by Ivary & Paola | Feb 15, 2018 | In The Loop
Literatura
What a fun week! When we were not doing Valentine’s Day art, crafts and creative writing or playing 100 days of school games, we did have a chance to introduce our last project of this unit!
This week we started to wrap up our unit El nacimiento de una nacion. Working in small groups, students are puting into practice the reading comprehension strategies and skills we have learned. Each group was assigned a reading selection (expository piece), along with a rubric that states the expectations. They will have several days to work on the different pieces of the project. Students will present their final project to the rest of the class next week. Reading selections assigned: Dia mundial de la independencia , ¡Silencio! Estamos escribiendo la constitución.
Congratulations to all our students for doing such a fantastic job on their Revolucion Estadounidense writing project and presentations! It is going to be really hard to top this!
Ciencias
We have multiple on-going investigations in our 4/5 grade class.
- This week we observed our composting containers. We made sure we checked how our decomposers are doing.
- Plant nutrition was the main focus this week. We spent the week reading some non-fiction literature about the topic. After that, we had a small comprehension quiz to check for understanding of the concepts. Lastly, we checked our plants to find some evidence of the photosynthesis process. We had some interesting findings. The conditions of the environment that the plant were, made an impact in their development. Ask your child to tell you about the production of chlorophyll ( green pigment)and how plants get their nutrients.
- We were so excited to find that our painted lady butterflies were in the chrysalis stage!
History & Geography
This week we continued studying Early Russia.
Our objectives were:
- Describe what Ivan IV was like and why and explain how he built an empire
- Summarize how Ivan IV ruled.
- Summarize what Peter the Great was like and describe his goals for Russia.
- Summarize how Catherine the Great became ruler of Russia.
- Describe Catherine the Great’s policy on serfdom.
- Identify what Catherine the Great did for Russia.
Mathematics
This week we completed a Valentine’s themed ratio project and celebrated the 100th Day of School!
Our objectives were:
- demonstrate an understanding of ratios by creating Mondrian inspired art and labeling the ratios within the art
- have fun celebrating the 100th day of school by completing is STEM activities and a 100th-day math review packet
English Word Work
This week we completed our rotation!
Our rotation days were:
- Vocabulary Day: This week our lesson was about compound words. The vocabulary words we will be adding to our wall are
- Writer’s Workshop: This week students could choose between writing on our prompt (you find a mysterious door with a key what happens next?), revising past writing, or reading their writing to a classmate.
- Blind Sort Test: Students tested each other on their spelling using the Blind Sort method.
There is no spelling homework due next week!
by Ivary & Paola | Feb 9, 2018 | In The Loop
Literatura
This week we read the selection El rey de los espias de Yorktown, by. After going thought the vocabulary and the characteristics of this expository piece, maestra Paola read this selection aloud. The purpose for this was to model reading with fluency, expression and intonation- an area we have been focusing on in literacy. I conducted some reading assessments this week to evaluate thise objectives. Some students took home a “telephone” , a reading device used to listen to their voice when they read. We worked on the reading compression skill Drawing Conclusions.
Students are assigned to do some of their reading in Spanish aloud!
Congratulations to our students who did a remarkable job on their presentations of the American Revolution Project!
Ciencias
This week students continued to read about plants: their structure and needs in order to develop and grow. We read about photosynthesis and observed the growth of the plants we have in our classroom. Students took home a new science book. They are expected to read over the weekend and be back ready to discuss on Monday.
Learning Outcome:
- Plants make their own food by photosynthesis.
- Chlorophyll is the green pigment that absorbs sunlight in the cell of producer organisms.
- Green plant cells make sugar (food) from carbon dioxide and water in the presence of sunlight, and release oxygen.
How do animals get the nutrients they need?
Our investigations will focus on animal/human digestion next week. We have been observing the life cycle of the painted lady butterfly. I will go more in depth about the concept of digestion and the process used by animals to break down complex food items into simple nutrients.
History & Geography
Looking at our awesome European Explorers posters!
