This week has felt like spring and we have enjoyed every moment of it!!! During this short week we have fully embraced Round 2 of the Lexia Learning 2017 Winter Usage Contest! I continue to be amazed at the students determination, as well as enthusiasm as they embark each day within their levels!!!

During math workshop, the students have been focusing on if equations are true or false. They have been participating in many hands-on lessons that help to build fluency with comparing values on both sides of the equals sign. They have learned that math tools such as: balances, ten strips, and connecting cubes can be used because they allow a visual representation (picture) of the values they are being asked to compare.

This work develops students' understanding that an equation is true if both sides of the equals sign have the same value, and false if the two sides have differing values. The students have been engaged in the Common Core Mathematical Practice #2, which is to reason abstractly and quantitatively as they compare the two sides of an equation to determine if the equation is true or false. Before students typically only saw true equations, with one operation. These lesson tasks will continue to guide students toward flexibly thinking about numbers and operations within equations.

This week we have been going deeper and deeper into nonfiction reading- focusing on focus questions and authors purpose. We have been looking at different types of nonfiction and determining if the author wrote it as an all about, or as an informational.

We have also been becoming more familiar with the journaling process using the Seesaw app. Miss Gleason is able to load different websites, videos, and articles on a topic and adds them into an electronic folder. We then login in using our QR codes and this is where we get to be in complete control of our learning! We have been able to conduct our research and record our thoughts! We have been answering many questions and stating our learning through writing, pictures, and audio recordings!

And in math we have been learning more about problem solving and representing our thinking through class number talks! We finishing our week playing a fun game practicing our doubles facts!

This week we began a science unit about animals and their survival needs. As science researchers- Our first lesson was called, “Why does a woodpecker peck wood?” We learned how every animal has the need to find food. When we see animals in the wild, very often they are looking for food.

You can encourage your child’s curiosity at home! It’s great for a child to have the experience of observing a critter that’s been seen outside. It could be as simple as keeping a bug in a jar, or having a discussion about a bird . Don’t do the work for your child, ask them what kinds of things the creature might need. . Together, you can search Google or Kiddle to find out what the animal eats or looks like! Even how the animal survives in nature! Have fun exploring!
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Today was a special day! The students learned all about Martin Luther King, Jr. through inquiry based activities, learning all about a KWL organizer, and watching a nonfiction video about Martin Luther King, Jr. on BrainPopJr. Where they had a chance to find the answers to many of their questions. They learned about his dream for equality and peace, and we talked about how our differences make us special!!!

Check back soon to hear us share our dreams in our very own class iMovie!

Wow! It has been a super fun filled week of learning!
Take a look at some our our highlights of our week!

This week as nonfiction writers we have been elaborating and adding know and more details into our pieces! Our lessons have been focusing on using twin sentences, making comparisons, and using size, shape, and color words!

This week we have been researching and studying non fiction texts and discussing all the new information we have been learning!

This week we continued learning about time! We have been discussing what an hour is- and a half hour! We made connections about what lasts about an hour or a half hour, too! On Thursday we worked in small groups and planned a Holiday party! We had some guidelines we had to follow! First every team had to factor in 30 minutes at the end of the party to clean up! Also, we wouldn't be able to do all the activities on the list! We encountered some obstacles but with perseverance we were able to overcome those barriers!