Social Studies & Science
We have just wrapped up our Social Studies unit on Rules, Laws, and Responsibilities. Students discussed the importance of our United States Constitution, the reasons why it was written, and what rights are provided by the Bill of Rights. Students also studied the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and made connections between this historical document and the U.S. Constitution. Students also studied and put into practice the subject of chronology and timelines.
Looking ahead, we are beginning our first science unit: Weather Investigations! Students will begin by collecting weather maps found online or in newspapers to study and analyze. We will collect data on temperature and cloud formations, and compare weather and climate.
Math
We have recently begun our second math unit: Decimals, Place Value, and Computation. Students are doing some review of place value but are extending their knowledge to the thousandths place. We will work on the traditional multiplication algorithm and multiply whole numbers and decimals. This unit also includes addition and subtraction of whole numbers and decimals.
Writing
Our personal narrative unit is moving along nicely into its "second bend". Within the writing process, students are learning to embrace revision as it is the biggest focus of our writing units. Students are creating "work benches" for their writing, setting goals and trying different approaches and strategies to really make their narrative the best it can be,
Reading
Students have been getting to know their reading buddies while learning the routines of our readers workshop model. Currently, students have heard about the importance of reading a "just right" book while completing reading work in school. Not knowing more than 5 words (the 5 Finger Rule) on a page can greatly impact students' comprehension and accuracy of a text. We are working on writing about reading as we prepare for our realistic fiction book clubs. In these book clubs, students will be writing reflections on their reading and discussing elements of a text such as character, predictions, theme, and connections (either to the real world, another text, or a personal connection).
We have just wrapped up our Social Studies unit on Rules, Laws, and Responsibilities. Students discussed the importance of our United States Constitution, the reasons why it was written, and what rights are provided by the Bill of Rights. Students also studied the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and made connections between this historical document and the U.S. Constitution. Students also studied and put into practice the subject of chronology and timelines.
Looking ahead, we are beginning our first science unit: Weather Investigations! Students will begin by collecting weather maps found online or in newspapers to study and analyze. We will collect data on temperature and cloud formations, and compare weather and climate.
Math
We have recently begun our second math unit: Decimals, Place Value, and Computation. Students are doing some review of place value but are extending their knowledge to the thousandths place. We will work on the traditional multiplication algorithm and multiply whole numbers and decimals. This unit also includes addition and subtraction of whole numbers and decimals.
Writing
Our personal narrative unit is moving along nicely into its "second bend". Within the writing process, students are learning to embrace revision as it is the biggest focus of our writing units. Students are creating "work benches" for their writing, setting goals and trying different approaches and strategies to really make their narrative the best it can be,
Reading
Students have been getting to know their reading buddies while learning the routines of our readers workshop model. Currently, students have heard about the importance of reading a "just right" book while completing reading work in school. Not knowing more than 5 words (the 5 Finger Rule) on a page can greatly impact students' comprehension and accuracy of a text. We are working on writing about reading as we prepare for our realistic fiction book clubs. In these book clubs, students will be writing reflections on their reading and discussing elements of a text such as character, predictions, theme, and connections (either to the real world, another text, or a personal connection).