In addition to our wonderful MLK Day, we have tackled many other incredible projects lately. I know you all have been busy with Book Bingo and now merging efforts into the Expert Report.
Our Science times have been filled with exhilarating experiments teaching us about Waves & Energy. We have been focusing on Energy transference and evidence through waves. Using ropes, water, tuning forks, springs and Slinkys, we have been able to see the connections in action.
As we continue our study of the South East Region, we have taken time to learn about the Civil Rights Movement - just in time for MLK Day, as well as to go further back in history to discuss the difficult topic of slavery. This study focuses briefly on the capture, moves into the connection of the economy as we integrate our geography into the Triangle Trade. Next we will focus on life of a slave and then spend more time on the Underground Railroad and abolishment of slavery. The kids are displaying impressive maturity as we discuss and learn about this difficult time in history. We are very careful to keep this study at an appropriate age level.
Math has been focusing on fractions. This can be a difficult for many, as partial numbers are very abstract and can be tricky. I enjoy this unit, as it is very thoughtful and developmentally appropriate - VERY different from how I was taught fractions in my childhood. Much research has gone into how to best support children's understanding and acclimation of fractions. I love how the INVESTIGATIONS materials support this. We have been drawing models, making flashcards and creating number lines. We have a whole number line stretched across our room from 0 to 2. These concrete models are helpful for the kids to make the abstract connections. After conferences, I'll resume "Fraction Friends" as the more practice the better!
Book Bingo ends Friday Feb. 17th - be sure to be turning the forms and essays in!
Expert Report is well on it's way. We are now nailing down our 5 Subtopics and collecting notes. I am asking that kids get in the habit of bringing their ER Booklet, folder and note card pack to and from school regularly, as we are trying to fit in as much as we can. At this point all kids should have 25 notecards. They can now start sorting them into the 5 categories of their subtopics with their handy notecard holders. 50 notecards will be due for check in on Tuesday, Feb. 21st.
We have completed our Short Story Study and are now moving into our Non-Fiction Study. This past week we learned about different text structures and learned to pay attention to how those structures led us (the reader) to focus on information in a specific way. Chronological, Cause & Effect, Problem-Solution and Compare & Contrast. Next we will be focusing on Non-Fiction text features.
The Non-Fiction study will straddle our reading and writing instruction for the next few months, as the integration of skills will also assist the kids in reading and learning for their Expert Reports, as well as the writing of their own essays. Speaking of essays, we are currently working on opinion/persuasive essays as we learn the expository formatting of writing.
I am looking forward to our Conferences. Please be sure to check your time/date. I'll be sending out a reminder link soon.
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