Week of 3.16.20

Highlights for the Week of 3/16/2020
in Mrs. Bell's Classroom

Spelling -  Unit 22 - Adjectives

An adjective is a word that describes a noun. This week's lesson consists of a collection of adjectives and a review of similes and metaphors. The final TEST is scheduled for Friday, 3/20.

Reading- Unit 2 - "Journeys" - The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

We have had many interesting conversations about vocabulary and use of language within the novel, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. My "Junior Archaeologists" will continue to dig into chapters 1-5 of the novel during the week of 3/16. 

There is a QUIZ on using context clues to determine the meaning of vocabulary from chapters 1-2 scheduled for 3/17. 

I often mention how we work on close reading in my blog. I wanted to share with you an example of what it looks like to close read a text passage. Below is a photo of an excerpt from The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane that the class close read and annotated together. As we reread the passage, we noted unknown vocabulary, important details, and connections to achieve a deeper understanding of the text. This is what close reading in 4th grade looks like...

Social Studies - The Southwest - "Oil & Technology"
Our study of the Southwest will include a look at how the oil and technology industries impact the economy of the Southwest. Look for the chapter 10 TEST to be scheduled during the week of 3/23. 

Science - Energy Conversions
Making system improvements is the topic for Science this week. Students will consider different solutions for improving the electrical grid in Ergstown based on specific criteria. 

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) - "Making a Plan"




Students will learn that some solutions to problems are complicated and need a plan that helps you break down a bit task into smaller, more manageable parts. At the end of the lesson students will be able to explain the purpose of making a plan and create a three-step plan to carry out a solution to a problem. 

Mrs. Bell's Math Class - Unit 6 - Graphing, Geometry & Volume

Our focus this week will be on describing and graphing patterns. We will also do some enrichment with the coordinate plane. The first CHECKPOINT of Unit 6 will be scheduled the week of 3/23.

I couldn't resist sharing these photos of students playing Jeopardy to review for the Unit 5 test. They love this activity and I love that they are so engaged and excited to play. The final Jeopardy question is always a brain-buster!

Order of Operations brain teaser for Final Jeopardy

FYI...

3/30 - Spring Break begins

Sammy's dog Tony came for a visit. Such a sweetie! 

Mrs. Karen Bell

Week of 3.9.20

Highlights for the Weeks of 3/9/2020
in Mrs. Bell's Classroom

Spelling -  Unit 21 - Relative Adverbs, Relative Pronouns, Reading content words

This week's lesson includes the spelling and application of relative adverbs, relative pronouns, and content words. A relative adverb relates back to a time, place or reason to provide more details about a noun. A relative pronoun relates back to something or someone else. The reading content words are familiar to students, and they should be able to spell them and to apply them (Example: identify a simile or a metaphor.) The final TEST is scheduled for Friday, 3/13.

Reading- Unit 2 - "Journeys"

We will begin reading the novel The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. This story tells the tale of a china rabbit who goes on an adventure and learns how to love. We will begin by close reading an excerpt from the first chapter. This novel is rich in vocabulary and underlying themes, and I look forward to sharing Edward's journey in our classroom.

 




Social Studies - "Land and Resources of the Southwest"





Students will create their own map of the Southwest region. We will also take a look at the land and resources of the Southwest, taking a close look at the Grand Canyon and its formation. 

 The students did a marvelous job on their Midwest Just Look Book project and have shown tremendous growth in their presentation skills. Below are some photos from the presentations...

Students sampled resources from the region during our Midwest Feast which featured blackberries, string cheese, and popcorn. 

Science - Energy Conversions

This week's lesson will have students taking a look at how to improve an electrical grid.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) - Solving Problems Part 2

The key concept for this week's lesson is that solving problems helps you be successful at school. By the end of the week, students should be able to generate safe and respectful solutions to a problem, identify consequences of potential solutions, and select an appropriate solution to a problem.

Mrs. Bell's Math Class - Unit 5 - Multiplying & Dividing Fractions / Unit 6 - Graphing, Geometry & Volume




The Unit 5 TEST is scheduled for Tuesday, 3/10. We will begin Unit 6 with a look at how to describe and graph patterns and also do some enrichment work with the coordinate plane. 

FYI...

3/12 - Early Dismissal - Students dismissed at 11:00

Having fun building towers in PE.

We loved meeting Gavin's dog, Lulu!

Mrs. Karen Bell