Reading
This week, we continued to work on identifying the main idea and supporting details while comparing a fiction and nonfiction text. First, each reading group received a text to read and access at their reading level. During this process, the kids identified the main idea, used the text features to support their understanding, and recorded any interesting vocabulary. Next week, they will be asked to analyze the two readings to identify similarities and differences. Then complete a written response stating specific evidence to support their thinking.
Fundations
We continued manipulating words containing a schwa. As shared previously, a schwa is an (unexpected) unaccented vowel sound, usually a short u or short i sound. For example, in the word bucket, the first u says short u, but the second e says short i. We spend significant time on these skills as students need to understand how schwa works for spelling rather than reading. In reading, students can decipher the word based on context.
Writing
Do you remember reading poetry in elementary school? I have fond memories of reading poetry with my family as a child. Often we would visit the Tattered Cover to enjoy the latest poetry books. The store always made the experience special as they gift-wrapped the book we purchased. The same excitement filled our classroom as we began our study of poetry.
The kids started their study of poetry by using their senses to interact with different objects. After examining the objects, they had to write adjectives or verbs to describe them on sticky notes. Next, they turned their words into a poem. Many were shocked that they could use any object to create a poem. It did not have to be some profound idea, and it did not have to rhyme.
Math
We began topic 12: Understand fractions as numbers. The beginning lessons focused on understanding how fractions are part of a whole divided equally. Therefore, each child made a fraction kit to assist in finding equivalences. We also began using a number line to represent the fraction. A number line helps plot fractions to understand their relationship visually. During this process, it is important to pay attention to the denominator to create equal parts when dividing the number line. The example below shows a line plot.
Science
We wrapped up our study of coral reefs. In doing so, we focused on the threats facing the reef due to human impact. We discovered that some threats are local, while others are global trends. The significant concerns involve physical damage to the reef, i.e., tourism, high CO2 oceans, and water quality. Regardless, we all have a part to play, whether we live on the coast or many miles away.
The kids created posters to share human impact on the ocean and what can be done to protect the coral reefs. They were very engaged and passionate during this process.
Pack PRIDE
During our Pack PRIDE lessons, we continued to discuss conflict resolution. Initially, the kids were asked to think about the current novel and identify the conflict. They wrote these on index cards to use as we role-played the different scenarios.
Rumors and gossip are types of conflict. We discussed that rumors are spread from one person to another, similar to the game telephone; the story can change over time. Also, the person spreading the rumor often does not know if the information is accurate. However, gossip is slightly different. It typically involves some shocking or personal information. Both are negative and can hurt others.
