The Benefits of Community

 Our class is learning how important it is to be a positive part of their community.  We are part of the whole school community, a classroom community and now, part of a small group community.  We are easing into the new freedoms of masks optional, less spacing and starting this week, working together in the classroom in small groups.  Our desks are now in groups of four or five students. Each group will begin to earn points and privileges as they help each other to succeed in the classroom.  We'll start transitioning by groups, discussing and learning in groups and being accountable to help our group succeed.  This is an exciting time, where we see students grow in leadership and cooperation. As small groups, we'll focus on the word 'integrity' as we work together.  

This week in Bible we will learn more about Jesus' healing ministry and how to be a caring friend. Then we'll begin the story of Zacchaeus and learn how Jesus wants to help everyone, especially the lonely and hurting.

Our long vowel study is finishing and we'll be moving into learning about digraphs in reading.  This week, we'll focus on 'th' and note how we see this letter pattern frequently in our sight words.  New sight words are: saw, were, does.  New reader is 'Jan and Gus'.  We'll count syllables in words. Students will hear a new anchor text about a garden and work on comprehension skills.  We'll be writing about a product Washington state produces, as we apply our learning from social studies.

Our time in tech lab will support our reading and spelling as we play fun games and practice mouse skills.

Students will practice writing equations and drawing pictures to show their understanding of addition and subtraction in math.

In social studies we'll finish up our map showing goods and services Washington state produces.  We'll learn the difference between a public and private service. At the end of the week, we'll add a local Native American people to our map, the Yakima Tribal Nation.  Students will learn about Yakima culture.

Our art lesson this week will focus on making models of Yakima weaving.  We want our students to understand the inspiration behind the symbols and appreciate a local art form.

In music, we've learned a fun tribal song that includes a game.  This week we'll add some instruments to accompany our singing and then compose songs using sounds from nature.

I'm looking forward to a full week of learning and fun as we transition into our new freedoms.

Mrs. Luoma