California 2017-18 I. Geography Know: location of California’s major waterways, landforms, natural resources etc. Understand: California has attracted human settlement throughout time because of its bounty of natural resources. Do: Draw a detailed California map to be displayed in the classroom. II. Native Californians, Explorers, Missionaries, and Rancheros Know: major tribal groups, European […]
Mike and Kendra teach fifth grade math. Julia and Hannah teach fourth. Teachers mix up their partnerships so we always have a homeroom teacher with each of the students. Julia and Kendra’s Strawberry Creek blog (jshields@theberkeleyschool.org and kcass@theberkeleyschool.org) is just a click away (at the top of the page) for day-to-day information on fourth-grade math. Throughout […]
Reader’s Workshop Sustained Silent Reading + Conferencing – teachers guide students to choose “just right books” to read for 40+ minutes each day (20 minutes at school, 20+ minutes at home). Teachers teach mini-lessons (mostly on comprehension strategies, but also on how to keep a reading log, choose great books, etc.), and then conference with students […]
Scientists in Cerrito Creek develop scientific habits through extensive reading, writing, mini-lessons, short films (Brainpop is an oft-used resource), and laboratory practice. Collaborative small group work is the norm, and teachers scaffold these by assigning roles, providing rubrics, and emphasizing goal-setting and reflection. We use Lawrence Hall of Science’s FOSS kits, which are both materials […]
Assessment in Cerrito is differentiated, frequent, and sensitive to the many ways of demonstrating understanding. Students set goals on rubrics, receive feedback from peers and teachers, and often write about their experiences. They compile portfolios throughout the school year that act as documentation of their school year (and fit nicely on a bedroom shelf!). Students […]
A brief blog on the day, because we are super busy getting ready for Back to School Night tomorrow night. We hope to see you there! Homework: Math: 4th graders have two fractions options; 5th graders have a multiplication worksheet for practicing trailing zeroes Science: students are drawing and writing about the resistor coils they […]
The birthday tradition in Cerrito Creek is fairly simple, and quite lovely. Families come in at 2:45 (or 1:45 on Fridays), and bring a selection of photos (digital is fine, as we have a smart board) and some treats. Your child tells stories (and perhaps you help a little) of early memories, then we appreciate […]
Back to School night is Thursday, from 6 to 8. We are looking forward to seeing everyone, giving you a glimpse of the year ahead, both the what and the how. Much of what we will discuss will be available to you throughout the year on the blog in the Curriculum category. This week look […]
Homework: Math: 4th graders have an optional magic square; fifth graders have a challenging puzzle on sums of 19 (don’t overdo it, please stop after twenty focused minutes) Reading: 20 minutes, fill out your pages read on the assignment planner Otherwise, just finish up! Choices tomorrow.
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