Weekly Pictures Here
Unit of Inquiry, ‘Sharing the Planet’ has officially begun. The students completed their provocation by asking questions they would like to know by the end of the unit. We looked at words we did not understand in the description of ‘Sharing the Planet’ and will continue discussing those words throughout the UOI. This week we began using the Frayer Model to define the word habitat. This model of defining a word creates a conceptual understanding by using four ways to express the word. We define the word, use the word in a sentence, write down an example, and draw a picture to represent the word. Using this method, the students have a higher chance of not just remembering the meaning of the word, but understanding how the word fits into our world. We watched a video about habitats around the world and discussed our prior knowledge of the relationship of a biome and a habitat.
For English this week I introduced vowel teams ee, and ea. These vowel teams have the same long e vowel sound. Last week we learned about the vowel team ay and ai, which both sound like the long a vowel sound. Please point these out to the students when you see them in signs, books, or anything outside of school. Reinforcing their learning at home only helps them retain the information even better. We read a story about a boy who took a trip to Africa to go on Safari. We discussed the problem and solution. We will continue to read this story next week. Students are expected to write a short story in their flip book about their chosen animal. The more fictional stories they read will prepare the students when completing their own writing. It is important they read every night for twenty minutes. Please support their reading at home. During our center time we work on guided reading, Colorful Semantics, and Nessy. These three activities support the students’ reading, phonics, and writing skills.
For mathematics we have continued working on measurement. I introduced mass to the students using the standard units kilograms and grams. We used our balance beams and weighed items around our classroom using a nonstandard unit, the unix cube. The students weighed glue sticks, whiteboard markers, erasers, and so much more. Today we reviewed measuring using the standard unit centimeters. Students estimated certain items in the class and their own body parts. Once the estimation process was done the students paired up and measured these items using rulers, meter sticks, and tape measures.
Next week we will take a closer look at habitats, food chains, and what roles animals have within those habitats and food chains. Students will choose their animal and find the habitat name that animal comes from. We will then begin researching the food chain the animal fits into. I can’t wait to see what animals the students choose. We will be reading informational texts and with that prior knowledge the students will be creating their own flip book about an animal of their choice. A letter will be going home soon about the home project to be completed during this UOI. The students will be making a diorama of the habitat their animal lives in. I can’t wait to see what they create.
In English I will introduce the vowel teams ey, oi, and oy. We will continue working on our writing skills such as capitalization, full stops, and using nouns, verbs, and adjectives. We will read the story, An Adventure in Africa, again. I will ask clarifying questions so the students will grasp the problem and solution of the story. I will assess their comprehension skills by asking questions and monitoring their understanding of the story. We will read a book about tigers that will help them understand how an informational text is written to teach the reader about a specific topic. The goal is to show them as many texts about animals so they can take that prior knowledge when they create their own flip book about their chosen animal for their UOI project.
In mathematics we will continue learning about measurement length and mass. We will practice measuring and weighing items in the classroom to create a sense of how this skill is used in the real world. Students will also be reviewing place value and adding numbers higher than 100. If you would like to support your child in their mathematics journey practice with them at home.
IMPORTANT DATES!!!
January 20th, (TONIGHT) International Food Night – I hope to see you there!!!
January 23rd, official day off for Teacher’s Day – Enjoy the three day weekend!!!
February 26th, 6th Grade Exhibition
February 27th, Primary Swimming Gala
March 2-6 Term Break, no school