Language Arts |
Religion |
It was another busy week at St. Francis, starting with Language Arts. Our focus in reading class this week was on genre, specifically looking at the difference between fiction and nonfiction. Next week, we will look at a lot of the different types of fiction. We've also been enjoying reading City of Ember. The students are doing a great job of picking out sensory details and can't wait to read it each day. They seem to be getting better about taking AR tests, so that is good news.
In writing, we are nearing the end of our first published books. This week, the students worked with partners to revise their stories, add sensory details, make sentences more understandable, and add more descriptive language. It's taken us a while, but I'm really hoping they're done and on the shelf next week! Spelling routines are starting to stick. We added a fun new way to practice our words to our stations this week! We used the Osmo Words app! |
We wrapped up chapter 1 this week by learning about the early church and Jesus' disciples! Next week we will take a break from the textbook and learn from our virtues program!
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Social Studies
We also took part in our 2nd Mystery Skype, and our first international Mystery Skype! The students did a great job figuring out the continent, country, county, and even the city where the mystery class was located! We found out that they were in Newhaven in Sussex County, England! The students couldn't wrap their brains around the fact that the kids in England had to go because their school day was almost over even though ours was just starting! We'll have to spend some time talking about time zones! Keep up to date on our Skype adventures on our Mystery Skype page!
Math
Science
In science this week, we continued to look at adaptations, and started to categorize them based on how they help the animal. We learned that they can use adaptations for things like defense, getting food, and movement. The students then made their own creatures and created a habitat with the things it would need. they described some of the physical and behavioral adaptations of their creatures, which are now on display in the hallway, next to our classroom door.
You may have also noticed our challenge for you on Facebook! The students decorated animal cut-outs and hid them in plain sight around our classroom using camouflage! See how many you can find! |
Cardboard Challenge
We started by watching a video about the little boy who was the inspiration for the Cardboard Challenge. It is really a great video and it really got the kids excited!
After watching the video, we had a quick meeting to figure out what the kids wanted to make. We could have all made little things, but I wanted to do something bigger, and so did the kids! They came up with some really good ideas, like making a Fed-ex truck, a theater, a campground, and Jack's grocery store. After a little bit of talking, we realized that all of those things are part of a town, so we decided to make a town! And not just any town, we were going to make Manistique! After deciding on a few important landmarks, we headed to the gym to get to work!
After having a near stroke at the massive mess (and general ruckus) they were creating, I was happy to see the students working together, being kind, sharing, and following directions! It's hard to let kids make a mess sometimes, but it was so worth it! It made my teacher heart so happy to see how excited the kids were about their projects! After a while, we got some back-up from the 7/8 graders who helped with cutting cardboard, figuring our logistics, and helping solve problems. I had initially planned to tear everything down at the end of the day, but the kids were SOOOO excited, that we talked to Mrs. Wood and decided to share our town with the school on Monday! A special thanks to the parents who brought in cardboard and for the parents that donated the box of Mr. McGroovy's Box Rivets. |
Check out more pictures on our Photo Page!
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Pumpkin Fluff Recipe
- 1 (16 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (low fat/reduced calorie works fine)
- 1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix (you can use sugar free as well)
- 1 (15 ounce) can solid pack pumpkin
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Looking Ahead
- The Parish Harvest Dinner is this Sunday.
- Interim reports will go home Tuesday. Please sign and return one copy by Friday. (I'll make an extra copy for you to keep)
- We have a fire prevention program coming up next Thursday. Our class took part in a poster contest, so we're excited to find out the winner!
Housekeeping
- Our book order forms haven't come in the mail yet, but you can order online at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs with the code L49RZ. Online orders are due Sunday, October 18 and paper orders are due Friday, October 16. Hopefully the forms will be here early next week (fingers crossed).
- The crazy fall weather is definitely here. Be sure your child is prepared to go outside each day.