Posted by kavery508 | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on January 11, 2016
This week’s math focus is on learning strategies for identifying math facts in the x5 and x10 families. Using pictures, fingers, arrays, and tables, students will be counting by 5s and 10s and applying their knowledge to solve real world problems.
In addition, students continue to work towards understanding and solving 2-step problems (perhaps the most challenging aspect of problem solving this year). What’s important at this time is that kids think carefully about the problem and the numbers involved in order to make sense of problems. Consider this problem: Marcus made 15 dollars shoveling snow last Saturday. Tina made 10 dollars more than Marcus. How much money did they make together? Kids need to first understand that they have to find Tina’s amount, and then add that amount (not “10 dollars more”) to Marcus’. To help organize the problem, students are being taught to re-read from the start until they see the first thing they can draw and figure out; do that math; then repeat the process, reading on in the problem.
Our writing focus switches back to opinion writing. The eventual goal on the road to college and career readiness is for students to synthesize knowledge and present arguments that are supported with evidence. At this time, our kids are learning to write an introductory sentence on a topic; state an opinion; list 3 reasons that support it; write 1 or more explanations for each reason; and write a concluding sentence. Students will begin by writing opinions on any topic, then research and write opinion pieces on famous Americans. Speaking of which…
Our Term 2 Social Studies focus is on learning character traits and applying that knowledge to understand famous U.S. and world figures and their contributions. What makes these historical leaders worth remembering? How did Lincoln’s honesty, Cesar Chavez’ determination, Harriet Tubman’s bravery, and Susan B. Anthony’s patriotism affect the lives of others and forever change our understanding of America? These are the kinds of questions we will attempt to answer by analyzing biographical texts and media.
This week, we will analyze the life and achievements of Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) and learn to assign character traits to him based on evidence from biographical texts and video. Check out this great video from Brainpop (an awesome and highly engaging resource that I use a lot!) and keep the learning going at home: https://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/ushistory/martinlutherkingjr/. Then consider these traits: determined; hardworking; patriotic; creative; honest; responsible; brave. Which words best apply to MLK? What is your evidence?
In science we have learned that when a heat source is applied to water, it evaporates; then condenses into droplets when it cools; then precipitates if it is in a closed system like a jar or even our planet. This week we will answer these questions: Do all liquids evaporate like water? If not, can water evaporate out? What then is left behind? We will use water as a baseline and compare it to solutions of salt water and water with food coloring. Using the skills of inquiry, students will ask questions; make predictions; use scientific tools (petri dishes; droppers; magnifiers); make observations; and draw conclusions. Here’s a link showing how to do one such investigation at home: http://www.shirleys-preschool-activities.com/salt-solution-experiment.html. I encourage you to try other solutions (e.g. water and ???) and send us your results!
And here’s a look at the water cycle from one of my favorite sites, Have Fun Teaching:
