It's been a long time since I've sent out an update due to the positioning of Conferences and Thanksgiving Break. I hope you all had a wonderful time with family, friends and food!
It will be good to have these three full weeks before heading off to our Winter Break. It was nice this past week to get back into the routine.
This time of year, in between holidays, often proves to be a difficult time of year to command the children's attention. This past week I noticed that our group was having a very difficult time with focusing, using their time well and applying manners. My greatest concern has been the lack of quality and effort on their work. There were a few times I came down a bit tough on them to let them know that this is unacceptable. There have been some complacent, lazy and rude behaviors sneaking in. I am trying to encourage them to bring their best, try their best and really be the people they want to be. I would truly appreciate some home conversation to support the aforementioned and encourage a strong finish to 2016.
Moving along in math, we are currently working with the next level of multiplication and division. Using the distributive method (open arrays and break-aparts), we are learning to do double digit multiplication and up to triple digit division. We have also been exploring these concepts through games and problem solving scenarios. These methods help build foundational understanding of the processes. Standard multiplication algorithms will be taught in 5th grade. We will continue to explore different ways to problem solve, even if it is a bit longer, but the benefits of stronger contextual understanding make it worth it.
This past week we celebrated our grand finale of our narrative writing. The kids were divided into groups of 6 or 7 to share their stories. Whereas many celebrations include food or presents, we feasted on words and offered compliments to one another as we recognized the wonderful accomplishments of our peers. This has been a very meaningful experience to the kids. They really took this to heart and offered valuable and positive feedback to one another. I am really proud of them all.
Our book groups continue, though we are nearing the end of our books. As we come to a close, with the break so near, we will take some time to shift our focus to a study of characterization and character traits. With the completion of our narrative unit and the ending of our book groups, I look forward to integrating our reading and writing into a mini-unit of Literary Essay over the next few weeks.
As we continue our study of the Regions of the United States, we are focusing on the North East. We are using a virtual textbook which takes us on a tour of significant places in the region. We will 'visit' places like Plymouth, MA, Hershey, PA and Washington DC. Along the tour we will learn about the Mayflower Compact, some of the first factories and the birth of our government.
Be sure to browse the pictures below. We always have a wonderful time connecting with out 1st grade buddies and our IDEA Lab time.
Again, thank you for your continued support.
Enjoy your weekend.
Book Fair
Array Game
Typing our Stories & Writing Partner work
Thanksgiving Assembly
Time with Buddies
Division Problem Solving
Choosing our Government
IDEA Lab
Filling the Machine
Division Game
Writing Celebration
