Acting It Out

Grammar- In grammar today, the class first reviewed how to diagram sentences that begin with introductory elements.  Then, they learned about interjections.  Interjections can either be set apart from the sentence with an exclamation point, or they can be followed by a comma.  Either way, they are diagrammed in the same way as an introductory element, on a floating line above the diagram frame.

Writing- The students each looked through the list of persuasive writing topics at home yesterday.  Today, we discussed each topic.  They will be researching the one that they are interested in.  Then, they will have to write a proposal letter to me, persuading me to let them write their paper on the topic of their choice.  In the letter, they will have to explain what resources they have found, as well as some information that they can use to support their stance on the topic.  To prepare for this assignment, I taught a lesson on professional letters.  They learned the format, as well as the fact that you must alter your language depending on your audience.  You wouldn't use the same words in a letter to your friends as you would to the Speaker of the House.

Math-  In math class, the 4B students continued to learn about tessellations. Ms. Jennifer drew examples on the board, and they discussed them.  Then, she gave them each a blank graph.  They used the frame to create their own tessellations. This is practice for their at-home tessellation assignment, which is due in two weeks!  The 3B class worked to compare fractions and calculate equivalent fractions.  They worked out problems together, as well as individually.  This is a difficult concept, and they are doing a great job!

Science- Ms. Gail taught the class about Georgia's endangered species.  They learned about many of them, like the bat.  She explained to the class that the bat population is in grave danger of extinction, due to a fungal infection.  They talked about the problems that occur within our ecosystem when an animal becomes extinct.  They learned about food webs and food chains.  To give a very real illustration of the interdependency within nature, she gave each of them a different card.  Some had animals listed, one had plants, and one had the sun.  She asked each student what the thing on their card depended on.  Then, she handed them the end of a piece of yarn.  The yarn was stretched between the animal and the other animals, plants, etc, that it depends on.  Each students' card was dependent on many different things, and other students' cards depended on them.  The web of yard stretched across the room, giving a visual representation of the important connections between them.  Then, Ms. Gail asked a student what would happen if one of the others became extinct.  They quickly realized that taking one piece out of the web would have major consequences within nature.

Sprouts for The Secret Garden

Literature-  The students listened as Ms. Gail continued reading in The Secret Garden.  They seem to be getting the hang of the dialect, and enjoying Mary's personal growth as a character. 

Social Studies- The class is now learning about World War I.  They read through and discussed events that lead to the war.  In order to help them understand all of the dynamics involved, he handed them each a card with a different country listed.  As he told the story, the child with that country on his or her card had to come up and visually demonstrate the Triple Alliance and Triple Entente.  I am sure that this helped them to better understand... as it helped ME to better understand!

Agriculture- Today, the kids really nailed their agriculture song!  They are belting out their parts, and are getting the hang of when to come in.  We are going to work on recording the song next week, so we can begin the process of putting together the video aspects as soon as we can.  I have a feeling that it will take a while!

We headed over to check out Gretta and June's progress, as they rapidly approach their due dates.  Gretta's udder is beginning to fill, and I wanted the kids to it now so they will be able to track the changes.  They learned about colostrum, and how important it is not just to baby goats, but to all baby mammals.  While we were there, the kids stopped to see how big the "chicks" that they hatched have gotten.  They are now big enough to free range with the laying hens!  After a quick stroll by the freshly tilled garden, and a climb on a bale of hay, we ended a beautiful, brisk school day!