May 2011 - Johnston Community School District

News from Timber Ridge and Lawson ElementariesSubmitted by Kristen Hartman, ELP Teacher, Timber Ridge and LawsonKindergarteners enjoyed listening to a variety of books that introduced them to different kinds of thinking.Students then had opportunities to practice thinking like an inventor, a detective, a magician, and a judge.First graders “traveled” to Crystal Pond Woods where they met many new friends who helped them review andlearn about different kinds of thinking. The activities encouraged the students to think like a detective, inventor,scientist, magician, and judge. Here a few groups sporting their “brainfocals” which helped them “see” things indifferent ways while they were inventing.Back Row: Jared H., Seth R., Jake W.Front Row: Kassady T., Jordan B., Jaeden T.Back row: Brandon N., Natalie S., Alaina C.Front row: Derek M., Gus A., Jared M., Zachary M.Math students in second through fifth grade explored many different concepts these past few monthsincluding fractions, decimals, geometry, measurement, and integers. The last Math Olympiad contest washeld in March for Lawson fourth and fifth graders. Congratulations to Hannah Short for being the topscorer! Lawson fourth and fifth graders enjoyed playing the Stock Market Game this spring.Congratulations to all of the students for making wise investment decisions and to Val Boska who placedfirst out of 21 students in our region!The students in second through fifth grade are wrapping up their advanced language studies for theyear. Second graders at Timber Ridge continued their study of figurative language (similes, metaphors,and analogies). They learned about the importance of context in determining the meaning of unknownwords and had lots of fun playing with words that have more than one meaning. Second graders at Lawsonchose a natural disaster to research, wrote a report on the disaster, and compiled their reports into abook to share with their classmates. Third graders enjoyed Michael Clay Thompson’s bookBuilding Language. The book introduced the students to the history, structure and elegance of ourlanguage. The third graders at Lawson also held a Pet Parade Expo the end of March. The students choseand researched a future pet to adopt or purchase. In choosingtheir pet they had to think about what attributes were importantto them and how the pet would fit into their family’s lifestyle.They also had to think about how much the pet would cost and howmuch care would be needed.Fourth and Fifth graders at Lawson completed their study ofLatin stems and advanced vocabulary. They also reviewed whatthey had learned earlier in the year about grammar and how toapply it in their writing. All students agree that the study ofLatin stems can help them unlock the meaning of more difficultor advanced words and enjoyed looking for them in their dailyreadings.9Back row: Mrs. Hartman, Brooklyn D., Jacob W., Connor G., Austin L.,Keyshawn G., Caden E., Marshawn G., Charlie P., and Sam D.Front row: Joseph H., Preston V., McKinzie H., Megan L., Mary N., Kayley G.