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Third grade boys and girls - Mrs. Bolnick's General Studies classes
As described last week, third graders got creative with their biography book reports. Students could write reports and create a bottle doll representation of their famous person, make a construction paper quilt on which to write their information, or design posters about their person. These were presented to classmates and went on display this week. We'd like to share some with you:
Fourth and fifth grade girls - Mrs. Litvin's Ivrit classes
In our classes, the girls and I chose a topic of interest and we discussed it in Ivrit. We learned vocabulary, songs, wrote our own sentences, and added depth to the initial topic. During the chagim, we read a story about each holiday and had special activities in Hebrew. In Kitah Dalet, the girls chose to learn about chayot (animals). We went through a long list, from alef- taf, and learned the names of the animals, their qualities and where they live. The girls made up their own sentences describing each animal, adding so many new words to their conversations! In Kitah Hay we are finishing up our three topics: mishpacha (family) b'gadim (clothes) and tzvaeim (colors). The girls are busy making their own Ivrit game based on the vocabulary and are having fun speaking Ivrit.
K-5 Library - Mrs. Levin's classes
Expanding on the question-and-response format of the Rush Hour game played with Mind Lab, kindergarten through second graders explored mystery stories for a couple of sessions. As stories were read, children discussed what clues they had been given, either in text or illustration, what some of the possibilities were, and what questions they might ask in order to solve the mystery. The technique can be applied to any mystery; Inspector Hopper's Mystery Year and Big Max were the books from which we read. This week, one of Jane Yolen's wonderful series, How Do Dinosaurs say I'm Mad?, reminded us that there are better ways to handle anger than a pout, a shout or flinging belongings about.
Third graders were introduced to the first of the classic adventure series, The Black Stallion by Walter Farley. One of the great "Robinson Crusoe"-type tales, the story whets readers' appetites for books that look 'old' but are as captivating as when first published. Fourth graders were tantalized by the opening chapter of Natalie Babbit's Knee-knock Rise, in which a boy will attempt to find out if there is a better explanation for an eerie-sound than a dangerous creature that supposedly inhabits a nearby mountain. Folk-tale meets scientific fact is good training for critical thinking! Fourth and fifth graders also practiced using a thesaurus- first in print and now on iPod- to enhance their exciting writing skills. More iPod activities are in the works as we explore print and digital reference tools!
Middle school science - Mrs. Castle's classes
Sixth grade is knee-deep in science fair preparations. They have been utilizing the scientific method to complete the process. They began by posing a question on a topic of interest. They then began the background research, to collect information, to help them formulate a hypothesis. The next step in the process was developing an experiment to test their hypothesis. To reach their conclusion, they had to study the data that was collected during their experiment to determine if their hypothesis was proven right or wrong. The final step in the process is to put all of their information on a tri-fold board and display their results for all to see. Please join us to see all their hard work on Wednesday, December 18, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the TDSA gym
Seventh grade students have embarked on a new unit entitled Elements and the Periodic Table. They are learning about the structure of an atom and describing elements in terms of their atoms. They will be discovering how Mendeleev found the pattern that led to the periodic table. From this, they will be able to describe how the organization of the periodic table is used to predict the properties of elements and also data about the elements.
Eighth graders have begun a new unit on the circulatory system. They know the structure and function of the heart along with the sequence of the path blood takes through the cardiovascular system. They have taken a closer look at blood vessels in order to describe the structure and function of arteries, capillaries, and veins. They also know what causes blood pressure and the relationship between physical activity and pulse rate. Next, they will study the components of blood. After testing their own blood, they will be able to determine what type of blood they would need to receive in a blood transfusion. They will also do a simulated lab to show what would happen if different blood types were mixed.
Middle School תענית עשרה בטבת Program
Friday morning, in observance of the Fast of the 10th of Teves, the middle school students held an assembly. Rabbi Einzig spoke with them prior to the presentation to set the context and the tone. They viewed a Torah Umesorah video, "Strike on Heaven", about the Nazi war on Jews, Jewish life, learning, and indeed, the smallest spark of Jewish soul. It mirrored the attempts by Nevuchadnezer and later tyrants to destroy Judaism, especially the Torah sages and leaders who would "continue to follow that path"...to build Jewish strength in Europe and foster spiritual revival in America. Rabbonim and yeshivot were fanatically targeted for destruction, and actions specifically planned to demoralize and humiliate Jews through Jewish holidays and observances. This "spiritual war" against Yiddishkeit, Torah, and G-d, and the intense efforts that Jews made to maintain their faith in the face of this battle, were highlighted. We were reminded that our mission is to strengthen and transmit our Jewish legacy, to maintain that spark in each of us. Thank you to Mrs. Rhoda Gleicher and the middle school rebbeyim and morahs for planning the program.
Physical Education - Coach Moore's classes
We are now starting our badminton tournament for all middle school boys. They have learned the game quickly and are displaying very good hand-eye coordination. The elementary school boys and girls are getting stronger and more physically fit. We are enjoying our exercises, running, and different games and activities that encourage team work, sportsmanship, listening, and discipline. It's always a great day in the TDSA gym!
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