Classroom Update: Week of 3/27/15

In reading this week, we have been practicing for the English Language Arts MCAS, which will be held on Tuesday, March 31 and Wednesday, April 1. You can support your child by ensuring that they have a good rest the night before and eat a nutritious breakfast on the days of the exam. Please also try to make sure that students are arriving on time on Tuesday and Wednesday, as the exam will start first thing in the morning. Students are allowed to bring mints, tictacs, smarties, or other nonsticky hard candy for the test (Please no chocolate, gum, or chewy candies that could get on the test booklets). There will be no homework next week due to the exam, including weekly assignments such as the reading log and word study.

In writing, students practiced delivering their speeches with expression. During writing time, we also reviewed some vocabulary related to poetry and figurative language. Students can practice this vocabulary at home using this online flashcard website: quizlet.com/hughes3

In math, we have been working on comparing fractions. We have used strategies such as number lines and pictures to compare the sizes of fractions.

In science, students have been reading up on animal adaptations. Students chose an animal to research for an in-school project on animal adaptations. We also learned about the adaptation of camouflaging and camouflaged paper butterflies around the classroom. We challenged Mrs. Andaloro's class to find the butterflies. Can you spot one in the picture to the right?

Classroom Update: March 20, 2015

In reading this week, we learned about another type of tale—trickster tales. Trickster tales are generally centered on a mischievous troublemaker. In honor of Saint Patrick’s Day, we read a trickster tale about leprechauns. On the morning of St. Patrick’s Day, we were surprised to find that a leprechaun had broken into our classroom overnight and pulled some pranks! Correlated with our unit on traditional literature, we also learned about the legend of Blarney Stone and the “gift of gab.” Later in the week, we delved into a study of poetry. We practiced writing poems in the form of limericks. We also read Robert Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” to illustrate some elements of poetry. On Friday, we enjoyed a read-a-thon to celebrate our class’s achievements over the past few months.

In writing this week, students continued to develop their persuasive speeches. Students worked on polishing their pieces by adding repetition and diction.

In math, students continued to work on equivalent fractions. We focused primarily on drawing fraction bars to show equivalency. We also looked for patterns among equivalent fractions. For example, for all fractions equivalent to one-half, the numerator is half of the denominator. On Friday, students played a game of fraction hopscotch to rehearse naming some equivalent fractions.

In science, we began a unit on animal adaptations. Students have read several nonfiction articles and learned about a variety of animals and the amazing characteristics that enable them to survive in their environments.

Upcoming dates:

Can You Dig It? Event: The third grade will be holding an archaeological dig at the Dallin on May 6. Please email me if you are interested in volunteering for this event.

Optional Math Challenge: Due March 23rd

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8-gXqit3js-eEoyLTRnRlFxRk0/view?usp=sharing

Classroom Update: March 13, 2015

In writing, students developed a thesis or “bold claim” for their persuasive speeches.  We worked on developing reasons to support this thesis.

In math, we did more practice placing fractions on a number line. Students created number lines to solve fraction word problems involving equivalency.

We finished science presentations this week and discussed the life cycle of a star. We’re excited to begin a new unit on animal adaptations.

In reading, we learned about a new type of tale called “pourquoi stories.” Pourquoi stories explain how things in the natural world came to be. Students practiced writing their own “why” tales. Next week, we will be wrapping up our folktale unit and moving on to a study of poetry!

The Dallin School uses the Open Circle program for social and emotional learning. Our classroom holds weekly Open Circle meetings to discuss topics related to our classroom, school, and the larger community. Some of the topics we have discussed this month include calm breathing and giving a “listening look.”

Students filled our “Rainbow Roundup” board, earning a class celebration! We voted and will be having another Read-A-Thon/Stuffed Animal/Pajama Day on Friday, March 20. Students are welcome to bring in their stuffed animals the day before so that the animals can have a “sleepover.”J

Optional Math Challenge: Due 3/16

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8-gXqit3js-ekxuR0s0cUh5ZGd0aXdVMnVEcHdxV2RTMzFn/view?usp=sharing

Classroom Update: March 6, 2015

This week, we read more texts that fit under the category of “traditional literature.” We read The Rough Face Girl, a Native American version of the Cinderella fairytale. We read the American tall tale “John Henry” and the folktale The Mitten. While reading these selections, we discussed the characteristics of each of these types of tales. We also learned about some Ancient Greek and Roman myths through a presentation delivered by fourth grade Dallin students. Students made laurel wreaths and “Cyclops” eyes for the presentation.

  

In writing, students began drafting persuasive speeches. We brainstormed topics by discussing things that we’d like to change in the world. We looked at pieces of famous speeches for inspiration.

In math, we began learning about equivalent fractions. We practiced constructing equivalent fractions using pattern shape blocks. We also practiced marking fractions on the number line. This helped us to identify equivalent fractions in a different way. Fractions that fall on the same place on the number line are equivalent.

    

In science, students completed research on their planets. We modeled how the Earth’s position affects seasonal changes. We also read about asteroids and meteors. Students began presenting their fabulous planet projects today. They all did a fantastic job researching and creating their models (see photos in the post below!). Today, we were treated to a presentation on the solar system, in which students learned about topics such as the Earth’s movement, relative sizes of objects in our solar system, dwarf planets, and objects in space beyond our solar system. A big thank you to Andy’s parents for delivering the presentation!

Planet Projects