Our Week In Review

These photos are from last week. Ask your child about these experiences ~ they may spark some new conversations.  Check out our twitter (@mertenladybugs) here on the right panel or on twitter directly. Our blog will be one way to keep communication going during this unique time.

And such perfect timing... these former ladybugs stopped by for a visit on Thursday afternoon.  It was so nice to see them!

 

LUNCH DOODLES with Mo Willems! Episode One: Welcome to Mo’s Studio!

Hey Gang!  Check out Mo Willems in his studio- teaching us to draw.

Mythic Warriors- Theseus and the Minotaur

Information about Math Tools and Productive Struggle

Below is a video on how we are using the beaded number line during math.  Please note that we use BIG clothespins, not the mini ones that you see utilized in the video.

Also, I wanted to share a video about "productive struggle". We embrace this concept in our learning across all subjects.  This video discusses what productive struggle is, and how it looks in the classroom.

Way To Go!

Our Week In Review

We returned from vacation to lovely, warm weather!  We enjoyed being outside and having the fresh air in our classroom.

In reading this week, we discussed heroes and the characteristics of heroes.  We carefully read nonfiction articles about different types of heroes and discussed characteristics of heroes.  We made connections to our most recent interactive read aloud, Saving Winslow. Students chose a character from Saving Winslow, and then brainstormed and wrote what makes that character a hero.  Next week we will begin learning about Greek Mythology.  We will continue discussing the characteristics of heroes and making connections across the myths we read.

Students continue to share the books they love through Book Talks.

In addition to writing about heroes, our writers began to write the next chapter in Saving Winslow.  This partner activity has been fun for the students, and they will continue writing this next week.  We will share these stories throughout the week.

During Social Studies, we began learning about our capital, Washington, D.C. We "traveled" to DC through Google Expeditions and students were introduced to the DC project and we began discussing how to closely read nonfiction in order to find important information.  Students will continue to research and work on this project throughout the week. 

In math we have been learning about decimals and making the connection between decimals and fractions.  Students used beaded number lines in order to show the concept of decimals in tenths and hundredths.  This tool helped the students understand this concept clearly.  We will continue with these concepts this week.  Our test is scheduled for the following week.

We also learned a new math game - Decimal War!