Martes, Mental Math, & Paper-Mâché

Spelling-  I introduced a new spelling list today.  The class worked in groups to look up the definitions.  Within each group, they used their social studies text, chemistry text, and dictionaries to define a few of the terms.  We discussed the spelling of some of the words, including the rule, "i before e, except after c".

Grammar- I began grammar class today with a reminder: It is OUR responsibility to focus our brains!  It is not difficult to tell when minds are wandering.  I have been working with the class on eye contact, putting pencils down and not doodling during instruction, and listening skills.  In grammar, we build upon previous lessons.  If students are not listening and do not learn the concepts, they will be very lost later on!  Today, the class learned about adverbs that tell "where" and "how often".  They worked on diagramming sentences that involved these types of adverbs.

Handwriting- We focused today on the letter M.  Those who are new to cursive learned that, although the uppercase M is pretty simple, the "ramp up" on the lowercase M can look like an extra hump!  Even some of those who already know cursive needed a little help connecting the M's and

Math- The 3A class played a review game today.  In pairs, the class started with a number, and then used math expression cards to add to, subtract from, multiply, or divide the number.  With each correct answer, the students could take a step across the room.  They loved the game, and used mental math skills!

After the 4A class took turns showing Ms. Jennifer their mastery of the 3's and 4's multiplication tables, she taught them mental math strategies for multiplication.  Actually, I heard from multiple students about how "awesome" it is to be able to multiply big numbers in their head after math class today! Afterward, they played the same game as the 3A class, however, the 4A class incorporated negative numbers into the game.

Writing-  The students came to class today armed with knowledge about conclusion paragraphs!  They each watched the videos that were posted, but more than that... they paid attention!  We discussed conclusion paragraphs, transition words and phrases, and the rule that you don't tell the audience what you are going to say, or what you said... Just SAY IT!  They wrote their conclusion paragraphs in class today and will be getting them back on Thursday.  Adding them to their final drafts will be the very last step to this big project!  I know it took a while, but I wanted to get the students used to the process of writing, editing, and rewriting.  Also,

Spanish-  Ms. Rose reviewed the phrases and terms that the class has learned so far in class this year.  It is important to keep reviewing previous material as they learn new terms, so they are not forgotten!  The class will be given a phrase per week to practice and to use in their normal life.  This week, the phrase is "bienvenidos", or "welcome".  To practice with the Spanish days of the week, the class made flash cards and used them to play a game using their workbooks.  They can play the game at home with parents or siblings!


Social Studies-  The class had to really use their brains today!  Using the textbook reading that they completed at home, they answered the review question sheet, "Civil War Begins".   Mr. Dennis then taught the class about Abraham Lincoln and his early life. They also discussed the Lincoln-Douglass Debates and the 1860 election. This was followed by the succession of southern states. Finally, they studied the attack on Fort Sumter and the beginning of the Civil War. As a cloze activity, the kids, the class worked together to plug in the keywords and vocabulary that they have learned in a "Vocabulary and Study Guide" worksheet.  Honestly, this material is not easy!  The class is doing an awesome job in Mr. Dennis' class.  Keep up the good work and keep studying hard! 

Art- Today, the kids continued working on their paper mache history projects.  The molds of the heads are almost complete!