In the SBLC, we know that learning comes in part from reflecting on meaningful experiences. In preparation for upcoming fall conferences, we've carved out time for self-reflection in several key areas. Each student considered his or her strengths in ELA and math/science, then created a goal in an area of growth. Students also reflected on their social-emotional learning strengths and goals, carefully considering which areas they were already demonstrating independence. This was big work and students are already using this new awareness to grow in areas like active engagement.
We're also bringing reflection home next week, so students will have their first week of written reflective homework. A reflection prompt will come home on Monday and be due on Friday morning, so please ask your child about this new responsibility - they'll be proud to describe their preparation process at school.
SBLC mathematicians reviewed multiples and skip-counting this week. With lots of 4th grade advice, 3rd graders created a visual skip-counting resource that they'll use all year as part of their multiplication and division journey. 4th graders are understanding decimal place value by comparing, ordering, using various visual representations, and even participating in decimal number talks. All of us used a UPS check problem-solving strategy and considered why it's important to deeply Understand a problem, Plan with an equation, Solve by showing our pathway, then check for accuracy. We used this strategy for two subtraction PODs (problems of the day) this week and will continue with several PODs per week as we gain proficiency with all four operations.
In science, we analyzed data and drew conclusions from our handwashing experiment. Our variable was handwashing time from a range of 1 second to 30 seconds, and we had clear results from which to draw conclusions. All of us agreed that it is not enough to hold hands under the sink for 5 seconds and say that our hands were then clean. According to our data, unless we wash for a minimum of 30 seconds (even our wrists and around our fingernails) our hands would still have a significant amount of dirt and germs. It's fantastic that many friends are now more aware of handwashing habits, especially right before lunch and after using the restroom.
SBLC writers are crafting responses and letters with accuracy. We continue to talk about the importance of our job as authors to create legible, correctly written work when it's written for an audience. Drafting is the place for the quick, get-your-ideas-down. Otherwise, every mark on the page is sending readers a message...that's power,,,and with that comes great responsibility.
Our nonfiction muscles have been hard at work examining text that incorporates our social studies work. We are diving deeper into the three branches of government. This week we focused on the Executive Branch. There were several Epiphanies ("Wow! I didn't know that!" moments) as well as great inquiry questions for us to continue to pursue. "What is the Electoral College?" "What are the 15 departments of the president's Cabinet?" "Why wouldn't a president take the salary and why is he paid less than most professional athletes?" These questions all came from the kids' independently as they are reading for meaning, rather than to memorize what the article said.
Our summarizing muscles are hard at work. We're investing in Salva and Nya's journeys, and realizing that, even though their problems and challenges are different, they are sharing a similar struggle. We are working on citing evidence from the text to support our thinking. Readers are learning that they need to actively engage -- always be prepared to have something to say and be mindfully present in every opportunity!
Have a fabulous weekend!
SBLC writers are crafting responses and letters with accuracy. We continue to talk about the importance of our job as authors to create legible, correctly written work when it's written for an audience. Drafting is the place for the quick, get-your-ideas-down. Otherwise, every mark on the page is sending readers a message...that's power,,,and with that comes great responsibility.
Our nonfiction muscles have been hard at work examining text that incorporates our social studies work. We are diving deeper into the three branches of government. This week we focused on the Executive Branch. There were several Epiphanies ("Wow! I didn't know that!" moments) as well as great inquiry questions for us to continue to pursue. "What is the Electoral College?" "What are the 15 departments of the president's Cabinet?" "Why wouldn't a president take the salary and why is he paid less than most professional athletes?" These questions all came from the kids' independently as they are reading for meaning, rather than to memorize what the article said.
Our summarizing muscles are hard at work. We're investing in Salva and Nya's journeys, and realizing that, even though their problems and challenges are different, they are sharing a similar struggle. We are working on citing evidence from the text to support our thinking. Readers are learning that they need to actively engage -- always be prepared to have something to say and be mindfully present in every opportunity!
Have a fabulous weekend!
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