Kicking off 4th quarter!

Students had two busy first weeks of fourth quarter.  They spent last week reflecting on their progress made in 3rd quarter in reading and math. Critical reflecting and goal setting is the highest level of reflection and an important part of the learning process.  I hope you and your child enjoyed some time reviewing student work in their evidence binder and progress on report card together.   

In Language Arts...

• Students are learning that authors write to teach important lessons that we can apply to our own lives.  Many authors will often have a lesson in mind to teach even before the story is developed.  As good readers, it is our job to determine the central message and common theme.  We read many stories this week and last that taught us valuable lesson about teamwork, acceptance, courage, open-mindedness, and perseverance.  ​

• In addition, we continue to practice with author's message and retelling a story using great children's literature while addressing following standard: 2.RL.2 Recount stories, including fables and folktales from diverse cultures, and determine their central message, lesson, or moral.​

• Students are learning about opinion writing.  We read the story I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman Orloff, which depicts a little boy named Alex's strong desire to adopt his friend's pet iguana but first he has to convince his mother.   After reading the story, students took a stance on whether they felt Alex should get the iguana or whether he shouldn't.  Students used an O.R.E.O. (opinion, reasons, examples, opinion) format to help them organize their opinion writing.  Using the O.R.E.O. brace map, students can more easily elaborate on their ideas all while keeping their writing organized. 

In Math... 

• In Stepping Stones Module 10 thus far, students have reviewed subtraction strategies using base-ten strategies and number lines.  Some of the strategies were reviewed such as counting on, counting back, jumping to the nearest 10 or 100, and decomposing.
• This week students also practiced decomposing three-digit numbers to represent them using different combinations of base-ten pieces.  
• Students then practiced how to trade and borrow when using a base-ten strategy or bridge when using a number line. 

Announcements and Reminders...

• If you have not done so yet, please return signed report card envelopes.  Keep enclosed report card at home.
• Return evidence binders this week with all assessments back in pockets. Thank you!
• No school on Monday 4/8 due to Teachers' Professional Development day