Week 18: All about waiting....

It's been a busy week - unfortunately too busy for me to remember the camera, so sorry, no photos :(

In Devotions we have been using a Jesse tree, where each ornament reminds us about God's work in our lives and the wait for God's perfect timing - both in the sending of his Son as our savior and the wait for his return to take us to our heavenly home.  Even these big kids are still thrilled to light the candle on our advent wreath each morning and afternoon.   I hope you and your family can take the time to read the Christmas story again from Matthew and Luke.  Reflect on the simplicity of the story as God's perfect plan unfolds for our salvation.  Note Zion's Christmas service times are on the calendar to the right as you plan your family worship time this holiday.

In Religion we have been looking at the beginning of Jesus's ministry and the call of the disciples, both the original 12 and how we are called to follow the Savior.  Students paired up to find out what Biblical scholars have learned about the disciples to create posters to share.  

In Literature we wrapped up our novel unit and students completed unique projects to share their creative responses:  alternate endings, adding a new character, imagining the protagonist as an adult reflecting back, "selling" the novel in a commercial or researching population issues arounnd the world.  The kids enjoyed sharing their projects with the class on Friday.

Social Studies saw our city planning teams debate the merits of urban growth and how to best meet the needs of special interest groups.   

Math has been all about fractions!  G-Math jumped into fraction operations and are using notes in a foldable to remember the differences.  T-Math is at the foundational concepts of divisibility, factors, and Greatest Common Factor.  Both classes have tests this week.

 If your child has been absent, be sure to have him or her check in with each teacher on Monday to be sure we have all of your makeup work as we end the quarter on Friday.  I am sometimes delayed at getting grade updates into Sycamore even after a student has submitted work, so it's good to have your child check in with me.  Also since the student has missed instruction, the teacher can touch base and see if they have questions. 

CHRISTMAS PARTIES will be hosted by our room mom on FRIDAY.   I'll send more details out, but I believe pizza is on the menu.

Coming home Monday:  Information sheets on our in class watching of The Nativity Story and news about our Ski Trip did not get into the Friday folders.  Your child should hand you these on Monday.