Maps, Multiples, and Poem Memorization

In grammar today, we worked on our poetry memorization.  We will be studying the poem, "Afternoon on a Hill".  When we have this poem memorized, we will be reciting this poem for a video presentation!  This is an awesome way to keep kids motivated and give them a reason for the memorization!  Each student has been assigned a stanza of the poem to illustrate.  These illustrations will be due on Tuesday, September 18th.  We also reviewed the definitions that we have learned so far for the parts of speech.  At home on Friday, the students learned about antecedents and pronouns.  We reviewed Friday's material and will be working more with antecedents in later lessons.

Math-  The 4A group discussed multiples today.  After a review of multiples with Ms. Jennifer, they did an activity where they colored multiples of different numbers with different colors.  The result was a pattern on their multiples grid.  Those that did not finish in class will be working on it at home!

The 3A math class continued working on mental math strategies.  They reviewed the concept of adding a single digit number to a double digit number, where you break the smaller number down into two smaller numbers (as in a number bond).  With this mental math strategy, you are trying to break the smaller number into a part that can be added to the larger number, bringing it to the next "10".  For instance, with 76 + 9, you can view the 9 as a 4 and a 5.  The 4 can mentally be added to the 76, bringing it up to an even 80.  Then, you can easily add the 80 and the remaining 5, making the end sum 85.  This is a core mental math strategy with Singapore math, and can help so much with speed of addition in all levels of math!

Writing-  Through the "Monster Match" activity, the class learned of the importance of descriptive writing.  Today, I read a short book about the beach.  The author uses tons of descriptive words and similies to illustrate his observations of the beach.  As a class, we discussed the author's ability to keep the reader interested, even when he is only talking about sand!  Although I had plans for a different topic for our writing assignment, the kids were coming out of their skins with excitement as each wanted to share their own beach experiences.  And so, I went with the flow!  

Over the next few weeks, we will be working on a paper about the beach.  Today, we began getting our thoughts onto paper with a graphic organizer.  The students each chose 3 topics that they wanted to discuss about the beach.  They jotted down every description that they could think of for each topic.  This is simply a "cheat sheet" for them to view as their write their paper.  At home, they will be working ONLY on the introduction paragraph to their beach papers.  This is simply an introduction, and should just tell their readers what they will be talking about throughout their papers.  We will go over the introductions in class next week BEFORE we move on to the "meat and potatoes" of their writing!


Spanish-  Ms. Rose lead the class through the Spanish alphabet and sounds.  Then, they worked on the proper pronunciation of the greetings.  They took turns coming up to the front of the room, in pairs, and going through a scenario where one of them lost their dog.  The partner responded to news of the lost, and then found, dog in proper Spanish.  




Social Studies-  Today, Mr. Dennis helped the students through a railroad map activity titled, "The Golden Age of Georgia".  They read about the wealth of Georgia in the years from 1830 to 1860.  The cotton industry, as well as many others, were booming at the time!  They learned about the changes that took place in Georgia during this time.  

Art-  The children began class by finishing up their watercolor sunflower paintings.  After they completed their watercolors, the class went back to the geometric spheres that they had started two weeks ago.  They cut out their spheres, and created smaller circles, as well.  They then combined these shapes together into a single work of art!