Welcome To Mrs. Johnson's Classroom Website: News You Can Use!

Hello 1-1 Families! I hope you enjoy reading all about our busy week!

Literacy

This week, our close reading lessons focused on two texts, Lion Dancer and Cat and Rat. During the first reading of, Lion Dancer, the children focused on two photographs from the text. Using the text and photos, they answered the question, Why do the people have their mouths and ears covered? They used evidence from the text to support their answers.

During our second reading, the children came up with a list of questions they had about the photographs in the book. On Wednesday, Cat and Rat, the children worked on retelling the story using an organizer titled, Somebody, Wanted, But, So. During the second reading, the children worked on identifying the central message of the story.

Cooking Up “Synonym Rolls”

On Friday, the chefs in the classroom enjoyed cooking up “Synonym Rolls.” They started by writing a list of synonyms for one word or pairs of synonyms. Once they had their “ingredients list,” they baked their synonym rolls till they were golden brown. Then they decorated them with synonym frosting. Ask you chef to name some of their favorite synonyms.

Writing

This week, we continued our Persuasive Writing unit. The children met with a partner. They chose the problem or improvement that they wanted to write about. Then, they took turns telling each other who their “audience” is, their opinion, and at least one reason to support their opinion. The children then completed a graphic organizer, including their opinion, three reasons to support it, and a closing. They will use their graphic organizer to compose their persuasive letter next week.

Math

In Math, the children worked with money and adding and subtracting a variety of 2-digit numbers. The children took turns telling, writing, and solving number stories. They used a variety of strategies to solve the different number stories. On Wednesday, the children reviewed the characteristics of polygons. They created different polygons using straws and twist-ties.

The children also reviewed the names of 3-Dimensional Shapes. On Thursday, they reviewed temperature and how to use thermometers to read low and high temperatures.

The children also enjoyed playing, Pinch and Total, to review counting money.

Social Studies

This week, the children continued their study of China. On Monday, after listening to, The Seven Chinese Brothers, the children learned how to count from 1-10 in Chinese. They also created their own mini Chinese Number book. The children practiced writing the Chinese Characters for numbers 1-10.

On Tuesday, the children worked with Chinese language and practiced writing Chinese Characters. They are compiling a list of their favorite characters to turn into a Chinese Language mini flip book. They will bring their book home when it is completed.

China Presentation

On Friday, Zach’s dad came in and gave a presentation on China. He travels there often for work and compiled a wonderful slide show to share with the children. He shared photos from his travels, told the children about eating in China, brought in some examples of Chinese currency, told the children about popular modes of transportation in China, and shared some similarities between China and the United States. Mr. Misner gave each child their own Chinese coin to keep and a toothbrush (he works for a company that makes oral care products). I was very impressed with the wonderful questions the children asked Mr. Misner after looking at his photographs. Thank you Mr. Misner, the children loved having you! You did a great job!