We began Writing Workshop this week by writing about our vacations. We're challenging ourselves to write more details when we tell true stories. We also launched our new writing unit: Persuasive Writing! We are learning how to make a difference and solve problems using PENCIL POWER! We began by looking for problems in the room that we could write about, and then writing to solve them. Many of us are making posters to hang around the room.
In Reading Workshop this week we learned that strong readers think of exact words to describe how their characters are feeling, not just "happy" and "sad". Then we learned how to play a game with our partners called "Guess the Feeling". We are also trying to have deeper discussions with our partners about our books- really listening to what one another is saying. We learned how to "earn stars" while having a book talk, and we tried to earn as many as possible (see photo). We read No, David!, which became an instant hit. We identified the problems in the story and discussed why they were problems, and how they could be solved. This helped us prepare for our persuasive writing unit. Last, we also read Gosie, which introduced us to new sight words. We learned that sometimes an author uses words like: "they", "them" and "their" and the reader needs to figure out to whom or what that author is referring! Tricky work!
In math, we worked on using a number line to combine two sets and counting forward to find the total. We practiced this all week, and then began a new unit on Friday. Look for the note with more information coming home today.
We really enjoyed experimenting with Google Maps in our geography lessons. We talked about when a paper map would be better than a digital one, and vice versa.
In our science lessons, we learned about Earth Day and observed our changing apple tree outside the classroom window. It's growing apple blossom buds! Everyone had a blast when Mad Science came to Kindergarten! We did all kinds of cool experiments. Thank you to Mrs. Doody and Mrs. Rogers for your help!
We had a grade-wide Morning Meeting this week and Mrs. Farson taught us some strategies to keep a positive attitude and calm down when we're frustrated.
April showers bring May flowers! Everyone made a springtime umbrella craft (see photo).
News and Notes:
- Book sleeves due Monday.
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| Combining sets with a number line |
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| Grade-level Morning Meeting |
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| Learning how to "Belly Breathe" |
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| Readers can earn stars by having a deeper conversation about their texts |
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| Mad Science fun! |
