April 19th

Reading & Writing: 

A few skills we worked on this week include: explain how images contribute to and clarify a text, describe a connection between a series of events, identify main purpose of a text, and identify different points of view. We used a story called “Bonita Springs Debates Its Future” to practice the previously mentioned skills. 

In writing, our class generated our rough drafts about penguins. Each student wrote an introduction, two chapters, a conclusion, and a glossary. In addition to including topic specific vocabulary the students added quotes and referenced the source. 

Math: In math we have been learning about polygons. We know how to identify sides, angles, and vertices along with naming different shapes. We also began learning about how to partition shapes, as well.

Social Studies: This week we began our study of economics. We have learned about saving vs. spending, needs and wants, and more. Our class enjoyed playing a shopping game in which they had the opportunity to practice decision making regarding money. 

April 12th

Reading & Writing: 

We read two passages this week, “Water’s Awesome Wonder” and “Earth’s Changes”. We practiced making connections to our previous science unit, monitoring our comprehension, and using text features to help clarify the text. We also practiced reading with good fluency and expression while performing reader's theater plays.

In writing, students narrowed their focus on penguins to select two subtopics they wanted to write about. They worked to find a quote and vocabulary words with definitions they can include in their reports. We also began drafting our introduction and first subtopic section.

Math: In math we learned how to add and subtract using a number line. Then, we reviewed our measurement skills and took our Unit 4 test.

Science: This week students began to explore the materials they could use to create a prototype of a penguin habitat for a zoo. We learned that some materials can be better insulators than others. Students worked in groups to create sketches for their habitat designs. Then they built their prototypes, and we tested them under a heat lamp. 

Partial Solar Eclipse Fun

April 7th

Reading & Writing: 

We read two passages this week, “Water’s Awesome Wonder” and “Earth’s Changes”. We practiced making connections to our previous science unit, monitoring our comprehension, and using text features to help clarify the text. We also read The Sandwich Swap and Three Hens and a Peacock to review point of view.

In writing, students narrowed their focus on penguins to select two subtopics they wanted to write about. They worked to find a quote and vocabulary words with definitions they can include in their reports. We also began drafting our introduction and first subtopic section.

Science: This week students began to explore the materials they could use to create a prototype of a penguin habitat for a zoo. We learned that some materials can be better insulators than others. Students worked in groups to create sketches for their habitat designs. 

Math: In math we learned how to add and subtract using a number line. Then, we reviewed our measurement skills and took our Unit 4 test.

March 30th

 Math: In math we continued learning all about measurement. We have learned about comparing measurements. We have also learned about adding and subtracting measurements.

Science: We started our new unit called “Home for a penguin.” We talked about different needs of different animals in their habitats. We also talked about how scientists and engineers are alike and different. Our experiment allowed for us to explore different materials to determine some of their properties.

Reading & Writing: 

This week during phonics, we practiced spelling words with related root words. We also read a story in our magazines called “A Dinosaur Named SUE.” We used our close reading strategies to explain how images help us better understand the story we are reading. Also, we discussed how events in a story are connected. 

At writing time, we worked on wrapping up our narrative nonfiction letters. We revised with sensory words and edited for capitals, punctuation, and spelling. 

March 15th

 Reading & Writing: 

This week during phonics we practiced spelling words with inflectional endings that have spelling changes. We also read a story in our magazines called “Primary Sources.” We used our close reading strategies to identify the main topic and key supporting details. 

At writing time, we worked on writing narrative nonfiction letters. We used our planning pages to help organize our thoughts as we wrote our drafts. 

Math: In math we have been busy learning all about measurement. We have learned about inches, feet, and yards. We have also learned about centimeters and meters. Measuring items around the classroom has been a fun way to practice our knowledge of measurement. 

Science: We engineered devices to help save the sand dunes from erosion. Then we tested our designs against the elements. We observed how well our designs held up against gentle waves and strong waves. Then we tested them using a hairdryer to see how they would hold up against gentle and strong winds.