Last week we spent a lot of time researching and writing about animals and animal groups. On Monday, the kids used books and well as various websites to help them find facts about the animal they are studying. I demonstrated for the students how to use various online resources to help gather information about a particular topic. I chose to research insects and modeled for the students how to use the National Geographic Website as well as google to help me gather important information like where insects live and what they eat. After modeling, the kids researched their animal and found similar facts. The students used a web to help them gather their information and organize their thoughts. On Tuesday and Wednesday, we worked on using the research we gathered to create complete sentences that would help us write our informative writing piece. After finishing our informative writing piece on Thursday, we began working on our dioramas and posters to go along with our animals. The kids thoroughly enjoyed this part of our Engaging Learning Experience. I was in awe of the kids creativity and their imaginations. I loved the kids eagerness to make each of their projects unique and special. I know several students worked or are working on their projects at home. I appreciate all the time and effort the students as well as parents have put into this project. I can't wait for the students to share their writing and visual aids tomorrow. I have no doubt tomorrows presentations will be a hit!

         

In math, we finished addition and subtraction to 20 this past week. We spent a lot of time doing guided practice and small group instruction. The students participated in whiteboard practice as well as differentiated instruction through math centers. Math tests went home Friday so be sure to check your child's backpack. We will start length this week with Mrs. Tribble. This will be a short unit, but the kids will be learning how to compare, order, and measure objects using various units.