Fractions and Compare/Contrast

We focused on identifying fractions of a set and of a whole for the first week. One activity was to sort jelly beans according to its color and find the fraction of each color. Once fractions were written, the students created individual and group graphs of their jelly bean colors.

 

During week 2, we focused on comparing, ordering, and equivalent fractions. I found an amazing resource that includes a 4-day lesson on these skills. 

We started the week with an activity from Illuminations. The students used egg cartons to review finding fractions of a set and then discovered equivalent fractions.

Fraction strips were another manipulative used to find equivalent and compare fractions.

 


In Reading, we addressed comparing and contrasting. Ms. Gros had each student blindly choose a name of an animal that was written on a piece of paper. Then, they paired up, drew a Venn diagram, and compared and contrasted their chosen animals.

We finished reading Ramona Quimby, Age 8 and began Ramona the Brave.  A Venn diagram has been started to compare and contrast the two books.

Masters of Learning

The students are now masters of division! 

They can solve division problems by applying one of these strategies: repeated subtraction, drawing an array, or making equal groups. Our last week on division was spent discovering how it relates to multiplication and creating multiplication and division word problems.

One activity was rolling a die in a die -- it is just that, a die inside another die -- and drawing the number of circles represented by the outside number and drawing stars in each circle represented by the number inside. Then, a multiplication and division sentence was written. 

For example, when the dice was rolled a 3 showed on the outside and a 6 showed on the inside. 3 circles were drawn and 6 stars were drawn in each circle. The multiplication sentence, 6x3=18 and 3x6=18, is written along with the related division sentence, 18/6 = 3 and 18/3=6.

As a review before the test, students played spin and divide. Each pair was given a spinner with numbers, a whole sheet with quotients, and assigned a number to divide by (2, 5, 9, or 10). Each partner took a turn spinning to find a number, divided that number by their assigned number, and found the quotient. The quotient was covered with a chip and the first partner to cover 20 squares won.

This week we begin fractions and I can't wait to share our learning! To prepare, the students colored fraction strips so I can laminate them. They will cut them and use in future lessons.

We read chapters 4 - 6 in Ramona Quimby, Age 8. 

Our skill for the week was comparing and contrasting. To practice the skill before applying to the book, students compared (similarities) and contrasted (differences) an apple and an orange using a Venn diagram. Then, they again used a Venn diagram to compare and contrast themselves to their partner.

Venn Diagram

Finally, the students compared and contrasted the two sisters from the story ( Ramona and Beezus ).

Wolf Stories

Last week, we studied fantasy. Our story, Wolf!, is about a wolf that comes across a unique farm. This farm is for educated animals, and when he sees the other animals reading he is inspired. Through hard work and practice, the wolf becomes a good reader. 

Two writings were incorporated with this story. First, the students researched wolves using A-Z Animals. Bubble maps were filled in with wolf facts.

From the bubble maps, the facts were organized onto a Flee map and then written as a final copy.

Then, the students were given the prompt "Once upon a time I saw a wolf" and instructed to write a story.

Their imaginations really shined during this writing! Please take a minute to visit their blogs and experience their creativity. Also, they LOVE comments!! :)

 

Particles, Apple Turn-Overs, Family Night, and Pen Pals

I have a lot to share about this past week!

In Science, we discovered how particles are arranged in solids, liquids, and gases and how heat affects its movement.

Each group of students received 3 petri dishes with popcorn kernels. One  dish was completely filled (solids), one was semi-filled (liquids), and one contained a few kernels (gas). They observed the movement of kernels (particles) by gently shaking the dishes.

In Reading, we read Johnny Appleseed and watched an animated e-book that was accessed through our local library. As a class, we wrote a summary that included characters, setting, and plot. 

Here comes the fun part...the next day. Each student made an apple turn-over. 

First, the students flattened their biscuit. Then, they added butter to one side and dipped the buttered side in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Next, an apple slice was placed in the middle and the biscuit was folded over the apple slice. Finally, the turn-overs were baked for 10 minutes at 400 degrees. Time to enjoy! 

Upon returning to class, the students wrote about making turn-overs. We outlined our recipe by completing a Flee Map. The recipe was written as a story using the Flee Map. You can read some of their writings at our class blog. Feel free to leave a comment. Students love reading them!!!

This is the first year that my class will have pen pals! Our pen pals are 3rd graders from a school in Wisconsin. Here is a picture of the students with letters from their pen pals.

After reading their letters, the students busily began responding. They are so excited to meet someone from another state and cannot wait to hear from them!! Here is a picture with their letters to their new friends.

In addition to all the fun we were having during class, we also had fun after school. Our school held a Family Skate Night at the local skating rink.

We had a wonderful turn-out! Teachers, kids, and parents really enjoyed this evening of fun!!!