This week we began studying Early Russia.
Our objectives were:
- Describe Russia’s early roots.
- Explain the impact of the Vikings on Russia.
- Summarize Christianity’s spread in Russia.
- Describe the impact of the Mongol invasion on Russia.
- Summarize the rise of Moscow.
- Summarize Ivan the Great’s early life.
- Describe how Ivan the Great ruled Muscovy.
- Explain the role of the serfs in Russia.
Mathematics
Working on ratios!
Working with word problems!
This week we continued working with Ratios.
Our objectives were:
- interpret ratios given in fraction form
- write ratios in fraction form to find how many times as large as one number another number is
- read and write ratios with three quantities
- express equivalent ratios with three quantities
- solve real-world problems involving ratios and fraction
- solve real-world problems involving ratios with three quantities
English Word Work
Blind Sort Test!
This week we completed our ration and began again.
Our rotation days were:
- Writer’s Workshop: This week students could choose between writing on our prompt (you find a mysterious door with a key what happens next?), revising past writing, or reading their writing to a classmate.
- Blind Sort Test: Students tested each other on their spelling using the Blind Sort method.
- Teacher Meeting: I met with each student to discuss and clarify their new sort
- Word Search: Students received a word search with their new spelling words. They were tasked with finding and sorting their new words.
Our spelling test will be Thursday February 15th!
Specialists
Character Education:
This week in Character Ed class, your child learned about the possibility of participating in a book drive for the children of Humacao, Puerto Rico. Recently ravaged by Hurricane Maria, Humacao is a city on the eastern side of the island with a (formerly) booming tourist and fishing industry and a university, among other charms. Today, many children there have still not resumed school, and library collections have been left in ruins. A contact of mine who runs the library at the university of Humacao recently put out a request for donations of children’s books that could be distributed to the children of Humacao and outlying areas.
We thought the children of Spanish with Sarah could help! We propose that each classroom “adopt” a USPS box (12 x 12 x 51/2) to fill with books— both in English and Spanish for ages 6 to 14. Each class would also need to raise the $18.90 for shipping. Today in class we talked about ways to earn a couple of dollars, perhaps by doing some extra chores. We hope this book drive not only helps children in a place far from here, but also reinforces to our kids value of empathy and service. If your child would like to participate, s/he can start today! We will be collecting books in each classroom tomorrow, along with postage donations. We will cease collecting on Thursday, February 15 and send the boxes to Puerto Rico. ~ Jodie Marion
by Ivary & Paola | Feb 3, 2018 | In The Loop
Literatura
This week our reading selection was “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere”. We studied the different elements of a narrative poem such a rhythm or meter – the rhythmic pattern of a poem. Students had already read this classic in English so they were able to establish great connections. Students concluded that a “translation” looses the poem’s original meaning and essence. It was still a great opportunity to talk about imagery and figurative language. The reading comprehension strategies and skills applied were : adjusting reading speed, clarifying, summarizing, visualizing, and author’s point of view.
Writing
We had so much fun this week working on our writing project! After reading the piece “American Revolution”, students were assigned to craft a writing piece from the perspective of a settler/ Native American during the American Revolution war. Students spent the week developing their characters. This is probably one of our favorite projects so far! Students were given a rubric that states all the requirements for the project. I had the opportunity to conference with students at the end of the week to help facilitate the editing portion. I was very impressed to see everybody meeting, if not all, most of the requirements for this project. As a culminating piece, students will get to read their pieces to the class next week on Tuesday and Friday. They are encouraged to “dress the part”. Families are more than welcome to come celebrate with us the amazing writing happening in the 4th/5th grade class!
Ciencias
Yeast Nutrition: What does yeast need to break its dormancy?
This week, students conducted an investigation to determine the necessary conditions for activating dry yeast. This investigation was directly connected to this week’s Health studies with Ms. Leann, about oral hygiene.
Plant Nutrition: How do plants get the food they need?
