More Life Lessons.

Spelling-  We began the week with a new spelling list. Unlike most of the past lists, this one focuses more on spelling than on vocabulary.  The words include "toughen" and "laughter", which use the letters "gh" to make the "f" sounds.  The list also includes words such as patience, collection, and initials, which demonstrate the "sh" sounds in unconventional ways.  Further, the words "likable" and "reversible" use an 'a' and 'i', but sound very similar.  The class was excited about the break from all of the definitions and focus on spelling.

Writing-  In writing class, Ms. Bev helped the students take their narrative writing assignment and format it.  They will be doing one last revision before turning in the final copy on Thursday!  In this revision, the class will take their single paragraph and format it as to separate out the dialogue from the rest of the story.  Ms. Bev continued to inform the class about the elements of narrative writing, such as characters, settings, problems, events, and solutions.  She read a short story from the Feather Tale Series.  The students then helped to point out the different story elements.  Finally, each child was able to choose their own book from the Feather Tale Series.  They read their story and completed a worksheet on Character, Setting, Problem, Event, and Solution.

Math-  The 4A math class reviewed the at-home assignment on perimeter and area.  They continued to work through similar problems.  Figuring out the formula seems to be the trickiest part!  Those brains were working extremely hard today!  The 3A math class has now graduated to 3B!  They have been learning about meters and centimeters.  Today, they worked with Ms. Jennifer on subtracting centimeters from meters.

Spanish-  The class had a Spanish test today over seasons and weather.  Afterward, Ms. Rose taught the class the Spanish names for family members.   We then had a very lively conversation about the sizes of our families!  This also led to a discussion on genetics, namely eye color.  The class will begin working on a month-long family tree project.  They are going to map out their family tree, including eye color (if known).

Sometimes, you have to be flexible and change your lesson on a dime.  Today, instead of our planned geography review quiz, I realized that we needed to have a little mini lesson in conflict resolution.  You see, during free time, it appears that a game of "army" was misinterpreted by the girls to be a game of "dump leaves on heads".   The onslaught of itchy leaves (and unintentional bugs) was not appreciated, leading to a whole lot of frowny faces.  I am a health educator at heart.  I live for learning moments like this... especially for a group of amazing children who are here for the intent purpose if learning to interact within a group!  We all say and discussed, respectfully and maturely, what led up to the leaf explosion.  The class learned that miscommunication is the basis for most conflicts.  Those who were angry admitted that the leaf-dumpers did not have a malicious intent.  After brainstorming ways to avoid miscommunication (explaining, listening, asking questions, etc), we discussed what we should do once a miscommunication-based conflict does occur.  In the end, classmates took turns raising their hand and sharing times when miscommunications were not cleared up, as well as times when there was a malicious intent to the conflict.  I explained that learning doesn't only come from a book.  They should use each and every event in their lives to become more the best person that they can possibly be.  That in, without a doubt, more important than our geography quiz.

Social Studies-  First, each student showed off their projects on John McCoy and the boom of the cattle industry.  Each and every one of the kids did a great job!  Then, they worked on a map study exercise on Western Settlements from 1850-1900.  When Mr. Dennis passed it out to the students, they thought it would be a piece of cake.  It required more thought that they initially thought it would to label those towns, railroads, rivers, and trails!

Art-  Art was hopping today!  The class began work on a pencil drawing.  They drew a close up picture of a jungle animal, hiding in the leaves.  They then traced the lines of their drawing in glue!  These will dry and we will work more on these next week.  Next, the class worked on a Valentine's Day project, making heart ornaments.  Finally, those who finished everything began a snow globe activity.  The students revolved around the room in "centers", which worked great to meet their individual time needs!