Math
We’ve
been working on place-value and computation with larger numbers. Major focal points these past two weeks
have been: adding and subtracting 3- and 4- digit numbers using traditional
algorithms (alongside models that reinforce those algorithms); estimating sums
(addition) and differences (subtraction) of 3- and 4- digit numbers; and
solving story problems involving adding/subtracting 3- and 4-digit numbers. Many kids come into this unit attempting
to “carry” and “borrow” but with mixed success due to misunderstandings
about place-value and how it makes the algorithm work.
Note
that this coming Tuesday and Wednesday May 13th and 14th,
many of the students will be taking their second round of the OAKS Mathematics
assessment. I’m hoping we will see
some big gains after our lessons and hard work learning about fractions this
spring. Please help your child do their best by making sure they get the full
10 hours sleep and a hearty, protein-rich breakfast each morning.
Writing
Building upon the
instructional routines and craft lessons we’ve worked on in previous units, the
students are now working on Imaginative Stories. This unit focuses on the ‘sense of story’. Students plan
their story by creating a map or flow chart. This last week, we looked closely at some of our favorite
read-aloud novels from this year and mapped out who the main characters were,
and what the central conflict was.
We then spent time creating and developing characters. This week, we will map out a conflict
and solution for our characters to solve.
Reading
We continue our daily
core practice of silently reading to self from “just-right” texts, and
occasionally responding to our readings by writing thoughts, questions, scene
sketches, etc. in our Reader’s Notebooks. This last week, I had each student write me a letter
about the book they are reading, including their personal thoughts and analysis
of the text.
Social Studies/Science: The Oakwood Park
Storyline
Having created a name, entrance,
signage, and map to the park, as well as a field guide to the animal species
found there, we are now thinking about how humans would use this place. Different characters that work in
and use the park have been created, including park rangers, wildlife
biologists, conservation workers, and various citizens. Students spent the last
week or so crafting paper portraits and writing detailed biographies of the
people who use or work at Oakwood Park. This week, we will explore how humans impact (or mitigate
their impact in) a wildlife area by seeing how we problem-solve a series of
“incidents” that occur in or near the park.
That’s the news for
now!
~ Asa
Important/Upcoming:
This Tuesday and Wednesday May 13/14
Math OAKS Round II
Monday May 19th – Friday May 23rd
Volunteer Appreciation Week! Please visit the staff room for tasty
treats brought in for you by our staff – we really appreciate all our parent
volunteers do to help our school and kids thrive all year long!
Thursday June 5th
Final, all-day field study at Wapato Park
Friday June 6th
Portland Bridge Tour Field Trip – we encourage as
many parents as possible to join us on our last field trip of the year!
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