Reader's Workshop
     In Reader's Workshop this week, we worked to increase our reading stamina.  Reading stamina means that every student reads the entire time without getting distracted.  Stamina reading also includes thinking while we read and using our Reading Journals to document questions and connections.

Writer's Workshop
     We started our first Unit of Study on Realistic Fiction this week.  We learned that Realistic fiction is a made up story that could really happen.  It has a believable problem or struggle, and the setting is real and in our lifetime.  Realistic Fiction has one or a few main characters and is usually dedicated to someone specific.  

Students share their seed ideas that - with time and effort - could grow into a Realistic Fiction piece.  

Math

     In Math this past week, we practiced rounding numbers and preparing for our first tests.  We participated in Math Workstations which allowed us to work with a partner or a group.  

Rachel & Miles complete a "Facing the Math" activity to help them review place value and the three forms of numbers.  

Luis & Anna use iPads to work on their ALEKS pie.

Social Studies
     In Social Studies, students continued to study geography, learning about the oceans and continents.  They practiced songs for each of these lists, then defined and illustrated some important landforms and bodies of water including archipelago, canyon, gulf, mountain range, and more.

Science
     In Science, Mrs. Branding led the students through an experiment.  Students wrote a hypothesis, prediction and conclusion for the inquiry and also practiced their observation skills.