IMA Projects-Our New Classroom Wiki

IMA students recently completed science projects to summarize what they learned about ecosystems and Ohio habitats.  They used an application called Keynote to create digital books to showcase their learning. We will use this wiki to showcase projects throughout the year.  You can explore our wiki by following this link; find out how technology is supporting student learning in IMA.

http://imaprojects.wikispaces.com/

Guyku

This an intriguing title for  a poetry book!  Get it?  The word "guy" is blended with "haiku" to make "Guyku!"  A clever title for a poetry book written about guys, but not to be restricted to male readers-not to worry girls!  

I MUST add this book to our poetry collection as soon as possible.  

While we wait for delivery, you can also check out Bob Raczka and Peter Reynold's website for this book.  You can visit
 http://hmhbooks.com/guyku/
for poetry fun.  While you are there, check out the different resources including:

Enjoy the resources!  I look forward to seeing the "Galku" poetry too!

Great Migrations-A National Geographic Adventure!

Mark your calendar for National Geographic's next television treasures!

On November 7th, National Geographic will debut the first episode of its new documentary series, "Great Migrations."   We hope that you view some of the episodes and discuss the many ways animals showcase behavioral and physical adaptations all in the name of survival.  

The website, http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/great-migrations/ has so many resources to read, experience, and use for home learning. Informative articles, interactive maps, video clips, and many educational resources wait for learners of all ages.  If you enjoyed the Discovery Channel's series called "Life," you will enjoy this series too.

Keep us posted on favorite video clips, new ideas and the conversations started by this long-awaited series.  Enjoy the adventures together!

Halloween Parade and Party

Please join the IMA classes on Friday for the annual Chapman Halloween Parade and Party.  The kids will have a busy afternoon.  They will enjoy Mrs. Werling's Halloween Obstacle Course at 1:30. Later, they will transform into all kinds of characters and participate in the Chapman Parade at 2:30.  The parade is followed by the party from 2:45-3:15. Parents are welcome to attend and celebrate with all of the IMA kids.  Thanks to all of the families donating party items and a BIG thanks to Noreen Marando and Laura Whitt for organizing the Halloween parties.  We look forward to seeing you on Friday!

New Third Grade Novel!

The third graders finished sharing their first novel written in verse called, Where I Live.  We just started a Johanna Hurwitz book called, Pee Wee and Plush.  It is an animal adventure story about 2 guinea pigs that are living in the "wilds" of Central Park.  It is based on the true story of an extended family of guinea pigs found living in the famous NYC park.

This story is told in first person by Pee Wee, a lovable and kind guinea pig; he shares the adventures of the guinea pigs and their close animal friends as they figure out how the guinea pigs will survive the NYC winter.

Home Learning Resource

Many parents have asked about extended learning opportunities and resources to use for home learning.  Recently, we were introduced to, Beestar.org, a home learning program established by the public school district serving Sugarland, Texas.  The website offers many free resources for different grade levels and inexpensive resources too. 

Thanks to Jason Guo and his mom for sharing this link!  

If you try the Beestar resources, let us know what you think.

Cider Making on Thursday!

We will be making apple cider at our final fall Habitat Helpers' meeting on Thursday, October 21st.  Parents are invited to arrive at 4:30, tour the winterized gardens and to sample some fresh cider.  If anyone would like to donate paper cups for the event, the cups would be greatly appreciated.

Where I Live

The third graders started a new book called, Where I Live, by Eileen Spinelli.  Diana is a girl forced to move with her due to her father's job loss.  She leaves behind her best friend, a beloved house, and all that she thinks she can ever love about a house.  The story explores the idea of "house" and "home" and the ideas of cooperation and being open to new experiences.  

The book is written in verse and this is a new format for the children as listeners and thinkers.  The book is also told from the point of view of Diana, so the children are enjoying their "conversations" with Diana as they hear a story told by the main character directly to the reader in a "first person's" voice.

No Habitat Helpers This Week

Due to conferences, we will not be hosting Habitat Helpers this week.  We will meet again on October 14th and 21st.  Winter meetings with indoor building activities are being planned too. Stay tuned for more information.

OAA Reading Test for Third Graders

Our third graders will be taking their first Ohio Achievement Assessment on Tuesday, 10/5/10.  It will assess what they have learned to do as readers and writers throughout their learning lives.  The assessment measures how students read, comprehend, and share their comprehension with others.  The OAA reading test will also assess students spelling and vocabulary knowledge. Please read the IMA e-mail update that was sent on Friday 10/1/10.  If you did not receive this e-mail, please let us know and the information will be forwarded to you.

This information sheet from our school district is very helpful too.  You will find it on our website's homepage in the bottom right-hand corner.  OAA Information Sheet

Please keep this in mind:  Each child is at a different place on his or her learning journey.  Tuesday is one assessment of many that your child will experience in a lifetime.  Encourage your child to share his or her talents and to approach this opportunity as a do-able challenge during the test.  A positive attitude makes all the difference when facing assessments.

Blogging Is A Hit!

The IMA kids love our new blog called "The IMA Kids" and they are posting so many amazing pieces from home and school.  We will be looking at the purpose and etiquette of comments and the art of editing and revising as we explore the blogging world as 21st Century Writers. Keep checking our blog with your child-you will see so many interesting entries and purposes for writing.