Students thought about how to break the dormancy of another organism, the wheat plant. They planted wheat seeds in containers of soil and placed half of the planters in a lighted environment and the other half in a dark environment. Students read about the action of chlorophyll and its role in the manufacture of sugar. They will observe their plants to determine which plants have chlorophyll. Students are predicting that the plants growing in light are the ones prepared to produce food to provide nutrients for their cells.
Learning Outcome:
- Plants make their own food by photosynthesis.
- Chlorophyll is the green pigment that absorbs sunlight in the cell of producer organisms.
- Green plant cells make sugar (food) from carbon dioxide and water in the presence of sunlight, and release oxygen.
History & Geography
This week we continued learning about European Explorers.
Our objectives were:
- Summarize the journeys of Hernán Cortés, Francisco Pizarro, and Vasco Núñez de Balboa.
- Describe the outcomes of the voyage made by Ferdinand Magellan and his crew.
- Explain the significance of a Northwest Passage.
- Summarize the voyages of John Cabot.
- Explain the role of England’s East India Company.
- Summarize the voyages of Giovanni da Verrazano and Jacques Cartier.
- Summarize the expeditions made by Henry Hudson.
Mathematics
This week we started working with Ratios.
Our objectives were:
- read and write ratios
- find equivalent ratios
- solve real-world problems involving ratios
English Word Work
This week we began our rotation.
Our rotation days were:
- Word Search: Students received a word search with their new spelling words. They were tasked with finding and sorting their new words.
- Teacher Meeting: I met with each student to discuss and clarify their new sort
- Vocabulary Day: This week our lesson was about antonyms. The vocabulary words we will be adding to our wall are
- Spelling City: Students had a chance to work on computer skills as well as spelling on spellingcity.com. If your kiddo would like to work on spelling city at home they can follow this link www.spellingcity.com/users/34SpellingSWS
Our spelling test will be on Tuesday February 6th!
Specialists
In January the 4th and 5th grade class learned about music from the Elizabethan Era. They also learned and sang the famous Medieval period song Scarborough Fair.
In February they will be:
– Learning about prolific composer John Williams
– Listening to and singing famous love songs on Valentine’s Day
– Introduced to African American spirituals such as Down by the Riverside, Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child, Wayfaring Stranger, and We Shall Overcome
by Ivary & Paola | Jan 27, 2018 | In The Loop
Literatura
This week we finished reading our non-fiction piece La revolucion estadounidense. After discussing and summarizing the main ideas of the text, we focused on organizing and categorizing information (this skill transferred directly to our science studies), as well as providing examples of cause and effect situations drawn from the story. These are very significant reading and comprehension skills. Students did an excellent job identifying and explain these situations applying accurate vocabulary and structure in Spanish both, orally and in written form. Also in literacy, we continued to work on our regular spelling, grammar, usage and mechanics routines (literacy packets).
Towards the end of the week, students were introduced to a new writing project we will be working on the next couple weeks! We are all so excited about this new project. More information to come, please stay tuned!
Ciencias
Is planet Earth a system? What happens when compost worms interact with organic litter?
This week students continued to explore Earth as a system. Students focused on the biosphere and described ecosystems by looking at feeding relationships and energy transfers, described as food webs. Each group of students set up a redworm habitat system to study detritivores. They will record what organic materials go into the habitat with about redworms and will observe and document changes in the worm jar over the next weeks.
Key concepts discussed :
- Food webs are subsystems within ecosystems. They describe the transfer of matter and energy within the system.
- Food webs are made up of producers (organisms that make their own food), consumers (organisms that eat other organisms to obtain food), and decomposers (organisms that consume and recycle dead organisms and organic waste).
History & Geography
This week we began learning about European explorers.
Our objectives were:
- Describe the location of the Spice Islands.
- Explain why spices were valuable to Europeans.
- Summarize how Marco Polo’s journey served as an inspiration for European exploration.
- Explain why Europeans needed spices
- Identify new technologies that allowed Europeans to launch voyages of exploration.
- Explain why Portugal launched missions of exploration.
- Summarize the voyages of Bartolomeu Dias, Vasco da Gama, and Pedro Cabral.
