Week of Feb. 12

We finished up “Out of the Dust” last week in all classes. It was a terrific novel and I think the students really enjoyed learning about the Depression, the dust-bowl and some of our country’s history combined with a very compelling story of one young girl’s journey.
Beginning this week, 5th grade classes will combine with either a 6th or 7th grade class and learn all about black Americans history and contributions to the United States. Mrs. Brindle and I work together on this unit for several reasons. First, it is extremely labor intensive. Your student will be reading, writing, painting, singing, performing, sewing and a variety of other activities in a small group. Second, it aids in the transition from elementary school to middle school. Getting to know, and work with, an upperclassman creates a bond between all involved. Next year, students will already have friends and acquaintances in middle school. They will know one of their teachers. It takes away some of the anxiety of the transition. Third, we try and recreate the very thing that has helped to make the African-American story a successful one in the US: the idea of teamwork and helping each other out. The concept of “it takes a village” will be one of our themes.
We begin the unit with a time-line that covers up until 1860, the story of the Middle Passage, slave ships and Amistad. We will then move into slave life and how resilient and resourceful slaves were with the little they were given. We then make a short stop at Reconstruction and the Great Migration and delve into the Blues and the Harlem Renaissance. We wind our journey up at the Civil Rights Movement and the Greensboro Woolworth counter.
This is an awful lot to cover and we will be working into the month of March. The focus will always be on the positive contributions of blacks in our society but some attention will be paid to the trials that have had to be overcome as well. This story cannot be told without some ugly truths.
I will be requesting supplies throughout the unit. Like now! Please send in beets, blueberries, turmeric, acorns, and anything else you know of that will create a natural dye (I have tea left over from last year). We will be dying fabric the old fashioned way and need to create our dyes! Also, any all cotton or felt fabric remnants are needed.
Please remember, 5A and 5C: we need to fill our PTO basket with sports-related swag! Time is running out, please donate today! Dicks sporting goods gift cards, tickets to events, apparel, etc…
Competitive Edge homework: We still have a few months to go before the actual EOG, please continue to work in this book. I will continue to cover passages in the morning and remediation class will use this book daily. Homework: Mon. 27-31, Tues 32-34, Wed. 35-41, Thurs, 42-48
Vocab: We will not have traditional vocabulary for a couple weeks, I will give a list of words each Monday and students will be expected to write a cohesive paragraph using the words by Friday. Spelling will not count, although I should be able to recognize the word! I will post the words on Monday.
5th grade dance: Friday, from 4:30-6:00. Please pick up you student at the end of the day and then return for the dance. I will lead a small group of kids in the decoration of the cafeteria. I cannot manage all 71 5th graders! I have not received any donations of food or décor yet. I need lights!!!This is a free event, which means I need help supplying it! Please donate as follows:
If your last name begins:
A-E : drinks
F-J: salty treats
K-O: sweet treats
P-T: choice
U-Z: cups and plates
Vocab Words
These words will be put on the board on Friday and students will write a story using them correctly in context.
integrity
oppression
abolitionist
emancipation
stench
prejudice
currency
injustice
manilla
Middle passage