Civil War Days

On Tuesday, we started Civil War Days in our classroom.  As we study the events from the Civil War, our room has literally been divided into two parts.  Two-thirds of the class is representing the Union and one-third is representing the Confederacy. The two groups are facing each other and are competing in different ways, through behaviors, activities, quizzes, etc.  Today, we went back over some of the important events in the war, including some of the major battles.  With every important event, there is a corresponding outcome that led the war closer to its final days.  We talked about Lincoln's address at Gettysburg, which only lasted three minutes and how most of the 15,000 people present didn't even realize that he spoke!  The challenge for the next few days is to memorize the first few lines of the Gettsyburg Address.  I love how some of these kids are up for any challenge I pose!  The extra credit offered is to memorize the first AND second paragraph of the Gettysburg Address.  How exciting it is to speak the actual WORDS that ABRAHAM LINCOLN spoke 150 years ago!  That is the incredible thing about learning from primary sources.  It's like Honest Abe is actually in our classroom sometimes.  Ok, I am stretching it, now.....I'll stop!

Another exciting part of our day (according to my personal observation) is when we headed to the empty music/art room and did some improv with some skeltonic poetry.  This is one type of poem (of many) that we have learned.  Today, we created a few as a whole class by taking turns standing and adding to the existing structure.  It was FUN!   Here's an example:

What a great day
Things went our way
We did play
And I have to say
You didn't stay
Which made me sad
But certainly not mad
Now I'm glad
Just a tad
That you seemed to have had
A nice time
Using rhyme
Down the line
You sure did fine
So now I know
You really can show
How you can grow.

How's that?  

Here is our homework for tomorrow:

Reading - Read the rest of lesson 3 in social studies.  Be prepared for questions about the events which led to the end of the war.  The Battle of Gettysburg was very important.  Can you explain why?   Reading material that has lots of people, places, events and details requires a different pace when reading.  Remember to question as you read and reread to help you identify the main idea and details!

Math - 5G has #2 and 3 on a journal page.  Need to know what the word "trace" means?  Look it up!  What does it mean in the context of this problem?  Also, we will have a quiz tomorrow over some of the work we've done this week  (including from the packet yesterday).  Our Unit 8 test will be next week.  5K and 5R classes both have a sheet of practice work.

Word Work  and test tomorrow.  There has been independent work time every day this week.  Have you used your time efficiently?

Social Studies - Memorize the first few lines of  the Gettysburg Address.  This is due on TUESDAY.  EC = the second paragraph.

Reminder:  Field Day tshirt orders are DUE TOMORROW!  NO EXCEPTIONS!  Progress reports need to be signed and returned tomorrow.  Finally, Sunrise Lakes permission slips and money are due by the 14th.  Please and thank you!