In math, we are working on division. The students have learned various ways to show division including using base ten blocks, the distributive property, partial quotients, using compatible numbers to make estimates, and of course the standard algorithm. We started doing long division with double digit divisors. Up next is division of decimals! Please make sure to visit our Math > Unit 4 Division page for videos. These videos are good for both students and parents to help with understanding these various division strategies.
In ELA we have worked on identifying story elements (characters, setting, plot), summarizing (Somebody, Wanted, But, So, Then), and identifying the main idea. In addition, we are doing a genre study on Historical Fiction. The students are know in literature circles reading various books. Every group is reading a historical fiction book. We got the groups up and running on Monday and we are on our way! Please visit ELA > Historical Fiction for more details.
In social studies we wrapped up our study of the Columbian Exchange with an essay and are now onto TCI Chapter 6 - Early English Settlements. In this chapter, we will be learning about the success and failures of Roanoke, Jamestown, and Plymouth.
There have been some other fabulous happenings in our classroom as well! Students attended a Webinar hosted by TFK (Time For Kids) explaining their current research of Antarctica. Students were able to apply the X Marks the Spot strategy in a different way. We also welcomed Laurel Snyder, author of Bigger Than a Bread Box into our classroom through Skype. We finished reading Bigger Than a Bread Box and were able to ask Ms. Snyder many of our questions. She was a wonderful guest with a lot of advice on writing, and life in general. She also had advice for adults: engage in activities you find fun, but you aren't necessarily good at. We often stick with what we are good at and it was a nice reminder that we should be open to new experiences! Finally, the Museum of Science presented to the Rainbow Trout team with a focus on Simple Machines, Force, and Motion. Many students were able to get in on the action on stage. We are very grateful for all of the many wonderful things we are able to learn here at Mill Pond!