We had a visit by a neuroscientist this week and learned so much! Here are a few quotes from SBLC teammates about what they learned from our own fabulous Dr. Fiete:
"Some animals keep their heads still to keep their vision sharp because their neurons don't work as quickly to focus if they move their eyes," Julian said.
"Elephants have the most neurons, but their most of those neurons are more motor oriented," Evan reported.
We celebrated our learning by donning our brain hats!
SBLC mathematicians have all been buzzing about strategies this week. Our second graders have multiple strategies for addition and subtraction word problems. These include a traditional algorithm, several fabulous invented strategies for addition with regrouping, number lines, and tape diagrams. We also used part of the week to review all of our place value learning from the first 9 weeks. We reminded ourselves about many ways to decompose numbers and remembered mathematical vocabulary like "expanded form" and "greater than/less than".
Our 3rd graders continued to explore multidigit addition/subtraction problem solving, this time using lists and tables as part of the problem. Students have a number of ways to represent their understanding, including tape diagrams and multistep equations. We also talked about how important accuracy is, making lots of connections to careers where accuracy is essential. We ended the week with a review of concepts from the first 9 weeks, and a preview of multiplication concepts that we'll move into next week.
4th grade has been exploring multidigit multiplication this week. We have discovered an impressive list of strategies and compared which are more efficient, especially for certain types of problems. Our favorites include finding partial products and using compatible numbers. We've spent time this week building, drawing, and writing about ways to represent multiplication and have developed a deeper understanding of this important concept. 4th graders also spent time reviewing from the 1st 9 weeks and finding meaningful connections between concepts.
Enjoy a few pics of mathematicians sharing strategies:
Fourth Grade readers are analyzing our 4 characters and already forming theories about their inner struggles. We have examined closely how Ruta Septys has begun her book as readers and writers, watching patterns she's using in her wording and in creating her characters.
Third Grade is captivated by Salva's journey, and are using the signposts to stop, think, and question the text. We have learned so much about Southern Sudan geographically, politically, and historically through this book! We continue to work on analyzing character and summarizing.
Second Grade has been mastering their character study to understand character traits, summarizing through CSERT, and letter format for reading response. We learned how to look at and use a rubric to evaluate our work before we turn it in, as well as a tool to see where we can make improvements for the next time.
All three grade levels have been learning new poetry structures and how to annotate poems. We learned how to write diamante and cinquain poems as well, incorporating our knowledge of parts of speech and syllabication. Spelling centers are back in full swing now that we have full five day weeks!
In social studies, students researched to learn more about the objects, landmarks, and memorials that represent the United States. After choosing symbols they felt were important to our country, students recorded and shared their ideas.
We discovered symbols are also a critical component of maps! Learners identified the many places and occasions where maps help us: road trips, amusement parks, and hiking trails are just a few examples. Students used some nonfiction text to support their understanding of maps, their features, and their importance in our lives.
Team SBLC
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