Positive Attitudes + Hard Work = Feeling Proud!

After a full and focused week, we spent some project time playing board games with our homeroom classmates.  In addition to having fun, it was a great way to practice our accountable talk and teambuilding skills. 

Reading and Language Arts

Third and Fourth Grade gave 110% this week on their STAAR Tests, and we couldn't be prouder of the work they did. As Cooper S. stated, "I discovered there were many ways NOT to be nervous during STAAR." Fully prepared, fully capable!

We continued our center work in writing, and our novel units. Second and Third Grade read a Bluebonnet 2015-16 nominee,  The Great American Dust Bowl -- and discovered that farmers and ranchers moving out west and creating lives not only was extremely hard, but that THEY actually had a hand in changing the landscape so that the dust (soil) was bare for the storms to kick up easily. They were shocked to learn, "In the Dust Bowl there was a big drought for a long time and there were A LOT of dust storms. The dust was so thick they could not see," Sydney commented. Truly hard to imagine that there was so much dust that they would have to set the table with the plates, cups, and utencils upside down until the very minute they sit down to eat! Third compared the factual information of that book with their novel, Out of the Dust. Great to see how historical fiction incorporates so many facts using a fictional character. Fourth Grade began investigating WWI through a new book, Stay and then Leave. We've formulated lots of theories already around our character, Alfie.

Science & Social Studies

We started off our week with some inspiring stories.  We learned the history of some women pilots who overcame obstacles to pursue their dream of becoming aviators. Kendall discovered that "Bessie Coleman was the first African American woman to fly a plane." After a discussion to identify common character traits of these pioneers, we applied the lesson to our own lives and found that while we may encounter challenges, we can overcome them.  

Second graders are busy becoming caterpillar experts: our Life Cycle Unit is in full swing! We've spent lots of time observing our caterpillars, recording our observations, and identifying their body parts and functions. Ian wrote, "Caterpillar's feet are like suction cups!" Piyali noticed, "Bristles are little spikes on our caterpillars." We will continue learning about some of the changes our caterpillars experience as they prepare for their BIG change, metamorphosis. Stay tuned!

Third and fourth graders started their Environment Unit and spent Thursday "in the field" as ecologists. Colin reflected, "I learned that an ecologist studies nature relationships." These ecologists also practiced their observation skills and discovered there are several interesting organisms right here on our campus!

Can you spot the spider?

And the caterpillar (on the pillar)?

Second grade also took advantage of their surroundings with a nature scavenger hunt!

Math

This week began with the American television game show Jeopardy! Rio, Will R., and Rohan commented on the game and thought it was a good way to review for the STAAR math test. Second graders were introduced to another measuring tool, the tape measure. They moved about the classroom searching for round objects to measure. Next week 2nd graders will be taking the math and reading benchmark tests. They have been preparing for this all year. 

Happy Weekend,

Team SBLC