Math: Today we spent a considerable amount of time devoted to solving the same problem using 8 different ways. Of the 8 ways, the "parent short-cut" method was included...I have received a couple of questions as to why we are learning so many different ways to solving the same problems - this process helps to build proficiency that is critical to flexibly thinking about unfamiliar problems in the future. Attacking unfamiliar problems is the essence of application... I'm now climbing down from my soapbox.

Tonight's homework could be one of two options: those who worked with me in small group using decimals/fractions/percents should complete the practice page while the other students should complete the 4 problems in their journals using at least 3 different methods.

Language Arts:

The World in Your Kitchen - We reread the story and shared our response to last night's prompt. Overall, we struggled to explain "why" refrigeration was "more important" than transportation...instead, explained why refrigeration was important. It's these subtleties that we miss too many times.

Charlotte's Web - We discussed yesterday's RRJ prompt and began reading chapters 10-12.

William & Mary - We completed a two-day activity where we shared our persuasive paragraphs and provided specific feedback to each other. In addition, we also agreed on a grade that each paragraph earned. This feedback will be photocopied and glued in their journals.

Science: We continued our discussion of the importance of honey bees in the pollination process.

Math: We discussed last week's quiz through the lens of adjustments and improvements. AS you know, we've spent quite a bit of time the last few weeks trying to strengthen our understandings of fractions and money. Short of some computation errors, I feel we are ready to move onward...

With that said, we built upon our fractions knowledge by exploring percents and decimals. This has been a perennial trouble area in the upper grades so we are taking it nice and sloooowwwww...

Homework - Everyone is to complete the reteach page only. Plus, they should have their quizzes signed and returned.

Language Arts:

Perfect Paper Airplanes - I mixed it up today...we worked with the latest issue of Time For Kids. The should reread the issue tonight with an adult.

Charlotte's Web - We had an eye-opening discussion of boastful behavior. Tonight they should reread chapter 9 and think about instances where Charlotte and/or Fern are disappointed in Wilbur and times where they admire him...

William and Mary - We continued discussing our persuasive activity by focusing on the introductory sentence in small group, breaking out into 2 groups to revise the introductions, and pairing off to provide feedback to a peer...final draft is due tomorrow so I'm interested to find out how effective the peer review aspect was...

Science - The herbs are looking great! In addition to comparing the herbal growth rates to the package information, we created our bee sticks that will be used for cross-pollination for the remainder of the year.