Attention Grade 5 Families: Save the Date: January 9, 2025 at 6:30 pm
Please save the date for John Jay Middle School Curriculum Conversations on January 9, 2025 at 6:30pm in the John Jay Middle School Theater. At this meeting, JJMS faculty will share important information about the class selection process for your child for 6th grade as well as important information our your child's upcoming experiences at JJMS.
December Curriculum Highlights
Kindergarten: In reading, students will pay attention to the words in books in order to develop pre-reading skills. Students will learn to read text from left to right, one word after another, with one-to-one correspondence. They'll also draw on their growing knowledge of high-frequency words and of the alphabetic code to read familiar patterned books. In writing, students will continue to string together words learned through inventive spelling into full sentences, create their own books - dividing their subject into chunks that can be captured across the pages of a book, make decisions about page layouts by studying mentor texts, as well as write lots of sentences across pages in a pattern, using high-frequency words as well as words learned through inventive spelling. In math, students will compare numbers to ten as well as classify and count data. As we continue our science unit, Needs of Plants and Animals, the students are being given opportunities to form their own investigations examining whether plants need light and water to grow. Using the nonfiction book, Handbook of Plants, students are finding evidence about how plants use their leaves, stems, and roots to get the light and water they need to live and grow.
Grade 1: First graders continue their word detective training to develop their phonics knowledge by paying close attention to words that have a silent –e or vowel teams. As students tackle longer, more challenging words in their books, they will learn ways to break the word apart into smaller chunks, then blend the whole word together to read it smoothly. Readers will continue to develop their comprehension skills by stopping and thinking about what has happened and making predictions about what might come next. In Writing Workshop, children will work on writing how to books that teach steps to complete a task. To help their reader follow along, students will learn strategies such as beginning each step with a sequential word, talking directly to their audience, and using precise language. First grade mathematicians are learning strategies to solve subtraction facts to 20 including counting to subtract, making 10, and thinking addition. These strategies will help deepen the important understanding of the relationship between addition and subtraction. In Social Studies, we are beginning to discuss family traditions. To recognize and celebrate the diversity in our classrooms, students will be sharing a tradition or holiday that is important to their family.
Grade 2: Second grade readers and writers are building their knowledge, learning new vocabulary, and becoming experts during our work in nonfiction texts. This month students will create an informational chapter book to share all they know about a subject of choice. To help support their efforts, they will be learning about non-fiction conventions in reading workshop. Mathematicians are working on subtracting 2-digit numbers using many different strategies. Solving one and two step word problems is also a continued focus during math lessons. Students are learning how to read and write multisyllabic words during phonics. In Science, second graders will wrap up their work with properties of matter as they create the final glue for their project after much trial and error!
Grade 3: In December, third-grade students will focus on enhancing their mathematical skills by employing strategies and properties to add and subtract whole numbers within 1,000. They will also evaluate the reasonableness of their answers through mental computation and estimation strategies, including rounding. In writing, students will create short realistic fiction stories by crafting fictional characters who face challenges and work to overcome them. In reading, students will delve into mysteries, honing their ability to read critically by identifying key details and tracking ideas across the text to form hunches, suspicions, and predictions. During Fundations, students are reviewing suffixes and learning rules for adding suffixes to words. Finally, in social studies, third graders will explore global similarities and differences by learning about the daily lives of six children from various communities around the world. They will compare and contrast these experiences with their own. Additionally, students will share insights about the holidays and traditions celebrated within their families.
Grade 4: In December, students will continue to study nonfiction texts by paying attention to text features, identifying text structures, writing summaries, and synthesizing texts. Through nonfiction research, fourth graders will dive into the lives of the Haudenosaunee, learning how geography shapes culture and daily life. They'll discover how the Haudenosaunee people adapted to their environment, using the resources around them to build homes, grow food, and create traditions. By examining the connection between land and lifestyle, students will gain a deeper understanding of how where we live influences who we are and how we thrive. This exploration also encourages critical thinking and helps students see the importance of adaptation and respect for nature. In math, students will focus on solving word problems using previously learned skills for adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing multi-digit whole-numbers. This topic focuses on using multiplication to solve comparison problems and finding the hidden questions in word problems. Students will draw on their understanding of the four operations and use bar diagrams and visuals to represent the problem situations.
Grade 5: Having worked hard to understand the concept of multiplication of multi-digit numbers and decimals, 5th graders will now extend this understanding to division. As with multiplication, this learning will begin with division of multi-digit whole numbers and then push to decimals. In ELA, fifth grade writers will sharpen their pencils and start the work of writing literary essays. This work will focus on organization, introductory phrases, and determining meaningful text evidence. 5th grade scientists will launch into outer space as they begin studying their first unit in science - Patterns of Earth and Sky. Students will discuss and explore predictable patterns as well as the impact that size and distance have on what they can see in the sky at different times. This will aide them in their role as astronomers who are helping a museum determine what is missing from an ancient artifact.
If you want to read more about our curriculum and instruction, please click on the link below for our K-5 Curriculum Guides.
In December, the IMES library will be celebrating Hour of Code with a series of fun, hands-on activities designed to introduce K-5 students to the basics of coding. Throughout the month, students will participate in interactive coding challenges, explore educational games and puzzles, and learn the fundamentals of programming in a creative and engaging way. Whether working individually or in small groups, students will gain confidence in their problem-solving skills while discovering how coding can be used to bring ideas to life!
