Last Week in February

It's been a cold week!

In our project block we finished and shared our PowerPoints. After reading a picture book about empathy and staying true to yourself, they summarized the book using CSERT and learned how to add background, special effects, and change the font and color of their slides. 

In math fourth graders compared and ordered fractions. Students enjoyed playing a game called  Fraction Action where they found fractions less than, more than, or equal to 1/2. We also completed a Skill Builders assignment that reviews concepts and definitions.

Third graders modeled equivalent fractions and played a game where they compared equivalent fractions. They also completed a Count Down to STAAR assignment where they used strategies and showed their thinking. Second graders worked on subtraction. They used regrouping to subtract two digit numbers.

Second Grade focused on summaries once again, only now we are using the complexity of an entire picture book rather than a chapter book. Both have specific ways of taking information and paraphrasing...always focusing on that main character and how each event is not a problem in itself - it's a part of the character's larger and overall struggle. We examined the themes and lessons from the books specifically and how they apply to us. Our spelling and writing centers moved right along as well.

Third Grade has shifted focus to poetry analysis. We learned how important it is to identify the poetic devices (figurative language, repetition, free verse vs. rhyme, structure, etc.) and to take the time to think about 1) name it 2) explain what it means 3) tell why the poet used it. If we delve in this deep, comprehension happens MUCH quicker and easier. 


Fourth Grade reluctantly concluded our Keoko book. It was amazing how much we learned - about writing, about character development -- even factual information about WWII and Korea! We were touched by our characters, and will not soon forget the twists and turns. GREAT BOOK! We are actively preparing for our STAAR writing, which comes up right after we get back from Spring Break. I think we are more excited to show what fabulous things we know than anxious!!

Fourth graders tackled the science benchmark Monday and debriefed to identify which strategies worked best, what concepts we still need to work on, and how we can apply that knowledge moving forward.

Second and third grade used nonfiction and technology resources to better understand the role and responsibilities of the P.O.T.U.S. (ask them to enlighten you!).

The end of the month also brought the opportunity for us to share our homework with our homeroom peers. Their excitement and enthusiasm when sharing is evident...some spectacular effort on behalf of our shooting stars! :)

We're ready to march into more learning next week...  ;)

Stay warm this weekend!
Team SBLC