History & Geography

This week we began learning about the Renaissance. Our objectives were:

• complete our Age of Exploration unit by presenting our Explorer Reports
• compare and contrast the geography of 1300s Italy and present day Italy
• describe how and why the Renaissance began in Italy
• understand the differences between Medieval and Renaissance artists

 

Mathematics

This week we began learning about multiplying and dividing fractions. Our objectives were:

• finish out Algebra chapter by taking the chapter test
• understand how to multiply fractions “straight across”
• practice multiplying fractions within word problems
• understand how to multiply fractions with improper fractions

Lectura

This week we started to wrap up our unit Nuestro rincón del universo. We finished reading the biography of Ellen Ochoa – she is such an inspirational scientist who opened the path for so many women in science. We also spent time reviewing the main objectives for this unit in ortografia and gramatica. Students took home their review packet. Please make sure they practice so they are ready for our end of the unit assessments next week. Students created spelling games to help them practice for our test too. They are amazing, as always! We will be having our reading and grammar test on Tuesday the 10th, and our spelling test on Thursday the 12th. Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

Ciencias

What is the weather and how can it be described? How do meteorologists measure and record weather variables?

Students reviewed local weather reports and determined the variables that combine to produce the weather. They were introduced to weather instruments—a thermometer, compass,and wind vane. our class is using a digital weather station with a receiver outdoors to gather weather data, and develop a plan for acquiring daily data and sharing them with the class. We will continue to work on this next week.

 

Wednesday Specials

Character Education 

This week we were so grateful to have Dr. Torres join us for a special lesson. We brainstormed emotions and read a lovely book “Moody Cow Meditates”. We then made our own Mind Jars. We needed to imagine that this jar is our mind. When we are in a calm state, we can think clearly, and make good decisions. We imagined that the glitter is anger, worry, fear, etc – when those feelings hit, we may feel unbalanced or our thoughts may feel jumbled up. Our mind is cloudy and we can’t think as clearly. If we are still, slow down and take deep breaths our thoughts can settle and we can see more clearly and make better decisions.

 

Music with Ms. Nadia

During the month of November, we learned all about the Orchestra! This magical group of musicians led by a conductor is composed of four sections: strings, wood winds, brass, and percussion. Each section has a distinct sound and special place on the stage. Within these sections, each instrument has its own range (set of notes its able to play). We learned that the bigger instruments (like tubas) have lower ranges, while tiny instruments (especially the piccolo!) have higher ranges. We had fun learning through games, posters, and whiteboard drawing activities. We also used a wonderful online resource which allowed us to listen to each instrument individually. Check it out at www.mydso.com/dso-kids/learn-and-listen/instruments !

Last month we also begun learning the recorder as a group, forming a “recorder choir”. Starting simple with notes G, A, and B, students are already able to sight-read music, follow rhythms, and play in harmony! Our student songs of the month led us to participate in You’re the Fire Zumba, Lemon Boy Stretches, and a Let Me Down Slowly rhythm stick game.