Poetry, Projects, and Peas!

After a quick review of the spelling and vocabulary list, we jumped right into handwriting.  As a large group, we discussed and practiced the cursive letter "L".  Because those in the "Transition" book are just learning cursive, I decided to stop and assess their retention.  The entire class was given a sheet of words, in cursive.  These words only contained the letters A-L, plus vowels.  These are the letters that we have focused on so far in class.  For homework, each student will be writing the words twice.  For those just learning, I want to be sure they are able to connect the letters.  For the ones in the "Cursive" book, I want to check to be sure they are staying within the lines and forming their letters correctly.  Often, the easier letters are the ones that tend to get sloppy!

In grammar, each class learned about adverbs today.  We have been learning a lot of definitions in grammar class, and we will be taking time, at home, to review each of them.  This class has a lot of content.  If the students forget what they have learned, it will lead to confusion down the road, when things get more complicated!  They learned the definition of an adverbs, as well as the things that adverbs tell us:  how, when, where, how often, and to what extent.  Today, we focused on adverbs that tell us how and when.

The poem that we are working on memorizing is a tough one!  I explained to the class that we will not be making our video for this one until right before Thanksgiving break.  Although it is not particularly long, it is complicated!  The class will need to study the poem over the next couple months, so that we can make another great video.  The last video is still in the editing process!

Math- In math class today, both classes played a game called, "Who's is the Monkey".  It is a card game, and it was a hit!  The 3A class played using addition and subtraction number bonds.  The 4A class played using multiplication and division number bonds.  It was played with a regular deck of cards, so the kids can play at home!

Science-  In science class today, Ms. Gail used red cabbage indicator to show the class acids and bases. The students took turns adding substances to the beaker, and everyone documented the results.  Observation and documentation is so important!  At one point, a student asked why they couldn't just "dump it in".  In these experiments, they are learning how to set up scientific experiments and understand how to attain accurate results.  They used a graph to record data.  After the discussion and demonstration, Ms. Gail had them do a graphing activity, which was an excellent lesson in negative numbers!  The class had to plot different points on a graph.  In the end, they had a picture of a fox!  They will be working on another graph activity at home.

After discussing the comprehension questions that the students completed at home, Ms. Gail read chapter 5 in "Summer of the Monkeys" to the class today, as they followed along in their books.  The class is LOVING this book!  I didn't hear a peep out of them as they read along with Ms. Gail.  They focused so hard and were so involved in the reading, that Ms. Gail and I gave them a bonus star on their chart!

Social Studies- The class brought in their cereal box projects today!  They each had a chance to stand up in front of the class, show off their project, and teach the class about the historic figure that they chose.  These were awesome!  After the presentations, Mr. Dennis had the students look at the handouts that they have been given over the last few weeks to complete a review sheet.  They will work on finishing these at home.

Agriculture- I switched things up a bit in agriculture today!  We are postponing our lesson on carrots until next week.  Today, we happened to have sweet peas that needed planting!  The students learned about cool weather crops.  They also learned about germination, reasons to start with seeds versus seedlings, and plasticulture!  Everyone had so much to share about their own gardening experiences!  We then walked across the street and planted the sweet peas into the garden.  I explained to the class that each plant has its own needs... amount of water, direct or indirect sunlight, spacing, etc.  These sweet pea plants needed to be spaced 5" apart.  This was a great way for the children to use measurements and math in real life!  We attempted to measure 5", and each student planted a seedling in the soil.  We then watered the newly planted seedlings. It was a beautiful day to get outside, and the class needed the change of scenery!