Our persuasive writing unit is so exciting! We looked at examples of strong, persuasive writing and noted what "tools" they used to really get their readers to listen: bold words, ALL CAPITALS, dramatic punctuation (!!!), before and after illustrations, etc. Persuasive writers have to clearly state the problem or need, give many examples on why it's important, and then suggest at least one solution. All of our authors began writing persuasive letters this week as well. You may be getting one!
We did another Exemplar in math this week, where we needed to add together multiple groups and clearly show our problem solving. Students used the tools with which they were most comfortable. Some chose diagrams, others equations, tables or ten frames. After solving the problem, we met together to share our strategies, the vocabulary words that we used and the connections we made. See our problem solving in a photo below.
We began our social studies unit on geography this week! The students examined maps and noticed and wondered about them. Next, we learned about the importance of a key on a map. We used keys on various maps to find bathrooms, police stations, gift shops, etc. Then we studied the compass rose and played games trying to give directions to get our friends to specific destinations.
In science we are learning about living things- how they grow and change over time. First, we examined a pile of items and sorted them into living and nonliving. We noticed that all living things grow and reproduce. Then, we went out to our school garden and aerated the soil while searching for creatures. We're busy watching things grow all around us: our apple tree outside the window and even us! We're growing, too! We played a fun game where we matched our baby pictures to our current kindergarten pictures. Everyone is growing!
News & Notes:
- thank you to Mrs. Himel, Katz, Sedlock and Webb for playing games with us!
- We are visiting the school book fair and forming our wishlists next week! Look for your child's list in his/her backpack on Monday. There was no Scholastic book order in April because we would love for you to go to the BOOK FAIR!
- Monday is MAY DAY! The Leadership League is asking all students to wear bright, spring colors.
- Please see the post (and note sent home) about our upcoming field trip next Friday.
- Book sleeves are due next Monday.
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| Our Concert was a big hit! Great job! |
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| Beginning Geography |
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| Really exciting science happening right outside our window! |
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| This week's Exemplar |
