What we have been learning....

In Reader’s Workshop, we are continuing our unit on building strong communities. We have been thinking about different ways that we can create positive change in our Communities. We read the book Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed A Neighborhood and discussed how art can make a positive change in communities. We also learned about Speak for the Trees Boston, and organization that is committed to planting more trees in Boston and helping to create more green spaces. We talked about how taking care f the environment can also create positive change in one’s neighborhood.  This coming week we will read Wanda’s Roses and continue to answer the weekly question “How can we create positive change in our communities?” We will also read about Ruby Bridges and Rosa Parks and think about how they positively impacted communities and the world.

In word study, we have been working on identifying and reading words that begin with consonant clusters. This week we worked with r consonant clusters and next week we will start identifying and reading words with consonant digraphs. We will begin with th.

Last week’s weekly words: volunteer, recycle, organization, charities, donate, empathy

This week’s weekly words: cultivate, perspective, identify, contribution, observe, evidence   

In Writer’s Workshop, we are continuing to work on writing personal narratives.  Students have been thinking about adding more details to their writing. We have also learned how to use carats and spider legs to make revisions to our writing.  Students will wrap up their personal narratives at the end of this week. Our next writing unit will be Friendly Letters.

In math, students have been studying 2-D shapes. We created shape posters and discussed what we have noticed about squares, rectangles, circles, triangles, and hexagons. Students have also been exploring how to put together smaller shapes to make larger shapes and designs.

In science, we have been studying clouds. We learned about cirrus clouds, stratus clouds and cumulous clouds.  We have also been thinking about how weather can impact/change our plans. This week we will learn about windspeed.

In studios, students have been planning and creating their book access projects. Students are thinking about ways that they can increase book access to families and neighborhoods throughout Boston. Some projects include little free libraries, letters to schools and authors, models of book bikes and book mobiles, etc. Be sure to ask your child about their book access project!

Questions to ask your student!

-       What are you working on during studios?

-       What are the 3 types of clouds and what can they tell you about the weather?

-       What shapes can you put together to make a rhombus? Trapezoid? Hexagon?