Ms. Vanderwel's Room

It is hard to believe that the month of May is now passed. As we look foward with anticipation and excitement to the month of June, here's a look at our learning this past week : )  ------------------------------------------------------- In language arts students have continued to hone their elaboration skills learning a variety of new vocabulary words to use in their writing in place of more general or ordinary terms. Students listened to a video about 'triple scoop' words and brainstormed a list of words that can be used in place of more everyday words. For example, in place of the word 'big' students can use 'huge, enormous, gigantic, humungous, ginormous' to make their writing more interesting and engaging.  Students also learned about the different sounds for the /-ed/ suffix: -t, -d and -ed (-ud). Students watched a video explaining the different cues or clues that let us know when to use each sound. Students also worked in small groups to sort words b...

Here's a peek at our work! Also, School Council is supplying all students and staff with a special cookie treat  (order forms coming home soon)  on June 16. See below for details:  -------------------------------------------- This week the students finished writing their fractured fairy tales. They also began learning about how to revise their work looking for capitals, periods and meatball spaces. In addition, they continued to look at how they could elaborate their writing by adding in details such as dialogue, description (using the 5 senses) and sound effects.  In math, students learned about the concepts of distance and area. Students used string to compare the distance between objects such as pathways through a maze and order them from longest to shortest. Students also learned about what area is and to measure the area of an object. They practiced finding the area of their desks and other objects in the room.   In science, students examined the concept of...

  Hello! Happy Friday! Here is a look at what we did this week. ----------------------------------------------------------- This week we learned about the ' schwa ' sound. This is the most common vowel sound in English, but most of us don't even realize it! The ' schwa ' sound is like a short u sound, but the sound can be made by any vowel. For example, in the word 'banana' the /a/ at the end of the word makes the ' schwa ' or 'lazy u' sound. There are many other examples of the ' schwa ' sound in the table below.  We also listened to the book, 'The Not-So-Lazy Schwa' to better understand this sound and when to use it. Students learned to 'flex the vowel' sound (say the word using the long, short and schwa sounds) when reading words to determine the correct sound for vowels in words. We practiced saying many words using the long, short and schwa vowel sounds to determine which was the correct pronunciation. Click the ...

Here's a look at our learning : )  ----------------------------------------------------- In language arts, the students began planning their fractured fairy tale stories. They began by drawing their characters, setting and story events. Then they began writing the first draft of their stories. In math, students learned about measurement. First they brainstormed different types of measurement such as length, height, and weight. Then they learned how to properly measure objects using either comparison or units. Students practiced using non-standard units of measurement to find the length, height and width of various items.  In science, they continued to learn about the needs of plants and animals. First they played a game in which they had to trade cards to get their needs met. Then we looked at the different ways that plants and animals get their food. At the end of the day on Friday, we went outside and planted some seeds in some cups. Next week we will begin recording how the...