Photos: New photos are posted under the "homework" section of the photo gallery
Homework:
This week students are celebrating their writing (fiction unit). Most students have posted their stories on their websites while some are still working towards that task. Our celebration this time around is to read each other's stories and comment. The comments should be official, meaning complete sentences. Students should elaborate on specific details, questions or suggestions. This process takes time and students should be reading slowly so they can leave meaningful comments. Feel free to join our celebration by commenting as well!
Word work:
Students are working towards creating better habits with grammar and mechanics of writing. Since Winter break they are studying various aspects of writing about 3 days a week.
This week students are continuing work with commas. There are 10 rules that we have focused on and practiced. I am even re-learning some of the rules and catching my mistakes from time to time. Students are learning very quickly that commas allow us to write more complex sentences that fit our thinking!
Here is a list of mechanics and grammar covered so far:
- capitalization uses
- use of quotation marks (dialogue)
- difference between there, their and they're
- difference between its and it's
- punctuation
- conjunctions (and, but, because, or)
- use of commas
Reader's workshop:
Students have had a fair amount of independent reading time as I am continuing to test reading levels. I hope to have this task completed this week (ah!). We are really focusing on choosing independent reading books that challenge our thinking.
The focus next week will be to read non-fiction articles and books slower with a focus on thinking and learning. Students take time to pick out important facts, ask questions and react with responses to the text. They show evidence of understanding by writing their thinking down. Eventually students will be organizing the information and writing summaries.
Writer's workshop:
Most students have completed their stories and posted on websites. We are celebrating over a couple days this week then beginning our persuasive writing unit. Feel free to join us in the celebration by looking up stories on student websites and commenting.
Math:
Last week students learned to multiply fractions (fractions by fractions, whole numbers by fractions, mixed numbers by fractions). This week students are continuing to practice their new skills as well as past fraction work (adding/subtracting fractions, equivalent fractions, reducing/simplify) by working on an enrichment activity. I am impressed with their thinking and exploration with intense fraction work! I was even stumped on a few questions (they may have been poorly written but nonetheless, it was difficult)!
Social and Emotional Learning:
Students have been raising questions about care and general happiness of Amber, the leopard gecko. Fortunately for us, Lara Francisco's family owns a pet shop and the experts were at our beckon call. The class was able to Skype with them and ask really specific questions. It turns out we need to make some changes to Amber's cage and plan.
While we were prepping for the gecko, the students were continuing to catch each other in action doing something kind, safe, fair or helpful. They have also added "selfless" as a motivator to catch classmates. Well, wouldn't you know, the marble jar has been filled again! This time around there was much debate and the options were narrowed to a class slumber party or a community service event. While there were many selfless hearts, the slumber party won by majority. So, we are now in the process of planning (dates and details will be available soon).
PBL:
The planning for the World Peace Game is much more intense that I initially figured because I am working off another teacher's experience, which is missing many aspects. The game is extremely complicated with many unknown factors. However, I am still looking forward to it!
My husband has graciously agreed to design and construct our 4x4x6 foot board. I will send a list of materials that will be needed soon (thanks in advance). I am hoping you have some things laying around the house.
Genius Hour:
This idea was termed at Google. Google's work strategy allows employees to spend 20% of their time on projects of exploration. Google employees have created very successful projects, like gmail, with this time. The freedom has been successful in business and now it is making it's way into the classroom.
I have decided to try it out because I know that this class will jump on board and create incredible projects. I am introducing it Wed. and we students will begin planning. There are a couple key elements that will be required. The exploration begins with passion and a driving question. Then, planning and taking action on a project that will be presented in the end. In a way, it's like a mini PBL project!
I plan to give students Wed. afternoons to make progress. Instrumental music takes place at this time so some students will unfortunately have less time to work on it. Students will be able to work on the project at home once the first steps are approved.
Check out the link for more info on genius hour.
More things to remember:
Yoga: Tuesday mornings with Ms. Skoog in the gym from 9:05-9:25. Parents are invited to join.
Homework club: Still taking place Mon, Tues., Thrus. and Fri. until 4:30 in and a 3rd, 4th or 5th grade classroom in the treehouse (upstairs).