March 21st- 25th: NO SCHOOL Spring Break
2021-22 School Year Calendar
A message from Art Teacher Stephanie:
Yearbook is on sale now for $20.
To purchase a yearbook please go to www.treering.com/validate and enter the number 1016052158063632. Students are now creating the cover of the yearbook. A yearbook is a great way to remember their time this year. If you have any questions please email Stephanie at [email protected]. Thanks for all your support!
What’s happening in the Puffin Nest?
The Oregon Trail: Our Unit Overview
Using a strategy called Storypath, our students will form family groups and join a wagon train, which will help them build an understanding of the journey across the U.S. in the 1840s. Students will learn why emigrants formed wagon trains and moved west. They will confront difficulties such as illness, food shortages, and broken wagons. Encounters with Native Americans will set the scene for examining the views of the period as well as the ethical issues surrounding westward expansion. The culminating activities will involve a celebration and presenting plans for their new life in Oregon.
In class, we continue our Storypath journey!
Episode 6: An Outbreak of Cholera
As the wagon train nears Fort Laramie in Wyoming, students discovered that cholera has affected one of the families on the wagon train. They discussed issues related to the illness and the journey.
Students researched cholera, and discussed possible solutions to the problem.
Next, students planned and wrote an opinion piece in their journal. They made a decision, and discovered the outcome.
Backyard Garden Out & About
Traveling on the Oregon Trail was oftentimes treacherous as pioneers had to deal with disease and accidents. In fact, it is estimated that about 20,000 travelers died while on the trail due to disease and the harsh conditions. During our O&A, we learned about simple, primitive ways that Pioneers may have been able to provide first-aid for themselves in the event of an accident. Students got to make splints for their limbs out of natural materials like sticks in the garden. They also learned how to build a fire using methods like a teepee, log cabin, and lean-to. Students also got to try and make a spark using a flint and steel, and learned how challenging a primitive way of starting a fire would have been!
Class Read Alouds
Our latest novel-study class read-aloud:
The award winning Flora & Ulysses
Daily Life in a Covered Wagon
This historical adventure follows a typical family from Indiana traveling to Oregon in a covered wagon. It shows how they really lived: how they dressed; what they ate; what they saw; how they survived the hazardous journey.
Rachel's Journal: The Story of a Pioneer Girl
Rachel and her family travel by covered wagon following the Oregon Trail from Illinois all the way to California. The terrain is rough and the seven-month trip is filled with adventure and Rachel's handwritten journal chronicles every detail.
A Reminder about Level 2 Homework:
In Level 2, our homework is on the honor system. We ask families to develop and sustain this important practice at home in a way that works best for you. Having a regular routine (time/place/materials) will ensure that your child will be prepared to tackle their required homework in Level 3 more easily.
Math: at least 30 minutes (or more) of math practice each week.
Practicing multiplication math facts at home is a GREAT way to support your kiddo!
- 3rd graders should work on: 2's, 3's, 4's, 5's and 6's
- 4th graders should work on all multiplication facts for 2-12's.
We also recommend that students engage in 10-15 minutes of a math activity (math website or game) and then complete one page in their math workbook at least 2 days per week.
All level 2 kiddos brought home a math workbook (or packet) for homework practice in November. Let us know if they are ready for a new book!
For computer practice, take a moment to set up a free account for your child:
- Khan Academy: instructional videos and problem solving practice
- Prodigy: answer math questions, complete quests, earn rewards
- SumDog: solve math problems while playing video games
- Math Game Time: no account set-up required, select grade level & play!
- The public library is a great resource. Make sure your kiddo has access to lots of “good fit” books that they are excited to read. Check out our Level 2 Book Recommendations HERE.
- Read-alouds and audio books work too! Also, listen to your child read out loud, and ask them questions about their reading & thinking.