Science:
We have begun our investigations of temperature by factoring in variables, using materials, and recording data and observations both inside and outside. Students have enjoyed making predictions of temperature and how it is affected by variables such as lights, shadows, wind, and height. We have tested these predictions by placing thermometers in various indoor and outdoor locations and forming claims based on collected evidence.
Writing:
Students' personal narrative stories are taking off into the stage of revision. We are discussing when to form a new paragraph, using a special symbol, how to create "movies in the minds of readers" by stretching out important parts, adding sensory details and dialogue, and much, much more! Writing buddies are extremely helpful during this stage of writing.
Math:
We have just wrapped up Unit 2 and have worked with place value, reading, writing, and comparing decimals to the thousandths, converting units of measurement, and addition/subtraction/multiplication of whole numbers and decimals to the hundredths. Looking forward, we will be learning the traditional or standard algorithm for multiplication. See this video for a helpful "turtle head method" which works for multiplying numbers by a 2-digit number. There are many tricks for helping students to remember how to multiply using the traditional method, this is just one fun suggestion.
Reading:
Students have created "Nonfiction Wish Lists" of topics they wish to learn more about during our nonfiction reading unit which has just begun this week. We will be working to recognize a text's main idea, supporting details from the text, and various text structures (compare and contrast, cause and effect, chronological order, etc.).
We have begun our investigations of temperature by factoring in variables, using materials, and recording data and observations both inside and outside. Students have enjoyed making predictions of temperature and how it is affected by variables such as lights, shadows, wind, and height. We have tested these predictions by placing thermometers in various indoor and outdoor locations and forming claims based on collected evidence.
Writing:
Students' personal narrative stories are taking off into the stage of revision. We are discussing when to form a new paragraph, using a special symbol, how to create "movies in the minds of readers" by stretching out important parts, adding sensory details and dialogue, and much, much more! Writing buddies are extremely helpful during this stage of writing.
Math:
We have just wrapped up Unit 2 and have worked with place value, reading, writing, and comparing decimals to the thousandths, converting units of measurement, and addition/subtraction/multiplication of whole numbers and decimals to the hundredths. Looking forward, we will be learning the traditional or standard algorithm for multiplication. See this video for a helpful "turtle head method" which works for multiplying numbers by a 2-digit number. There are many tricks for helping students to remember how to multiply using the traditional method, this is just one fun suggestion.
Reading:
Students have created "Nonfiction Wish Lists" of topics they wish to learn more about during our nonfiction reading unit which has just begun this week. We will be working to recognize a text's main idea, supporting details from the text, and various text structures (compare and contrast, cause and effect, chronological order, etc.).
Problems of the Week!
Students will be receiving a problem of the week (or POW) on Mondays and have time throughout the week to "wrestle" with problem solving. On Fridays we will then discuss the problem, important information given, and compare strategies, and solutions. These challenge problems are "Low Floor High Ceiling" math problems that allow all students to have an entry level point of some kind while also providing opportunities to extend the investigation further to challenge thinking. This also provides students with an opportunity to persevere in problem solving as well as use "math talk" to explain their thinking.
Read more on Carol Dweck's Growth Mindset and "Low Floor High Ceiling" approaches to math.
Students will be receiving a problem of the week (or POW) on Mondays and have time throughout the week to "wrestle" with problem solving. On Fridays we will then discuss the problem, important information given, and compare strategies, and solutions. These challenge problems are "Low Floor High Ceiling" math problems that allow all students to have an entry level point of some kind while also providing opportunities to extend the investigation further to challenge thinking. This also provides students with an opportunity to persevere in problem solving as well as use "math talk" to explain their thinking.
Read more on Carol Dweck's Growth Mindset and "Low Floor High Ceiling" approaches to math.