March 2nd - 6th

 Looking back on learning.........

Phonics:

This week in phonics, our class focused on the long “u” sound. Students learned a helpful trick: whatever says “u” can also say “ew”! We explored how the letter combinations ue, ew, and ui can all make the long “u” (“ew”) sound. We also discovered where these patterns usually appear in words—“ui” is often found in the middle of words, while “ew” and “ue” are typically found at the end.

Students practiced identifying and reading these patterns by mapping words, which helps them connect sounds to the letters that represent them. We also had fun singing along to a long “u” song to help remember the rule! To build fluency and confidence, students read our weekly decodable as well as a variety of other decodable texts that focused on the targeted sound. 

Math:

We continued building our understanding of fractions. Students practiced using the proper vocabulary when reading fractions, saying them correctly as two fifths instead of two over five. This helps strengthen their mathematical language and understanding.

We also began comparing fractions to determine which fraction is greater. Students practiced using the greater than (>), less than (<), and equal to (=) symbols to show their thinking and compare different fractions. Through a variety of activities and practice opportunities, students worked on carefully looking at the parts of a fraction and explaining their reasoning when deciding which fraction is larger. 

Science:

As part of our science learning about bioluminescence, students explored how some living things can produce their own light. One fascinating example we studied was the anglerfish. Students learned that anglerfish live deep in the dark ocean where sunlight cannot reach. They create their own light using a glowing lure on top of their heads, which helps attract curious prey close enough for the anglerfish to catch! We also discovered an interesting fact about anglerfish: the females are much larger than the males, and the tiny males attach to the female so she can help provide the nutrients they need to survive.

To connect our learning with art, students created their own colourful anglerfish. They used bright gel crayons to design their fish and chalk pastels to show the glowing lure shining in the deep, dark sea. The chalk helped create a beautiful “glow” effect, just like the bioluminescent light of a real anglerfish! 

Writing:

Students have continued to work on developing their procedural writing skills. Procedural writing explains how to do something step by step, and students have been practicing how to clearly show the order of their ideas. They are working hard to incorporate transition words such as first, second, third, next, then, and after to help show the sequence of steps in their writing. Using these words helps make their instructions clearer and easier for the reader to follow.