Happy 2015! It's only been two weeks since we've returned from our holiday break, but we're right back at our regular routine of learning, problem-solving, community-building, collaborating, and persevering! I'm so impressed with the effort that students have been putting towards the various units, projects and challenges that have come with a "new year" in Room 4G!
Here's an update on what we've been up to in 2015:
Here's an update on what we've been up to in 2015:
- Students "blogged" their New Year's resolutions and then responded to their classmates' entries with questions and comments about how they would accomplish their goals.
- In reading, students are continuing to hone their knowledge of non-fiction text features and identifying the main idea and supporting details of a non-fiction text.
- Students are applying and showcasing their non-fiction reading skills through a biography project on an important change-maker, leader, or activist. 4G students are studying Ruby Bridges, Cesar Chavez, Emma Lazarus, Mahatma Gandhi, and Hank Aaron, among others. We are currently in our research and vocabulary-building phase... Stay tuned!
- In writing, students are learning how to use verbs to "show, not tell" their characters' emotions and actions.
- In math, we have just completed our unit on Area and Perimeter! Students pushed their mathematical thinking through a variety of learning activities, including multi-step problem-solving, measurement inquiry, and collaborative center-work. (Next week students can look forward to multi-digit multiplication!)
- Students have just started a new Social Studies unit focused on Native American history, geography, and culture. Next week, students will start research to find out how regional differences (climate, landforms, natural resources) have impacted the lives of various First Nations groups in the U.S.
- During our third session of the Understanding Disabilities Program, students learned about physical disabilities and were able to try out a variety of adaptive technologies used in the real world. Students also had the opportunity to meet and talk to Jason Fowler, an Ironman triathlon champion! (Special thanks to 4G parent teachers Jennifer H. and Jennifer S.!)
- Finally, this last week provided several opportunities for students to reflect on the life and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as his holiday approaches. We read aloud biographies and discussed MLK's struggles and dreams. In collaboration with our 2nd grade Buddies in 2C, students created their own "dreams" for making the world a better place. Students also participated in an assembly to sing freedom songs inspired by the Civil Rights Movement.