Today students concluded our unit on rocks and soil by taking soil samples around Thompson. They compared soil colors, textures, and smells using descriptive words.
We are learning the fifty state capitals. We will be memorizing ten new ones a week. The students made flash cards and we talked about memorizing strategies.
Students are working on researching a state. They are gathering notes on the physical features, famous landmarks and tourist attractions. They will then make a brochure to persuade people to come to their state.
Yesterday, Kelly Dempsey (runner up in Project Runway season 14 and the designer of Ms. Jette's beloved fanny packs) visited Thompson. She showed students sketches from her portfolio as well as samples of her fanny packs and clothing. Kelly spoke to the kids about staying true to yourself, facing challenges, and working hard. Students asked thoughtful questions about reality TV (it takes about 3 days of filming to produce one episode), when she started designing clothes (at age 9 -- she took apart her clothes to make new clothes), and running a business.
Before April break, we began a math unit on decimals. Students labeled a race track with tenths and hundredths. They "pushed their penny" and read and wrote the values they landed on. They will continue to compare and order decimals.
We began learning about the Southwest region of the United States. Students are learning about the climate, physical features and Native people that live in this area.. They will watch a video on the Grand Canyon and learn about the Trail of Tears.
We have learned about the three types of rocks, sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic, by watching videos, studying samples and reading about them. Students are learning how each type of rock is formed and some ways to identify them.
Nadine Solomon visited our classes this morning to discuss how multiplying a number by 10 or dividing by 10 changes a number. Students acted this out with numeral cards and then practiced with a place value sheet.
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AuthorMs. Brogna Archives
May 2016
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