Inside a Pioneer Home

In our math unit on fractions and decimals we used Base Ten Blocks to represent fractions and mixed numbers. Instead of the flat representing a hundred, it represented 1 whole. It took 10 rods to make a whole, meaning that each rod was 1/10 of a whole. We also wrote tenths as decimals 1/10 = 0.1 and learned how to name fractions and decimals correctly ( 0.1 = one tenth, not zero point one). Students worked to represent fractions and mixed numbers as Base Ten Block pictures and decimals.

In language, students completed their review work on list 23 spelling words  and reviewed spelling words from lists 19 - 23.

In our speech time, we read about many strategies that can be used to write a conclusion such as restating your topic as a question, writing an anecdote, and using aggressive verbs instead of passive verbs. Students had time in class to work on the first draft of their conclusion. It was not easy to do. Revised conclusions are due on Monday.

In our Little House in the Big Woods novel study, we enjoyed discussing what unfolded in chapter 6, especially Ma slapping the bear on the shoulder and Pa thinking the stump was a bear. Students shared many connections they had with camping and hiking with what happened in chapter 6.

We continued with our inquiry unit on Pioneers. We took up the work that students worked on independently or in a group yesterday to discover what early pioneer homes were like. Students learned a lot about log cabins, sod houses, plank houses, and stone houses. They used their learning to add to their KWL charts. Students contributed pioneer-related words to add to our class chart of A-Z of pioneer words. Today's challenge was for students to discover by reading what pioneer homes were like on the inside. They could choose to work independently or in a group to complete this work. Many found today's activity a bit challenging, but they did not give up. It is wonderful to see every child engaged and excited about learning. When they were done, they were challenged to complete a third page of their own A-Z booklet.

Students attended French and gym class today.

 Homework & Reminders

·         Review list 23 spelling words for tomorrow's spelling test

·         MMS p. 128 & 129

·         Complete revised speech conclusion for Monday

·         Read chapter 7 of Little House in the Big Woods and complete reader response page for Monday

·         Mark Saturday, February 22, on your calendars as the SJA Annual Gala - Gala tickets are for sale now ($75/adult & $10/child)

·         Trip forms

·        Support the grade 2 fundraiser by purchasing their crafts on sale from $0.50 to $2 next week - proceeds will be donated to World Vision

I will not be at school tomorrow and there will not be a grade 4 class blog tomorrow. I have already discussed tomorrow's work schedule with the grade 4 class. The weekend homework assignment will be as follows:

• MMS p. 130 & 131
• Complete revised speech conclusion for Monday
• Read chapter 7 of Little House in the Big Woods and complete reader response page for Monday

Have a wonderful Friday and weekend!