Next Steps in the Teaching/Learning Year

As family/educator conferences come to a close, it's time to think about the many jobs to do to prepare for the spring teaching/learning to come.

Fraction Computational Thinking
Once we finish the fraction unit one test, we'll make time for the computational thinking fraction unit.
Efforts to come: reviewing the curriculum, making/ordering related lesson materials, introducing and tracking students' learning. Keeping an online log of the efforts, needs, and successes.

Math Tech
Students are engaged in a large number of math tech endeavors and we'll be working to complete the goals in that regard. Regular check-in on students' efforts. Personal support during class, RTI, and extra help sessions.

Survival Science
We'll cluster our STEAM projects with the creation of plant packets, solar ovens, and water filters.  Creation of unit booklet, prep of materials, and teaching in April/May. I'll work to deepen these explorations by incorporating some of the specific language and activities from the updated state STE documents for grades 3-5.

Science MCAS Review
Students will take tests and complete science slideshows as part of their MCAS science review. We'll also delve a bit into the science of sound and electric currents which are topic not covered as part of our fifth grade science study, but are included as part of the  MCAS test. Students will use books to take an open book test of the physical science material.

Math Review
Prior to MCAS and systemwide assessments, students will take part in a number of math review activities. Lots of online and real-time review including computation review for homework.

Classroom Organization and Clean-Up
Before the hot days of summer, I'll likely spend a few afternoons here and there cleaning up the room, organizing supplies that we will no longer be using, and getting rid of things we don't use anymore.

Climate Change Service Learning Projects

Students will continue working on these projects and hopefully finish up by April break. While the projects are terrific, time has been short. I was happy to see that this project is a direct match for the state standards.

Transition Activities
Our team will prepare transition materials for the end-of-year transition events and expectations.

Reading and Research
We'll make plenty of time to support students' reading and biography research goals.

Professional Learning
I'll do the research for the "Math Practice Conversation" I'll lead at ATMIM, follow up on the computational study, and plan to attend the 6/11 state STEM conference.

Evaluations
I'll review the evaluation/evidence documents for end-of-year evaluation expectation.

Report Cards
By late May, I'll complete the report cards and other related end-of-year paperwork related to students efforts.

It's good to stay abreast of all of these activities and whittle away at them during the cool days of spring rather than wait for the hot, tired days at the very end of the year. Onward.