Weekly Learning Targets

Reading

This week in reading, our essential question has been, How do animals adapt to challenges in their habitat? First, we read an informational text, “Gray Wolf! Red Fox!” While reading, we worked on using the text features to comprehend the story. Students also compared and contrasted the characteristics, diet, and habitat of gray wolves and red foxes. We continue to use R.A.C.E.S. to guide our written responses. 


Writing

Do you remember reading poetry in elementary school? I have fond memories of reading poetry with my family as a child. We often visited the Tattered Cover to enjoy the latest poetry books. The store always made the experience so special as they gift-wrapped the book we purchased. The same excitement filled our classroom as we began our study of poetry this week. 

 

The kids began by reading different types of poems posted around the room. They were asked to fill out the backside of a sticky note to share their noticings (patterns, rules) and reflections. Many students recognized the repetition of rhyming words in some poems. However, they also noticed that poetry does not have specific rules, like most genres we have learned this year. Instead, poets are more free to write according to their imagination and desire. This was a new concept for many, and they couldn’t wait to create their poetry. The best part was their excitement to share their poetry at the end of our writing time. We will be entering a poetry contest at the beginning of April!


Fundations

During Fundations,  we worked on the understanding that c and g produce different sounds when followed by an e, i, or y. When c is in front of e, i, or y, it will say the soft c sound of /s/,  as in city, but in front of all other letters, it will say hard c sound /c/, as in cat. Also, if g is in front of e, i., or y it will say soft g sound /j/, as in giant, and in front of all other letters, it will say hard g sound /g/. 


Math

This past week, we reviewed using a number line to represent the fraction. When dividing the number line, we had to pay attention to the denominator to create equal parts. Besides using a number line, we also discussed using a line plot to measure a length using a ruler to the nearest half or fourth inch. Then, the data was recorded on the line plot to analyze the information.  


Science

During science, students examine how the environment can influence physical traits. The students acted as Astronaut-in-Training to analyze how a NASA astronaut’s traits changed during his “year in space.” Then, they measured some of their physical traits (arm strength, height, and balance) and predicted how their own traits might change after living in space.


Pack PRIDE

During our Pack PRIDE lessons, we continued to discuss conflict resolution.  We read the story, A Bike Like Sergio’s. Initially, the kids were asked to identify the conflict in the book. Then, they had to decide, if they were Sergio, how to handle the ethical dilemma of keeping or returning the money that was found. We had a great discussion as students shared what integrity means and how it can be hard to do the right thing when you want something else. 

We also discussed two other types of conflict: rumors and gossip. 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 true or not. However, gossip is slightly different. It typically involves some shocking or personal information. Both are negative and can hurt others. It is important to stop it when you hear it by not engaging with the person sharing the information.