This week we had a number of hands on math activities to figure out the perimeter of the patio, the perimeter and area of part of the hallway, and to measure our bodies (height, forearm to wrist, knee to ankle, arm span etc).
The students have been doing magnificent work on their stories (with a bit of encouragement and guidance) and are starting to make illustrations that they can really take pride in.
I was impressed with how the students managed the Dear Levi Assessment today, using their books and vocabulary notes to help them through the challenging questions. I think the process of close reading such a difficult text has been a challenge for them and they have learned a lot from pushing themselves to find the answers to questions about key details. I'm encouraging them to read the partner book "Dear Austin" at home when they finish "Lewis and Clark" and hoping that it will continue to be a read aloud with family and friends so that they have someone to talk through the difficult text. Dear Austin is an endearing story, though it does touch on several very difficult topics, so it will challenge the students once again to think about life outside of their own. Because the story is about the underground railroad, the students also have the choice to read "Go Free or Die" which is a book about Harriet Tubman, who, as we learned this week, will be on the $20 bill! We have been having some great conversations about the amazing things that are happening and making history in our lifetime. It is inspiring to see them learn about history and take the stories to heart.
The students have been doing magnificent work on their stories (with a bit of encouragement and guidance) and are starting to make illustrations that they can really take pride in.
I was impressed with how the students managed the Dear Levi Assessment today, using their books and vocabulary notes to help them through the challenging questions. I think the process of close reading such a difficult text has been a challenge for them and they have learned a lot from pushing themselves to find the answers to questions about key details. I'm encouraging them to read the partner book "Dear Austin" at home when they finish "Lewis and Clark" and hoping that it will continue to be a read aloud with family and friends so that they have someone to talk through the difficult text. Dear Austin is an endearing story, though it does touch on several very difficult topics, so it will challenge the students once again to think about life outside of their own. Because the story is about the underground railroad, the students also have the choice to read "Go Free or Die" which is a book about Harriet Tubman, who, as we learned this week, will be on the $20 bill! We have been having some great conversations about the amazing things that are happening and making history in our lifetime. It is inspiring to see them learn about history and take the stories to heart.