We've are excited for another week of learning. This week, we will continue our study of systems. We will finish off our study of classification of organisms. Additionally, we will begin writing our information essays about gorillas to tie in with our novel study of The One and Only Ivan. We will be focusing on paragraph writing. Some students are still working to build their understanding of the sentence types. We will continue developing that skill. In math, we will begin working on division of fractions. We will use models to solve whole number by unit fractions and unit fractions by whole number problems.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
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2019 is off to a great start! Last week, we spent some time thinking about our goals for the second half of the school year. We did an activity that demonstrates the importance of time and its correlation to the quality of our work. It was quite an eye opening experience for us all!
In math, our current focus is problem solving. We are working on NF.2 and NF.6 which incorporate problem solving with the addition, subtraction, and multiplication of fractions. Our class is using step-by-step model drawing as a strategy to help us organize our thinking when solving word problems. Our goal is to be problem solvers not calculators. Ask your child about the special meaning we discovered behind that saying! We have begun a new unit of inquiry called Method to the Madness. In this unit, our central idea is that systems exist for a purpose. We started the unit by building bridges out of straws. Teams aimed to develop the longest bridge and the one that could hold the most weight. Afterwards, we reflected on the process or system used to build each bridge. We also discussed other systems that we are familiar with in the world around us. We concluded that a system is an order that a set of living and/or non-living things uses to accomplish a function. My students never cease to amaze me with their brilliance! Within this unit, we will study plant and animal cells, the functions of the organelles that make up each type of cell, the similarities and differences between the two types of cells, the classification of plants and animals, earth systems (erosion, weathering, deposition, earthquakes, volcanoes, and impact of organisms), and some of the functions of our government system (specifically due process and the amendment process). Today, we began reading The One and Only Ivan. Throughout this novel, students will be working to create a graphic novel that tells the story of novel using illustrations and text. Each day, the student reading reflection will take the form of the development of one frame of the student's graphic novel. I CANNOT WAIT to see the final products!!! In writing, we are increasing our focus on writing craft. We are learning about three different types of sentences: simple, compound, and complex. We are also exploring common errors in sentence structure such as sentence fragments and run ons. Once we have solidified our understanding of these concepts, we will begin developing paragraphs. For the first part of our unit, we will work to write an information essay about gorillas. During the last two weeks of the unit, students will write an opinion essay that will integrate their research from the informational writing, their understanding of The One and Only Ivan, and their own perspective. It will be a busy unit, but one full of learning! I am excited for a science focused unit, and so far, the students seem excited to spend time with science as well! IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: In the second quarter, there were an overwhelming number of missing assignments. As we get closer and closer to becoming middle schoolers, it is increasingly important for students to be responsible and accountable learners. In the third quarter, students will continue have the opportunity to turn in missing assignments; however, in this quarter, they will have ONE WEEK from the original due date to get those assignments submitted to me. Anything submitted beyond that time frame will not be awarded credit. Please ensure that your child is in the habit of checking his or her StudentVUE on a consistent basis. I always mark missing assignments as such, so checking the portal will ensure that your child is clear on whether or not assignments were received. Additionally, Google Classroom is an EXCELLENT resource for staying organized. Students should be in the habit of submitting completed assignments in Classroom. Doing so provides a secondary check point for ensuring that all work is submitted. In the fourth quarter, I will not be accepting any missing assignments, so the purpose of this revised time frame for missing work is to work towards eliminating the need for extensions. Announcements and Reminders:
2nd-3rd grade Thursday January 24, 31, February 7, 14, and 28 4th -5th grade Thursday March 7, 14 ,21 , 28, and April 11 Click on this link to register https://goo.gl/forms/myd5dvqWIq7T13iM2 Have a great week! |
Our Class Is...Bright Archives
January 2019
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