Classroom Update: May 20, 2016

In reading, we have continued our poetry unit. This week, we discussed types of figurative language, including idioms, metaphors, similes, and personification.

In writing, students are drafting their own stories adapted from the fairytales Cinderella, Three Billy Goats Gruff, or Little Red Riding Hood. Students are choosing how to put their own spin on the story, including changing the characters, setting, or plot of the story.

In math, we finished up our data unit. We've spent the last few days reviewing the types of questions that will be on the PARCC exam, which we will be taking next week.

In social studies, we are learning more about the events leading up to the American Revolution. This week, we learned about the early relationship between the American colonies and England.

Classroom Update: May 13, 2016

Our visit to the Jason Russell House kicked off a new social studies unit on life in colonial times. Students are currently researching aspects of life in colonial times, such as food, clothing, schools, medicine, and more! In small groups, they are writing about how life in colonial Massachusetts was similar to and different from life today. Students are collaborating to form a class webpage about colonial life. 

In writing, we've begun a new unit about fairytales. Students will be creating their own adapted fairytales, in which they put their own spin on classic stories. To prepare students for this, we've been comparing the traditional tales to their modern adaptations. We've been enjoying the silly fairytales found in John Scieszka's The Stinky Cheese Man!

In math, we've continued a unit on measurement and data. We reviewed metric units, including meters, liters, and grams. We've also been working on measuring to the quarter-inch and representing measurements on line plots.

In reading, we're studying poetry. Students are learning about a variety of poetic devices, including onomatopoeia, assonance, and alliteration. Students have had fun writing and sharing their own poems using the devices we've discussed.☺

Optional Math Challenge: Due May 16

Find it here!