In Math...
We have completed Unit 6. Unit 6 focused largely on subtraction (trade first), multiplication, and division. Students were encouraged to solve multiplication stories by either drawing an array or drawing a picture. They also solved division by drawing pictures. Multiplication and division were simply introduced, mastery was not expected, but all students did a fantastic job! Their Unit 6 exams will be going home with them on Monday. Please sign and return the test at your earliest convenience! Thank you so much.
We also began a new problem solving strategy. We just started the strategy: "Make An Organized List." This specific strategy requires students to draw a "tree chart," which can be difficult. Students have learned that sometimes when solving a problem it is best to make an organized list because it helps that to organize their information in a way that's easy to comprehend.
In Writing...
We continue to work on persuasive writing. Students have been writing pieces as a whole class, in a small group, and independently. Although they are only required to have 3 convincing reasons in their persuasive pieces, many of them give over three reasons to try convince their audience. We are still working on having specific reasons. "We should start school later because it would be cool" is not a specific reason. "We should start school later so that everyone can be well-rested and get more sleep" would be a specific reason. Below you will find drafts of letters students wrote in small groups. After writing their persuasive letters, they presented them to the class.
We are wrapping up our unit of fossils. Last week we learned about how fossils are discovered and the process of transporting a fossil from the ground to a museum. It is not an easy task and requires many different people with different occupations. We will do culminating activities this week before beginning a new unit on the continents.
In Grammar...
We began talking about the linking verbs "is, am, and are." As a class, we worked together to complete sentences with the appropriate linking verb. Next week we will talk about helping verbs! Below you will see another grammar activity where students worked in small groups to combine sentences. The students got to be the teacher; be sure to ask your child about it!
Last week, we began Unit 4 of our reading program. We read a great selection called, "Splish Splash! Animal Baths." Using this selection, we compared and contrasted two different animals. Students learned that when you compare and contrast, you are looking at similarities and differences. Not only did the students compare and contrast animals, but they also compared and contrasted each other! To make this comprehension concept more meaningful to students, each student was assigned a partner at random. They looked at their commonalities as well as differences. Their beautiful completed venn digrams are hanging proudly in the hallway outside of our classroom.
Other Business...
Coins for Cures: Coins for Cures will be starting soon. Students and families are asked to bring in any spare change that they have at home, in the car, etc. Over the course of the next eight weeks, each classroom will be collecting/counting coins. All of the coins brought in will be donated to Children's Hospital. It is a wonderful cause so please send in any spare change you may have at home. Any amount makes a difference!
Field Trip: I was so proud of Room 16 during our field trip last week! They were extremely well-behaved both on the bus and during the play. It was a wonderful time!
Discovery Museum: A few weeks ago, the students sat through/participated in a presentation on Matter. It was a great refresher for us, as Matter was our first Science unit. Below you will find pictures from the wonderful presentation. Enjoy!
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