December 2014

Language Art

In Reading Workshop, students are continuing to engage in series book clubs. As groups read multiple books in a series, they are noticing patterns that emerge in the plot and in the characters' behavior. Students are pushing themselves to grow rich theories about their characters by making inferences based on the characters' actions.

In Writing Workshop, students are publishing their third and final narrative. We are working on punctuating dialogue correctly, as well as revising in big and important ways.

Verbs are the focus of our grammar studies. We are learning to identify verbs and use them in the present tense. 

Mathematics

Students are applying multiplication and division concepts to real world word problems. They are learning different strategies to model problems, and are also learning to explain their process and answer in clear sentences. Students are developing automaticity with their basic multiplication facts. This takes time and practice, but is very important.

Social Studies

We are learning about the Coast Miwok tribe. Students are discovering how the natural environment influenced the tribe's customs and daily life. As a part of our study, we have had a special guest speaker/dancer. We have also woven baskets, and we are looking forward to an enriching field trip to the Marin Museum of the American Indian next Thursday.

Technology

Students are learning how to create presentations in Keynote, including creating text boxes and importing media. They are very excited to be iPad ambassadors at Reed School and share their knowledge with 1st and 2nd grade students. 

Depth & Complexity

Across Disciplines: Students make connections across subject areas in order to obtain a deeper understanding of curriculum. They relate an area of study to other subjects within, between, or across disciplines.

Ethics: Students take the time to identify when a character or idea involves principles or morals and when it may be controversial. They use “multiple perspectives” to help with this understanding.

Scholarly Attributes

Balanced: Scholars understand the importance of emotional, academic, and extracurricular balance. They incorporate various activities into their day-to-day lives in order to achieve a balanced self.