Mathematics
This week we completed our unit on Area of a Triangle.
Our objectives were:
- Identify the base given the height of a triangle
- identify the height given the base of a triangle
- Find the area of a triangle given its base and its height
English Word Work
This week we completed our rotation.
Our rotation days were:
- Vocabulary Day:
- Spelling City:
- Writer’s Workshop:
- Blind Sort Test:
Specialists
Character Education with Maestra Sarah: The 4th/5th class had several tasks this week:
1) Help create a school-wide bulletin board by writing their acts of kindness on hearts to share with everyone. (on-going project)
2) As part of our acts of kindness we are doing a canned food drive. We would like to ask students to bring in canned and boxed foods for a donation to our local food pantry. We will will make the donation on Tuesday, February 13th.
3) Make a box to collect Valentine cards for 2/14 during Character Education class.
4) Our main focus this week was actually a lesson/discussion on group and partner work. We talked about the difference between being a leader and being bossy. Each student did some self-reflection to see if they had ever been bossy or been subjected to a bossy partner. Here are our main take-aways:
Bossy looks like:
- Someone who likes to tell everyone what to do and how to do it.
- Someone who is often a leader but can not control the urge to bluntly tell others what to do.
- The student is not aware of their bossiness, it’s an automatic behavior.
- Someone who feels it’s their job or responsibility to make sure others get everything done.
- It does not matter if someone else was assigned the role of leader, this student will assume the role of the boss.
- Other students may follow this student, but eventually will complain about the bossiness.
- Other students may avoid being in a group with this student.
We had a great discussion on how we can help a friend realize they’re being bossy and instead be a leader.
- Leaders SHOW by example instead of telling others what to do.
- Leaders listen to other’s ideas.
- Leaders resist the urge to interrupt or cut off others when speaking.
- Leaders resist the urge to speak too quickly (giving themselves time to really think about what others are saying).
- Leaders add to discussions using polite transitions like “May I add” or “That’s a great idea, I was also thinking..”.
- Leaders gather the information they need so when they speak it is not just to be the one talking, but speaking with knowledge.
- Leaders ask others for their opinion or ideas.
- Leaders don’t offer critique unless asked to do so.
Art:
During January, the students learned about the origin and meaning of Native American Dream Catchers. They used wrapped wire to form a circular loom, and then added yarn to create a web pattern to “catch” the bad dreams.The good dreams are allowed through the center of the web and travel down a line of beads and feathers to the person sleeping. It was fun looking at the beautiful and unique dream catchers that everyone made. The students noticed that some of the dream catchers had flower designs like dahlia or sunflower petals, and others had geometrical shapes that looked architectural. Fabulous job everyone!
The students also learned about an art form of the Nez Perce and Great Plains tribes. The students created a Parfleche, which is an envelope type bag traditionally made from buffalo hide that was used to carry various household goods when the tribe was traveling. The students used geometric designs to decorate a parfleche which they made from brown paper bags. The students will add the leather strings to the bag in February.
We have also enjoyed looking at the amazing portrait drawings that Tamra has made of some of her classmates. And Owen brought in a beautiful collection of a wide variety of Origami pieces that he has been working on at home.
On January 31 and February 7, I will be out of town, and our art substitute Miss Karen will be providing some wonderful lessons on Native American pottery, using real clay and glazes! It would be helpful for the students to bring a clean plastic container (from salad mix or berries, etc.) to transport their clay pieces home when they’re finished.
by Ivary & Paola | Jan 20, 2018 | In The Loop
Literatura
Another successful writing week! Our focus on these two days was on an expository writing piece. Students wrote an article where the purpose was to inform the public about the 4th/5th grade field trip to Olympia, WA. Students had to complete this task in a limited amount of time including all the requirements. Students did a fantastic job incorporating all the expository pieces, non-fiction text features, language structures and vocabulary in Spanish. Be sure to read the pieces that will be displayed on our bulletin board next week.
Ciencias
Is planet Earth a system?
