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!

A "Spookley" Week!

We have made it through the first nine week grading period and had lot's of fun along the way!  This week was jam packed with math and reading assessments of all kinds, yet we managed to have some "delicious" fun too!
In writing we have begun focusing on organization as a part of the "6 Traits of Writing" framework we use. We read the book "The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin" by  Joe Troiano

and followed up by making edible "Spookleys."  Afterwards, we discussed what we did and wrote a recipe to practice using transitional words.  Here are some pictures:

We also discussed character traits and compared "Spookley" to a character we read about last week named "Stellaluna."  A Venn diagram was used to record our work:

The students also enjoyed a new game on the interactive white board called "Clothesline Spelling" where they hang letters on the clothesline to spell words given by the teacher.   All students seated on the carpet used dry erase boards to practice right along with the student at the IWB.  (Thanks to David at TPT!)

On Friday, our school celebrated with a "Dress Like a Farmer Day" as a culmination to a special week dedicated to "Relay for Life" with donations being collected in each classroom throughout the week.

See you next week!  Halloween is just around the corner!