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. 

March 9th

Science: We read a book called The Sun, the Wind, and the Rain to learn about both fast and slow changes to the Earth’s surface. Then, students examined the properties of a variety of materials that could be used to create a model of a solution (wind or water break) to help prevent the Sleeping Bear sand dunes from erosion. They planned, sketched, and built their designs. Next week, they will test their solutions!

Reading & Writing: 

We began a new unit this week called Investigating the Past. In this unit, students will read an informational social studies related text about primary sources and narrative nonfiction texts (diary, journal, personal narrative) that are examples of historical and contemporary firsthand accounts. We began with a text on the Oregon Trail. In phonics, we are learning about compound words and silent letters.

For writing, we are continuing to focus on the genre of narrative writing, but are switching to a personal narrative story, rather than fiction. Students spent the week brainstorming true events from their past that they can write about.

Math: In math we took our unit 3 Math Test. Then, we began a new unit on measurement. Students are using a variety of measuring tools to measure in both inches and centimeters.

March 1st

 Reading & Writing: 

This week we read, Why the Sky is Far Away and continued practicing the skills of making connections, comparing points of view, recounting stories, and determining their central message, lesson, or moral. 

During writing, students edited, revised, and shared their narrative fiction stories.  In our new unit we will be writing nonfiction letters. 

Science: In science this week we started our unit on erosion.  We did 2 experiments to see how wind and water affect rocks.  We will continue this learning next week. 

Math: In math we finished our lessons on subtracting and adding three digit numbers and then took our unit 3 math test.  Next week we will begin our unit on measurement.