Classroom Update: 3/31/17

On Monday, we were treated to a presentation by the Museum of Science. An educator from the museum delivered a presentation on weather and climate to go along with our current science unit. Students were engaged in experiments involving wind, air pressure, and temperature. 

In math, we continued studying fractions. Students looked for patterns among equivalent fractions. For example, we observed that the numbers in the numerator and denominator are the same for all fractions equivalent to one (i.e. 2/2, 3/3, 4/4, etc.).

In reading, we began preparations for the MCAS examination, to be held next week. We are learning test taking strategies, such as the "process of elimination." 

We continued our unit on opinion writing. Students brainstormed ideas for new persuasive letters. We thought of problems around our school that need to be changed. We also brainstormed people around the school that should be appreciated more. 

Students participated in an engineering design challenge this week. They were tasked to design a waterwheel with the provided materials that could pull a load. Their solutions were impressive!

Classroom Update: March 17, 2017

In math, students worked on placing fractions on a number line. In doing so, we were able to identify fraction equivalencies.

In writing, students continued working on persuasive speeches. We are practicing reading our speeches aloud with expression.

In reading, we introduced a new unit on poetry. Students created festive limericks today in honor of St. Patrick's Day.

This week, students also worked on a project related to our social-emotional curriculum, Superflex. We have been reading about the "Unthinkables," a team of super-villains who make us behave in unexpected ways. Students reflected on areas of school behavior that they have the most difficulty with (staying focused, keeping organized, maintaining a positive attitude, remembering assignments, speaking up, etc.). Students designed their own "Unthinkables" related to these aspects of school behavior, and devised strategies to defeat them.

Classroom Update: March 10, 2017

We are wrapping up our integrated social studies and reading unit on the Pilgrims. Students learned about the relationship between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe. Students read biographies of Squanto, a Native American man who helped the Pilgrims in their early years of settlement. Later in the week, students wrote essays in which they compared life today to life in seventeenth century Massachusetts.

In math, we began a new unit on fractions. We have been working on partitioning shapes into equal parts. We have done this by folding and cutting paper. We have started to notice patterns in the ways that we can build fractional pieces. For example, we noticed that we can make fourths by dividing halves into two equal pieces. Similarly, we can make eighths by segmenting fourths in half. These patterns are helping us to begin to think about fraction equivalency.

In science, we conducted experiments related to the water cycle. We learned about the stages of precipitation, condensation, and evaporation. In addition, students learned about climate zones. We researched regions around the world and learned about their unique climates.

In writing, we began a unit on opinion writing. We began by brainstorming and outlining ideas for a topic. Students are now underway with drafting a persuasive speech using a five paragraph essay template.

Classroom Update: February 17, 2017

Thank you to all of you who were able to attend our writers' celebration this morning. Students worked so hard on these pieces, and it was wonderful to share them with all of you!

In math, we concluded our unit on area and perimeter. When we return from break, we will start a new unit on fractions.

In reading and social studies this week, students continued to draft their journals from the perspectives of children from the seventeenth century. We wrote final drafts of these journals on "aged" paper.

In science, we did experiments involving a material that's abundant outside right now--snow! We measured the amount of water in snow and learned that the unique shape of snowflakes increases their volume. We also did an experiment involving snow and ice. We discovered that salt makes snow melt faster because it lowers the freezing point of water. 

Classroom Update: 2/11/17

This week, students began writing journal entries from the perspective of a child in seventeenth century Massachusetts. They used the knowledge that they gained from our readings over the course of our integrated social studies and literacy unit on the pilgrims.

In science, we used weather data to predict the forecast for a very snowy week!

In writing, students prepared their informational books for publishing. We are looking forward to our writers' celebration next Friday!

We continue to strengthen our knowledge of area and perimeter in math. Yesterday, we worked on a rigorous area and perimeter problem from this month's home practice menu. Students shared their great strategies with one another in a problem solving forum.

Classroom Update: February 3, 2017

In guided reading groups, we read books about the life of children in seventeenth century Plymouth. Students took notes on different aspects of life, including chores, learning, food, recreation, and clothing. 

In math, we continued practicing area and perimeter. We learned how to play a new game called "Island Conquer" (featured on this month's homework calendar). We discussed the concept of a square unit. 

In science, we conducted experiments about the density of water. Students discovered that cold water is denser than hot water.

In writing, students have been revising their informational books. They have been working on adding more transitional phrases and crafting interesting chapter beginnings. 

Classroom Update: January 27, 2017

This past week, we welcomed a new student teacher, Ms. Jill Tolan. Ms. Tolan is a senior at Lesley University, where she is studying Elementary Education and English. We are excited to have her join our class community! 

We are in the midst of an integrated social studies and reading unit on the Pilgrims. The unit combines history and literacy skills to analyze the Mayflower Journey. This week, we conducted a close analysis of primary sources such as the Mayflower Compact and the Mayflower passenger list. Students made observations about the groups of people aboard the Mayflower. We have also been reading historical fiction texts to supplement our understanding of this time. Most recently, we read the book Three Young Pilgrims to learn about the Pilgrims’ first winter in Plymouth. 

In math, we have concluded our unit on division and multiplication. Although we have concluded this unit of study, we will continue to study multiplication and division facts for the rest of the year. We have begun a new measurement unit on area and perimeter. Students are developing strategies for finding the area and perimeter of rectangles and irregular shapes. 

In science, we began a unit on water and climate. This week, we explored properties of water through hands-on experiments. For example, we tested the absorbency of different surfaces including wax paper, letter paper, paper towels, and aluminum foil. In another experiment, we observed the behavior of water on a slope. We noticed that water falls faster from a steeper slope. Today, we even built our own thermometers!

In writing, students continue to develop their informational books. We are working on supplementing our stories with more text features, including diagrams, captions, and sidebars.