In math, we started this week with a review of subtraction strategies. Students showed each other strategies that worked for them, and tried new strategies for larger numbers. What we are noticing, though, is that many students would benefit from more practice with basic math facts, adding and subtracting one and two digit numbers. We then explored maps again, added to our See-Think-Wonder and began thinking about the form and function of maps. Some online mapping games were played, and we will continue exploring grids after the holiday.
Our field trip to the museum on Monday provided a good introduction into our exploration of artefacts and archeology. We began reading about archeologists and what their job is, what tools are used, and what skills they need to do their job. We made connections to the skills we practice in class, and also to our lines of inquiry. There was one page of the book that explained why a grid system is used by archeologists, and some students made the connection to maps, and noticed the longitude and latitude lines on the globe. After the break, we will explore Google Earth, Pompeii and speak with some archeologists. Mr. Gallagher also worked with students on Tuesday, using the Beebots to create a map. Students used their thinking and cooperation skills in order to work together to successfully create a maze for the Beebot to travel. We concluded our exploration of book reports, as students wrote their own, and then typed it up. Once we are back from the holiday, students will add pictures to their book report and these will be on display outside our classroom. Many students are adding some great reasons to read the book in their recommendation! We will then move onto explanation writing. New words will be given after the holiday. The only home learning for the holiday is to keep reading. This can be reading to self, reading to family, listening to someone else read or using RazKids. Have a relaxing holiday and we look forward to seeing everyone back in April!
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It was a fun week jumping into our new unit, Where we are in place and time. After exploring the central idea and working hard to discover the missing word (civilization), we began the unit exploring unknown objects (artefacts). The first object was a cassette tape. It was interesting listening to the students discuss their observations and ideas about what it was and how it worked. We also spent time looking at other artefacts in relation to key concept questions:
We explored book reports and students discovered the important aspects to include. Together, half of the class worked with Ms. Arnold and the other half worked with Ms. Luttrell to write a book report for the book Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. Next week, students will apply their new understanding when writing their own book reports. In math, we reviewed addition strategies, with single digit, two digit and three digit numbers. Students used various strategies to solve different problems, compared with their peers and discussed their ideas and strategies. Next week, we will look at subtraction strategies. Students also began exploring maps, using a See-Think-Wonder routine. We also began to think about the connection between maps and our new unit of inquiry. We are finishing up our work with probability, and students rotated through many stations - working in a group, with a partner and independently. One of the stations included debating statements and determining if they were certain, likely, unlikely, or impossible. The other stations included flipping coins, rolling dice, and rock paper scissors. While participating in these stations, students had to decide how best to record their data in an organised way. They gave feedback to each other after Day 1 and many took away some ideas to keep in mind for next time.
In literacy, students have been finishing up their What if stories and then working on free writing, keeping in mind their individual writing goals. Students have also been mindful of their reading goals, and in particular, paying attention to which strategies are helping them achieve their goals. We will do some book report writing next week. As we finished up our Unit of Inquiry this week, students finalised information on their culminating slide shows, and wrote the script for the assembly. I was impressed with how well students worked together. When looking at the script on the screen, many students applied what we had been focusing on in writing these last few weeks. They noticed some sentences starting the same way and wanted to use more exciting words. We edited it together, but overall, the students have organised themselves in the planning and process of props and backgrounds. They've worked hard and were excited to perform at the assembly. The video will be uploaded next week of the performance. We have two weeks of school left before the spring holidays. Students will receive new words on Monday and have them for these two weeks before the break. We will be starting a new math unit as well as a new unit of inquiry next week. Stay tuned! |
AuthorWe are 7 and 8 year old students who live in Singapore. Our teacher, Ms. Luttrell, will be helping us write blog posts throughout the year! Archives
June 2017
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