Top Secret

Spelling & Handwriting- The class was given a new spelling/vocab list today.  Some of the words practice adding suffixes, some are from science or literature, some are just on there because they are tricky to spell!  For handwriting practice, the class either worked on connecting cursive letters (those in the T book), or they worked on writing some of the spelling words in cursive (those in the C book).

Grammar- In grammar class, the students learned some new comma rules.  They learned that commas are used after an introductory elements.  They also learned that commas are used in a direct address.  We reviewed the comma rules that were learned last week, as well. 

Writing- In writing class, Ms. Bev reviewed the elements of a story.  The class did an awesome job remembering the different elements!  As a class, they created a story map of the Feather Tales book.  Having a common story really has helped Ms. Bev teach the important elements!  The students finished their narrative writing that was based on their real life (personal narrative) and has moved on to a fictional narrative.  They are all getting better and better the more they write!

Math- In math today, the 4B class discussed decimals.  They learned how to change decimals to fractions.  Ms. Jennifer had the class do many problems out loud, as a group, to really get the hang of it!  Then, they continued their decimal work in their workbooks.  The 3B class continued to convert kilometers to meters, and vice versa.  They discussed what they have learned and kept practicing!

Valentine's Day is next Thursday!  I gave each child a paper bag.  They are going to decorate their paper bags at home, with their name clearly displayed.  On Thursday, we will have the bags out on the long table throughout the day.  Feel free to bring in Valentines for classmates!  The kids will be able to drop Valentines into the bags, which they will take home to inspect at the end of the day.

As a special Valentine's Day project, each child drew a name of a classmate.  They are keeping this name TOP SECRET until after we make our presentations next Thursday!  Each student will be working on a portrait of the person whose name they drew.  I gave them the run-down on how to create the portrait... fill up the space, "zoom up", and fill it all with color!  The second part of the Valentine's Day project is to create a Name Poem for that person.  They have to use their creative skills to come up with words for each letter in their classmate's name.  These are going to be presented Thursday morning.  I hope they all take it very seriously, as it will be a special gift for each of them!

Geography- The class was given a quiz over the 14 states that they have been working on at home.  They had to label a blank map with the correct states.  The quizzes were given back to each student so they can focus on any missed states as they work at home.

Social Studies- In social studies today, Mr. Dennis began by reviewing the class's at home assignments.  Then, they discussed the rise of Big Business.  They completed a chart using six important inventions of the time period.  They worked in small groups and will continue their lesson on Big Business and inventions at home tomorrow.

Art-The kids often ask, "Why are we doing it like this?" in art class. Ms. Nancy explained that artists experiment with different styles and techniques.  She told them about Picasso, and how he went through different periods and styles with his art.  Today, our class took their animals drawings out from last week.  They had outlined their art with glue, which was now good and dry.  They used oil pastels to color in their picture.  Then, they traced the borders with black.  The results were beautiful!