Our Timeline

Where Have We Been?

Mrs. Pelkey's class has just finished up learning some overarching themes in science, including the use of models, scale, and parts that make up a system.  We have also been following the scientific method as a way to answer questions we have about the world around us.

In social studies, we have been reviewing our Core Values, understanding rights and responsibilities, and learning what it means to be a good citizen.

In math, we have been working on ,comparing numbers, counting strategies, double checking, and showing how we solved a problem.  These are all skills that we will need to be good at throughout each grade.

Reading instruction has been focused on reading strategies like summarizing, predicting, and re-reading for clarification.  We have also been thinking a lot about the author's purpose, or message, for each text.  We are reviewing words with long and short vowel sounds, as well as words that are "surprise words" because they do not follow the "rules" of their spelling pattern, during Word Work activities. Writing Workshop had us thinking of ways to come up with ideas for writing, focusing on a topic, and adding details.

Where Are We Going?

For October we are going to take a look back into history to learn a little about Christopher Columbus.  We are then going to skip ahead on the time line and look at Pilgrim life.  Focusing on Pilgrims, we will be able to compare the life of a child in the early to mid-1600's to the life of children now. 

Our next science unit will carry us through November as we look at living things and different habitats.  Students will understand how plants and animals depend on each other and the environment in which they live.

In math, we have just begun to take a look at story problems and are sharing strategies for solving story problems.  We begin with visualizing what is actually happening in the story.  We need to figure out what we already know, and what we need to find out.  We have to decide if things are being put together (addition), taken apart (subtraction), or if we need to know "how many more" (still subtraction, or "counting up").

Here are some examples of strategies that we have shared in class so far:

 

Some Dates to Remember:

Tuesday, October 8: School Picture Day
Monday, October 14: No School - Columbus Day
Tuesday, October 15: No School - Inservice Day