Coding!

This week, Mrs. Beane came in to our classroom to teach us about coding!  We learned how to be computer programmers!

The Cardboard Challenge

Students were so excited to begin building their cardboard projects!  

This Week...

December 4- December 8, 2017

Reading:  This week, we focused on being word detectives.  We revisited the nonfiction article “New Hope for Beauty”.  Students practiced using context clues and the topic of the article to figure out the meaning of unknown words.  They also reviewed how to determine the main idea and details of an article.  At the end of the week, students focused on author’s purpose.   Reading Logs are due Monday, December 11.  (100 minutes)

Math:  We continued working on unit 6.  Students focused on their 6, 7, 8, and 9 multiplication facts.  They practiced using the “use a fact you already know” strategy.  Using arrays, number lines, multiple addition, and pictures was also practiced throughout the week.

Social Studies:  We discussed how kids grew up in the Midwest during the late 1800s.  Students wrote pioneer letters written from the perspective of a child living at that time.  They also learned about the economy of the Midwest.  Henry Ford and his use of the assembly line was a main focus.  The Midwest unit test will be next Friday, December 15th.  A review guide and flashcards will be going home on Tuesday.  This test will cover concepts from the Midwest as well as the states & capitals.

Writing:  Students did an expository writing project focused on how to build a snowman.  They used transition words to describe the steps in an organized manner.  In grammar, students focused on possessive nouns.

Word Study:  Students continued working on homophones, synonyms, and antonyms.  They read a poem and identified pairs of synonyms and antonyms.  They also illustrated pairs of homophones to show the different meanings.

Miscellaneous:  Students were so excited to begin the Cardboard Challenge this week!  Thank you to all the families who generously donated cardboard to our classroom…we greatly appreciate it!  Students learned about Caine, a nine-year old boy who was the inspiration for this global challenge.  Then, they met in pairs to brainstorm ways to use their cardboard.  After sketching out ideas and choosing their favorites, the groups met with other groups to receive/give feedback.  Next week, students will use the feedback to make changes to their designs and begin building their projects!  Please let me know if you have any questions…have a great weekend!

The Cardboard Challenge!

This week, we started The Cardboard Challenge!  We learned that this global challenge was inspired by a nine year old student named Caine.  Students met in pairs to start brainstorming ideas for how to use their cardboard.  They also met in groups to give each other important feedback.  Next week, we will begin building our projects!

Miss Fleig

We are so lucky to be hosting a high school student from District 214's Education Academy!  We love having Miss Fleig help us in our classroom!

Weather Videos!

Over the past few weeks, students have been researching various types of severe weather!  They used print and online resources to learn important facts.  Then, they worked as a team to create a video!  Please click on the link below to view the videos...enjoy!

Weather Videos

This Week...

November 27- December 1, 2017

Reading:  This week, we focused on the compare/contrast and description text structures that are often found in nonfiction texts.  Students read an article about chimpanzees and humans.  They used key words and phrases to find similarities and differences between the two.  The information was recorded in a Venn diagram.  Students also worked on finding the main idea and details in an article that had a description text structure.  They used the headings, topic sentences, and ending sentences to determine the big idea and supporting details.  Finally, students focused on the chronological text structure while reading an article about John F. Kennedy.  Reading Logs are due Monday, December 4.  (100 minutes)

Math:  We began unit 6!  Students learned how multiplication problems can be represented by arrays and number lines.  They also learned that factors can be in any order due to the commutative property.  Even and odd numbers were also discussed.

Social Studies:  Transportation in the Midwest was a main focus this week.  We learned how flatboats, steamboats, bulk freighters, and trains helped people travel and transport goods.  Students also began their state research projects!  Students applied various research skills with nonfiction books, online resources, and articles to find out key information about their Midwest state.

Writing:  Students created word maps based on a general topic.  For example, they determined which words fit with the word: ocean.  Then, they mapped out the words into subcategories.  In grammar, students focused on irregular plural nouns.

Word Study:  Students worked with homophones, synonyms, and antonyms.  They also learned that certain words can be grouped together based on their meaning.  Students brainstormed groups of words that had similar meanings.

Miscellaneous:  I had a wonderful time meeting with each of you at conferences!  Thank you again for the commitment to your child’s learning experience!  I also hope you had a relaxing Thanksgiving break.  Just a reminder, if you have extra cardboard around your house, please send it to school by December 11.  Students are very excited to start the Cardboard Challenge process next week!  Also, there will be no December book orders due to the short month.  Have a fabulous weekend and please let me know if you have any questions.