Writer's Notebook

September 11, 2011

 This week, each student began working in a new writer's notebook.  This will be an essential tool for our Writers Workshop throughout the year.  In this notebook, we will practice "living wide awake lives" and record our observations, thoughts, and wonders.  Some students were so inspired by this notebook, they chose to write during free choice time!

For our first notebook entry, students wrote continuously for 2 minutes, not allowing the pen to leave the page.  As thoughts wandered, students began to stumble upon some "big ideas" that might be a source for a personal narrative or essay later in the year.  Some were so lost in thought, they couldn't stop writing even after 10 minutes!  We learn more "notebooking" strategies in the next few weeks.

Each student will need to personalize the outside his or her notebook with artifacts that are a resource for memories and stories.  Photos, drawings, and tickets are a good place to start.  The notebook does not need to be completely covered right away - leave some blank space for some items you might think to add later.

WEEKLY HOMEWORK: write 1 notebook entry each week.  Be sure to write the date at the top of the entry.  The length is not as important as the content.  A quality notebook entry shows thoughtfulness and includes complete ideas.

Tags:

Add comment

Supply List

September 05, 2011

Consumable Items:

#2 pencils

erasers

covered pencil sharpener

wide-ruled loose leaf notebook paper

colored pencils

thin markers

glue sticks

blue or black pens

surface sanitizing wipes

unscented hand sanitizer

 

Classroom Items:

Pull-down world U.S., and California maps

donations toward magazine subscription for classroom (National Geographic Kids, Ranger Rick, Ask)

children’s dictionaries and thesauruses (such as Scholastic)

floor pillows

gift cards to Staples and Target

 

Science Supplies

This year, the ¾ classes will be studying ecosystems.  I would like to provide multiple experiential opportunities for students throughout the year, but I can’t do it alone!  We will need supplies and volunteers for:

§  Vermicompost bin (worms!)

§  Artistic expertise or support

§  Classroom pet (amphibian or reptile)

§  Print, digital, or video resources on food chains and specific habitats around the world

Books from Amazon Wish List are always appreciated!   http://amzn.com/w/3IJ6J5NSK1ZZ0

Tags:

Add comment

Welcome to Room 12!

September 05, 2011

 Room 12 News

Welcome students and families to Room 12!

My name is Jamie Leigh Freeland and this will be my 6^th year teaching elementary school, and my 4^th at Odyssey Charter School.  I am looking forward to getting to know those of you who are new to Room 12 and to the OCS community.  And of course, I am excited to get reacquainted with our returning students and families.  I hope you all had refreshing summer break and are ready for new learning adventures! 

Throughout the year, we will stay touch in a variety of ways. 

§  Look for newsletters, announcements, and student work in the weekly Thursday Packet.  You may receive your Thursday Packet news by email or in print. 

§  Email is a great way for us to stay in touch or to arrange a time to meet in person.  Please feel free to contact me through email at jamief@ocsmail.org. 

§  I am typically available before and after school, and I happy to meet with you, however meetings are most productive if we can arrange them in advance. 

§  Check my teacher’s page on the OCS website for updated information at http://www.odysseycharterschool.org/jlfreeland/. 

 

Ways to Get Involved

There are many opportunities to participate in your child’s education at Odyssey.  We are always looking for volunteers to work with students, help in the classroom, and assist with school events.  Be sure to attend the Parent Orientation and Back to School Event on Saturday, Sept. 10^th for information on our parent group (OPPG) and for classroom information. 

Can’t make it on campus, during the school day?  There are many ways to help from home, too.  We always need assistance with prepping materials, sending emails, or gathering supplies.

If you would like to be involved in Room 12 activities, please get in touch and let me know what you are interested in.  Thank you in advance for all of your help and support!

 

Classroom Volunteers

O OCS does not have volunteers in the classroom for the first 6 weeks of school while we build our classroom community.  During these six weeks, not only will I learn about your child, but I hope to learn about you as well!  I welcome you to share your expertise and family traditions with our community.  Please contact me and look for more information in upcoming newsletters.

Tags:

Add comment