Skip to main content

Change, Change, Change...

And with all that change, we learn to be flexible. To adapt. We had a wonky week full of schedule and routine changes that didn't end until Friday!

Fourth grade showed their stamina and effort with Benchmarks on Monday and Tuesday. On Monday, we rehearsed for our visit from administration to present our findings and suggestions on how the SBLC suggests we redesign the playground near the portables.

On Tuesday afternoon, Mr. Crissey, Ms. Chapa-Moore, and Ms. Samon were an attentive audience for our presenters and researchers. They gave us great feedback, and set us on to our next steps. If any of you know architects/landscape designers, we could use your expertise in the next few weeks. We will also be working within a budget, so we will be flexing our financial literacy muscles.

In our Humanities class, we continue our pursuit of poetry as we enter our new unit, "Understanding Differences." We've begun by exploring ourselves -- the outer traits, which we let/know others see, and the inner traits and feelings we have that others may or may not know about us. Students created a self portrait that expressed both outer characteristics as well as something by way of expression or body movement that revealed something about them inside as well. They drafted "Outside/Inside" poems to be published in our class anthology.

We explored perspective through books, as well as a visual: https://www.buzzfeed.com/nathanwpyle/this-is-why-i-pause-before-i-speak
We see how we each have a filter -- our beliefs, values, and experiences -- that shapes everything we see. Knowing that all of us have these filters are important in how we communicate with others. Taking the time to respond, rather than react to people is crucial. Also taking the time to get to know people and/or gather information is key to being able to respond well -- in a way that insures respect, while also protecting the relationship.

In math, we have been learning about ways to represent data. We've identified and compared frequency tables, dot plots, and stem-and-leaf plots. All have unique characteristics and best fit certain types of data. We'll continue to learn about other graph types and then will use our knowledge to collect and represent data about our playground remodel designs. We also reviewed how to tell time on analog clocks and used open number lines to represent elapsed time. 3rd graders created a dream day timeline, considering how much time would pass between their events.

SBLC scientists started a soil inquiry and we're hoping warmer spring weather will bring the opportunity to do some planting in our keyhole garden soon. So we've been collecting and comparing soil samples from around Kiker, learning about how soil forms, and considering particle size of different soil components. We'll continue with this big work next week!









On Friday, we enjoyed Breakfast and the Paper!






Check your email for news on the Valentine's Day event. It was sent out Thursday morning from the teachers, and room moms have sent a few as well.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Patriotism, Good Citizenship, and Important American Symbols

This week we are studying in depth the intent, meaning, and importance of many American symbols, documents, songs, and speeches. In doing this, we are using some neat tech resources: Star-Spangled Banner Smithsonian Site Our Country's Flag Flag Manners The Pledge of Allegiance The Declaration of Independence The Constitution The Bill of Rights American Symbols

Texas Regions

*Parents, this is an in-class assignment. Hello, SBLC Super Stars! Today, you are explorers of the four Texas regions. If you get finished--AND your have double checked your work--please make a comment that includes your name and something you enjoyed learning today! Directions : Carefully read below and use the links to investigate the characteristics and history of each region. Remember to write neatly and double check spelling...everything you do deserves your best effort! :) 1. A  sub-region  is a smaller part of a region or area. What are the sub-regions within each Texas region? Look at the picture below to see how to record your findings in your notebook. Now, click here to find your answers:  http://bookbuilder.cast.org/view_print.php?book=41216 2. On the next two pages in your notebook, create a half-page "fact sheet" for each region. Set your pages up first! Use a ruler to make straight lines and create a half page for each region. Then write:

Energy Websurf

Hello, super scientists! Click on the links below to complete your Energy Websurf. Read all directions and double check your work for accuracy!  When you complete your Websurf, leave a comment telling something new that you learned today. Remember--comments with errors will not get posted, so double check before you post! :) 2nd grade Part I: Sources of Sound http://www-g.eng.cam.ac.uk/mmg/teaching/peterstidwill/interact/resources/oceanodyssey.htm Part II: Light and Shadows http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/science/physical_processes/light_shadows/play/popup.shtml Part III: Watt's That, Jr. http://energyquest.ca.gov/wattsthat_junior/power/index.html 3rd grade Part I: Geothermal http://energy4me.org/all-about-energy/what-is-energy/energy-sources/geothermal/ Part II: Tiki the Penguin-Energy http://tiki.oneworld.net/energy/energy8.html Part III: Types of Energy http://c03.apogee.net/contentplayer/?coursetype=kids&utilityid=demo&id=16168 Part IV: What