Happy day in Skins' land...gotta love a fresh start!

Math: We used our warm-up this morning to break into three, distinct groups. Each group's follow-up became their homework for tonight which should be in their journals. I have been harping on their need to reflect/look back in their journals to help them when they get stuck on a problem. It's funny how this skill is something I hadn't learned until middle school but it's indicative of how concepts have trickled down to the lower grades...

Language Arts: We are beginning our shift to fables later this week. However, we dabbled one last time with folktales this morning. We discussed how interpretation of theme depends on the reader's emotion/reaction and his/her ability to support their belief using the text. It always works out well when someone scoffs at another's idea only to have this new idea be well supported...

Word study is about prefixes and is due January 15th.

Science: We examined how some vibrations aren't seen despite making audible sounds while explored how length effects pitch.

Speaking of science, Mrs. Harman visited our class today to discuss the science fair in February. I highly recommend participating in it - I attended last year and felt it presented a wonderful opportunity to pursue curiosities while applying scientific principles in a meaningful way. There is a sizable packet coming home tonight that further explains it.

Happy New Year! I hope your families are refreshed and ready to roll in 2010...

Math: We had a great review this morning of equivalency and simplifying/reducing fractions. I was pleasantly surprised by how much they remembered...but did have to remind some that the reason we show our work in our journals is to help us when we need a reminder about how to solve a problem. Tonight for homework they need to complete p.388 1-31 odd only. I expect them to simplify the sums where necessary.

Language Arts: We continued our discussion of theme by focusing on how we feel during the reading. Theme is often not explicitly there in the text and usually depends on the emotion created through the story. We also discussed verb tenses before jumping into helping verbs tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow - we will begin our research project with Mrs. Rose in the media center. This will be a culmination of our informational writing lessons, questioning strategies, and applying our note-taking methods in a practical way. This is NOT an at-home project. But you will see the finished brochure towards the end of the month.

JGB - We will have our shared inquiry discussion tomorrow.

Adventures of Spider - Explain how Spider got a thin waist. (Think about what caused him to be in the situation it the first place!)

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters - Describe how the story made you feel.