Pilgrims and Wampanoags

On the half day before Halloween we started a project on Pilgrims and Wampanoag.  Mrs. Grinley and Mrs. Carlson made a web quest for us to do with a partner from the other class. We had 9 steps to do.  One thing we had to do was make a diagram of the  Mayflower and label it. Another thing we did was, we had choices of what we could bring on the Mayflower.  We only got to bring 150lbs.  We learned what they wore, and how they built there houses, what they ate, their chores, and what they learned. We also learned that the Wampanoag had a lot of tools for hunting and that they had to make all of the tools themselves.  We also listened to some phrases that were in it, and got to choose our favorite Pilgrim saying.  If you would like to try the web quest yourself, click here.  Our next steps are going to be to make a project about one thing that we learned.  The choices are :  draw and label the Mayflower and draw a map of the journey; make a Pilgrim menu and a Wampanoag menu; create male and female Pilgrim clothing; create male and female Wampanoag clothing; create a Pilgrim house; create a wetu; create a longhouse; or create a suitcase and fill it up with authentic artifacts.

The Fun Writing Process

We have an extra post today, written by guest bloggers Ashley, Emmaleigh, and Jeri.

We have been writing personal narratives.  First our class brainstormed ideas for a topic.  Then we created 8 planning boxes and chose one box to write about in detail.  Next, we wrote a lead, and thought of setting, dialogue and action to create one strong lead.  After that, we wrote the heart of our stories.  In the heart of the story, we used specific details to tell our story step by step.  Then we made a strong ending with action, dialogue, and an author’s message.  We have worked with our writing buddies to revise and edit our work.  We revised our stories with ARMS (which means add, remove, move and substitute).  We edited it with COPS (which means, capitals, organization, punctuation, and spelling).  Then we used a sheet that we checked off called Criteria for Success.  Finally, we started to publish.   We chose index cards or paper, and wrote our stories in our best handwriting.  Then, some of us bound our books with Ashley, and we published with Jeri.  Then we did our covers with pretty colors and a title.   

The Science Report

Today's guest bloggers are Anya, Jacob, and Ryan.

In science we are learning phases of the moon.  These are the phases:  new moon, waxing crescent, quarter moon, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter, waning crescent, and new moon again.  We are also learning how they look in each phase.  We started a moon journal.  How it works is, we write one fact each night. We also have to look at the moon, or research on an electronic how it looks. Our teacher picks two people to share one of their facts at morning meeting.  Here are some facts:  it takes the moon 27.3 days to orbit the earth; \there are eight planets and three dwarf planets;  there is no life on our moon; the moon has no atmosphere;  there is low gravity on the moon.  Next, we are going to study star constellations.  

The Latest News

This week we have five guest bloggers.   Georgia, Chris, Adriana, Connor and Caleb are going to tell you what's new in room 16.

Book Fair starts tomorrow.  We have it on Monday, our library day.  It will also be open during the Pumpkin Stroll.  Remember to send money or a check with your child, or you can come in during it to shop with your child.  If you forget your money, you can fill out a wish list during the book fair, and then buy the books during the Pumpkin Stroll.

One of our specials is PE.  We do activities to get our heart pumping.  We learn about our bones in our bodies, and how to get them healthier.  We watch videos and read books about the things that we are learning about, like bullying, healthy things, and strangers.  This is the only special we have twice a week.  Recently we ran the mile.  We get our arms stronger on the bar.  In health Mrs. Doyle sets up different activities for us to do.

Another special is art.  Art is where we color and paint.  We learn about artists and their paintings.  We learn new styles of painting, like texture or collage.  We made designs.  We had a special art class where we are making our own cardboard Mayflower.

In library we are reading and checking out books that are just right for us.  We are reading I Survived the Titanic.  After we check out our books we can sit at a table and start our books.  If we forget to return a book or choose not to check one out, we can do a word search instead. 

In chorus we sing songs.  At the end of each lesson, Mrs. MacMurray chooses a celebrity singer, which is someone who is very good and follows directions well.  She usually picks one boy and one girl each week, but sometimes picks more. 

In music we are singing songs and play on xylophones.  At the beginning of each class we sing Hello, Everyone. At the end of class we sing "Goodbye Everyone".  If we get more music notes on the good behavior side than the poor behavior side, we get a sticker on the sticker chart.  We have our own dot spot.  We had student teacher, Miss Mcomb.  Her last day was last Thursday.  

At morning meeting we greet each other every day.  Sometimes when we do our greeting, we skip count and greet that person. Sometimes we greet each other in different languages.  We play games and do activities.  We also read our morning message.  Sometimes we have special guests.  One day Mrs. Barca came, it was Mrs. Grinley's birthday, and we all got to sing Happy Birthday and dance. Two people always share something. Right now they are sharing facts from their moon journals.  We also have a closing circle each day where everyone tells what they think was the best part of the day.

At free time we can draw, play with Legos, play with base ten blocks, and much more.  The main part of free time is to catch up on work if needed. 

Quiet time is like free time because we have to catch up on work.  Instead of playing when done, we have to read quietly at our desks.  Every time we walk in from recess, Mrs. Grinley leaves a message that tells us what to do.  

This year we have Mrs. Ristaino, Mr. H. and Mrs. H. visiting during Reader's Workshop.  They read with us, and help us on fun projects.  We are happy to have them come in and help us.

 

 

 

 

 

We will begin topic 3 in math on Monday.  The vocabulary for this topic includes the following terms:

Equation                        a number sentence that uses an equal sign to show that the value to the

                                        is the same as the value to the right

 Inverse operation        operations that “undo” each other, such as addition and subtraction

 The following standard will be addressed:

3.NBT.A2  Fluently add and subtract within 1000 using strategies and algorithms based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction. 

 

I will be spending time this weekend creating passwords for the new online component of our math program.  Please look in your child's folder next week for these.  There will be resources available to help with homework and enable you to assist your child with math questions.  You will be able to access their textbook, as well as videos for each lesson taught, and lots of others helpful tools. 

Phases of the Moon

Here is a video we watched in class today.  The students found it quite engaging.  We will be having a quiz on the phases of the moon next week, and they thought watching this would be a good way to study.  Enjoy!

Upcoming information evenings

Hold the Date!

We will be running information evenings for parents about our new elementary math program AND the new report cards that will be issued in December. Please plan to join us as information will be presented by teachers, math specialists, and administrators on these two important topics. Each evening will run from 6:30PM-8:30PM.

November 5 - at Jefferson Elementary School for parents of children at Jefferson and Parmenter

November 6 - at Oak Street School for parents of children at Oak and Kennedy

November 12 - at Keller Elementary School for parents of children at Keller and DT

If you cannot attend on the evening designated for your child’s school, please feel free to join us for one of the other presentations. All materials will also be posted to school and district webpages after the last presentation.