Our Regular Schedule's Underway!

This week flew by! We've been focusing on getting into the groove of our regular schedule -- we've been rotating from block to block, managing our book boxes and notebooks, writing down our goals and events in our agenda. We are adding little by little to make sure the kids know what's expected and aren't overwhelmed by too much. They are all giving 100% and it's amazing to see how the whole thing happens!

We've incorporated our Project Block into our schedule too -- time for us to do interdisciplinary work and apply our TEKS to thematic and Project-Based Activities. We've been creating a section devoted to a "ABC Glee Book" -- an area for us to gather and document things that make us joyful. Research shows that having images/words that we can turn to helps us be more positive and lifts us up. It's been neat seeing the smiles on their faces as they sketch and talk to one another about each image they choose.

In reading, we have started our reading workshop! Second is focusing on Independent Reading Time, "A time where we practice reading ourselves with books we choose." We've charted what focused reading looks like, sounds like, and what our responsibilities are during this time. We've touched on book selection, but will much more next week. Third and Fourth have jumped in with both feet in their novel studies. Third has met Jack in Love that Dog, and are noting changes in the character and discussing why those are happening. They have developed theories about him and predicted what he may truly be struggling with. Fish in a Tree has introduced us to Ally, an illiterate 6th grader who wishes people would discover her struggle, but isn't honest with anyone who can help. Like 3rd, they have developed theories about Ally, and are already cheering for her emotionally to open up so she can learn. 

Our writing has processed through brainstorming and digging for details to a first draft form. Third grade found seed ideas and started their pieces with action or dialogue. Fourth is learning that finding a precise word can make all the difference in your piece. We will be harvesting "words we love" in our notebooks and studying vocabulary to help with this. Second is creating an autobiographical poem and learning to use resources like Quick Words and High Frequency Lists to spell our words correctly in our editing (which comes after drafting and getting those ideas out).

Speaking of spelling, we will be moving into groups the week of the 14th. I will explain spelling then. Next week, we will be learning the routines for spelling centers so we are prepared.

In math this week we started with a pre assessment on place value concepts.

Then we learned how to write numbers in different ways such as standard, expanded, and word form. Third and fourth graders also compared and ordered numbers. Second graders had fun using base ten blocks to show 3-digit numbers.

In science, we've established expectations for our notebooks, for safe behavior when completing science investigations, and for working together in teams. Today we had the opportunity  to practice with a teamwork challenge. The goal? Create a plastic cup pyramid with a rubber band-string contraption and four eager scientists! 

After several attempts and a lot of group communication, cheers of encouragement filled the room!

Most importantly, we took some time to reflect about the challenges we faced and how we encouraged one another. It will be something we return to often as a reminder of successful teamwork!

In social studies, we've started talking about our great state and the many symbols that represent Texas and its rich heritage. We completed our first gallery walk to share our efforts with our classmates...lots of work worth being proud of!

We hope you find something to jump for joy about this weekend! 

Enjoy the long weekend!

Team SBLC