Buzz, Buzz!

Grammar-  Today, we went back and reviewed predicate nominatives.  It has been a long time since we diagrammed them!  It was important for us to do a review of prepositions, linking verbs, predicate nominatives, and adjective phrases, because today we put them all together.  We found the prepositional phrases, located the verb and subject, pointed out the predicate nominative, and then recognized that the prepositional phrase acted as an adjective, describing the predicate nominative.  We diagrammed one of these sentences together, but they will be working on diagramming a few more at home.

Writing-  Our writing class has graduated from expository writing, moving on to narrative writing!  Ms. Bev had the class in stitches as she read her own narrative paper.  It was about her son and his interesting temper tantrums.  The story served as a backbone in which to teach the elements of narrative writing.  As Ms. Bev taught the concepts, she pointed them out in her story.  The students began working on their own narrative today!

Science-  In science class, Ms. Gail began by reviewing the students' work from the week.  After discussing what they have learned about cells, the class was given a plant and animal cell diagram.  They weren't just any diagram worksheet... They were shrinky dinks!  The kids colored the different parts of the cells, creating a color coded key.  Then, they put their cells into the oven.  Lo and behold... They shrunk!  It was science magic at its best!  The cells were hung on little rings for the kids to take home... or to pretend that they are plant and animal cell earrings, as the case may be!

Literature-  This class is flying through "A Cord of Three Strands"!  I think this book was perfect timing, as we just finished studying the Underground Railroad last semester. Ms. Gail and the class checked and reviewed each answer on their worksheets from home.  Then, she read the next few chapters, aloud.  As they read, they talked about historical fiction.  Which parts are true?  Did the author make this part up?  Was this part based on fact?  Ms. Gail reminded them that they should remember all of their questions, as the author will be speaking to our class at the end of the month!

Social Studies-  Mr. Dennis began class with a vocabulary review.  The kids have been adding each new term onto their ring of index cards, creating a mobile glossary for them to study.  They read and learned about cattle ranchers today.  Along with this lesson, they are having a miniature economics lesson!  Mr. Dennis used the cattle market to open up a lesson on supply and demand.  By the end of class, they were able to explain the relationship between supply/demand and cost.

Agriculture-  We continued our lesson on bees today.  We reviewed the key aspects of bee anatomy from last week's handout.  Then, the class was given a veritable buffet of craft items.  They were given the freedom to use any of the items they liked to create a honey bee, complete with the key anatomical terms. The kids LOVED the fact that they could express their creativity in any way that they liked!  In the end, we had some seriously fabulous bees!