Reading Workshop

In our reading workshop we have been conducting character studies. We have read Edwards Eyes (which I was pleased to hear many of you bring up in conferences) and are currently reading a book titled Ida B. Both novels have very unique characters that the students have really enjoyed getting to know. Part of this unit has included identifying character strengths, weaknesses, influences, motives, turning points and basic emotional and physical traits. The students created character t-shirts about a character from Edwards Eyes and have gotten to know Ida B by conducting an interview and answering as if they were the character. Both assignments have really shown me how well the students have been paying attention to characters and can take their thinking to a higher level.

Writing Workshop

Writing workshop is still going strong as well. After we got through teaching every part of the writing process, the students took it and ran! We are currently looking at strategies to improve our writing and to make words pop off the page. We have been discussing different types of figurative language and how to appropriately incorporate it into their daily writing. I am constantly amazed by their creativity, and with this push of figurative language they are really expressing themselves well. Additionally, they have been identifying different types of figurative language during our read alouds in class. It is so wonderful when reading and writing mold together and really helps to solidify their learning.

Handwriting

Students are really starting to perfect their cursive. I am aware they are all at different points with this, so it’s helpful to allow time for practice without assessing.

Jewish Learning

We began a new Torah unit this week that goes along with the theme of Moral Courage. For the unit, we will be focusing on Exodus chapters 1 and 2. These chapters really give a strong glimpse into how Moses demonstrates moral courage throughout his life. Rabbi Scott will also discuss the text with the children.

Math

In math, we have just begun Topic 3 - Multiplication Meanings and Facts. On Monday, the students received multiplication/division fact triangles to practice their facts at home. I will be assigning 10 minutes of practice per night with these cards for the next few months.

On another note, I wanted to share with you that in general I have really noticed some significant improvement with problem solving. Our new math program does a terrific job of including problem solving in every lesson and it really seems to be paying off for most of the students.

For some exciting math news, the school has ordered and should be receiving student technology support packages in the next week or two for our math program. Students will be able to access the textbook online from home as well as other supporting activities and programs for math.

Science

In science we have just begun a new unit class entitled Animal Characteristics. It is a continuation of our last unit on Organisms and Where They Live and will help us to define exactly what an animal is and what makes one living organism an animal and another not.

In science lab, we are finishing up our Magnetism and Electricity unit. The students have learned some exciting things like how to build series and parallel circuits as well as electromagnets.

Social Studies

In Social Studies we are halfway through Chapter 3 -The Earliest Texans. Perhaps the most exciting part of this chapter has been our Google Docs assignments. Most students use the program and are actively participating. It is exciting to see them so motivated to use technology in such an advanced way. Thank you again for your help and support to get this assignment up and running.