In terms of the library space, we anticipate having access to our NEW and improved space very soon! All are working hard to finish the space so that we can move in! We look forward to sharing pictures in our January edition!
When walking down the 4th Grade hallway on a Friday, you might notice instruments adorned with binder rings and colorful plastic beads. At first glance it might not look like much. But these beads represent an exciting journey through music and the galaxy called Strings in Space! Each bead marks a planet earned by completing a "planet test," a musical milestone in the 4th-grade orchestra curriculum. Each planet represents a new skill on their instrument, and each test means they have successfully learned that skill. Strings in Space starts at the Sun, and each planet ventures further out into the Solar System— both into the unknown in the galaxy, and the unknown with their instrument. Students proudly display their planet rings on their instrument cases, turning the hallway into a celebration of achievement.
For those who are eager to go beyond the basics, Strings in Space offers special “challenges” for additional planets. If students are up for the challenge, they may work ahead in their music book and learn future planet tests on their own. These challenges require dedication and mastery, as students must play entire pages of music perfectly to claim their reward. So far, 1 in 4 of students have stepped up and completed at least one challenge!
This program combines skill-building, creativity, and self-efficacy, making music learning truly out-of-this-world!
The music room at Increase Miller Elementary is buzzing with excitement this month! Here's a quick look at what's happening across the grade levels:
Kindergarten is getting ready for their Kindness Concert in February! The students are already working on songs that promote kindness, and more information about this special event will be sent home soon. Stay tuned!
1st Grade just wrapped up their beautiful Gratitude Concert, and we couldn’t be prouder of their performance. Their hard work and enthusiasm truly shined through! Students will continue to experience the joy of multicultural holiday songs, learning about different cultures through music.
2nd Grade will soon be diving into the magical world of The Nutcracker Ballet. Students will learn about the music, characters, and story behind this holiday classic—get ready to explore some festive sounds!
3rd Grade is busy composing their own original pieces in Garage Band! These budding musicians are learning how to create their own music using digital tools, and we can’t wait to hear the final compositions.
4th Grade continues to fine-tune their Ukulele skills, building on the foundational chords and songs they've been practicing. They’re making wonderful progress! Additionally, students will continue their work on note reading using Orff instruments (xylophones), building on their ability to play melodies and explore harmony, in a hands-on and interactive way.
5th Grade has kicked off auditions for their spring play, Moana! The students are already starting to come together, and it’s shaping up to be an exciting production.
It’s been a fantastic fall of music-making at Increase Miller, and we’re looking forward to the many more performances, compositions, and celebrations ahead!
Exciting news, families! The much-anticipated Square One Art order forms are on their way home! Please keep an eye out for your child's order form with a QR code to place orders via the website. Please be sure to place your order by December 10 to ensure your child’s artwork is turned into the perfect gift or keepsake in time for the holidays! Orders placed after this date may not arrive in time for gift-giving, so don’t miss out!
In the art room during November some of our art was inspired by Native American Indian Heritage Month. We worked on several projects! One project the fifth graders learned about was Frank Big Bear art from the Chippewa tribe which inspired us to make symbols of the characteristics of our families to create family "eyes" art.
During December, kindness is our theme in our K-5 classrooms. The common read for all K-5 classrooms is The Sound of Kindness by written by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater and Illustrated by Teresa Martinez. The picture book explores the powerful themes of kindness and emotional connection, emphasizing the importance of our words and actions. The story follows an adult and child as they take a walk through their neighborhood, listening for the subtle "sounds" of kindness that echo in their daily interactions. Through this journey, they discover words of friendship, gratitude, support, generosity, and love—small yet profound expressions that have the power to create a positive impact.
IMES Kind, Responsible, and Safe Expectations
As we approach the Thanksgiving Holiday, our buddy classes spent time together this month talking about Gratitude. Look at this amazing work from Mrs. Burrough’s Kindergarten class and Ms. Dolgos’ Third Grade Class. This work, and the work of all the participating Buddy Classes, will be displayed on our Buddy Board in the cafeteria for all to see.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
The theme of December's belonging bulletin board is light. Light holds significance in cultures all around the world, and it has become an integral part of many religious traditions and celebrations. Candles, fireworks, and even the moon are just some light symbols used across the globe.
Holidays are often tied to family traditions and cultural identity. Children develop a sense of pride in their heritage and a deeper connection to their family and community when they share their experiences. A conversation about holidays might also spark curiosity in others, which can lead to meaningful conversations and learning opportunities for the entire group. This broadens everyone's perspective and opens the door for more inclusive activities or events. Finally, In classrooms or group settings, understanding the holidays each child celebrates helps educators and peers create a more inclusive and respectful atmosphere. This can lead to activities or discussions that make all children feel valued and seen.
Sustainability and the Green Teams!
The IMES Green Team started last week. All teams met and discussed what it means to "be green". They also discussed some ways that students can get involved in making more responsible choices in our classrooms and in the cafeteria. The older Green Team members were invited to support our school by planting garlic in the garden. In the coming months, team members will explore ways to practice sustainability and communicate their "green" message to the school community.
