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.