had more than a few requests to do some PEMDAS (order of operations) in here. They absolutely loved it in HA last year, so they've been wanting to revisit it. We tried to fit it in with a few spare minutes earlier in the year, but it became apparent they needed some reteaching/reviewing. I'm happy we now have the time to do that. I put together a packet of PEMDAS that we will not be able to finish. I did that on purpose so students have some to take home. I love that some of them ask me for work to do at home. Plus, I know that some parents have students do schoolwork in the summer to avoid a summer slip. This packet will be a great resource for those families.

Email: kapeterson@duneland.k12.in.us
Location: Jackson Elementary School, North 400 East, Valparaiso, IN, USA
Phone: 219-983-3680