Communication:
Email-I will be checking my email about once every day or two while on maternity leave. Ms. Tucker will also be checking my email daily. Email continues to be the best way to reach us (dchiu@mail.corbett.k12.or.us).
Blog-This classroom blog will be updated about once a week. Stay posted on classroom happenings by checking our blog regularly (www.mrschiusclass.blogspot.com).
Phone-I do not usually answer the phone during class time. I do my best to respond to voicemail messages within a day or two (503-695-3636 ext 274). Ms. Tucker will be responding to all voicemail while I am on maternity leave. Please send all messages for students through the office.
Mailboxes:
Each student is responsible for checking their mailbox and bringing home the contents to parents. Some days there will be quite a lot of mail, while other days there will be no mail at all. Mailboxes are the best way for me to get notices home to parents. Please encourage your child to check their mailbox and bring home its contents regularly.
Homework:
READ!!! Other than finishing up unfinished math or projects, homework is not assigned. My hope is that each student will get lost in a good book every day after school or right before bed.
Daily Schedule:
See side panel!
Reading Workshop:
We’ll study different authors through a daily read aloud. Students will read silently for 30 minutes each day in class. Students will also respond to literature through a weekly letter to me. Periodically, students will participate in book clubs where they will share the same reading material as a small group and spend time discussing aspects of the shared reading.
Writing Workshop:
Each week, a poem will be shared and explored. Time is also given for students to create their own poetry. After careful examination of authors' craft, Students will also spend focused energy writing pieces in various genres throughout the school year.
Math:
Based on a math placement test and previous work completed in Saxon, students were placed in one of five math classes that is a good fit for their current math level. In math class students are required to complete at least one math lesson or test each school day. A test will be taken every five lessons. If a math lesson is not completed at school, students should complete it at home. The Saxon math program fosters independence. Students are given the opportunity to work hard and take responsibility for continuous progress. Correcting math lessons and communicating math needs are a sure way to success.
Columbia Gorge Studies:
We're on our second year of the study of the Columbia River Gorge. Our focus this year is "Plants and Animals of the Columbia River Gorge". Through a variety of activities and experiences, we'll learn about the plants and animals of that impact this area. This will be an exciting year of science inquiry, gaining a range of knowlege that can be utilized to help us preserve this precious place.
We'll be headed outdoors quite frequently this year. Students will want to be prepared by having a towel and an extra pair of shoes and socks at school. We'll be headed out rain or shine to learn more about this area.
We have access to a pretty fabulous library in the Grade School. Starting later in September, we'll have library once a week. I am also hoping to start Scholastic Book Orders in October. Anyone want to help with that? :)
Physical Education:
We'll have P.E. twice a week with Mrs. Dawkins’ class. Kiddos should wear appropriate clothing and shoes that do no scuff the gym floor on these days.
