Weeks of November 22 and November 29
We continued our work on a fictional narrative. Students brainstormed ideas, completed a graphic organizer and started a draft. In reading we revisited and worked on how to answer open response questions, specifically organizing our response and adding specific details from the text to support our answer. In science we used the new tech book to complete an assignment on earthquakes. In math we continued multiplication, using arrays, expanded algorithm and standard algorithm to multiply 2 digit numbers. In social studies we started our study of Washington DC monuments.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving break!
Below are some examples of animoto videos created from rocks and minerals research.
cool rock's
Rocks 2
rock and minerals
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Monday, November 18, 2013
Weeks of November 8 and November 15
We started the school wide read of One Thousand Tracings by Lita Judge. The theme of the book is about acts of kindness. Students will be recognized for acts of kindness with a tracing of a shoe which will be displayed in the school. This book goes along with our How Full is Your Bucket book. We want to continue to reinforce students and staff to be nice to each other. We finished a writing piece about a family tradition. Students enjoyed sharing the traditions they celebrate with each other. In reading we started our study of historical fiction. The One Thousand Tracings book was a nice lead into it. We will write at least one fictional narrative for writing. In science we just started using the new Discovery Education tech book. This is an online book and we are very excited about it. All students have a password and user name.
In math we took the October test and have started multiplying larger numbers. Also we have been using the netbooks to complete problems. Some examples below.
Reminders:
Early release Tuesday, November 19
Half Day, Wednesday, November 27
No School, Thursday-Friday, November 28-29 Thanksgiving recess
We started the school wide read of One Thousand Tracings by Lita Judge. The theme of the book is about acts of kindness. Students will be recognized for acts of kindness with a tracing of a shoe which will be displayed in the school. This book goes along with our How Full is Your Bucket book. We want to continue to reinforce students and staff to be nice to each other. We finished a writing piece about a family tradition. Students enjoyed sharing the traditions they celebrate with each other. In reading we started our study of historical fiction. The One Thousand Tracings book was a nice lead into it. We will write at least one fictional narrative for writing. In science we just started using the new Discovery Education tech book. This is an online book and we are very excited about it. All students have a password and user name.
In math we took the October test and have started multiplying larger numbers. Also we have been using the netbooks to complete problems. Some examples below.
Reminders:
Early release Tuesday, November 19
Half Day, Wednesday, November 27
No School, Thursday-Friday, November 28-29 Thanksgiving recess
Monday, October 28, 2013
Week of October 25
This week students created a graphic organizer using Google drawing about the New England States. In addition we continue to work on JA Skinner State Park brochures. In math we continued to use Google drawing to create and solve problems. We shared our problems with each other as well as comment on the work. In ELA we focused on character development and setting. We continued to work on a piece of writing about time we were helpful. At the end of the week we used a checklist with the addition of character, setting, use of predicate expanders and strong verbs added to our rubric.
In second step we talked about verbal and physical cues in understanding how someone feels. We observed each other's reactions to a picture. Part of the class looked at the picture on the smart board while the rest of us observed their reactions without knowing what they were looking at. This lesson we will use next week when we talk about "show don't tell" in our writing. Instead of telling the reader "I was excited", we will describe excited such as "I jumped up and down with my arms in the air".
The use of the "Bucket" in the classroom has had a positive effect on our behavior. We are writing more drops for each other. We have 24/25 loops to reach our monthly goal. We hope to get that last loop for our class reward before the end of the month. I think the reward will be pickled eggs. Everyone loves pickled eggs!
Almost finished product of brochure:
This week students created a graphic organizer using Google drawing about the New England States. In addition we continue to work on JA Skinner State Park brochures. In math we continued to use Google drawing to create and solve problems. We shared our problems with each other as well as comment on the work. In ELA we focused on character development and setting. We continued to work on a piece of writing about time we were helpful. At the end of the week we used a checklist with the addition of character, setting, use of predicate expanders and strong verbs added to our rubric.
In second step we talked about verbal and physical cues in understanding how someone feels. We observed each other's reactions to a picture. Part of the class looked at the picture on the smart board while the rest of us observed their reactions without knowing what they were looking at. This lesson we will use next week when we talk about "show don't tell" in our writing. Instead of telling the reader "I was excited", we will describe excited such as "I jumped up and down with my arms in the air".
The use of the "Bucket" in the classroom has had a positive effect on our behavior. We are writing more drops for each other. We have 24/25 loops to reach our monthly goal. We hope to get that last loop for our class reward before the end of the month. I think the reward will be pickled eggs. Everyone loves pickled eggs!
