Inquiry
Stuff in Motion: What is motion? How do we measure motion? This week we investigate distance over time, applying our addition skills to add units of length, time and volume. While building a water box system, the Magical Minds will explore the rate of flow as we seek to move water from one side of the garden to another.
Math
Math Stories (aka Word Problems): Instead of giving the Magical Minds a set of word problems to solve, we examine problem-solving strategies by creating our own math stories. As they solve each other’s stories, the Magical Minds will apply their addition, multiplication, subtraction, and division skills.
Reading
Character: This week we examine characters in our books, identifying internal and external traits. We will discuss the descriptive language used to describe physical characteristics (external) as well as personality attributes (internal). This investigation will help us increase our empathy for others, as we seek to understand why characters behave the way they do.
Writing
Publishing: Last week, we dissected an old book and continued working on our rough drafts. This week in Writer’s Workshop, we’ll wrap up our drafts and begin publication! We’ll use our learning from the dissection to create hardcovers in the coming weeks.
Word Study
CVC-e Spelling Pattern (aka “The Bossy ‘E’”): This week we introduce the CVC-e pattern, which most commonly makes a long vowel sound: bake, mute, tone… We will compare this pattern with the CVC pattern, illuminating similarities and differences.
Homework
Monday
Read: Especially since there is no school on Monday, I expect the Magical Minds to spend at least 30 minutes reading, which can be broken into two 15 minute reading periods.
Tuesday
Story Creator Website: http://www.carnegielibrary.org/kids/storymaker/embed.cfm
Spend some time exploring the Story Creator Website (also found on the “Literacy” page of our classroom website). Don’t worry about writing a whole story, just familiarize yourself with all the character and setting options!
Wednesday
Reading Party:
Question of the week - How would you describe the character in your book? Use the guide sheet to keep track of your thinking.
Thursday
Online Game - Sumdog: Login to sumdog.com, which can be found on the “Numeracy” page of our classroom website. Erin will give you a username and password. Change your profile to reflect your personality. This week’s challenge is to play at least five different games.
Current Events Schedule (in alphabetical order)
Check out our collection of kid-friendly news resources.
Tuesday - Porfirio
Wednesday -Sophie
Thursday - Tasso
Friday - William
Announcements
Conferences on Monday (No school. Bookends is open): I look forward to seeing you all on Monday for our first conference of the year. During this time we will discuss your child’s strengths and goals for the year. The schedule can be found by clicking here. See you then!
School Photos -Wednesday, October 19th: Come to school dressed in your best.
New “Welcome” Page: I have created a new page on our classroom website called, “Welcome.” On this page you will find a classroom calendar, which has information about school closures, photo days, current events and homework. There are also photo albums with pictures from our classroom. Enjoy!
Stuff in Motion: What is motion? How do we measure motion? This week we investigate distance over time, applying our addition skills to add units of length, time and volume. While building a water box system, the Magical Minds will explore the rate of flow as we seek to move water from one side of the garden to another.
Math
Math Stories (aka Word Problems): Instead of giving the Magical Minds a set of word problems to solve, we examine problem-solving strategies by creating our own math stories. As they solve each other’s stories, the Magical Minds will apply their addition, multiplication, subtraction, and division skills.
Reading
Character: This week we examine characters in our books, identifying internal and external traits. We will discuss the descriptive language used to describe physical characteristics (external) as well as personality attributes (internal). This investigation will help us increase our empathy for others, as we seek to understand why characters behave the way they do.
Writing
Publishing: Last week, we dissected an old book and continued working on our rough drafts. This week in Writer’s Workshop, we’ll wrap up our drafts and begin publication! We’ll use our learning from the dissection to create hardcovers in the coming weeks.
Word Study
CVC-e Spelling Pattern (aka “The Bossy ‘E’”): This week we introduce the CVC-e pattern, which most commonly makes a long vowel sound: bake, mute, tone… We will compare this pattern with the CVC pattern, illuminating similarities and differences.
Homework
Monday
Read: Especially since there is no school on Monday, I expect the Magical Minds to spend at least 30 minutes reading, which can be broken into two 15 minute reading periods.
Tuesday
Story Creator Website: http://www.carnegielibrary.org/kids/storymaker/embed.cfm
Spend some time exploring the Story Creator Website (also found on the “Literacy” page of our classroom website). Don’t worry about writing a whole story, just familiarize yourself with all the character and setting options!
Wednesday
Reading Party:
Question of the week - How would you describe the character in your book? Use the guide sheet to keep track of your thinking.
Thursday
Online Game - Sumdog: Login to sumdog.com, which can be found on the “Numeracy” page of our classroom website. Erin will give you a username and password. Change your profile to reflect your personality. This week’s challenge is to play at least five different games.
Current Events Schedule (in alphabetical order)
Check out our collection of kid-friendly news resources.
Tuesday - Porfirio
Wednesday -Sophie
Thursday - Tasso
Friday - William
Announcements
Conferences on Monday (No school. Bookends is open): I look forward to seeing you all on Monday for our first conference of the year. During this time we will discuss your child’s strengths and goals for the year. The schedule can be found by clicking here. See you then!
School Photos -Wednesday, October 19th: Come to school dressed in your best.
New “Welcome” Page: I have created a new page on our classroom website called, “Welcome.” On this page you will find a classroom calendar, which has information about school closures, photo days, current events and homework. There are also photo albums with pictures from our classroom. Enjoy!