(A Little Bit Of) Snow!

Spelling-  The class wrote each new spelling word today, as we discussed the spelling and meanings.  Due to some mistakes that I have seen in writing and grammar classes, I decided to add the words "they're", "there", and "their" to this list.  Let's face it, that is one of the most irritating grammar mistakes EVER!

Writing- The class turned in their proposal letters today.  They used the research that they have found to convince me that they should be able to write their persuasive essays on the topic of their choice.  Many of them were very thorough and well presented!  I approved some of them, and some need to work on finding more facts and sources to support their position.  The purpose of this lesson, besides teaching them proper letter writing skills and practice with persuasive writing, is to help them be sure their writing topic and persuasive argument can be properly supported.  If they are not able to find enough sources to back up their stance, it is better to know in the very beginning!

I taught the class how to organize their information onto a graphic organizer, note cards, and in outline form. It is very important that the kids realize that these techniques for pre-writing are NOT for us, the teachers, but for THEM.  As a class, we worked through a sample essay.  We organized our information for an essay on a current topic in science class: protecting the endangered bats.  The class and I came up with an introduction, and then organized our thoughts into three main concepts.  We used a graphic organizer to show how this essay could be constructed.  Then, we all hit the floor with note cards, as I demonstrated how research and information can be easily moved around, switched out, and reorganized by using index cards. 

Math- In the 3B math class, Ms. Jennifer taught the class how to subtract fractions.  They used a compass and ruler to draw circles, and then divided them to show different fractions.  This was a good visual for their fraction subtraction lesson.  The 4B math class worked more on symmetry today.  They learned about reflection, and got a sneak peak at the next lesson on rotation.

Grammar-  Today was a big review day.  The class went over each part of speech, giving the definition and then discussing its role in a sentence.  We gave examples of each.  After our big verbal review, they labeled the parts of speech in different sentences.  At home, they will be diagramming these sentences, as well.

Spanish-  The class has been working through Spanish vocabulary words of items found in a kitchen.  In addition to studying the words at home, the kids should find a way to speak the Spanish terms out loud.  Ms. Rose helped them with their pronunciation.  The class will continue to study these household terms before the next Spanish class.

Social Studies-  Mr. Dennis led the class in a lesson on trench warfare during World War I.  They learned about the strategies of trench warfare that were used in battle.  They also learned about the weapons that WWI soldiers used.

Art-  In art class, Ms. Nancy had various Easter related projects for the class to choose from.  There were eggs of all shapes and sizes!  It's really hard to believe that spring break is next week.  March is usually a month of very unpredictable weather, but by the very end of the month, it is usually warm!  Today, it was not only freezing cold.... it snowed!  The class was thrilled to see a few light flurries come down during class!

Test Prep- Today we began going over the math sections.  We are baby stepping our way through, talking about any problem that anyone missed.  The main skills that need practice are: knowing those multiplication tables, subtracting when you must borrow multiple times, and knowing what a fraction represents.  The fraction section stumped many of them, not because they didn't know it, but because it was just presented in a different way than they expected.  For instance, there was a number line labeled 1-5, with different point on the line.  The question was, which dot represents 3/4.  Almost all of them chose the dot between the 3 and the 4.  This wasn't because they didn't know what 3/4 means, but just that they weren't thinking it through!  We talked about the importance of slowing down and studying the problem before you answer it.  A lot of times, problems are missed because the student fails to see a + sign and subtracts, or vice versa.  Hopefully, we are reducing that possibility by talking it over!