What a Trip!

First off, I'd like to thank all of the parents that were able to join us on our field trip. Everyone had a great time learning how to make bamboo sticky rice, soap, and exploring the local fauna. This trip will really help us with our procedural writing. This week we continued our units of study while learning about Italy. Italy poster projects are coming along nicely and two students have already finished! Parents please join us for our International Week Presentations on March 23-24.
Please email me at: joshuajoseph.his@gmail.com if you have any questions. Please read on to get a glimpse of everything we did this week and everything we hope to do next week.

Kindly,
Mr. Joseph

Reminders

• March 16-20: Spirit Week
  • Monday: Crazy Hair Day
  • Tuesday:St. Patrick's Day (wear green)
  • Wednesday: Race Day (wear purple)
  • Thursday: Fake Injury Day
  • Friday: Twin Day
• March 20: School Assembly
• March 23-24: International Week Presentations
• March 25: Easter Egg Hunt
• March 25: Reports
• March 26-27: Professional Development
• March 28: Earth Hour (8:30-9:30)
• March 30-April 3: Spring Break

This Week
Reading: Students began reading in the Mystery book clubs. We finished our third round of running records and students are excited to begin reading in their new partnerships and shared reading groups on Monday. 
Shared Reading: We read a poem about Italian Food and we also began reading The Legacy of Leonardo Da Vinci.
Writing: Students began their procedural writing unit. They launched into the unit by writing How-To make a Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich. Then we had fun making exactly what they wrote. Kristopher was one of the few people that actually reminded us to open the bag or bread. Students also learned how to plan their procedural writing by using their finger and by making a mental movie.  
English: Students continued learning about adjectives. Yuka brought to our attention that adjectives can show us how many. We also learned that adjectives can bring our writing to life. 
Math: We began Topic 12: Understanding Fractions. Takahiro explained that a fraction is when we divide into equal groups. We learned that we can divide a single thing and a set of things into equal groups. We also learned how to estimate fractions by using benchmark fractions. We had fun exploring fractions by using chocolate bars and creating fraction inspired Art. 
Social Studies: We continued reading and learning about Italy. In Shared Reading we began reading about Leonardo Da Vinci. We also learned about Italian sports and food. 
Art: We supported our Math learning by labeling fractions circles and using them to create a fraction fish aquarium. 

Next Week
Reading: Students will begin working in their new reading partnerships and groups. Students will begin exploring and discussing the features of Mysteries.
Writing: Students will create procedural writing drafts by using exact verbs, acting out the steps, and writing words of caution.
English: Students will continue learning about adjectives.
Math: We will continue Topic 12: Understanding Fractions. Students will learn to compare, order, add, and subtract fractions. They will also learn how to problem solve by using a table and looking for a pattern.
Social Studies: We will continue to learn about Italy.
Art: Students will learn about the Carnival of Venice by making masks.