November Happenings Part 4! Whew!

November was such a busy month!  We learned about Pilgrims, Native Americans, and turkeys of course!  We are currently learning various ways to organize our writing.  "Organization" is one of the 6 traits of writing we use to help us become great writers.  Last time, I told you we were learning about and using transition words.  We also learned about timelines.  The students created their own timeline after reading about the story of the Pilgrims sailing on the Mayflower and their friendship with the Native Americans.

Then, as a follow-up, the kiddos used a graphic organizer to record the activities they do on a Saturday.  They used this to help them write the activities in order.

When learning about the help the Native Americans gave to the Pilgrims, we read about them showing the Pilgrims how to plant corn.  Well, of course, we had to taste-test some popcorn and work in some math along the way!  Everyone tasted three different flavors of popcorn and then we gathered our data.  (We also learned a new word - Data!) Following this we completed several different types of graphs and wrote about what the graphs were showing us.   (Interpreting and writing about data is a part of the Common Core State Standards.)

This month we also continued to learn why it is important to be able to make inferences about the characters and plots in the stories we read.  We also learned how to use the text features in nonfiction books to determine important information the author is trying to convey.  We discussed how we use inferences every day in real life.  For example, we check the weather forecast to decide how to dress for the day.  One of our favorite activities is called "The Picture of the Day."  Students get into their small groups and make inferences about a picture.  They take turns sharing the clues they see in the picture and everyone writes those down.  Then, as a group, the boys and girls make an inference as to what is happening in the picture.  When everyone finishes, we share these as a whole group.  We also, have a "Mystery Box" in which there is an object and the kiddos have to make inferences as to what it is based on the weight, sound, and smell, etc.  They love this activity!  Here are a few pictures of the groups working on the "Picture of the Day."

Towards the end of the month we had a school-wide celebration activity for PBIS. The students were taught several different dance steps and practiced them to everyone's enjoyment!  We had a great time!!

Also, a group brought a dairy-themed nutrition, and physical fitness program to our school.  The boys and girls got to have lots of fun while learning about healthy eating and the importance of exercise.

Our cafeteria staff also decorates for us to help inspire healthy eating and to make it a pleasurable experience during lunch.

On to December!!  Happy Holidays!

It's Already September!

We are off to a great start in Mrs. Nelson's classroom!  We have made many new friends and are learning the routines to make our day run smoothly.
When reading and writing we use the "Daily 5"  format. We learn what it "feels like", "looks like", and "sounds like" when we are doing our work.  So far we have practiced "Read to Self" and "Work on Writing" making classroom charts to refer to throughout the year.  We are building our stamina each and every day!  This means that we are training our brain and body "muscles" to be able to work quietly for a longer and longer time with each round of "Daily 5" we have.  We are learning to "get started right away" and "work the whole time."
We are reviewing the "Six Traits of Writing" and focusing right now on two of those traits.  One quality of good writing is using good conventions. In our daily journals we practice editing for spaces, using the correct spelling of word wall words,using capital letters at the beginning of sentences, and choosing the correct ending marks.  We are also learning about choosing the best topic and how to add details in our writing to make it more interesting.  When reading we are listening for "interesting" words that we can use in our writing.  We are planning to start using the website "Wall Wisher" to post the new, interesting words we find.  For more on this check out the "Wall Wisher" page on our classroom website. We have been amazed at the sentences our friends are writing already!
As you can see we have been very busy!  We will tell you what we have been working on in math next time!