Social Studies: Maps & Communities.

We are working on map skills and examining different types of communities. Students have learned about how communities can be different (rural, urban and suburban).  Students have also discussed and debated what is important in a community and what is not.  Relating it to wants and needs, students are working together to create their own community in small groups.  It's truly amazing to hear them work out the specifics and build this community together. Each group has different ideas and are developing it in their own way. Students continue to practice working together and problem solving. Enjoy some photos from their experience!

Visualizing.

Another important reading strategy is to visualize.  This helps students place themselves in a book and understand what is happening.  Students learn that many of their mental images come from their schema and link it to something they've heard, seen, experienced or learned before. Students are enjoying taking quiet time to think about what they are reading and create a mental image or movie in their mind.  It's important for students to visualize.  This is especially important when a book does not have pictures.

We have started to practice visualizing with poetry.  Their mental images are hanging in the hallway! Notice how they vary and the things they connected with in the text.

Math Talk.

In math, we are discussing the importance of explaining strategies to one another.  We are learning to value the solving methods of others and learn new strategies.  Students will continue to build their confidence in sharing their thinking and process in solving problems. It's not only important for a student to problem solve to get the correct answer but to be able to explain the process to someone else. Students are also learning to identify an error and use mistakes as learning experiences.

Junior Achievement: Working a job, producing quality products.

Students were placed in teams to practice working together at a job producing quality products.  Students looked at how much they were able to make and how many were wasted due to poor quality.  Students were reminded about goods and services.

They pretended they worked at a donut shop.  They had to properly put the ingredients into the mix and make quality donuts.  They discussed efficient ways to get things done.  They also talked about innovation and creating other goods.

Anti-Bullying Awareness Month.

Students watched two great videos to link our bullying discussions this week.  They requested I share them on the blog to enjoy, share and watch at home.  Encourage your child to talk about friendship and bullying situations at home and how they can be handled in a positive way.


Bully Rap

No, No Bully Song

Fire Prevention Assembly.

Students had an assembly this week focusing on fire safety and how to be prepared.  Students were reminded about the importance of stop, drop & roll as well as changing the batteries in a smoke detector.  Remember, you need a smoke detector on every level in your home as well as in each bedroom.  Students had the opportunity to look at a fire truck and talk with a local fire fighter about their job and what they need to do their job.

Writer's Workshop.

As you know, we are working on Personal Narratives in Writer's Workshop.  Students are doing a wonderful job coming up with meaningful topics and writing all about them.  Students are learning to add details and strong words to help a reader picture the story. Students are also learning to use grand beginnings and strong endings to catch readers' attention.  More importantly, students are learning to set goals.  They are being more observant and reflective of areas where they want to better themselves and their writing. Ask your child what his/her goal is and what they are working on.

Junior Achievement.

Students were excited to have Junior Achievement today. Mrs. Flint will be volunteering her time in our classroom each week for several sessions teaching students about entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy.

Today students discussed communities and reviewed some vocabulary regarding citizens, jobs, wants and needs. They learned about specific jobs and played a group game.

Expanding our Vocabulary.

Students are working on this very important reading concept to expand their vocabulary.  Students have learned to notice, tune into and use new and interesting words that they hear and read. If it's one they don't understand, they are encouraged to use other resources, ask an adult or friend or ultimately read on to try and figure it out (think about what makes sense).

In our classroom, we will build an ongoing wall of new and interesting words we come across as a class.  We will discuss the meaning and think of examples. Students are encouraged to share these with you. I encourage you to do this at home with your child(ren) as well!

Homecoming Week!

We will participate in three dress-up days as a school.  Wake up your school spirit! :] ... (I know I'll be participating!) Remember, the homecoming parade and game is Friday if you are looking for something fun and engaging to do with your family.

Wednesday: Neon Day
Thursday: Be a Star!
Friday: Red and White dress

Have a great week!