We continue to move forward with all kinds of learning during these few short weeks of December.
During December, our class is studying poetry. We are reading, writing, and learning the language of poetry. Last week, the students had a particularly engaging discussion of the book, Love That Dog by Sharon Creech. It's a short read, written in free verse, and alludes to many different poems which are included in the back of the book. I highly recommend it to all readers. We're also fortunate to welcome into our classroom Judith Steinbergh, Brookline's Poet Laureate. She has been working with students to read poetry and to write their own poem about the seasons. It always amazes me how students truly embrace poetry. Yes, even reluctant readers.
In Social Studies, we have begun to learn about European explorers who came to the New World in search of gold, land, and other treasure. Students are also learning about the impact on the native people of what the explorers believed to be newly discovered lands. Mind opening and good for discussion at home.
Science brings a study of genetics and how different traits combine to form unique beings. We will look at what traits each of us possesses as well as use models of dogs and horses to understand how dominant and recessive traits play against one another. This unit will have several hands on explorations to help students learn.
And of course, we continue with math. This month we are working on multiplying and dividing fractions. "Why do I need to know this?" one of the students asked. My best response was that if I want to change a recipe, either divide it in half or double it, I have to be able to multiply and divide fractions. What about measuring to build something if I want to make it half the size? So many applications that we just do in daily life. Being fluid with multiplication facts is especially important in this unit, as the ability to recognize factors and multiples makes working with fractions much easier. Please take the time to practice facts with your student at home.
Report cards are due to come home on Monday, and I am looking forward to seeing everyone at conferences.
During December, our class is studying poetry. We are reading, writing, and learning the language of poetry. Last week, the students had a particularly engaging discussion of the book, Love That Dog by Sharon Creech. It's a short read, written in free verse, and alludes to many different poems which are included in the back of the book. I highly recommend it to all readers. We're also fortunate to welcome into our classroom Judith Steinbergh, Brookline's Poet Laureate. She has been working with students to read poetry and to write their own poem about the seasons. It always amazes me how students truly embrace poetry. Yes, even reluctant readers.
In Social Studies, we have begun to learn about European explorers who came to the New World in search of gold, land, and other treasure. Students are also learning about the impact on the native people of what the explorers believed to be newly discovered lands. Mind opening and good for discussion at home.
Science brings a study of genetics and how different traits combine to form unique beings. We will look at what traits each of us possesses as well as use models of dogs and horses to understand how dominant and recessive traits play against one another. This unit will have several hands on explorations to help students learn.
And of course, we continue with math. This month we are working on multiplying and dividing fractions. "Why do I need to know this?" one of the students asked. My best response was that if I want to change a recipe, either divide it in half or double it, I have to be able to multiply and divide fractions. What about measuring to build something if I want to make it half the size? So many applications that we just do in daily life. Being fluid with multiplication facts is especially important in this unit, as the ability to recognize factors and multiples makes working with fractions much easier. Please take the time to practice facts with your student at home.
Report cards are due to come home on Monday, and I am looking forward to seeing everyone at conferences.
