Are You Living An Incredible Reading Life? We Are!

Today the readers in room 205 were reminded how important it is to have at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted reading time every night! We practiced what this should look like in class today then talked about how it felt to read long and strong. At this time in the year it is extremely important that students continue to build their reading stamina by reading at school AND at home. Be on the lookout for an exciting new "Countdown to FCAT" reading challenge! 

"The Promise"

Today we went to the JCA to watch the play "The Promise". This upbeat and interactive play kept us engaged and reminded us that teasing and bullying is not okay. At the end we even got the chance to sign our own class promise, promising to not participate in teasing, to model good behavior, and to accept and include all classmates! They know by keeping their promise they can make a difference here at Chets Creek!

Some of our students made it up on stage to participate in the "Hokey Pokey"

Each student signed our Class Promise!

United States Regions Study

This week, we have started studying about the Southeast Region of the United States. Students will learn about the culture, landmarks, climate, landforms, and placement of the states in this region.  We will studying this region for two weeks before having a quiz. Please stay tuned to the newsletter for information on our next region study. Students are reading from a text that has been provided for them. We are no longer using the text book. If you are interested in having a digital copy of the text emailed to you, please email Miss Russell russella1@duvalschools.org.

Capture Fractions Game

Students have been playing an awesome game in class called Capture Fractions. The game requires students to compare fractions using fraction cards. The fraction card deck is split in half and each student turns over their top card. The student with the larger fraction gets to keep both cards. The game is a lot like "war"!  The students are responsible for accountable math talk and explaining their thinking beyond using the pictures to compare fractions.  

If  you are interested in getting a digital copy of the fraction cards so you and print and play at home, please email Miss Russell (russella1@duvalschools.org). :) 

Fraction Fun!

In math, we have started a new unit all about fractions.  Students are sharpening their skills every day about this new and exciting concept.  Here are some of the charts that we have made so far based on the work we have done. 

Notice that "drawing" fractions is NOT a strategy that we are using in class. Being able to accurately represent fractions (equal sized wholes and equal parts), is very difficult for students.  Therefore, we use other strategies to more accurately compare fractions. For example, when compare 3/8 and 5/6 students might compare them to 1/2.  Students might say "I know that 3/8 is 1/8 less than a half and 5/6 is 1/6 MORE than a half; therefore, 3/8 < 5/6." This method of comparing fractions is MUCH more accurate than attempting to draw a representation.

Using an inequality sign (<,>, or =) compare the following fractions: 5/8 and 2/4. Leave a comment with your answer!