Jauary 10, 2016

Important Dates and Reminders:
Tuesday: Library
January 13- Delayed Start
January 18 - No School

Classroom needs: glue sticks, extra mittens


I was so happy to see all the students last week! It was good to be back and the students jumped into three new units! There is a lot of learning going on!

Literacy:
We started our study of nonfiction. First, we discussed the difference between fiction and nonfiction. Then, we started looking at the features that authors use to give us information: headings, pictures, labels, words. We will looking at other text features as the unit continues. As I predicted, the class LOVES this unit. All morning long I hear readers shout, "Miss J, listen to this cool fact!" They can't wait to share the new information they are learning.

Math;

Another new unit we started with geometry! This unit is fun! The first day, we explore different shapes and students discovered the attributes that described each shape. Some of our new vocabulary words include: sides, angles, vertices, closed shape, open shape, straight, and curved. The students played a game where they had to describe a hidden shape using our new attribute vocabulary to try to to get their partner to guess the shape.

The students were able to connect geometry to our previous study of numbers. They realized, that just as we can break numbers apart (10 = 5 + 5), you can break shapes apart into smaller shapes! The class is using this knowledge to figure out different ways to fill in a given area. Check out all the different ways students found to make a hexagon!



Science:
The third new unit we started last week was force and motion. We are learning how scientists investigate questions, make predictions, conduct an experiment, and come up with a conclusion. Just like in math, we work hard on sharing our thinking with a partner, compare ideas, and adjusting our thinking.



Classroom fun:
Breakfast in the classroom has been so successful! The students help organize the breakfast food, pass it out, and clean it up. I like knowing that everyone has a chance to eat breakfast. It also gives us a little more time to chat in the morning while everyone is eating.