November 16, 2012

Math: 
We are working on solving word problems using addition and subtraction.  Students will need to be able to read a problem and decide which operation to use to solve the problem.  I tried to make it memorable by telling them they were doctors trying to diagnose what their patient was missing and what operation they would need to save their patient.  The basic model is called Part, Part, Total (whole).  If you can picture a triangle with the total at the top and both parts in the lower corner you have the model.  So students can memorize this:

Part + Part = Total                          Total - Part = Part

If the patient is missing the total, then the doctor should use the addition operation.  If the patient is missing a part, then the doctor should use the subtraction operation.  

I think this really helped the students to visualize and understand the meaning of the problem.  We have much more work with vocabulary next week.  

Science

We are learning about the different landforms and sources of water on our Earth.  We did partner work today which included reading a book together and finding three facts.  We have been discussing the difference between fact and opinion as well.  Students really enjoyed this work today.

Reading:

We have been working on finding the root or base word to help us figure out words.  For example in the word unhappiness the root word is happy.  We learned that un is a prefix and ness is a suffix. Finding root/base words is fun.  You can have your child find them in their reading.

Writing:

We are talking about the use of transition words: First, next, then, last, finally.  As well as adding voice to our writing by choosing great feeling words.  We read a book called How Are You Peeling?  Which talked about many types of feelings using vegetables made into faces.  

Remember next week is a short week.  We are off for Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday.  I will be sending home the permission slip for the November 28 field trip on Monday, please sign it and return it on Tuesday.

Thank you for sending your children to me ready to learn.  I love coming to work each day and look forward to seeing all the eagerness in their faces.  I truly enjoy working with your children.  Keep doing what you are doing, because from what I can see, your children can learn because they feel loved, safe and happy!

Enjoy the weekend!  Go Lions!