I introduced prefixes this week and we began looking at their function (changing the meaning of the root word). Most of the common prefixes change the meaning to the opposite of the root word (e.g., a-, un-, etc.). The hardest thing for most students to learn is that just because they see the spelling pattern of a prefix, it does not necessarily mean a prefix is being employed. For example, un- is a common prefix, but this pattern is not a prefix in the word under because -der is not the root word. We do not consider a spelling pattern to be a prefix unless it precedes a root word and changes its meaning.
We also looked at suffixes. Suffixes qualify verbs and adjectives, suggesting when they occurred (e.g., walked, walking, happier, happiest, etc.)
Reading Workshop
We are tackling and reviewing a lot in reading. Students are continuing to work on fundamental skills of determining a main idea, comparing & contrasting, and using context clues. We are also learning on finding evidence of point of view or perspective, sequence of events, and cause & effect. Cause and effect is much more challenging than you may assume due to the fact that an effect can become the next cause. I use tumbling dominos as an example of how a cause leads to an effect, which becomes the next cause.
Writing Workshop
We are learning to respond to multiple texts. Students should be able to create:
- A title that connects to the writing
- A clear topic sentence. Topic sentences for opinion pieces should include both choices.
- A "planning sentence" that briefly states the reasons for your opinion or the topics you will write about in an expository (informational) writing
- Supporting paragraphs that refer to the passages
- Supporting explanations that elaborate on the points from the passages
- A strong and succinct conclusion that restates the topic sentence and main points of the "planning sentence"
We are also spending a few minutes each day working on keyboarding, learning which fingers are assigned to each key.
Math Workshop
We are continuing to work on fractions:
- Shading in a fraction
- Dividing shapes into fractions with equal shares/parts
- Plotting fractions on a number line
- Using a number line to determine equivalent fractions
I am emphasizing three numerator-denominator relationships. When the numerator is zero, then the fraction is always equal to zero, regardless of the denominator. When the numerator and the denominator are the same value, the fraction is always equal to one, or the whole. When the numerator is half the value of the denominator, the fraction is always equal to one-half.
Science
Display boards are due on Monday, February 27th. Students will share their boards (and prototypes if they have them). I will, with the help of the class, ask probing questions, suggest improvements and model presentation skills.
I have intentionally built in a little wiggle room while we practice and make improvements for students to be able to see other students' work and to catch up. I can't stress enough that the Invention Convention is all about the process, not the completion. Too, it is unlikely that many, if any, students will actually come up with an invention that does not already exist. However, as long as the students believe they are the first to come up with this solution, then it fits the criteria for the Invention Convention. I want them to become problem solvers, to be able to take constructive criticism, to develop into great public speakers, and become creative thinkers. It should be fun. If it is becoming too stressful, give them the night off and regroup later:) All packets, display boards and prototypes are due at the very latest on March 9th. Please see the previous posts for details, examples and materials.
There will be NO homework, again, next week in order to provide students with time to work on their presentation boards and final prototypes.
Important Dates & Reminders
Testing dates are in bold. I will highlight changes and new dates in red.
A Days: No specials
B Days: Music and PE
C Days: Art
D Days: Library
E Days: Music and PE
March 1 - Early Dismissal 1pm
March 6 - Recycled percussion instruments due - Mrs. Delcamp will discuss with students.
March 6 - Recycled percussion instruments due - Mrs. Delcamp will discuss with students.
March 9 - 3rd Grade Musical @ 7pm
March 10 - Invention Convention 10:30-11:00 Cafeteria/Multipurpose Room.
March 10 - Invention Convention 10:30-11:00 Cafeteria/Multipurpose Room.
March 10 - Town Hall Meeting1:45 PM
March 10 - End of second Trimester
March 13 - 17 Spring Break - No School
March 20 - No School for students - Teacher Workday
March 28 - Progress Reports Home Today
April 5 - 6 Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment
April 5 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
April 5 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
April 6 Spring Picture Day
April 10 - April 28 STAR Reading and Math Assessments
April 12 - 15 Ohio Mathematics Assessment
April 14 No School for Staff & Students: Good Friday
April 12 - 15 Ohio Mathematics Assessment
April 14 No School for Staff & Students: Good Friday
April 24 - 28 Scholastic Book Fair
April 28 KID FEST 5 - 8pm
May 8 - 19 Terra Nova & Inview Gifted Screener
May 15 - 19 Diagnostic Writing Assessment
May 22 Field Day
May 15 - 19 Diagnostic Writing Assessment
May 22 Field Day
May 26 Town Hall Meeting 8:25am
May 26 Last Day for Students; End of third trimester
May 26 Early Dismissal 1pm
May 26 Early Dismissal 1pm
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