Almost finished product of brochure:
Friday, October 18, 2013
Weeks of October 11 and October 18
We started to create brochures for JA Skinner State Park using Publisher. Students researched on the web and used their own experience from their journal to create the brochure. Also we completed a writing piece using a checklist which focused on organization, a lead, transitional words/phrases and spelling. In reading we continued our genre study of realistic fiction and a focus on character, setting and plot.
In math each student has his/her IXL account. This site has opportunities for students to practice and master skills in both math and language arts.
Students were introduced to Google Drawing. This is in their Google Drive and it is a great way for students to show their learning in a creative way. See examples below.
We started to create brochures for JA Skinner State Park using Publisher. Students researched on the web and used their own experience from their journal to create the brochure. Also we completed a writing piece using a checklist which focused on organization, a lead, transitional words/phrases and spelling. In reading we continued our genre study of realistic fiction and a focus on character, setting and plot.
In math each student has his/her IXL account. This site has opportunities for students to practice and master skills in both math and language arts.
Students were introduced to Google Drawing. This is in their Google Drive and it is a great way for students to show their learning in a creative way. See examples below.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Week of October 4
We had our trip to JA Skinner State Park. It was a beautiful day to hike and learn. The view from the top of Mt. Holyoke was incredible. We were able to see Mt. Greylock, Mt. Monadnock, Springfield, and Hartford. We would like to thank Ms. Traub, Regional Environmental Education Coordinator, for teaching us about rocks and the formation of the park.
We had our trip to JA Skinner State Park. It was a beautiful day to hike and learn. The view from the top of Mt. Holyoke was incredible. We were able to see Mt. Greylock, Mt. Monadnock, Springfield, and Hartford. We would like to thank Ms. Traub, Regional Environmental Education Coordinator, for teaching us about rocks and the formation of the park.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Week of September 27
This week we completed a writing piece based on the book When I Was Little by Jamie Lee Curtis. Students shared stories about themselves when they were "little". Then each student took one idea and created an illustration to go along with his/her words. The illustrations will be put together into class book to share with other classes.
Also we have a "bucket" hanging in our classroom for students to put drops in. The drops are for a student to write on to share what a nice thing a classmate has done for him/her. Our hope as a class is that this will spread in our school we will all be a little nicer to each other.
Click for a video of our Field Trip to Skinner State Park
Click for information on Skinner State Park
Field Trip preparation
Backpack
Reminders:
Field Trip: Skinner State Park, Thursday, October 3
Early Release: Tuesday, October 8
No School Columbus Day: Monday, October 14
Half Day Parent Conferences: Thursday, October 24
Half Day Parent Conferences: Thursday, October 31
This week we completed a writing piece based on the book When I Was Little by Jamie Lee Curtis. Students shared stories about themselves when they were "little". Then each student took one idea and created an illustration to go along with his/her words. The illustrations will be put together into class book to share with other classes.
Also we have a "bucket" hanging in our classroom for students to put drops in. The drops are for a student to write on to share what a nice thing a classmate has done for him/her. Our hope as a class is that this will spread in our school we will all be a little nicer to each other.
Click for a video of our Field Trip to Skinner State Park
Click for information on Skinner State Park
Field Trip preparation
Backpack
Water
Lunch
Sneakers
Light clothing- layers
Camera-not necessary but can bring one
Binoculars-not necessary but can bring one
Reminders:
Field Trip: Skinner State Park, Thursday, October 3
Early Release: Tuesday, October 8
No School Columbus Day: Monday, October 14
Half Day Parent Conferences: Thursday, October 24
Half Day Parent Conferences: Thursday, October 31
Monday, September 23, 2013
Week of September 20
This week we completed the District Wide Fall Writing Prompt as well as a topic test on place value in math. In science we continued our study of rocks and minerals. We learned how the three types of rocks are formed through our observations, research and a song. Students will perform their song next week.
We will be taking a field trip to Skinner State Park in Hadley, MA. on Thursday, October 3. This trip will involve a hike to top of Mt. Holyoke where the Summit House sits. We will complete activities with the educational coordinator of Skinner State Park.
Reminders:
Students should read for at least 20 minutes a night.
Field Trip: Thursday, October 3 Skinner State Park
This week we completed the District Wide Fall Writing Prompt as well as a topic test on place value in math. In science we continued our study of rocks and minerals. We learned how the three types of rocks are formed through our observations, research and a song. Students will perform their song next week.
We will be taking a field trip to Skinner State Park in Hadley, MA. on Thursday, October 3. This trip will involve a hike to top of Mt. Holyoke where the Summit House sits. We will complete activities with the educational coordinator of Skinner State Park.
Reminders:
Students should read for at least 20 minutes a night.
Field Trip: Thursday, October 3 Skinner State Park
Summit House on Mt. Holyoke
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