November 19-23

We were so busy practicing our nutrition song and preparing for our Christmas concert this week.

3A Star Student

It was great celebrating our 3A Star Student this week. We enjoyed getting to know so much better.

Reading Workshop

During our reading workshop this week we focused on using text features of expository, or non-fiction books.  Non-fiction texts contain information that is true. They also contain features such as titles, headings and subheadings, captions, maps, diagrams, charts and graphs, legends, bold and italicized text, glossaries, indexes, and cutaways. These features are a common part of non-fiction reading that we often use or reference to help gain understanding of what is being read. As experienced readers, we do this without notice. When students read nonfiction material, they will also encounter text features that are different from those they come across when reading fiction.

We used the book "Cats vs. Dogs" by Elizabeth Carney to discuss these text features.

Ever since the first youngster in history had a pet, cats versus dogs has been a hotly debated issue on playgrounds and at lunch tables worldwide. Before kids can choose which animal they prefer, though, they'll need to get the facts! This book presented the information in a fun way for the students.

Writing Workshop

This week the students were introduced to persuasive writing.  Persuasive writing is all about expressing a strong opinion and trying to convince your readers to agree with you.  Using "I am the Cat, I am the Dog" by Donald Hall as a mentor text, as well as the article entitled "Cats vs. Dogs," the students were asked to compare and contrast the two animals. 

 After comparing and contrasting the animals, the students began writing an opinion paragraph about which animal would make a better pet - cats or dogs? They will the complete their good copies next week.

Author's Chair

This week the students shared their Chapter Six of Freckle Juice with their peers. They continue to practice TAG during author's chair. They enjoy "telling" one thing they liked about the writing and, "asking" one question. We are still working on "giving" a suggestion for improvement. I continue to reassure the class that peer review is an important part of the writing process and it helps the students learn how to write for an audience. 

Amazing Race

Congratulations to our amazing race flyers.

Math

This week we focused on adding three-digit numbers (using base ten models and the standard algorithm) involving the regrouping of ones as tens and tens as hundreds. 

Science

The students continued working on their Hearing and Sound Lap Books this week. They worked on learning important vocabulary for the unit. The students also learned about decibels and we discussed where certain sounds are on the decibel scale.

Assembly Presentation

We had a great time singing "Food Groups are Rockin' Tonight" with 3B to encourage healthy, nutritious eating.

Wellness Afternoon

On Friday afternoon all students participated in the Wellness Afternoon. Students went to four different types of sessions - body, mind, food and fun. Sessions included: Smoothie Making, Mindfulness, Healthy Snack Making, Yoga, Positive Affirmations, Board Games, Totem Art, BOKS activities, Funny Animal Videos, Cooperative Games and Play Zone.

 

Congratulations to our Student of the Week!