Probability, Politics, and a Sprite Named Puck

 Spelling- Today, we began a new list.  This list is comprised of many words that contain silent letters, especially a silent "t", as in "whistle".  I will be posting another list of lists to online study cards, games, and quizzes to use for this list.  The students can use the aids to help them prepare and assess their knowledge of the spelling and vocabulary words. 

Math- In math class, Ms Jennifer continued her lesson with probability.  The class is working with data collection and compilation.  They are also beginning to introduce the idea of surveying.  At home, they will have to survey 20 people, asking a simple question.  The class will use this information in an activity next week!

Test Prep- Today, the 3B class worked through another section in the social studies portion of the test booklet.  We checked and discussed the answers.  One great lesson that was learned to today is to always read the passage BEFORE trying to answer the questions!  This was such an important lesson, that I made sure to share it with the 4B class.  The 4B class continued to discuss issues with the math portion of the booklet.  We worked many problems on the board, especially with setting up word problems.  I will be posting some links for the kids to work with at home!

Writing- In writing, I read and edited the paragraphs that the kids had completed to this point.  This is such a tough assignment, and I know it is well above their grade level.  However, I know that they will learn more from striving to meet this expectation than they would if I had given them a simpler project!  There were two papers that, as I put it, "nailed" the art of a persuasive essay.   I asked the class if they had ever tried to learn something, or try something new, and needed to watch a video on it first.  Whether it is an instructional DVD, or an example of someone else doing the activity on YouTube, it is helpful to see and hear the correct result.  We can then model our actions and hopefully succeed!  I explained that, by reading the two papers out loud, I am helping them all to hear and take note of the way that the papers clearly expressed points, incorporated research, and used some of the strategies for persuasive writing that we had previously discussed.  Hopefully, it will help the class to get a better understanding of how a research-based paper should "sound"!

Shakespeare- We continued to read through "A Midsummer Night's Dream" today, much to the enjoyment of the class!  They are eating this up!  I had to quiet them down quite a few times, as they were desperate to share their thoughts on what was about to happen... and how the plot of Hermia, Lysander, Demetrius, and Helena would intertwine with the plot of Quince and the actors.

Social Studies- In social studies, Mr. Dennis taught the class about the Roaring Twenties!  They talked about the roles of Isolationism, the republican presidents, Laissez-Faire, prohibition, and mass media. Further, they discussed the difference in life for those below the poverty line, industrial workers, and farmers.

Art- The kids were thrilled to hear that art class and our Shakespeare lesson has overlapped!  Each student was given a character from "A Midsummer Night's Dream".  They then created stick puppets, using photographs of their own faces!  Later, we will be using these puppets for a fun "wrap-up" of our Shakespeare unit!