Fun Happenings in Room 8

We had such a fun day the day before December break.  It was wonderful for the kids to just hang out with friends, play games, and enjoy one another!  Here are some pictures of them doing just that!

Magnetism

We are now focusing on magnetism in science.  This afternoon, students had so much fun using bar magnets to explore items around the room (and items from my junk drawer as well).  Prior to this activity, the N and S ends of the bar magnet were a bit of a mystery.  During this hands-on exploration, students discovered that when the same ends were near one another, they repelled.  This was fascinating and fun for students to see!  Students were able to recall what they learned about positive and negative electrons to further their understanding of this concept.

In reading, we are learning to use a new strategy called, RACES, to help us formulate more in-depth written responses for open-ended questions.  During reading this morning, we used this step-by-step strategy to create a response for a story recently read in class.  Tomorrow, students will practice another question in pairs before attempting this independently.  The system also gives students sophisticated sentence starters for citing their evidence, explaining/elaborating their ideas, and summarizing their thinking.  This will make a big impact on students' ability to respond to reading in writing.  Look for this type of work to come home in future Friday Folders. 

Christmas Around the World!

This morning, students completed a Google Classroom Assignment to learn how people all over the world celebrate the winter holidays of Christmas and Hannukah. 


Student pairs followed links to various websites and then used their nonfiction reading skills to find specific facts and details.  Everyone really enjoyed learning how other countries celebrate! 

 Evy and Jonathan listening closely for key information!

 Katherine and Jordan make a great team!

 Tara and Kuin hunting for facts!

 Jack and Kieran thinking deeply about what they're watching.

 Nathaniel and Will enjoying the video on Italy.

 Clara and Phoebe - the dynamic duo!

 Nate and John did a great job on this "webhunt!"

 Beckett and Dylan were all business!

Ella and Avery working hard.

What's Been Happening in Room 8?

It has been a tremendously busy month here at school.  Just before Thanksgiving break, our classroom had an opportunity to meet with Sixth Grade Buddies.  They shared all of the wonderful work they've been doing on their geography projects.  The sixth graders did a spectacular job sharing what they've learned from their research.

In science, we've been learning about electrical energy.  Students have had several opportunities to explore static electricity with objects in the classroom.  As you can imagine, everyone had a blast with this!  For this lesson, we've learned about electrical charges and how different charges interact.  Students are using vocabulary such as attract, repel, static electricity, discharge, and electrical charge.  In class, students have explored how to create static electricity with various objects, and today, we used six different brands of dryer sheets to see if we could eliminate static electricity.  Thank you for the donations everyone!

Throughout November we learned how to solve two-step word problems using bar models to represent our thinking.  Recently, we have started learning about multiplication and division.  To help your child work more accurately and efficiently in class, please have them continue to practice their multiplication tables at home each day.  Even 5-10 minutes every afternoon will make a difference!

In reading, we have been learning about nonfiction text features.  This term, students will be using these nonfiction text features to further their comprehension.  During the next several months, we will be identifying main ideas and details, comparing and contrasting, and exploring cause and effect.  You will see all sorts of text and graphic organizers coming home on Fridays that reflect the type of reading and thinking that we're doing in class.

As I mentioned during conferences, Term 2 is focused on Opinion Writing.  Right now, students are finishing their first essays.  They could choose topics from:  1) Should people be allowed to have wild animals as pets? 2) Should schools allow more time for recess? 3) Should students have homework? and 4) Should children be allowed screen time during the school week?  Please look for these to come home soon!

Last week, we participated in the Hour of Code with Mrs. Kosakowski.  Everyone was able to explore coding on the iPads by using Lightbot Junior.  Students were so wonderful at helping one another to conquer new levels!  Even I gave it a try....but I must admit, I didn't do as well as the kids!

Next week will be a quick week.  I want to wish everyone a happy holiday season.  May you and your families enjoy a wonderful winter break!