I think January is my favorite month in the classroom! We all returned refreshed, eager and ready for new learning. It has been great. I was in a meeting for half the day on Thursday. Once again the guest teacher praised the class for their politeness and kindness. Their self assessment also indicated that they practiced their SMARTS. They actually like it better when they behave better. I'm glad they have figured that out. Their ability to reflect on their own performance is an important aspect of their learning profiles.
In writing students have done a couple of journal entries. One was a free write and one was a writing prompt. Until now, most of our writing has either been for the blog-with very little revision work or writing realistic nonfiction. We have neglected daily writing habits. We are working on focus, purpose and building stamina. We continue to struggle with what we call G.U.M., grammar, usage and mechanics. Specifically, students often forget to capitalize letters that require it. None the less, there is some great writing going on. You'll see examples on this week's blog updates.
We are also returning to daily quiet reading of fiction. We are starting up new reading groups, conducting reading assessments and enjoying our school wide read aloud book, Rules. This book is told from the point of view of a girl whose younger brother has autism. Themes of empathy, complex family dynamics, compassion and friendship are woven through the pages. We are enjoying the book.
The Create it Lab engineers continue to work with us on Tuesday. This project, by the way, has been funded by an FAP grant. Mr. Harmon, White and Griffin are volunteers but the Kalimbas that each student has made required some financial backing. That was funded by FAP and we are grateful! While the concepts are complex and somewhat difficult to grasp, the demonstrations are intriguing and entertaining. You might also read more about this on the student blog. In addition to talking about and seeing models of sound waves this week, we learned that light travels much faster than sound.
In other science news, students have become quite curious about the shocks they give and receive when touching each other or classroom objects in this winter season. We are conducting some inquiry experiences to figure out why this might be...Again, see the blog for student perspective!
From Ms. Ward: In third grade math students are just beginning unit 3 after a week of deep reflecting on their first semester learning. Ask your student about their successes with unit 2. Unit 3 involves exploring multiple strategies for adding & subtracting two and three-digit numbers. Students will work with four strategies (each involving the number line): removal (take away), differencing (count back), differencing (count up) and constant differences (change the problem). The third grade January calendar focuses on fractions, and number corner components include fact fluency - multiplication by 10 and 5, elapsed time and equivalent fractions.
In grade four we are working working working with fractions. We are manipulating fractions with similar and dissimilar denominators, representing them with money, on number lines, visual models and geoboards. We are also adding, subtracting and beginning to multiply fractions. Next week we work more with decimals. The class work in this rigorous math program really does give students multiple opportunities to grapple with and ultimately grasp new concepts.
Things are going well. If you'd like to join us at any time and see any of this in action, please let me know and we will arrange that.
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