Raney's Rock Stars: Week 12

We had such a great week this week, ending with an amazing afternoon in the woods. The week began learning more about multiplication. We focused on looking at different arrays and how to break them apart to multiply their parts. We discussed the ideas of factors and multiples. Students built various multiplication trains with unifix cubes. In Science, we began our newest unit of study: Animals Over Time. Students were introduced to different habitats around the world and how fossils are clues to a habitat's past. In writing, students began their informational unit. They spoke about topics they are already familiar with and shared their knowledge with their peers. We began learning about the use of a Table of Content, and why they are important when structuring their writing. Lastly, today all students were able to open their letters of encouragement. Thank you so much for your kind words. Every child was so thrilled to receive a personalized letter. Your words are worth their weight in gold!

Here are some questions to spark conversation:
-What is a fossil?
-How did a whale fossil show up in the grasslands of Illinois?
-What topic are you writing your informational piece on?
-What was your favorite part about the Forest this week?
-What is a factor? What is a multiple of 3?

We created personalized "pads" for our sit spots in the woods. 

Raney's Rock Stars: Week 11

This week was full of new learning and exploration. As learners, students have been introduced to multiplication this week, with the idea that multiplication is simply repeated addition. We have begun to look at the array model, as many of you will see in their SeeSaw posts this week. This week our WIN groups began as well. The entire 2nd and 3rd-grade teams are working together to further instruct students in the area of reading. The whole class did an excellent job role modeling CSR behavior while in these groups. In other areas of learning, we have discussed what our tools for success have been and how it feels when we are successful. This past Wednesday was the best day in school we have had so far this year! They rocked it. We were all so proud of ourselves and others. It was a great day. Yesterday, I was able to attend a Technology Conference and I cannot wait to try some new things with them next week. This week is our last Forest Friday with the Growing Change group from Dartmouth.

Here are some questions to spark conversation:
-How did you play Rock, Paper, Scissors with your House?
-What tools do you use most to be successful?
-Who is winning the Fraction Race and how do you know?
-What is an array? What is area?
-Which planet, continent, country, state, town, street to you live on?
-Why is the sun important?
-What is WIN? And what book are you working on in your WIN group?

Raney's Rock Stars: Week 10

Catching up from last week! We had our Family Forest Work Day, Our 3rd Grade Writers Celebration, followed by Halloween, a Celebration for earning over 3,000 tokens and Family Conferences to end the week! It sure was busy. Here are some pictures from that week. Sorry for the delay.