Week in Review--Earth Day!

Poem of the Week

Writing:

-We continued to talk about what writing an opinion/persuasive piece means. I modeled how to write an opinion piece about something I really wanted. I chose to write about really wanting ice cream. I started off by stating my opinion, giving three reasons why I needed the ice cream and finishing the piece by restating the opinion. A second option for writing an opinion piece was to write a book or movie review. I modeled this by having the class help me write a book review for the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar. We talked about how whether you like or dislike a book or movie, you can write a review on it as long as you have your reason why to support your opinion. The class started practicing writing their first opinion pieces this week as well. We are excited to continue to learn about this new type of writing!

Math:

-We focused in on showing the numbers 11-19 by using tens and one’s number pieces this week. We began by using an app on my iPad that had the class practice by first writing a number and then showing the tens and ones to go with the number and then it switched and the tens and ones were placed on the board and the student was to write the number that went with the pieces. We then transferred that practice into a “math with someone” activity where they completed the same sequence using a marker, dry erase board and cubes for the number pieces.

Reading:

-We had TWO sight words this week-- “up, would”.

-The CAFÉ strategy we worked on this week was the strategy.

“Recognize Cause and Effect Relationships”

Understanding cause-­and-­effect relationships is a basic thinking skill. It is a strategy used by readers to understand why things happen the way they do in the text. Students are taught to look for clue words that will assist them in determining the cause and effect of the events in the text. It is a strategy that is not only used in reading, but it is experienced in day to day life. Readers who recognize cause-­and-­effect relationships understand that in-­text events happen (effects), along with the reason why they happen (causes). When students recognize this relationship, comprehension is increased.

How can you help your child with this strategy at home?

1.     Encourage your child to look for clue words when reading. These clue words include: because, if, then, since, so, therefore, & as a result of.

 

2.     When reading with your child, show examples of cause-­and-­effect relationships in the text. This modeling is essential to understanding.

 

3.     Sometimes we must infer the cause because it is not always stated in the text. If this is the case, ask your child, “Why do you think this happened?”

Content:

-This week we began our learning about the planet Earth, ways to keep it healthy and clean and celebrated Earth Day! We read several books, cleaned up trash outside of our school and completed a painting after writing about one way even as kids we can help protect the Earth from harm. We created a popplet listing ideas on how kids and adults can help keep the Earth a healthy and happy place to live!

-We got our toes wet into talking about plants and the process of how a plant grows. We will continue our learning about this into next week and focus on the parts of a plant, different types of plants and how a plant grows! We might even get a chance to watch a seed sprout and begin growing!



























Other:

We were very fortunate to have members of the Tippecanoe Chamber Music Society come and play a special concert for students kindergarten through second grade this week. We learned all about string instruments!

We also participated in a walk to benefit the March of Dimes called a Wonder Walk. The students in the school raised over $3,000 to donate to the March of Dimes! Way to go Mayflower students! We finished the fun afternoon off by "kicking" off ISTEPS for next week by playing in our annual "Teachers vs 5th Grade" kickball game. The teachers came out with the WIN this year!