Highlights of January and February

Language Arts

We finished our 2^nd novel The City of Ember and the kids loved it. The book ended leaving us wondering: What happened to the Earth that required a city to be built underground? The two main characters found the way out of the city, but will anyone else be able to figure out the clues? And now that Lina and Doon are out, what will happen to them in the “real” world?

We began our new historical fiction novel, Chains by Laurie Anderson, which tells the story of Isabel a slave in New York City during the days before the Revolutionary War. We discussed the traits of historical fiction and dissected the book’s blurb looking for story elements.

After lunch we enjoy listening to The Secret Keepers by Trenton Stewart, a story about a boy who finds a magical pocket watch.

Room 22 finished researching, taking notes, drafting, and editing their State Reports. You can see the final product Thursday March 15 at the Writing Festival which will be in the MPR from 6:00 to 7:30 or at Open House. Our next writing unit will be Opinion Writing.

Proof reading and Editing State Reports

Mathematics

Room 22 started 2018 with an Algebra unit: focusing on variables and plotting points/lines on the first quadrant of a coordinate grid. We have been busy with adding/subtracting and multiplying fractions.

Starting the Fractions Unit with Froot Loops

Science

We have continued our unit of Earth’s Place in the Universe by discussing the life of a star and doing mini-research on a constellation. We also learned about the Earth’s Systems: hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere. We focused on the hydrosphere discussing the water on the Earth and the little amount of fresh water that exists.

Social Studies

Room 22 learned about various European Explorers that had an impact on the New World. Students discussed the benefits and the disadvantages of the Colombian Exchange. We have recently begun a unit on the 13 Colonies, first learning about The Lost Colony of Roanoke and Jamestown.

Valentine's Day Art