Another week has come and gone!  Time is flying by.... I can't believe it's February already!

There aren't many updates this week. We finished up our geometry units for both grades, and I am really pleased with what the students have learned!  Next week we will begin our new units, multiplication and division in both grades. 

Almost everyone has gotten to the drafting stage in our writing unit. A few are still finding ideas and trying them out, but most have a bold thesis about changing the world or changing the school. I love this writing unit for the organizational structure it offers young writers.  Now that we are drafting, the hard work begins!

We didn't have as much time in our reading clubs as I'd hoped for this week, but we took some time to decide exactly what is supposed to happen in a book club -- where to meet, how to have a discussion, how to be prepared, etc. That is time well spent, and I think the clubs will move along smoothly now!

Finally, we learned a lot more about the government this week. We learned how a bill becomes a law, and we discussed how difficult it is for our representatives to think about all the people they represent, their own values, and the pros and cons of each bill before them. We looked at 3 bills that are on the agenda this year (I rewrote them in child-friendly language) and decided on one to debate when we have our mock legislature next week or the week after.  We are excited about our trip to the State House, and even more excited that we get to meet Lt Governor Zuckerman (thanks to Bill Lofy!)  If you haven't already, please send in your money and permission slips for that trip on Monday.

I hope you all have a lovely, restful weekend!