Wow...I cannot believe the last week of January is here already! This year is flying by! We had another exciting week together, and I'm really starting to feel the cohesiveness of our class. There is nothing better than being part of a successful classroom community...I am one lucky teacher! <3
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
We're moving right along in our Hands-On Equations algebra unit. Students were introduced to the white pawn last week, otherwise known as "star." We examined the relationship between "X" and "star" (they're opposites), and learned how to remove a "zero pair" from the same side of the balance.
READING WORKSHOP:
Our Schoolwide Fiction unit continued last week with an examination of point of view. Students learned that readers pay attention to who is narrating the story and consider how the narrator influences how the story is told. We read a wonderful story, "Hattie's Birthday Box," and considered how the person who is telling the story affects what story is told. Next, students learned that readers of historical fiction pay attention to story elements with particular attention to the writing. We noticed the effect the historical setting has on the characters and conflict as we read, "Peppe the Lamplighter." Finally, students explored the features of a modern-day fairy tale, including the message or lesson learned.
Obviously we are super busy readers, but we did manage to squeeze in a tiny bit more exciting work with The Liberation of Gabriel King. Much of our focus this week was on making inferences and finding evidence from the text to support our opinions. Students also spent time investigating the importance of "integrity" through an in depth look at the relationship between Jimmy Carter and the White Citizens Council.
PERSONALIZED LEARNING:
Last week we shared most our final personalized learning projects! I have to say, I was blown away by the results!!! Watching our class confidently share their research and results was truly amazing. Equally impressive was the creativity and thoughtfulness that went into final presentations! I am so proud of their hard work, and I know they are as well. Each student also received peer feedback from the class, and again, this component of the personalized learning process was so well received. Thoughtful comments were given to one another, along with genuine questions being asked! Our final activity for Personalized Learning, completing a self-evaluation of the entire process, will take place this week.
SCIENCE:
Our Energy research projects continued last week as students made final preparations for their energy presentations. Once again, I'm truly impressed with the creativity and effort that has gone into these projects. The level of interest shown in our groups' chosen energy topics and excitement to share their expertise with the class is powerful! Everyone is excited for "Energy" this week!
THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
Algebra will continue this week as we learn several legal moves involving zero pairs, "Xs," and "stars."
READING WORKSHOP:
Our final interactive read aloud lesson for our Fiction unit will take place this week as we identify theme. We will also begin our Fiction mini-lessons as well. In addition, our exploration of Gabriel King will continue as students analyze characters, review comprehension strategies, and explore the meaning of the word “oppression.”
WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
We will begin our second WEX book this week, Response to Fiction. Students will identify showing details and write about characters.
SCIENCE:
Types of Energy presentations will be given this week!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tuesday, 1/26.............................................Orbit Skate Night
Tuesday, 2/2...............................................Individual Math Contest (lunch)
Wednesday, 2/3.........................................Hands-On Equations Test (Anderle)
Thursday, 2/4.............................................Team Math Contest (lunch)
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK:
MATH:
We're moving right along in our Hands-On Equations algebra unit. Students were introduced to the white pawn last week, otherwise known as "star." We examined the relationship between "X" and "star" (they're opposites), and learned how to remove a "zero pair" from the same side of the balance.
READING WORKSHOP:
Our Schoolwide Fiction unit continued last week with an examination of point of view. Students learned that readers pay attention to who is narrating the story and consider how the narrator influences how the story is told. We read a wonderful story, "Hattie's Birthday Box," and considered how the person who is telling the story affects what story is told. Next, students learned that readers of historical fiction pay attention to story elements with particular attention to the writing. We noticed the effect the historical setting has on the characters and conflict as we read, "Peppe the Lamplighter." Finally, students explored the features of a modern-day fairy tale, including the message or lesson learned.
Obviously we are super busy readers, but we did manage to squeeze in a tiny bit more exciting work with The Liberation of Gabriel King. Much of our focus this week was on making inferences and finding evidence from the text to support our opinions. Students also spent time investigating the importance of "integrity" through an in depth look at the relationship between Jimmy Carter and the White Citizens Council.
PERSONALIZED LEARNING:
Last week we shared most our final personalized learning projects! I have to say, I was blown away by the results!!! Watching our class confidently share their research and results was truly amazing. Equally impressive was the creativity and thoughtfulness that went into final presentations! I am so proud of their hard work, and I know they are as well. Each student also received peer feedback from the class, and again, this component of the personalized learning process was so well received. Thoughtful comments were given to one another, along with genuine questions being asked! Our final activity for Personalized Learning, completing a self-evaluation of the entire process, will take place this week.
SCIENCE:
Our Energy research projects continued last week as students made final preparations for their energy presentations. Once again, I'm truly impressed with the creativity and effort that has gone into these projects. The level of interest shown in our groups' chosen energy topics and excitement to share their expertise with the class is powerful! Everyone is excited for "Energy" this week!
THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
MATH:
Algebra will continue this week as we learn several legal moves involving zero pairs, "Xs," and "stars."
READING WORKSHOP:
Our final interactive read aloud lesson for our Fiction unit will take place this week as we identify theme. We will also begin our Fiction mini-lessons as well. In addition, our exploration of Gabriel King will continue as students analyze characters, review comprehension strategies, and explore the meaning of the word “oppression.”
WRITERS' WORKSHOP:
We will begin our second WEX book this week, Response to Fiction. Students will identify showing details and write about characters.
SCIENCE:
Types of Energy presentations will be given this week!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tuesday, 1/26.............................................Orbit Skate Night
Tuesday, 2/2...............................................Individual Math Contest (lunch)
Wednesday, 2/3.........................................Hands-On Equations Test (Anderle)
Thursday, 2/4.............................................Team Math Contest (lunch)
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