Junior Achievement Day!

On Thursday students got to be little business people, while learning economic principals with our Junior Achievement of Hawaii Leader.  These volunteers graciously share their workforce experience with students.  Students learned the basic ideas of economics by becoming "bakers", "making donuts" (paper donuts) and running their own donut shop.  It was exciting and a very valuable learning experience.   

Here is a summary of what happened in our classroom:

​In Langauge Arts... 

• Students were introduced to poetry.  They learned the difference between prose: words in their best order (follows grammar rules, ordinary written language) and poetry: (best words in their best order (carefully chosen words to express feelings or ideas).  They learned different characteristics of poetry.  Using the following tree map, students categorize different elements of poetry:

• To further apply their understanding of alliteration, after reading Bleezer's Ice Cream by Jack Prelutsky, students made up their own ice cream flavors, such as pickled pumpkin peanut butter parfait and decorated their own ice cream cones.  

• After reading Quiet as a Cricket by Audrey Wood, students chose some of their favorite similes and made a simile poster.  In doing so, students learned that a simile is when two different things are being compared with the words 'like' or 'as'.   Check out the photo page for the rest of the students' simile posters.  They're all must sees!  Simile Posters

• 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.  Using Philosophical Chairs, students held a debate.  This activity allowed students to respectfully agree, disagree, or ask clarifying questions amongst others, all while following important rules of Philosophical Chairs (not put downs, you can respectfully disagree, only one person can talk at a time, your must raise your hand).  After listening to others and contributing their own ideas, students were allowed to either remain in their positions or they could change if they felt others were convincing enough.  

In Math... 

• In Stepping Stones, students continue to learn strategies that reinforce their subtraction skills using a number line as well as base-ten blocks.  They continue to practice decomposing three-digit numbers to help, which helps them when having to trade and borrow when using a base-ten strategy or bridge when using a number line. 

In Science... 

• Mrs. Tanigawa, our STEM resource teacher came in on Friday to review erosion and prepare them for an experiment.  Students learned different skills such as using a graduated cylinder, a beaker, and other science equipment they'll need for Monday's experiment.  

REMINDERS AND ANNOUCEMENTS​

• If you have not done so yet,  please keep the report card home and only return the signed report card envelope.  Also, please return progress portfolio and evidence binder.
• Monday 4/16 is Purple Up day- to show your support to military families, wear purple!
• This week is Safety Week.  Your child will participate in various safety assemblies and presentations.  Flyers will go home with more information.  Please take the time to discuss them at home with your child.