Word Study
We reviewed doubling consonants when adding suffixes -ed and -ing. We will continue this next week. Our rule is to double the final consonant after a short vowel sound (if the final syllable ends in a single consonant).
We continued our study of silent k and w words. Interestingly, these letters were actually pronounced in the Germanic languages. Over time, as these words were absorbed into Anglo Saxon languages, these letter sounds disappeared in spoken form, but the silent letters stayed in written form. We can use context to distinguish them as well and practice using them in sentences.
Reading Workshop
We are working in small groups with leveled chapter books for literature circles. Students will read aloud, which provides many opportunities to focus on expression, fluency and decoding, as well as authentic word study. They then do additional independent reading at their seats where they answer questions similar to the literature circle prompts students have been doing for homework.
We are reading the Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien, ground zero for the modern fantasy genre. Many students have seen the movies, which supports their comprehension.
Writing Workshop
Students are enjoying writing an expository essay on "How to survive 3rd grade!" The best parts of these letters will be combined into a single letter that will be shared with next year's 3rd graders.
We also started an end of year writing project. Students are writing letters to their classmates about what they admire in each other. Each student will take home 25 letters telling them just how awesome they are. Many of my former students still have their letters and I recommend students only read one at a time, saving them as pick-me-ups if they have a bad day.
Math Workshop
We reviewed for our state testing, which was really helpful for me as I can see areas to focus on for the remainder of the year. I will be introducing some games and creating stations to develop mastery of facts.
I will also be introducing some engaging enrichment problems for students to work on in small groups.
Science
We continued our study of air power and gliders. Some of the students are really getting this down! These "big mouth spinners" are the easiest to make and fly. We will try our hand at some more challenging gliders as well.
We started our month long STEM challenge with Mrs. McCormick's 5th grade class. This is always a fun and challenging engineering/reengineering project. Students will be broken up into teams, assigned different team roles, and challenged to create a marble run with specific design elements. Successful teams will get a special prize the last week of school, which all students will get to participate in.
Students had a little practice with the different roles this week with Keva Plank challenges.
Homework
There is no homework for the remainder of the year. However, if you have a student who will benefit from continuing homework or support at home, I will obviously support you and am more than willing to be the heavy. Just reach out to me and we will make a plan. I always hope students are reading for pleasure.
Autism - Nationwide Children's Hospital
In honor of National Autism month, we had some speakers come from Nationwide Children's Hospital.
Device Collection
Device collection officially begins on May 7th, but I would like to start collecting all materials now. Please send your student with their iPad, keyboard, case, and charger on Monday, April 30th.
Important Dates & Reminders
April 2018
30 - Send iPad, case, keyboard, charger
May 2018
April 30-May 4 Scholastic Book Fair
4 KidFest, 5-8 p.m. I apologize in advance, but I have a conflict and will likely not attend. It will be the first KidFest I've missed in 13 years. I will try to get there if I am able.
8 NO School for students or certified staff - Ohio Primary Elections
11 Science field trip to Livingston Elementary - no more chaperones needed
Students need comfortable walking shoes and sack lunches (all disposable).
Please apply sunscreen before students come to school.
18 Field trip to the Columbus Zoo - 6 chaperones needed
Students need comfortable walking shoes and sack lunches (all disposable).
Please apply sunscreen before students come to school.
21 Field Day
Please apply sunscreen before students come to school. I suggest sending LARGE water bottles as well.
Students need comfortable walking shoes and sack lunches (all disposable).
Please apply sunscreen before students come to school.
Please apply sunscreen before students come to school. I suggest sending LARGE water bottles as well.
28 No School Staff: Memorial Day
30 Last Day for Students
30 End of third trimester
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