Week 9

Dear Parents,

        We are moving forward in our problem solving strategies with number talks and word problems. Our word problems have two digit numbers that we add together with and without regrouping. We are able to use a strip diagram (a part/part/whole box to help us see what the  word problem is asking us to do.

         In language we discovered that there are four types of sentences: statements, questions, exclamations, and commands. We used which punctuation marks go with these sentences. We were challenged to use all four in a writing piece on a topic of their choice. 

          In reading we read the Signmaker’s Assistant. We looked at the clues in the illustrations and in the text to use as evidence to decide what type of community was the setting of this story. We also used text evidence to take a comprehension check. W e used some of our reading time to plan our communities with our groups.

            In science we learned that physical properties of matter can be changed by cutting, folding, tearing, sanding and combining different types of matter. We learned that the properties of matter can be important when choosing building materials. Four groups were challenged to get a cotton ball as high off their desk as possible using, tape, rubber bands, string and either spaghetti or pipe cleaners. All groups were successful raising the cottontail up several centimeters. Congratulations to all groups. 

            In Social Studies we focused on the Leader in Me Habits think win-win and seek first to understand, then be understood. We learned that we all win when we fill each other’s emotional banks. We learned to listen with our eyes, ears, and hearts.

              We had building day on Thursday! What a great time we had working together to see our plans becoming a reality. See our blog for pictures of our communities made with recyclables!