Newsletter1

Mr. Martin's Classroom 119** Newsletter 1, September 13, 2007
 * The Fifth Grade Expedition

Over the next few weeks, all parents will receive the paper version of this newsletter. During this time, those of you who enjoy using the internet may also try out our online newsletter. If prefer using the online version, you are welcome to simply view it online. This is in its experimental phase, but I already have high hopes that it will be a success! Please provide any feedback on how your experience is with this site. If you like it, I will soon be sharing more of the features of this wiki site.
 * Online and Print Versions of the Newsletter Now Available**

There are two places to look for important dates. I will be updating the website calendar as I hear of new dates, and also I will include important dates on the print version of the newsletter. You can find our classroom calendar on the web at any time. The address is http://martinclassroom.wikispaces.com/calendar
 * Important Dates**

During the previous week, we had two small writing assignments based on a prompt. The one I would like to share is called Wacky Faces. I found the idea for it on scholastic.com. Here is how it goes!
 * Writing News**

Since the first day of school is scary for most students, I try to make their day more relaxing and less stressful with a fun activity that requires art and writing. I give each student one white piece of paper. I tell my students that we are going to draw faces. Not just ordinary faces but wacky faces. First, I have my students write their name on the back and then I tell them to draw a very large oval, they can add ears but nothing else. Then the students hand their paper to the left. Now the students add eyes and eyebrows to the existing face oval and ears. Then pass paper. Next add the mouth. Then pass the paper. Next add hair and any other finishing touches. When the face is completed it is given to the student whose name was on the back.

Now the writing begins. The picture of the face is a new student at our school. The students must write what it is like for this new student on his or her first day of school. Here are some writing suggestions: Was their person scared to come to the first day of school? Could they sleep the night before? What did they wear? Who took them to school? Did they meet anyone? The wonderful thing about this project is it brings out creativity, fun and students soon forget any first day jitters they may have!

It was fun and interesting, and it told me a whole lot about what we do well at in writing, and also what our students need to do. One thing our students do in most cases is use complete sentences, include topic sentences, and add detail. We have many areas to work on, such as adding more detail, such as sensory details.

Update-We took this assignment a step further this week, and began revising. Mrs. Ayers and I discussed with each student what we liked about the writing, and one thing to improve. This is called stars and wishes, and it is a really fun and easy way to help people learn. A compliment gets people's attention, and we all like that. At the same time, each student in this class deserves many compliments about their writing. After all they have been doing it for many years! Also, each student has an opportunity to learn from each piece. Maybe your student shared this with you as they completed the revisions at home, although many students were also able to use class time to complete it.