January in Review

Room 13 rang in the New Year with smiles on our faces, happy to be reunited.  We have been working hard and playing hard! Read on to find out how.... 

"Far Out" in space...

We have been immersed in our Solar System Unit both in the Science Lab and in the classroom. We have been learning about all of the planets and how each planet is unique. We have watched videos, read books, and researched each planet's facts and important information.  In addition, students worked in cooperative groups to research their randomly assigned planet in the computer lab.  They used a variety of websites and books to become experts on their planet.  They have started creating PowerPoints with their research, and we know they will be OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!!! We were also VERY impressed with the Enrichment Solar System Projects.  Students presented board games, books, posters and models. We were able to see information about the Solar System presented in exciting and creative ways.  Thank you to all who participated!

Biography Fun               

Our writing unit has been informative and interesting, so far.  Your children have been researching an important person; either a historical figure or someone important from present day.  They have been using key words like: challenges/struggles, achievements/accomplishments, and lesson learned/inspiration to focus in on important things about their person.  They have used multiple resources to research their given person i.e.  internet, books, articles, BrainPop Jr., etc. Students now know to be good authors of a biography, you need to read closely and reflect on what you have read.  We are asking students to think about why their person is important and how they are inspired.  Have a conversation with your child about who inspires them and why!


Measurement Matters!                   

Our current unit in math is focusing in on measurement in meters and centimeters. The unit has given us an opportunity to have discussions on the two different systems of measurement and why it is important to be familiar with both.  Although this particular unit targets length, we used this opportunity to discuss different kinds of measurement.  We were impressed with the children's knowledge.  We hope that you can take the time at home to discuss measurement when it applies.  We talked about how it is a real world skill that will help the students long after the unit is over.

P.S. Bar Models are being used to determine when to add or subtract when reading a Real World Problem! Reading carefully and showing your work is always important when solving a math problem.


Fun in Fundations!            

Our last unit brought up the topic of prefixes and suffixes.  We talked about how both of these can change the meaning of a base word.  We loved analyzing words and breaking them apart to discover their true meaning.  We also created a fun art project related to compound words.  We had students each illustrate one word.  We then asked them to find a child in class with a word that can be combined with their word to make a whole new word.  Example: butter + fly = butterfly.  We talked about how the meaning can completely change!

What are you WONDERING?                    

Our Reading Workshop skill has been wondering.  Students have learned that they can wonder before they read, while they read, and after they read.  We have stressed the importance of asking questions and being an active reader.  You can wonder before you read about a picture, a title, or even the plot that will possibly unfold.  During the reading, you may wonder when you want to know more about something, when you are confused about a part, when you want to know the meaning of a new word, or at the end of a book. Sometimes, you are left wondering about how a story ended (almost like a cliffhanger!)  Asking questions is an important skill that demonstrates you are immersed in your reading.

Scientist's of the Week

This month, we continue to be WOWED by the experiments performed by the scientists in Room 13.  This month spotlighted Kyle, Samantha, and Brooke T.  Check out the pictures below to see them in action!

We hope you enjoyed the January Edition of our blog! With such a short month ahead, stay tuned for our next addition in March! Until then.....think Spring thoughts and be safe in this winter wonderland!