Math:
We worked on line plots today. We used the sage and scribe learning structure...ask about it.
Unit 2 pages 46-48 due tomorrow.

ELA
Read "Ultimate Field Trip" to be ready for test on Friday. Spelling and vocabulary test = Friday.

We are continuing our work on identifying text structures to see how the structure supports the ideas that the author is teaching us.
Common Core Reading book pages 224, and the graphic organizer on page 227 due tomorrow.

Science:
We took a quiz on the circulatory system today. We began working on the excretory system.
 I am moving the chapter 3 science test to Monday, December 14.

Other:
I Love My Neighborhood Posters are due tomorrow.  Remember use BRIGHT COLORS, incorporate the theme "Slam Dunk the Junk-Glendale!!" and the donkey Litter-Not into your poster. Names on the back only.

Barnes and Noble night = this Friday, wahooooooo! Teacher's wish lists are coming home in the Thursday folder tomorrow night.

The student council is running a fundraiser to support our intervention teachers. "Principal Grams" are for sale through next Wednesday.

Below is the letter being sent home from our current resident artist, Mrs. Gilbert:

 

Glendale Unified School District

Mark Keppel Visual & Performing Arts Magnet

730 Glenwood Road • Glendale, California 91202

818/244-2113 • Fax 818/507-6542

            Ms. Kristine Siegal, Principal                                                                                          Mrs. Kelly Worley, Assistant Principal

                                               

Dear Fourth and Fifth Grade Families,

I’m Cathy Gilbert, Keppel’s resident theatre teaching artist. I work with the fourth and fifth grade students from November 30, 2015 – February 26, 2016. This trimester we are exploring improvisational theater (improv) for one hour, once per week. In improv, the dialogue, characters, action, story, setting and props are all created collaboratively in the moment.  How is that possible? Ask your students about these tenets of our class:

1. Say “Yes, and…”

2. Listen

3. React

4. Support the team

Through various exercises, games and activities we explore ways to strengthen our ability to put these concepts into practice. We broaden our frame of reference and stretch our wings in order to enhance these skills for use in improv, theater, and everyday life.

Studying improv can strengthen self-confidence, increase focus, improve one’s ability to adapt to change, develop listening and observation skills, enhance creative thinking and imagination, and boost decision-making skills. Improvisational work can increase self-awareness and, at the same time, help to see one’s self as an essential part of a group. Success is gained through collaboration, empathy, acceptance of other people's ideas, trust in others, clear communication of ideas and group problem solving. Improv is a team-sport, as are school, work and life.

After the holiday break, we will begin to explore the elements needed for scene work; who, what and where, as well as striving for scenes with a beginning, middle and end which include conflict and resolution. The students are honing the tools needed to make something out of nothing.

I’m so honored that my compensation is provided 100% by Keppel families through donations made to MKS.

Sincerely,

Cathy Gilbert

Keppel Teaching Artist, Theatre