You're It

Here is this week's, "You're It!"  #takeabow #goodforyou

A Big Bite

Who says that vacation is over?  We spent a great deal of time in Washington D.C.!  We watched a video about the memorials and monuments, took a virtual tour of D.C. with the VR googles, created the final copy booklet and started our research project.  In technology workshop, Mrs. Merten modeled the correct way to cite an internet resource and how to use the internet to take research notes.  Please see the chart below for a visual on the notes and search your in box for an email with specific details about technology workshop.  

 In math we have been focusing on decimals and fractions.  We have been using a beaded number line to develop these skills and the students find it to ba a very useful tool.   Here is a video on how we used the beaded number line.  Please note that we use BIG clothespins, not the mini ones that you see utilized in the video.

We also played "Decimal War," with decimal playing cards to compare decimals.  So fun and engaging!!

 Adverbs are the focus of word study in room 23. It is one skill to identify an averb in isolation but entirely another when you have to do it with an actual book.  This was a challenge for students but productive struggle is an important learning tool.

We embrace "productive struggle,"  in room 23 across all curriculum areas.  Here is a quick video that discusses what "productive struggle," is and what it looks like in the classroom.

Our next unit of study in reader's workshop is Mythology!!! The students are very excited to start this unit.  Students will be reading mini myths and will have the opportunity to view various short videos of myths and discuss the similarities and differences in the two mediums.  Also, be on the lookout this week for an email about an OPTIONAL book club that is for students and parents with the book, The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.    Please note, this book is not a myth, it is a 375 page fantasy novel.  

We will be focusing on self control and respect this week in room 23 as we continue to build community and relationships.  As a contibutor the blog, Teachers, Books, Readers, I shared a post about the book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy.  There was an overwhelmingly positive response from readers about the "Lines we Love and Live by," chart that we created as a class.  Charlie Mackesy himself even commented about how much he "loves what we do."  I am so glad that students had the chance to read this book and that so many families did too!
Here is a screen shot of his tweet:

Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Williams

A Big Bite

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!    

I'm sorry that I could not be with you today, I am sure that you had a great day!!

We have been busy learning about fractions and students created fraction posters to demonstrate their learning.  They participated in a gallery walk to showcase their work.

 In science, we are wrapping up the life science unit and have been participating in various experiments to learn more about internal and external structures of plants.

On February 5th, we participated in World Read Aloud day with Mrs. Henault's class.  We read picture books, painted pictures of favorite scenes and created a Google slide to discuss the theme of the book with a second grade friend.  We will be sharing the slide show soon!

 In reader's workshop we have finished Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech and will start a new unit of study after the break.  Students are writing rap poems in poetry workshop and have finished memory poems after reading the book, gone Fishing by Tamera Will Wissinger.  Our study of the United States will continue with a stop in Wshington D.C. when we return from Februaty vacation.
Have a great vacation and stay tuned to Twitter; the next round of  "Where's Williams?" starts next week!
Mrs. Williams

You're It

Here is this week's, "You're It!" #goodforyou #keepitup

A Big Bite

We started the week with a guided meditation to focus on goal directed behavior.  Setting small, daily goals and evaluating those goals for success is one way to work toward achieving larger goals.

Adjectives are our focus in word study.  Can you find an adjective to describe the effort these students are demonstrating?

Dog day was a huge success.  We created Origami dogs, played vocabulary charades, and ate some very creative snacks.  Great job everyone!  Check out these pictures from the day!

These dogs are discussing the math problems, smart dogs!

Cocoa Krispies make a great bowl of "dog food!"

According to his owner, this little dog farted when he came into the classroom!  

It was a great week filled with learning, growing and fun!

Have a great weekend.

Mrs. Williams