Rocking The Vote

This past week in math we have been investigating efficient strategies for solving multiplication problems. The goal is to move students beyond the use of repeated addition to use known facts and structure to make sense of more complex equations. We did this by using cubes to build "multiple trains." Then we made observations about what these different trains had in common and thought about ideas such as, "How can knowing 10x6 help you to solve 5x6?" Being able to develop efficient strategies and think flexibly about multiplication helps students to develop a conceptual understanding that will help them as we build fact fluency and explore factors, arrays, and multi-digit problems in the future.

After working hard to prepare and deliver our campaign speeches, the students used Google Forms to vote for the fictional character whom they thought would make the best president and vice president. J.K. Rowling would be proud that both of her characters were winners. Harry Potter was the clear victor for President and his friend Hermione Granger was elected V.P. The students also got to take a tour of the real polling station and ask questions of the volunteers who were dedicating their time on Tuesday.

We have now moved in to our next integrated unit of study where students will be studying weather. The focus will be on the causes and effects of extreme weather phenomenon like hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards. Students will be learning about cause and effect relationships and how to use text and digital tools to research. They will also be tracking and graphing weather data on a location where their type of extreme weather occurs to observe and record patterns. The engineering challenge will combine this new knowledge and their design skills as they work in groups to design a virtual blueprint of a home that could withstand the effects of the extreme weather. Stay tuned for more exciting learning ahead!

The weather has been mild, but as we head into the winter season please be sure that your child has the necessary winter gear for heading outdoors for recess. We go out everyday unless it is below zero.

Please remember that we do not have school next week. We hope that you have a restful Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends.

Fondly,
Jess and Liz 

Celebrating the Season

We started the week out sweetly with our Harvest Crafternoon (or Crafter-morning) as the schedule would have it. Thank you to all who volunteered their time and contributed snacks and beverages. The students loved it! We then headed outside with all of the 3/4 teams to put the school garden down to rest with songs and cider.

This week the students continued to work on their persuasive speeches. The students thought about how to add strong words to their pieces that would convince the "voters" to elect their nominee. Then we learned how to add an image to the speech making sure to be good digital citizens and give credit to where the photo came from.

As the week came to a close the speeches were being edited and students began to think about how to read and present their speeches with fluency and confidence. We watched one of our favorite public speakers, Kid President and created a list of things to remember when public speaking. Here's a few things that they came up with:

• Speak with enthusiasm
• Use body language
• Look at your audience
• Use a loud crowd voice
• When you're nervous...just fake it! 

Students practiced with partners and used a checklist to score each other and give feedback. Next week they will present to other voters in small groups and then rock their own fictional vote on Tuesday.

Ask about....

• Who did you nominate for a fictional president? 
• What character traits does that character have that makes you think they'd be a good president? 
• Talk to your children about how you get informed as a voter and what traits you look for in a leader.