What We Learned This Week
Word Study
We wrapped up our study of open, closed and VCe. We will be moving on to new features next week. We also concluded our study of nouns (common, proper, singular, plural, and possessive). I introduced action verbs. Students should know the ASL signs for noun and verb. I love using ASL to support our multi--sensory learning. Finally, I administered the Developmental Spelling Assessment (DSA). I am looking for growth and also looking for application of the syllable types we have studied in student writing samples.
Reading Workshop
We are still working on main idea, responding to questions by using the question in the answer. I also introduced author's message/lesson. We will continue this study via folktales and fairy tales. Individualized reading conferences are incredibly helpful and provide the opportunity for me to support students wherever they are in the reading process. I am very pleased with student growth in reading. I saw my anecdotal observations confirmed by this week's STAR Reading assessment, which I will share when progress reports are available online.
Math Workshop
We are close to finishing our study of three properties of multiplication:
- Associative (e.g., (8 x 3) x 5 = 8 x (3 x 5))
- Distributive (e.g., 4 x 23 = (4 x 3) + (4 x 20))
- Commutative (e.g., 6 x 7 = 7 x 6)
Students are learning root vocabulary words for each of these properties to help them recall which is which. They are generally successful in isolation, but struggle when they have to remember which property is which. They are learning they should do what is in parentheses first. We are also working on two step problems and made great gains in this perennially challenging standard.
Science
Last week I introduced States of Matter and density. Students should know solids keep amount and shape; liquids keep amount but take on the shape of their container; and gases expand and take on the shape of their container.
I used Alkaseltzer tablets to demonstrate solids, liquids and gases. See if your student can explain the following image.
Water can be used to demonstrate all three of the states of matter: solid (ice), liquid, and gas. I also introduced, but am not holding students responsible for the little discussed fourth state of matter: plasma (essentially an electrified or magnetized gas - think lightning and plasma televisions) and transition states (think slush as solid water turns to liquid).
In our first experiment, we looked at how ice with blue food coloring, room temperature water, and hot water with red food coloring interact. Heat energy added speeds up molecules and makes them less dense. Removing heat energy slows the molecules and makes them more dense. See if your students can explain the next image or if they can explain how we can use different air temperatures to explain density.
Today, we mad lava lamps by adding oil to water and an Alkaseltzer tablet. Students should be able to explain water, oil, solid, and gas in terms of density and states.
Important Dates & Reminders
November 2017
6 End of First Trimester
7 No School for Students: Faculty In-service Day
21 Progress Reports available online
21 Scarlet and Gray School Spirit Day
22-24 Thanksgiving Holiday
December 2017
December 2017
21 Holiday Parties 2:00 pm
December 22-January 4 Winter Break
January 2018
January 2018
5 No School for Students: Teacher Workday/PD Day
8 School Resumes
15 No School for Staff or Students: Martin Luther King’s Birthday
18 PT Conferences grade 1-5 (students are dismissed at 11:05)
February 2018
February 2018
5 State of the Schools at UAHS 5-8 p.m.
5-9 Collection Days for “Box Tops for Education”
8 Third Grade Musical
11-14 Ohio Wildlife Center donation drive
14 Ohio Wildlife Center
8 Third Grade Musical
11-14 Ohio Wildlife Center donation drive
14 Ohio Wildlife Center
19 No School Staff or Students: Presidents’ Day
28 Early Release 1:00 (NO LIFT)
March 2018
March 2018
5 Spring Pictures
9 End of Second Trimester
9 Invention Convention 10-10:30am in the Multipurpose Room/Cafeteria
9 Invention Convention 10-10:30am in the Multipurpose Room/Cafeteria
12-16 Spring Break
19 No School for Students: Teacher Grading Day
27 Progress Reports available online
30 Good Friday: No School for Students or Staff
April 2018
April 2018
4 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at Windermere 11-12 in lounge
May 2018
May 2018
April 30-May 4 Scholastic Book Fair
4 KidFest, 5-8 p.m.
8 NO School for students or certified staff - Ohio Primary Elections
21 Field Day
28 No School Staff: Memorial Day
30 Last Day for Students
30 End of third trimester
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