We've had a busy week! I continue to be impressed by this class, they are so kind and engaged with their learning, even though we are down to 3 more weeks of third grade.
Reading/Writing: We launched our Fairy Tales unit this week! Our focus was to build up our schema (background knowledge) and identify the common elements that fairy tales USUALLY have, such as magic and royalty. We listened to a classic version of "Cinderella" as well as an adapted version called "Prince Cinders." Then, we worked in teams on three more adapted versions: Winderella, Cinderelle, and Cinderumpelstiltskin. We made thinking maps to compare and contrast the different tales, and noticed many commonalities.
During guided reading, we talked about why authors change fairy tales. We discussed the classic version's "happily ever after" (marriage) and how Cinderella achieved it, and then each group developed a new and improved happy ending, such as becoming a famous fashion designer or traveling the world.
We also started working on poetry, and learned about ONOMATOPOEIA (sound effect words). We listened to "8 Balloons" by Shel Silverstein and then made our own onomatopoeia comic strips. We also listened to "Walking my Iguana" and discussed RHYTHM in poetry. We continued some work on our pilgrim journals, read informational books about animals, and worked on reading responses.
Math/Science: Students are doing an excellent job during S'Math! This week, we investigated cubes made of different materials. We determined different ways to sort the cubes (besides by their shape!) such as by weight, material, and luster (shiny/dull). We also had a wonderful discussion about WHY certain materials are used for certain objects (Why are windows not made out of jello? Why aren't pencils made out of butter?). Students were able to think like scientists, and completed detailed observational drawings of pencils. We decided what materials would/would not work for certain objects.
Also, our toads are growing every day! We continued to care for and observe the toads, and are saying farewell to them today.
Reminders:
*COLOR DAY is next Tuesday! Students should wear their team color to school.
*Have a great weekend!
Reading/Writing: We launched our Fairy Tales unit this week! Our focus was to build up our schema (background knowledge) and identify the common elements that fairy tales USUALLY have, such as magic and royalty. We listened to a classic version of "Cinderella" as well as an adapted version called "Prince Cinders." Then, we worked in teams on three more adapted versions: Winderella, Cinderelle, and Cinderumpelstiltskin. We made thinking maps to compare and contrast the different tales, and noticed many commonalities.
During guided reading, we talked about why authors change fairy tales. We discussed the classic version's "happily ever after" (marriage) and how Cinderella achieved it, and then each group developed a new and improved happy ending, such as becoming a famous fashion designer or traveling the world.
We also started working on poetry, and learned about ONOMATOPOEIA (sound effect words). We listened to "8 Balloons" by Shel Silverstein and then made our own onomatopoeia comic strips. We also listened to "Walking my Iguana" and discussed RHYTHM in poetry. We continued some work on our pilgrim journals, read informational books about animals, and worked on reading responses.
Math/Science: Students are doing an excellent job during S'Math! This week, we investigated cubes made of different materials. We determined different ways to sort the cubes (besides by their shape!) such as by weight, material, and luster (shiny/dull). We also had a wonderful discussion about WHY certain materials are used for certain objects (Why are windows not made out of jello? Why aren't pencils made out of butter?). Students were able to think like scientists, and completed detailed observational drawings of pencils. We decided what materials would/would not work for certain objects.
Also, our toads are growing every day! We continued to care for and observe the toads, and are saying farewell to them today.
Reminders:
*COLOR DAY is next Tuesday! Students should wear their team color to school.
*Have a great weekend!