Math:
Jack and the Beanstalk was a story that was used to help connect us to where we are today in math-using number lines. First, we used precision to measure extra large beans with unifix cubes. Then, we transitioned to measuring beans with unifix cubes on paper. Finally, it led us to using an open number line where we had to learn to draw our jumps and mark them. This is another tool that helps us show our math thinking.
Jack and the Beanstalk was a story that was used to help connect us to where we are today in math-using number lines. First, we used precision to measure extra large beans with unifix cubes. Then, we transitioned to measuring beans with unifix cubes on paper. Finally, it led us to using an open number line where we had to learn to draw our jumps and mark them. This is another tool that helps us show our math thinking.
Below are 2 strategies that I taught the children in the last week and a half to help them start to feel comfortable with adding on number lines. We will begin working more on subtracting on number lines as well. In order to use these 2 strategies, we have been practicing counting forward and backwards from any number by 10's. This has been practiced verbally and by writing it down on paper. I will be reviewing a little more this week before I give our unit 2 assessment.
I have also started having "Word Problem Wednesdays". Each week, I put up a word problem or two on chart paper and we solve it together. It gives the children a chance to see how others are solving their problems and showing their work. It also exposes them to the different types of word problems shown below. After we do them together, I give the children 2 problems to try on their own. We will continue to do this every Wednesday for a few months. It is always good to keep practicing solving word problems!
Writing: We worked on paragraphs for a few weeks. I focused on starting with a strong lead, ending with a wrap- up sentence, and adding detail sentences in the middle. This will help us with our next unit of study in Lucy Caulkins in which we will be creating a nonfiction book of our own. So far, we have brainstormed ideas that we feel we are "experts" on and picked one. I gave the children a tree map thinking map(see picture below) to begin organizing their thoughts on so we can begin writing our nonfiction book chapters. We are all very excited and can't wait to start writing!
Science: High Tech/High Touch is a company that brings science experiences into the classroom. Mrs. Saia wrote a grant that allowed us to have them come to our room right before winter break. They taught us all about "Rocks and Minerals" with some hands-on experiences. The children LOVED it! They got to pan for rocks and minerals, sort, classify, touch, and take home rocks and minerals.
Reading: I was able to wrap up our Schoolwide Fiction Unit. We are now starting our Nonfiction Unit. It goes along perfectly with our writing nonfiction unit! So far we compared and contrasted fiction and nonfiction books with a partner. Each group was able to share their findings with the class. I then introduced some of the main nonfiction text features that you will find in nonfiction books. We each had a chance to search for them in a nonfiction book.
In addition, I continue to have guided reading groups every week. We will be starting to use nonfiction books in our groups this week.
Until next time....
Mrs Miller
Mrs Miller