This week our science time was limited, but we had a chance to introduce our science studies for next week. We examine the focus question and shared our thoughts. After that we watch the first part of the video “Physical Systems”. The subsystems geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere were introduced and we will study more in detail next week.
History & Geography
This week we had a great field trip to the capital! We also finished up our unit on England: The Glorious Revolution.
Our objectives were:
- review events and important people during England’s Golden Age to the Glorious Revolution
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of events and important people during England’s Golden Age to the Glorious Revolution on the Unit Test
Mathematics
This week we wrapped up our unit on algebra.
Our objectives were:
- Review how algebraic expression can be used to describe a situation and solve real-world problems
- demonstrate an understanding of how algebraic expression can be used to describe a situation and solve real-world problems on the chapter test
English Word Work
This week we began our new rotation.
Our rotation days were:
- Word Search: Students received a word search with their new spelling words. They were tasked with finding and sorting their new words.
- Teaching Meeting: I met with each student to discuss and clarify their new sort.
Our next spelling test will be on January 26th!
by Ivary & Paola | Jan 13, 2018 | In The Loop
Literatura
Having an authentic purpose for writing sparks certain motivation and creativity. This week in literacy, students worked on a very special writing assignment: Letters about Literature. Letters about Literature is a writing nationwide contest for students grades 4 – 12. Students are asked to write a letter to the author of their favorite book. In their letters students write about the impact that the book made in their life and how it affected them personally. Our 4th and 5th graders did a great job crafting their pieces following the writing process. Even though all the writing stages were done in Spanish, their final copy was written in English. This was a wonderful project done in a collaborative manner. We thank Maestra Ivary for all the help to make this project possible. Please take the time to read these beautiful pieces that will be displayed on our bulleting board next week.
We also had time to start reading the first selection of this unit: Revolucion Estadounidense. Students read aloud to grasp vocabulary and content and also demonstrate fluency and rhythm in Spanish. We are making great emphasis on this. Some of the reading comprehension and thinking skills included: making connections, asking questions, identifying main idea, comparing and contrasting, and identifying cause and effect situations. We will continue to work on the same piece next week.
Along with their regular spelling list, students took home a biography about Martin Luther King Jr. and a homework packet related to the book. Please make sure they practice their reading and are ready to turn in their homework next week.
Ciencias
Focus question: How can you identify a system? Can you explain what a sub-system is?
This week students were introduced to a system as a collection of interacting parts that work together to make a whole or produce an action. They were presented with a common device (a suitcase) and were asked to identify all the elements that together, formed that system. Based on this concept, they were asked to provide other examples. Students concluded that a system can be living and non-living. They also brought up the idea that a system can be a material object – something tangible (the solar system), or it can also be a concept (the system of government or language). Students used precise vocabulary to describe the characteristics of systems and sub-systems.
History & Geography
This week we continued learning about England: Golden Age to Glorious Revolution. Our objectives were:
- Identify and describe who the Cavaliers and Roundheads were.
- Explain what led to the execution of Charles I.
- Summarize the events that led to the Restoration.
- Describe the Glorious Revolution.
- Summarize the key points of the English Bill of Rights
Our field trip is Tuesday, January 16th. If you have any questions please e-mail me!
Mathematics
This week we continued working with Algebra.
Our objectives were:
- Simplify algebraic expressions in one variable
- Write and evaluate inequalities
- solve simple equations
- Solve real-world problems involving algebraic expressions
English Word Work
This week we finished our spelling rotation.
Our rotation days were:
- Vocabulary Day: This week our lesson was about synonyms.
- Writer’s Workshop: This week we wrote letters to our favorite authors describing how their writing impacted our lives.
- Blind Sort Test: Students tested each other on their spelling using the Blind Sort method.
Our next spelling test will be on Friday, January 26th.
by Ivary & Paola | Jan 6, 2018 | In The Loop
Literatura
It was so great to hear all the fun things everybody did during winter break. As usual, we started this short week with our community circle where students had a chance to share some of the fun moments spent with family and friends. It is always great to see them come back so ready to speak Spanish!
