We finished reading our first chapter book read aloud, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo. As a culminating activity we did a Visible Thinking routine called Step Inside. Students were asked to step inside the character of Edward Tulane at the end of the story when he has been reunited with his original owner, Abilene. Below are a few examples of this thinking routine.
We also began individual student conferences to set up CAFE reading goals and determine Just Right reading levels. Together student and teacher look over the student's reading log to analyze the books they've read to decide which reading level seems to be just right for them. Students leave the conference knowing their just right color code and one to two reading goals to work on during workshop time.
Writing Workshop
This week students learned how to write effective endings to complete their stories. Then they read through all of the stories they've written so far to choose one story to draft. As students draft their personal narrative they are focusing on making the story better rather than just copying the story onto new paper. Students are writing their draft across three pages to focus on the beginning, middle, and end of the story. Our goal is for students to write a lead that hooks readers in, write a thoughtful story with details in sequential order and end with a fabulous finish.
Math Workshop
MEAP testing wrapped up this week on Tuesday with the math portion. During math workshop students learned to identify the following addition and multiplication properties:
Students also practiced identifying and solving word problems. We will continue to practice identifying and solving the following word problems in class:
On Monday students will bring home a review for Unit 1. The review will help prepare students for the first Unit test on Friday.
Science
Students have investigated water as all three states of matter: solid (ice), liquid, and gas (water vapor). During our latest investigation students discovered water changes into a gas called water vapor, and goes into the air. We left a wet paper towel in an open cup and a wet paper towel in a cup with a lid. Through this investigation students learned that wet materials become dry when exposed to air. They also learned this drying process is evaporation.
All-Star of the Week
Abigail was one of our All-Stars of the week! We loved learning about her adoption story from her thoughtful parent letter. We also enjoyed meeting her cats through the pictures she shared with us. Abigail enjoyed her lunch buddy day with mom! The students wrote many sweet compliments to Abigail on Friday.
Francine was our other All-Star of the week! We loved listening to her read aloud her favorite story and her sweet parent letter. Francine enjoyed her lunch buddy day with mom! Students wrote many nice compliments to Francine. We will miss seeing Francine's beautiful smile in class!
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