Halloween Party!

We had so much fun at our Halloween party today!  Thank you to everyone who helped make it so special!

This Week...

October 26- October 30, 2015

Reading:  Students focused on the various nonfiction text structures that authors use while writing nonfiction.  Description, chronological, comparison, problem/solution, and cause/effect were the main structures that students looked for while reading different texts.  They searched for key signal words and phrases to help them determine the structure.  At the end of the week, students became word detectives!  We discussed how many nonfiction texts have challenging, content-specific vocabulary.  Students learned three strategies to use when coming across an unknown word: using context clues, accessing prior knowledge, and using the glossary.     Reading Logs are due Monday, November 2.  (100 minutes)

Math:  Students determined the area of various polygons.  They learned that in order to find the area, they need to count the number of square units inside the shape.  They also used number models to figure out the area by multiplying the amount of rows by the amount of squares in each row.  Diameter and circumference were also explored.  By measuring circular objects and recording measurements, students discovered the “3-times” rule to help remember the circumference of a circle is about 3 times the diameter.  The unit 3 test will be next Wednesday, November 4.  A review guide went home today.

Science:  At the beginning of the week, students completed a Venn diagram to compare the saguaro cactus and the oak tree.  In the LMC, students began their habitat research.  Each student is researching a particular biome: forest, ocean, desert, or rainforest.  They began taking notes using the web documentation organizer.  Students were also excited to dissect owl pellets and discover what owls eat!  They matched up their discoveries with a bone matching diagram.  Students learned that most owls eat voles and birds, which helped them determine the owls’ habitats.  At the end of the week, they learned about various biomes and where they can be found in the world.

Writing:  In writing, we began our personal narratives!  Students learned the characteristics of this writing genre and selected a piece from their journals to revise.  They started by identifying a strong section and adding more showing details.   They also took their October writing words test.  In grammar, students learned how to change singular nouns into plural nouns.  We discussed special endings and rules.

Spelling:  Students took their week 8 spelling test.

Miscellaneous:  Thank you again to all the volunteers who made our Halloween party a success!  A special thank you to Eli’s mom and Henry’s mom for coordinating the events.  We really appreciate everyone who donated something for the party or volunteered their time to assist in the activities!  Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Halloween!

Owl Pellets!

Students were so excited to do the owl pellet dissection today!  They completed a KWL chart to record their background knowledge and wonder questions.  Then, students categorized the bones using a chart.  They were able to discover what the owl had eaten based on their findings!

Reading: Discussing our Thoughts!

In reading, we have been spending a lot of time thinking about what we read.  We have been recording our thoughts on sticky notes.  Some of these thoughts include connections, questions, predictions, and visualizations.  Today, we shared our reflections with a buddy!

Halloween Home Lunch Reminders

If you are planning to have your child go home for lunch on Halloween, please send me a note or an email.  For this day only, you will not need to sign your child out in the office.  Lunch is from 11:50-12:50.  Please let me know if you have any questions...thank you!

Flat Stanley Visitor!

We were so lucky to have a Flat Stanley personally delivered to our classroom all the way from Connecticut!  Ben's Aunt Dee was in town and shared all the wonderful things Flat Stanley did on his trip.  We learned a lot about Connecticut!

Measurement!

Students differentiated between the U.S. customary system and the metric system this week!  They developed personal references for units and measured various objects in the classroom.

Science Experiments!

We learned that we are all scientists!  We wonder, think, try, observe, record, and discover.  Students worked to create their own experiments based on a wonder question.

This Week...

October 19- October 23, 2015

Reading:  Nonfiction text features were a key focus this week.  Students learned how to identify, locate, and utilize these features in a variety of nonfiction books.  They also discussed the purpose of each feature and how it helps the reader comprehend the text.  We also read A Butterfly is Patient.  Students worked on activating their prior knowledge about butterflies and recording their wonderings about the topic.  To practice engagement in our books, students worked on FQR (Fact, Question, Response) charts during independent reading time in order to record their thinking about the topics.  Reading Logs are due Monday, October 26.  (100 minutes)

Math:  Students practiced measuring line segments to the nearest whole, half, and quarter inch.  Finding personal references for the U.S. customary system and the metric system was a main focus.  Students practiced measuring the perimeter of polygons.  We also created an experiment involving probability and pattern block shapes.  Students predicted and confirmed their guesses by collecting data on how many times a shape would fall on its edge.  We discussed line plots as a way to display data.  Finding the minimum, maximum, range, median, and mode were also practiced.

Science:  Students investigated why birds have different beaks.  They used hands-on models to demonstrate why certain beaks are better for eating specific foods.  We also reviewed various physical and behavioral characteristics that animals have to survive in their environments.  At the end of the week, we read Cactus Hotel.  Students learned how various organisms use the cactus to meet their needs.  In the LMC, students learned the “sketch and label” note-taking strategy.  They utilized this method while reading about various habitats.  Next week, we will be dissecting owl pellets.  An informational letter went home explaining details.  If your child would like to bring their pellet home, he/she can bring in a small container on Monday.

Writing:  Students continued to incorporate strong verbs in their writing to show the reader what was happening at a particular moment.  In grammar, students discriminated between common and proper nouns.  Just a reminder, the October writing words test will be on Thursday, October 29.

Spelling:  Students took their week 7 spelling test.

Miscellaneous:  Students began celebrating Bullying Prevention month and Character Counts week!  Just a reminder, on Friday, students should wear their costumes for the afternoon only.  The Halloween parade will begin around 1:15.   Our party will take place when we get back to the classroom.  Thank you to everyone who donated supplies, organized games, and volunteered to help us!  Have a fabulous weekend and please let me know if you have any questions!

This Week...

October 13- October 16, 2015

Reading:  At the beginning of the week, students reflected on all the important foundational skills and routines from our launch unit.  We reviewed protocols for choosing a just right book and how to monitor our engagement.  We also talked about author’s purpose and the elements of a story map.  At the end of the week, we dove right into our nonfiction unit!  Students learned that there are three types of nonfiction: literary nonfiction, biography, and reference.  They analyzed different nonfiction books during a scavenger hunt and differentiated between the three types.  Reading Logs are due Monday, October 19.  (100 minutes)

Math:  We spent time reviewing key concepts from unit 2 and students took their test on Wednesday.  We also began unit 3!  We read the story How Big Is A Foot? to understand the importance of standard units of measure.  Students did a hands-on activity where we found our average class shoe size.

Science:  Students read about how animals have certain physical and behavioral characteristics that help them meet their basic survival needs.  While reading, students created open and closed questions to show what they were wondering about the topic.  Students learned that closed questions typically have one right answer or can be answered with a yes/no.  Open questions require more research and they typically start with “how” or “why”.  We also read Home is an Oak Tree.  Students learned how various organisms use the oak tree to meet their needs.

Writing:  Students learned how to incorporate “strong verbs” in their writing.  They continued to work on “showing” instead of “telling”.  In grammar, we reviewed key concepts from unit 1.

Spelling:  Students took their unit 1 review spelling test.  Next week, normal spelling lists and homework will resume.

Miscellaneous:  October book orders went home this week and are due on October 26.  Thank you to everyone who already brought in a one-inch binder for reading.  These binders are due October 20.  This week in the LMC, students worked on the skill of documenting by learning how to fill in a boxes and bullets organizer for habitat research.  We also had a bus evacuation drill this week where students learned important bus safety rules.  Have a great weekend and please let me know if you have any questions!