Valentine's' Day is right around the corner and Willowwind friends are excited to celebrate in a number of ways including another beloved Willowwind tradition - the Secret Valentine Exchange. Changes regarding at home participation have been made, so read carefully below for our updated fun.
This week, students will "draw" a slip that will highlight who they will deliver secret Valentine gifts and clues to ONLY ON Wednesday, February 10 and Thursday, February 11. Then, beginning Monday, February 8th, Willowwind students will use GD time to make handmade gifts to deliver to their recipient’s mail sleeve later in the week. Along with these schoolmade gift they must also deliver a clue that hints to their identity. This year, all gifts will be made at school. We just ask families to help their children to write 2 clues to also be delivered on Wednesday and Thursday only. Clues can be simple, such as, “I have brown hair.” or “I am in the Cottontail Rabbit class.”
Here is where your help is needed!
On Friday, February 12th, we will have a Secret Valentine Reveal where students will reveal their identity and will also learn who has secretly delivered their schoolmade gifts & clues. To prepare for this Friday reveal, your child will need to bring one gift - a book no greater in value than $5. This book does not need to be brand new and can be gifted from your own home library if it is like new condition. Please note that 100% participation is required in this school wide tradition.
Our own Book Fair (running Thursday, February 4th - Thursday, February 11th) is an excellent place to find books for your child's Secret Valentine. In addition, The Haunted Bookshop in downtown Iowa City has reasonable prices, a good selection, and is locally owned. If you have questions or concerns about providing a book for our Secret Valentine Reveal on Friday, February 12th, please ask your classroom teacher. Thank you for participating in this beloved Willowwind tradition!
Math Progression:
How does Willowwind’s math curriculum build from Kindergarten through 6th grade? Math in Focus is an authentic Singapore Math curriculum with problem solving as the center of math learning and concepts taught with a concrete–pictorial–abstract learning progression through real-world, hands-on experiences. Click HERE to see how one math unit (Fractions) builds through Willowwind’s K-6 program.
Parent Coffee:
Spanish:
5-6 Grades January updates:
Estimados Padres,
The Wolves started January with the verb “Tener” (to have).
We have practiced this verb with different fun activities such as games, memory flash cards and watching videos.
Also, a few weeks ago we started learning the family members using the verb “tener”, and asking questions such as how many brothers or sisters do you have? Or how many cousins do you have? Also we finished January with a family tree where they had to share and explain in front of the class.
This month, I will add the unit “Weather Conditions”; this will be an excellent practice for them because most of the Spanish weather expressions use the verb “Tener”. Well, they are going to have the opportunity to talk about the weather using the Spanish expressions, look the Spanish news and write about the weather. Look pictures about weather and talk about the weather. Also, they are going be able to answer the question: What are you wearing when is winter or summer? And as a final activity they are going to take turns asking classmates what their favorite season is.
If you have any comments or questions, please don’t hesitate to write me at: [email protected].
Ximena Campos.
Spanish Teacher
Physical Education:
Children learn best by example and from patterns of behavior within the family. Recent studies indicate that parental exercise habits and the time spent with their children in physically active pursuits are the main factors that influence children’s participation in physical activity. By making fitness a regular part of life during childhood, the fit child should become and remain the fit adult.
1. Improved appearance
2. Improved alertness and improved school performance
3. Increased efficiency of the heart and lungs
4. Increased muscular strength and endurance
5. Improved ability to handle stress
6. Possible delay in aging process
7. Maintenance of proper body weight
8. Improved confidence and self-esteem
9. Fewer sleep problems
10. Improved quality of life by minimizing the risk of disease and disability
11. Early development of good posture
12. Greater efficiency in performing motor tasks and sport skills
13. Establishment of fitness as a lifetime interest
Classroom Information
Clothing for Participation in Physical Education Class:
Physical education class takes place both indoors and outdoors during the school year. Students are encouraged to wear clothing adaptable to these conditions.
Recommended Clothing for Participation:
Comfortable clothing that allow students to move freely during activity. An additional layer of clothing for outdoor activities.
Recommended Footwear:
Gym shoes that tie or Velcro and provide good support and traction. Socks should be worn with gym shoes on all gym days.
Classroom Expectations
1. Wear appropriate clothing and gym shoes
2. Walk in and out of the building quietly
3. Be silent and listen when the teacher is speaking
4. Follow directions
5. Use equipment with permission only
Classroom Consequences
1. Expectation reminder
Health & Fitness Links
Recommended Health & Fitness Links
National Association for Sport and Physical Education
America On The Move
MyPlate.gov
FitnessGram
Kids Health
Kidnetic.com
Shape Up America
Susan Toth
Physical Education Teacher