I hope everyone survived our first snow fall of the year! It blows my mind that we're just a few weeks away from holiday break. Our nonfiction unit is going well. We've talked about fun facts versus important information, and how to use context clues to determine the meaning of unknown words. On Friday we began exploring some of the different nonfiction text structures, and how we can use the organization of a text to help us figure out the main idea. In writing, we have moved onto an expository writing unit. After evaluating the students' personal narratives, I noticed we're having a hard time on sentence structure and sentence variety. As a result, I'm working with the ELA coach Mrs. George to develop a series of lessons that teach into the basics of a complete sentence (subject and verb) and how to write more sophisticated sentences (the inclusion of appositives and prepositional phrases). We also began a new social studies unit that centers around the geography of the United States and important national landmarks. The unit has us working on a multi-step project that incorporates research, creative writing, and important vocabulary. Students will be designing a road trip across the United States and will be writing fictional journal entries for the six states they choose to "visit". I'm so excited to see the kids get started on this project!

On Wednesday, we had a half day. On half days we always have Second Step and take part in a STEAM activity. This week, the kids were given a challenge of using the engineering and design process to "save" a gummy worm. They could only use paper clips to get a life saver out from underneath a cup and put the worm through the life saver. Most groups were successful! Check out some of the pictures below. 

Our Bucket Fillers this week were Jordyn and Aidan. Jordyn is the queen of extra homework. She is constantly coming up with creative bonus assignments that weave in what we're learning in school. I love the effort she puts into her work! Aidan is such a nice kid. He is always kind to his peers and teachers, and he is always working hard in class and on his homework. Awesome job Aidan!