Week of Oct. 16-20

We had some fun learning with gourds this week. In math, we used pan balances and different math materials to see what would balance our gourds.

We also used "inchworms" to make belts for our gourds. 

Then, in small groups, we lined up the belts from shortest to longest to compare the sizes. 

We used our gourds during writing time, too! We wrote descriptions of our gourds using sensory words. Then we put our gourds in the middle of a circle, listened to a description, and tried to pick out the gourd being described. 

Week of Oct. 9-12

This week in math, we learned about the tens place and the ones place in two-digit numbers. We learned that we can represent the same number in a variety of ways.

We met our 4th grade reading buddies and had our first opportunity to read with them!

In science, we separated a mixture of rocks by their sizes. We used screens with different sized holes to do it.

On Thursday, we participated in an all-school art project by helping to create a giant chalk mural in front of Woodview.

Week of Oct. 2-6

This week in reading, we had our first class discussion about a book. We talked about the decision the animals made in Farmer Duck. We practiced taking turns without raising hands and responding to what other people said. We learned to politely disagree by saying, "I disagree because..."

In science, we washed rocks to see how their properties changed.

Some rocks became shiny.

Some rocks became darker.

This rock (scoria) bubbled when it was placed in water!

We found rocks outdoors, and we sorted them by their properties.

In math, we played different games and did activities to help us learn addition doubles facts.

Using the mirror to figure out doubles

 We also learned to tell time to the hour.

We went on a noun hunt throughout the school. 

We hunted for nouns in other classrooms....

... and in the office.

Even our stuffed animals learned at school this week!

Week of Sept. 25-28

We continued to learn about different cultures this week.

One student brought in items from India.

Another student brought in a dress from Spain.

In science, our brassica plants have flowered. Each day, someone does the job of a bee. That student "bumps" all the flowers with a cotton swab to pollinate them.

We also began our science unit on Pebbles, Sand, and Silt. We found out what happens when rocks rub together -- it makes sand!

In math, we began working with doubles. We used a mirror to help add numbers when we didn't have enough fingers, such as 7+7.

In writing, we acted out our small moment stories with partners. This helped us see if we needed to add any details.

Week of September 18-22

We have really increased our reading stamina both alone and with a partner! We are working on dropping any bad reading habits (such as mumbling unknown words, freezing and doing nothing, or saying a nonsense word) and picking up good habits (such as checking the picture, looking at the beginning, middle, and end of the word, and getting a running start from the beginning of the sentence.)

In writing, we set up a museum of our best small moment stories. We walked around, reading each other's writing and leaving compliments on a note. 

 Social studies was the highlight of the week! We learned about how cultures are alike and different. 

We tried eating with chopsticks.

We saw some real items from China, including traditional clothing... 

... Chinese newspapers ...

... and a lion mask!

We tried our hand at painting Chinese characters.

This Barbie is dressed in traditional Polish clothing.

We danced the Mexican Hat Dance around a sombrero.

We made papel picado, a traditional Mexican paper craft. 

We hit a pinata!

We also celebrated one student's Name Day, as part of her Greek heritage. What a wonderful world full of culture!