Classroom Update: October 17, 2014

In English Language Arts this week, we created story maps for fiction texts. We read the books Verdi and Owl Moon to practice thinking about characters, setting, and conflict. Then, we wrote about these elements of fiction in the context of the text Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon.

In Writing, students are using the steps of the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing) to work on their personal narrative writing. Students will publish these pieces after they have made their final edits and revisions. (At that point, we will have our first writers' celebration! Information about this event will be sent out in the coming weeks.)

In Math, we have been working on finding the difference between two numbers. We played a game, solved riddles, and completed word problems related to this concept. We have used number lines to solve such problems. In addition, we have emphasized that there are multiple ways to approach a problem and arrive at the correct solution. For example, consider the following word problem:

The Nature Center has a collection of snakes. The redbelly snake in the collection is 9 inches long. The eastern ribbon snake is 21 inches long. How much longer is the eastern ribbon snake than the redbelly snake?

 

Here are some possible solution methods that emphasize the relationship between addition and subtraction:

In Social Studies, students have begun researching the seasonal life of the Wampanoag tribe. They have read about the jobs, food sources, and homes of the Wampanoag in the 1600s. This research will prepare them for the murals that they will create next Friday.

Notices: If you have not done so already, please complete the following tasks on the Powerschool Parent Portal:

1.       Update information including email address and phone number

2.       Click to indicate that you have reviewed the Arlington Family Handbook

3.       Indicate whether you give the Dallin school permission to use media images of your child

Upcoming Dates:

• October 21: A visitor will be coming to our class to read a version of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow adapted for children. We will complete an activity related to the text to practice the element of fiction of setting. The version of the text that will be used may be found here. If you do not want your child to participate in the activity, please let me know and I will provide them with an alternative assignment. October 21 is also an early release day. 
• October 24: Nicola Davies Author Visit
• October 24 & 27: Wampanoag Murals
• October 31: Dallin Tie-Dye Day