Classroom Problem Solving

We noticed that it was challenging to stay focused on reading during Reading Workshop time so the kids worked together to solve the problem.  After some discussion about what was working well and what wasn't, the kids decided they would like to remind each other to stay focused.  It works like this.  At the beginning of Reading Workshop everyone gets a card that says "Quiet Reading"

When you notice someone at the table who needs a reminder you turn their card to look like this...

When they are focused and back to work you switch their card back to "Quiet Reading".  By noticing when friends need a reminder and then reinforcing when they are doing the right thing the students are learning to work together as a community.  Our Reading Workshop time is now focused and quiet.  Great work problem solvers!

Week of 12/17-21

Math--We are finishing up our study of shapes.  Check out the previous post to see some of our learning.

Science and Writing--On Friday we celebrated our hard work in both science and writing.  Students have been studying one special rock and then using what they know about non-fiction writing to write a book about their rock. 

Winter Break begins this Friday December 21st at the end of the day.  Friday also happens to be the first day of Winter.  Enjoy the change of season with your family!

Polygons

 We have been busy studying two and three dimensional shapes.  Check out our shape museum below and the pyramids we worked together to build.

This Week!

Week of December 3rd

Math 
As we completed our unit on addition and subtraction, students were introduced to the partial sums algorithm.  This algorithm is an addition strategy for adding two and three digit numbers by adding the tens, then the ones, and finally, finding the sum.  Click here to watch an instructional video that teaches partial sums. 

Reading Workshop
Students have been noticing the organization in non-fiction books and how the author writes to teach new information.  We are using what we are learning in this unit to help us write our own non-fiction book about rocks.

Library Field Trip
We will be visiting the downtown branch of the Ann Arbor District Library this Tuesday, December 4th.  Students with a library card will be able to check out two books.  If your child already has a library card please send it to school with them on Tuesday.  If you filled out a library card application for your child to get a new library card they will receive their card at the library on the day of the trip.
If you would like to join us on this trip please contact me at (734)-997-1216 or padgensa@aaps.k12.mi.us.

Volcano Investigation

The children have been asking lots of questions about volcanoes lately, so last Friday we took an up close look at the layers of the Earth and volcanoes.  Hopefully your child's Earth model made it home safely and they were able to tell you about the core, mantle, and crust.  We used this volcano website to build a virtual volcano and learn about how viscosity and pressure determine volcano type.  Check it out with your family!