Word Splash

    This week, our class did a wonderful teamwork activity!  Each student was given a notecard with the name of another student on it.  They wrote a word that they associated with that peer.  The notecards were then passed around, so everyone go to write on all the notecards.

         We then created Word Splashes using the website Tagxedo.  The class entered in the words (once for each time it occurred on their card...this caused that word to be larger than others on the Word Splash), chose the colors, layout, etc., and ended with some beautiful artwork!

    It was really nice seeing what everyone wrote and how we all value each other for different things.  We are very lucky to have such a wonderful class!

Create an Animal

Our class has been engrossed in the study of animal adaptations. Students took this knowledge and created an animal of their own, incorporating adaptations into this new species. After filling in a graphic organizer, students used the app ExplainEverything to bring this new animal to life.

Click on the projects below to learn more about these new creatures.

Sharing Objects

      As part of the Global Read Aloud, our class is reading Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt.  In the book, members of Ally's class each bring in an object that represents them.  We decided that we would like to do the same thing, so everyone in our class brought in an object that is special to them.  They then explained what the object was and why it was important.

      It was really fun hearing everyone share their items!

Word Choice

    In our study of the 6 Traits of Writing, we have been exploring word choice.  Having good word choice means using varied and accurate vocabulary, staying away from bland and overused words, and making our writing more interesting and fun to read.     We started of by reading My Mama Had a Dancing Heart by Libba Moore Gray.  In this book, the little girl describes a year with her mother using fantastic word choice.  You can see a reading of the book here:
  We then read a poem that had very similar word choice, Jefferson.

     Then, before setting off to write our own tribute poems while practicing quality word choice, we practiced as a class by writing a poem about Mrs. Murphy.  We were able to share it with her and, I think it's safe to say, she loved it!

    Next week we will be writing our own tribute poems.  Stay tuned!

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.4
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.5
With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing. 

Adaptations of a Beaver

     On Friday, Mrs, LaRussa visited our class to show us adaptations of a beaver.  Some things we learned were:

• Beavers have two sets of eyelids; one is clear to enable them to see under water
• They can hold their breath for 15 minutes!
• Beavers use their tales to slap the surface of the water, sending messages to their young.  A mother's slap means "come back to the lodge" while the father's is more of a warning.
• They have one toenail that is split, acting like a comb to spread oil, helping them be more waterproof.

A BIG thank you to Sophia who served as our "beaver" for the afternoon.  She did a great job!