An entire week of classes, seems like an eternity since we have had such a luxury. We sure used our time well!
Reading/ Writing
We finished reading Maniac Magee last week. E-journal entries were edited and handed in and the final poster reflection projects are complete. Check them out in the coming weeks in the lower level hallways. This week we started our February writing topic, Why is Reading Important? We had two in class writing days and will put the final touches on these piece early next week! It is wonderful to not only see such steady and measurable progress in the student's writing through these monthly assignments, but with this month's topic particularly, to hear from students how powerful reading is in their lives!
Math
We are in the thick of our multiplication and division of fractions chapter. This week we learned how to multiple a proper fraction by a whole number, how to multiple two proper fractions and how to multiple an improper fraction by a proper fraction. While the multiplying across algorithm is an easy one to remember, we are requiring in the beginning stages, that students draw models (pictorial representations) of the math that is being done. While at first there was some grumbling, the students have mastered how to quickly and accurately represent these equations with models and I believe are able to really SEE and UNDERSTAND what is happening, as fractions get smaller through multiplication.Science
We ended the week with a number of small experiments/activities. Two which focused on our bodies reflexes and involuntary moments and another experiment that looked at muscle fatigue after prolonged periods of small, repetitious activity. No one would have guessed that sore muscles can come from squeezing a clothes pin over and over again! Students had a chance to complete a study guide, using their chapter notes and the human body text book. Part one of the test will be on Monday, Feb. 10th and part two will be on Thursday, Feb 13th ( note this date was changed from my blog post last week). Please remind your scientists that reading over the chapters and studying the information from their notes and study guide is important in the coming days!
Notes and Reminders
- We will be having a small Valentines celebration on Friday, Feb 14th. If students want to make and exchange Valentines they need to make sure to include EVERYONE!
- Beth Daniel will be spending the day with us on Thursday, Feb 13th.
- We will be enjoying a play at Stages Theater is Hopkins with our Kindergarten buddies on Wednesday, Feb 12th.
- Student led conference will be Feb 27th and Feb 28th. Conference confirmations went home in last week's Friday Folders. Please complete the bottom half of the sheet and return it to school.
- For more news from Ms. Hector click on the link: Feb 7th Play Information