The beginning of the year brings a new opportunity for a fresh start. We set individual goals that we expect to accomplish during the year. We also had a very interesting discussion(debate) about the concept of “new year’s resolutions”. This provided me with a great opportunity to assess their oral comunication.
The new Literacy unit for January is “The Birth of a Nation”. This unit offers students the opportunity to learn about the people, places and events that were instrumental to the founding of our nation, all of this while continue to develop their language skills in a meaningful and rich context. We are already looking forward to it.
Lastly we reviewed our class routines and expectations:
- Daily recording of school work on their planners.
- 15 minutes of Spanish reading every day.
- Spelling lists go home on Friday, and spelling sentences are due on Monday.
- Spelling quizzes take place on Fridays.
Ciencias
This winter in Science, our class will be studying Living Systems. This module has four investigations that focus on systems. The idea of a system is one of the grand integrating (cross-cutting) concepts that pervades all of science. Students start by looking at Earth as the interaction of four Earth systems or subsystems—the geosphere, the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, and the biosphere. The focus of the module then turns to the biosphere as students explore ecosystems and organisms in terms of their interacting parts. As a small homework piece, students were asked to explain to their families some of the concepts we will be seeing this term.
The overarching goals for this winter in science are to:
- Analyze everyday systems and subsystems.
- Analyze food chains and food webs as a way to study the biosphere.
- Make and analyze a habitat as a decomposition system.
- Investigate nutrient-getting systems of yeast, plants, and animals, including humans.
- Investigate and model transport systems in plants and animals.
- Investigate sensory systems in animals.
History & Geography
Learning about Queen Elizabeth I
This week we began our new unit, England: Golden Age to Glorious Revolution. Our objectives were:
- Identify Henry VIII as the king who started the Church of England because he wanted to remarry and have a male heir.
- Explain why Elizabeth I became queen, following Mary I’s death.
- Describe how Elizabeth I kept peace between the Catholics and Protestants in England and Sir Francis Drake’s activities and his importance to Queen Elizabeth and England.
- Summarize British exploration during the Elizabethan era, including voyages to North America and the defeat of the Spanish Armada.
Students also brought home their field trip permission slip forms this week! They are due by next Thursday and our field trip is January 16th!
Mathematics
Doing some algebra with our calculators!
This week we began our new chapter, Algebra! Our objectives were:
- recognize, write, and evaluate simple algebraic expressions in one variable
English Word Work
This week we began our new rotation. Our rotation days were:
- Word Search: Students received a word search with their new spelling words. They were tasked with finding and sorting their new words.
- Teacher Meeting: I met with each student to discuss and clarify their new sort.
Our spelling test is Friday January 12th!
Specialists
In January the 4th and 5th grade class will learn about music during the Elizabethan Era, in connection with the focus of their History class.
We will explore the songs from The Triumphs of Oriana, the book of 25 English Madrigals written by 23 English composers, as well as music by Renaissance composers Josquin Des Prez (French) and John Dowland (English).
by Ivary & Paola | Dec 16, 2017 | In The Loop
Literatura
This week we were very fortunate to have maestra Sarah come into our class to give us feedback about the formal letters she received from our fourth/fifth grade glass. Maestra Sarah expressed how impressed she was, not only by our students’ accomplished writing but also, the brilliant ideas students suggested, to improve our school. Maestra Sarah is already considering a timeline to implement the ideas. Thank you maestra Sarah!
Also in literacy, we read Apolo 11: el primer alunizaje. It was such a fascinating narrative non-fiction piece about the spaceflight that landed the first humans on the Moon. Students had a chance to apply all reading skills learned to this point. And with that interesting read, we have concluded our literacy unit Our Corner of the Universe. We certainly had a lot fun during this unit – it will be hard to top. Students don’t have spelling sentences this week.
Ciencias
Sophia presenting her research project to the class.
