We have had a great week in Room 16!
In Math we have just completed our first Math unit. Students took a practice test on Monday, and if they were proficient they were exempt from taking the “real” test. On Tuesday, we went over the practice test and discussed each problem in depth, those that did not score as proficient then continued to practice the types of problems that were on the test. this practice sheet came home with their practice test for them to use as a review. Students then took the actual test on Wednesday. I will be sharing the tests at conferences. We will follow a similar procedure at the end of each Math unit. We did begin Unit 2 today. We looked at using arrays for multiplication and how to use an array to find area. There is a note going home today about Unit 2.
In writing we have been drafting our realistic fiction stories. We created a story map to help us plot out our story and we are using the map as a guide to help us write our scenes. We will be working on the heart of the story (most important part), leads and endings next week.
In Reading we have finished our first reading unit. We will be delving deeply into character study in our next unit. We will be using the book “Tiger Rising” to help us study character development.
In Science we have been studying the phases of the moon and what causes them. we have also begun to learn what causes our seasons. We had a great time at the planetarium on Thursday! Thank you to our parent chaperons! I would also like to thank all of the parents who donated Oreos for our moon phases activity! The students had a great time making the phases of the moon using Oreos (we even enjoyed eating them after!)
Mr. Yeager from the planetarium informed us of two special events happening very soon. On Wednesday, October 8 there will be a total lunar eclipse of the Hunter’s moon. This should be visible in our area between 6:00 am and 7:00 am.
On October 23 there will be a partial solar eclipse visible in our area. Mr. Yeager will be having a viewing party at the city Beach in Grand Haven. They will have special eclipse viewing glasses available. Please remember you should never look at the solar eclipse without eye protection. Eclipse glasses or welding glasses are needed. The viewing party will be in the evening I believe around 6:30pm.