As we hit the mid mark of 2nd quarter, we anxiously await the start of the winter holidays. However, we still have A LOT of learning to complete in only 3 weeks!
In reading, we've adjusted our flexible reading groups and are continuing to work on the same comprehension skills of predicting, making connections, and summarizing. In addition, we've been learning how to also generate questions as a way to preview a book.
Learning about homophones in language arts has been fun! Students have enjoyed playing Swat the Homophone, completing an activity on the Promethean Board, and making homophone dioramas. The final homophone assessment will be next week following the creation of a flap book with silly homophone sentences.
As always, math keeps us VERY busy! Each year, we as teachers dread the 2-digit subtraction with regrouping unit; it can be tough and confusing with the many involved steps. However, this group of students picked up the skill in only ONE day!! The trick that seems to help them is the BBB rule. "When the Bigger number is on the Bottom, Borrow." In fact, students worked diligently to complete 98 2-digit subtraction problems with and without regrouping today. Much to our disbelief, most students finished...correctly. :) We'll be wrapping up with the summative assessment next week and conclude the unit with a very fun subtraction holiday craft.
Your children may have come home telling you that we had a paper airplane contest and a lottery in class. They're correct! As part of an economics unit in social studies, students are learning ways in which goods and services can be allocated. While Mrs. Brown allocated a book as part of a lottery, Mrs. Smith conducted a paper airplane contest and allocated a free desk cleaning service. The winners?...Cade, Rolando, and Wills. Students also enjoyed sharing Smarties and learning about the idea of first come, first served through a race to varied kinds of miniature chocolate bars. Didn't get what they want...oh well, it's first come, first serve as I tell them. :)
Next week, we'll be beginning a unit on the sources of light, heat, and motion. By webbing such sources using the software program Kidspiration, classifying magazine pictures of heat sources in small groups, and working with partners to read about energy, students will investigate and understand the affects of light, heat, and motion.
