This week, we grappled with fractions! We folded the same sized paper into two parts, three parts, four parts, six parts, and eight parts and labeled the parts. As we did this, kids noticed: “If you fold the halves in half, you get fourths!” “So if you fold the fourths in half, you get eighths!” “Same thing with the sixths. If you fold the thirds in half, you get sixths!” The next day, we cut out one part of the whole and labeled the remaining part on the back. For example, cutting one part of the fourths off, you are left with three parts of the whole, which is 3/4.
Comparing fractions was tricky. Denominators show you how many parts the whole is cut into. If the denominators are not the same, then often the fraction with the lesser denominator is the greater fraction. We gave Temescalians the tip that the denominator is kind of like how many people you need to share your brownie with. If you have 2 friends to share with, including you, your brownie is split into 3 parts. But if you are sharing that brownie with 5 other friends, that brownie will be split into more parts and your portion of the brownie will be smaller. However, if the denominator of both of the fractions are the same, then the fraction with the greater numerator is the greater fraction. Challenge your Temescalian to compare fractions and help you think of equivalent fractions! A great way to do this is when measuring while cooking!
We also put fractions in order on a number line. We first figured out where the half point of the string was and placed “1/2” there. Then, recalling our work with folding paper, half of that 1/2 was where we placed “1/4” and then “3/4”. Going further, we looked at half of 1/4 and found where we ought to place the “1/8”. Look at a ruler with your Temescalian and talk about what the little marks between the inches represent!
In reading workshop, we put our practice to paper and jotted down connections on post-its. This is a strategy to help Temescalians with their homework reading logs. As they read, they can jot down notes so that they have reminders for when they sit down to fill out their reading logs.
We also read The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown (she also wrote Goodnight Moon). We are exploring rhythms of language and juicy descriptive language. The format for each page of the book was to state what was important about an object, describe it in a few other ways, and then sandwich the poem with the initial statement. Temescalians took to this format like fish to water and wrote some creative poems!
We celebrated two Temescalians’ birthdays! We love seeing pictures from when our fellow Temescalians were younger. Sharing appreciations specific for the birthday person is an important practice where Temescalians are tasked to think about the individual’s qualities and characteristics and gives the birthday person a chance to hear what others like/notice about them. We also enjoy the Q&A part of the celebration where we ask about firsts and favorites of their younger selves.
To prepare for our upcoming Art Show on February 1, Julianne guided the Temescalians as they constructed sections of a “marble run”. Temescalians worked in groups as they tried to stabilize their sections of the ramp. Finally, fitting them together was a feat of organized chaos. We found that by having a few kids come up at a time to suggest ways to connect the sections, we were able to build on ideas and form a working marble run. This is yet another example of our tinkering spirit where we design, construct, test, adjust, and re-test until we achieve our desired results. This is a fun activity but also challenging and builds up our store of patience and perseverance.
Please join us on Thursday, February 1 for the opening of the Art Show, from 6:00 – 8:00pm! This year’s theme is “Interconnected: How art can bring people together for in-the-moment experiences and conversation.” Exhibits from the ECC – 8th grade will be on display!
We bid a Temescalian adieu as she and her family embark on an adventure abroad, in Ecuador for the next few months. We hope to stay in touch with postcards and occasional Skype conversations. We wish them safe travels and loads of opportunities to make memories together, as a family. We told her to come back and visit when she returns next year because, “Once a Temescalian, always a Temescalian!”
We had our first Family Reading in quite a while. We will be trying to make sure that we have them at least twice a month! We usually have kids look through their portfolios and read all of the notes that you have been sending back on their Weekly Reflections. We also give the Temescalians opportunity to show their grown-ups around, read to them and play math games with them. Please look at the “Upcoming Events” section in the bar to the right. (You may need to scroll back up to the top to see the calendar of events.). We have added a few more Family Readings to our schedule.
We have a few upcoming events:
– Monday, 1/29: Field trip to Zellerbach Hall to see the Peking Acrobats. Please send your child to school dressed for the weather, comfortable walking shoes, and a packed lunch. We’ll be taking public transportation! (Parent chaperones, please aim to be at school around 9:45am to help with trips to the bathroom and have bus fare ready! One way is $2.25 for an adult with cash or $2.15 for an adult with a Clipper card.)
– Thursday, 2/1: Art Show Opening (6:00 – 8:00pm) Please come and see the exhibits that the ECC – 8th graders have created! The theme is “Interconnected: How art can bring people together for in-the-moment experiences and conversation.”
– Tuesday, 2/13: 1000s Local Ecosystem Projects are due. We sent home a letter and ecosystem assignments this week on blue paper. Please look through your child’s backpacks for them! Each child has selected a local ecosystem to focus on and needs to create 250 things that represent their local ecosystem. These projects do not require a trip to the local craft store. Instead, look around and see what you already have at home that might suffice. You might have a lot of toothpicks, paper, markers, or popsicle sticks already.
The Bay: Benji, Noah, Mirella, Rosie
Woodlands: Vivian, James, Dash, Abby
Grasslands: Emme, Charlie, Anthony, Amelia
Wetlands: Finnve, Max, Grace, Yoshi
– Wednesday, 2/14: St. Valentine’s Day. You are welcome to bring in homemade cards or store bought cards. We just ask that if you bring in any Valentines to prepare one for each member of the class so that it is equitable for everyone.
– Friday, 2/16: Family Reading (8:30 – 9:00am) Please come in and see all of the projects in one place! See the similarities and differences of how Temescalians represented 250 things from their chosen local ecosystem.
Please let us know if you have any questions about the 1000s Local Ecosystem Project or Valentines.
Other glimpses of our week:
