Dear Families,
I hope you've been hearing lots about the work we're doing in the classroom right now. If not, read on to find out more. We are in the midst of a number of cool inquiries. In math we've been continuing our exploration into linear measurement. This has included the use of centimeters and inches while using rulers, measuring tapes, and meter sticks. Our most recent engagement called on us to measure the distance a variety of different balls travel when rolled down a ramp. This was a great opportunity to break out the measuring tapes since we were measuring greater distances than our rulers could handle. The kids rolled each ball numerous times then we found the median (middle value) for each data set to graph in the classroom. We'll be continuing with measurement for another week or so while also launching an inquiry into data and graphs.
In reading we just launched our very first round of book clubs. Book clubs are a great opportunity for the kids to read the same book as a small group of friends and get together each day to talk about what's been happening in the story. I use this structure to deepen our ability to discuss literature (sharing clearly, speaking back to others to build on their topic, helping others come to understand something that is confusing them, going back to the book to find details to support our ideas, etc). Because they are so social, book clubs are always a big hit. For this first experience, I chose the books each of the kids would be reading. But in the future they will be taking on more and more responsibility for book choices, daily reading plans, and so on. The goal is to carefully support them into greater independence.
In writing we are we are learning to implement strong word choices ("surprising words") in our writing. To help us better understand how this is done we've been reading a variety of published books and pulling out some of our favorite words. These have included, but are not limited to, snoop, furious, incredibly, flabbergasted, shiver, journey, chilly, brittle, and mellow. The kids are now reporting out their own use of surprising words in their writing. You'd be so impressed with some of the incredible vocabulary they are drawing on while crafting stories to entertain and inform their classmates. We'll continue this for a few more days then turn our attention to revisiting some basic conventions of writing (capitalization and punctuation).
In social studies we are just about to launch an inquiry into maps and geography. We'll be learning about continents, countries, and states. We are also in the process of planning a voting event for students in grades 2-5 at CFI on Monday. We'll be in charge of informing voters, helping them cast their ballots, tallying the final counts, conducting surveys, and sharing out the results. This will be a great way to bring together all we've been learning as mathematicians (counting, adding, graphing) and social scientists (elections and candidates). It'll be a lot of work, for sure!
Finally, here are some pics from our Fall Festival on Wednesday. The weather was perfect and the kids had a wonderful time.
As always, thanks so much for all you do to support us.
Have a great weekend,
Chris
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