The Wolf and the Lion

Third grade students have been discussing much after reading a very short story called, The Wolf and the Lion. I don't believe they thought that we could discuss so much for as many days as we have about this story. Have your child share the story with you and ask them some of the different perspectives we discussed such as, the Key words in the story and there meanings. The Feelings they had while reading the story, as well as, the feelings of the characters. some of the Images that went through their mind as they read, and of course the meaning or message of the story.

The Old Man and His Affectionate Son

Fourth grade students have been reading and discussing a short story called The Old Man and His Affectionate Son. Ask your child about the story and their thoughts and ideas on how the older people in the story were treated. What do you think?

Toothpaste Millionaire

Fifth grade students have completed reading a short novel that ties in well with the SMG. The novel is called, The Toothpaste Millionaire. Students are currently discussing the novel in class and will be working on an activity either creating a TV commercial, writing a different ending to the story or some other creative piece to be shared in class.

3rd-4th and 5th Grade News

All grades have currently begun their Literature Units and will be reading novels, short stories, and poetry until the end of the school year!

Stock Market Game

All four teams have been investing well, putting together very diverse portfolios. Currently all four teams are in the top 100, out of 228 teams competing. Cowlishaw teams not only compete against other elementary schools, but compete against students from high schools and middle schools in the Illinois region. Our teams rank this week in 2oth, 35th, 50th, and 92nd place. All it takes is one good investment to either move you to the top or down to the cellar. Students need to research companies and watch the news to learn if they can make the next best move to catapult their team to the top. Continue to watch for updates and talk with your child about news you hear, we don't consider parent assistance, insider trading.

Fifth Grade Teams Enter First Trades

Teams in the Fifth Grade have started competing in the Stock Market Game. Last Friday they made their first stock purchases. Teams have $100,000.00 to spend and compete against high school, middle school and elementary schools in the region of Illinois. I will keep you updated on the competition.

Progress Reports for 3rd & 5th Grade

Parents,

I will be sending home this Friday progress reports for all 3rd and 5th grade PA students.

We will be shortly wrapping up our Algebra Unit in 3rd grade, and although we will continue with our Stock Market Game in 5th grade, I feel a progress report at this time would be best to inform parents of their students work in these areas.

ISAT Testing will take place the first week of March and there will be no PA during this week, so we will wrap up our Algebra Unit before ISAT testing and then move on into our Literature Unit.

For 5th grade students we have learned and played a short version of the stock market game. By giving students an understanding of the stock market, then, we are preparing them to deal knowledgeably with an area of our society that has a vast effect on their lives. After ISAT week we will also begin our Literature Unit.

Parents of fourth grade students please do not feel left out. Your child is currently working in their Literature Unit and will continue until the end of the year. I will be sending progress reports home with all grade levels at the end of the 3rd quarter.