We could have not concluded our science studies in a better way. Students did an outstanding job throughout the project – during the planning and writing stages. They identified their area of study, did thorough research contrasting different sources, and spent time carefully crafting their piece. Finally, they submitted their final copy the way it was required. The presentations reached a whole new level of excellence. I am so proud of our students’ work and cannot wait to see where we go next!
History & Geography
Playing Constitution Scoot
This week we finished out constitution unit. Our objectives were:
- understand who the Federalists and Anti federalists were as well as what they favored
- Know the important individuals that contributed to the Constitutional Convention
- review the information learned in the Constitution unit by playing Constitution Scoot
- review the information learned in the Constitution unit by filling out study guide
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the constitution, including the Articles of Confederation, the preamble, the Bill of Rights, and important contributors on the unit test
Mathematics
Working on our Merry Math!
This week we finished our multiplication and division of fractions unit. Our objectives were:
- Solve real-world problems involving multiplication and division in fractions
- review multiplying and dividing with fractions by making division trees, multiplication gingerbread houses, and multiplication and division candy cane wreaths
Our unit test will be on Monday!
English Word Work
Opening our holiday gifts!
This week we continued our rotation. Our rotation days were:
- Teacher meeting:
- Vocabulary day: We began working with a vocabulary book that is helping us review grammar and introducing us to new vocabulary words. This week our lesson was about synonyms. The words we chose to add to out word wall are receptacle and blunder.
- Spelling City:
- Writer’s Workshop:
Our spelling test will be on Monday December 18th!
Specialists
Art with Ms. Kelly:
Holiday Pictures
Both the 2nd/3rd and 4th/5th graders learned how to use watercolors to paint holiday ornaments and how to use oil pastels to draw tree branches. The students combined these 2 media to make beautiful holiday pictures, some of which have been on the bulletin board at school. We talked about reflections, and using light and dark colors to make the ornaments look three-dimensional. The students layered different colors of oil pastels to create the texture of tree branches. All the students did a wonderful job on this project!
Holiday Decorations
The students also learned how to make a variety of paper holiday decorations: accordion pleated trees, paper “onion” shaped ornaments, and snowflakes using the quilling technique. I hope you enjoy these during the Holiday vacation, and possibly make some more at home!
Review of Art Portfolios
We sorted out all the artwork that the students have created this school year and put it in individual folders/portfolios. We reviewed the Art Elements (Line, Shape, Color, Value, Texture, Form) and shared examples of how each element was used in various works of art. The students already have a wonderful collection of very impressive artwork! Their portfolios are on a shelf in the supply room.
In January we’ll work on some Native American art, starting with a Dream Catcher.
Have a wonderful holiday!
Character Education with Ms. Jennie: A huge thank you to all the SWS community for making our 3rd Annual Giving Tree for Share a BIG success. Our van was stuffed full of holiday goodness! Thank you for your kindness and generosity to help those less fortunate!
by Ivary & Paola | Dec 9, 2017 | In The Loop
History & Geography
This week we continued working with the constitution. Our objectives were:
- Understand how the founding fathers decided to deal with the problem of representation
- understand The Great Compromise and The Three-Fifths Compromise
- Understand why the Bill of Rights was added and what freedoms each amendment protects
- Deepen understanding of the Bill of Rights by explaining completing the Bill of Rights Detective book
Mathematics
This week we continued working with multiplying fractions. We also began dividing fractions as well. Our objectives were:
- Multiply a mixed number by a whole number
- Solve real-world problems involving multiplication of whole numbers and mixed numbers
- Divide a fraction by a whole number
English Word Work
This week we finished our rotation and just began our last rotation before winter break. Our rotation days were:
- Writer’s Workshop: Students were able to edit/revise a writing piece they had already been working on, begin a new writing piece, or share their past writing with the class
- Blind Sort Test: Students tested each other on their spelling using the Blind Sort method.
- Word Search: Students received a word search with their new spelling words. They were tasked with finding and sorting their new words.
Our next spelling test will be on Monday, December 18th!
We have multiple on-going investigations in our 4/5 grade class.
