The kids learned about a really cool feature in Google Chrome this week called "ReadWrite." Using this feature in their Google Docs account, they can highlight text and the program can do several things: it can read the text to them, it can give them a dictionary definition, and it can give them a picture. The kids love it! We'll use it for reading comprehension as well as for them to hear their own writing to self-edit.
We had another great Hubbard Street class this week. The final Share will be held on Tuesday, February 26th from 9:30-10:45. According to our teachers, Class 303 is... well... awesome. All are welcome at the share, so if you're available, please join us on the 26th in the auditorium!
We had another great Hubbard Street class this week. The final Share will be held on Tuesday, February 26th from 9:30-10:45. According to our teachers, Class 303 is... well... awesome. All are welcome at the share, so if you're available, please join us on the 26th in the auditorium!
Reading: This week during reading discussion I asked the kids to jump into conversation when they had something to offer without raising their hands. It was truly amazing to hear their discussion unfold in a respectful manner. It allowed for more students to share at a quicker pace, and there was very little "overstepping." We'll continue to do this and work on building off of others' comments, as well as disagreeing or pointing out another viewpoint. I'm thrilled that this group can accomplish this with such little hesitation! As you read Edward Tulane with your kids, ask them about the conversations we're having in class. Ask them what they've underlined or written in their books as they read.
4th Grade Math: I introduced two strategies for solving multi-digit division problems this week. The first one is called partial quotients (you figure out how many groups can be made by dividing the whole a little at a time, then you add all the parts together at the end). The second one is "old fashioned" long division, which the kids so endearingly named "Grandpa style." This is most definitely an emerging skill so any reinforcement and practice would be helpful. We've been using "division man" and the phrase DMS (divide, multiply, subtract) to help them remember the process. This should jog their memories. They are allowed to choose the method they like better for the quiz and test.
5th Grade Math: Check out Ms. Wennerberg's website and newsletter for updates: http://www.op97.org/swennerberg/
Social Studies: Check out Ms. Wennerberg's website and newsletter for updates: http://www.op97.org/swennerberg/
Science: This week the kids worked on an assignment that required them to accurately assemble and label a skeleton. Additionally they were required to select several other facts about the skeletal system from their notes and from our bulletin board to enhance their poster. Those who didn't finish should complete it over the weekend to hand in on Monday.
Science: This week the kids worked on an assignment that required them to accurately assemble and label a skeleton. Additionally they were required to select several other facts about the skeletal system from their notes and from our bulletin board to enhance their poster. Those who didn't finish should complete it over the weekend to hand in on Monday.
Miscellaneous:
- If you and your family are reading Edward Tulane together at home, send me a picture! We'll add it to the others that Whittier is collecting to enrich our experience as we all read this wonderful book. Click Here to view all of the exciting activity that's happening around Whittier during our reading.
- OPEF is offering a BASE Camp on Casimir Pulaski Day, 3/4/13. 3rd-5tgh graders will play games, make up a mini-golf course out of LEGO's, and much more. 6th-8th graders will design and construct a cardboard arcade. 8:00-3:00, pizza or sack lunch option, $60. http://www.opef.org/basecamp/
