This week we began to focus on our eco-columns. We took temperature measurements from the class prototype and collected that data for a week. We then looked at how best to present that information. We studied different types of graphs and began to work on our own in preparation for our group eco-columns.

In Math, we continue to work on our number sense. This will be an ongoing process. We are now beginning to look at arithmetic, specifically addition and subtraction. We'll be mastering our algorithms and learning how and when to use them in real scenarios (for example, in our science project). We will also begin to look at word problems, starting with numberless problems. From their we will build our fluency and vocabulary. The goal is for the students to clearly understand a problem, what it is asking, what operation is best, and how to tackle it in an efficient manner.

In Social Studies, we continued our journey in Peru. We began by studying the life of a girl named Maria, and her life in the capital city of Lima. We took a brief Google Earth tour of Lima, delving into the Street View function to get a feel for what it is like in the city. We are tying in our art to this unit, with the students working on creating their own patterns along the lines of Peruvian textiles.

In Language Arts, we began our Book Club groups. Each group is working on a different book. Taking turns reading aloud, sharing connections (cf. Reading Powers by Adrienne Gear), writing, the students will progress in their reading.