This week, the children began to plan and write their chapter books about their glovetopuses, learned about symmetry in math and we videotaped the first episode of The Room 222 Interview Show!
Math: The class reviewed 2 D or two-dimensional geometry concepts by reviewing the names and properties of polygons. They practised sorting shapes when given a sorting rule (for example, "shapes with straight and curved sides"). Then the children learned about the concept of symmetry and the idea of a line of symmetry in animals and objects. Students learned how to use the math tool called a "mirra" (made of a type of clear, reflective plastic) to train their brains to recognize symmetrical objects, to identify lines of symmetry in an object and to draw and complete a symmetrical design (given one half of the design). At the end of the week, the class began to learn about 3 D or three-dimensional geometry.
Reading/Writing: At the beginning of the week, the children wrote down in their journals their goals for term 2. They were asked for how they could personally improve their writing, their math skills and their interactions with other people.
The class discussed what is meant by a "chapter book" and how a chapter book is different from a picture book. The students then were guided to contribute to plan and write a three chapter book for my glovetopus named "Ollie". We also managed to use some of our octopus research in the story! Then the children began to plan and write their own chapter books based on the glovetopuses that each child made. In grade two, the concept of writing a chapter book is presented in an age-appropriate format. That means, three chapters where the first chapter introduces the characters and setting. The second chapter introduces the problem in the story and the third chapter presents the solution to the problem. Of course, the students are allowed to write as many chapters as they wish and are encouraged to write a longer, more detailed story, as I will be typing the good copies of these books.
Science: The children began the unit on "Understanding Life Systems - Growth and Changes in Animals". Last week the students talked about how to research a topic. After generating questions about octopuses, we used text, video and google searches to answer these questions and through this process managed to learn additional facts, not covered by the initial questions. The students then each chose a fact and created a fact page for our newest class book, "Octopus Facts". Did you know that octopuses have 9 brains and smell with the ends of their arms?
Art: The children finished their soft sculpture glovetopuses by sewing button eyes on them using a needle and thread and creating three blue paper hearts to put inside them. These are now on the students' desks to inspire them when writing their chapter books.
Later in the week the children used what they know about symmetry to create symmetrical abstract art out of coloured paper, using only a pair of scissors and glue. This project will continue next week.
Oral Communication and Media Literacy: The class talked about another way to do research. If you want to know more about a person how would you find out? Could you read a book or google their names? Most people do not have a book written about them or an internet presence. So, the children discussed interviewing people. The children already had ideas about this as they have interviewed their parents for a previous class book. The class generated interview questions (for example, "What is your favourite animal? Why is it your favourite?) and a list of adults in our school that they wanted to learn more about. Our first guest was our school's principal, Mrs. Farrelly. This video can be viewed in a separate posting.
(Please know that we will do one interview each week for the next 12 weeks to allow every student in our class to have a chance to be an interviewer.)
Books read aloud this week:
Octopus Facts by Room 222
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren (chapter book - to be continued)
Donut Chef by Bob Staake
No comments:
Post a Comment