Celebrations and New Inquiries
We celebrated the end of our animal inquiry by sharing our animal information posters with each other. The kids were so proud of their final products, but the part they most valued was the time and work they had put into them. They are also excited to share them with grandparents on It's a Grand Day.
We had a week of new investigations. In reading we started our first round of book clubs. Book clubs give the kids an opportunity to read the same book as a small group of friends and meet together afterward to have a book talk. In book talks, they discuss what happened, their noticings, questions, and predictions. This gives them the chance to clarify misunderstandings and build on each other's ideas while using the text to support their thoughts. Students love the social aspect of book clubs and actually learn many social skills in the process such as speaking clearly to accurately share their ideas and being able to listen to others in order to connect to or build on their ideas.
In math, we have continued our investigation into linear measurement. We began measuring inches and centimeters with rulers and moved onto tape measures, yard sticks, and meter sticks. Our last engagement this past week involved measuring the distance different types of balls rolled after travelling down a ramp. The kids recorded several trials for each of six kinds of balls. We used this data to find the median for each ball. They are now in the process of graphing these results.
In writing, we are working on choice pieces while investigating interesting words that authors use to enhance their writing. Through mentor authors the kids are learning to make stronger word choices in their own writing. During strategy share, they like to impress each other with new words each day. We have just begun looking at maps in social studies. So far we have looked at different types of maps and map features such as the map key, scale, grids, and compass rose.
This Coming Week
We will continue with CogAT testing for approximately one hour each morning this week. Our investigation into measurement will continue another week and is leading the way into graphs and data. Book clubs will continue through Thursday. We will work on our choice pieces in writing for the rest of this week and focus on word choices. In social studies, we will move into geography looking at continents, countries and states.
Via's Visitation Schedule
November 9 Abigail
Important Dates
November 9 It’s A Grand Day
November 16 Schoolwide Zoo Field Study
November 21-23 Thanksgiving Holiday
November 29 Curriculum Night #2
As you have heard, grandparents make irresistible guest readers!
We finally presented our amazing animal projects to each other.
Dr. Mueller entertained us with some festive storytelling.
One careful observer found this katydid on the playground!
Here are some highlights from Fall Festival:
