Another exciting week!

This week we have been working hard in lots of areas.  During math we have been working with fractions, in writing we have reflected on work, and self assessed using checklists, during discovery we made some fantastic mini-books, and in reader's workshop we have been focused on point of view.
In math our focus has been on fractions.  We are working on the understanding that fractions are parts of one whole.  Also important in this understanding is that with the knowledge of the value of one part a person can find the value of the whole.  To practice this we have been using some manipulatives in the form of fraction strips...these are really just pieces of paper that we put through different "machines."  For example, to make a one half, we put a one whole through the half-machine once (to do this we fold the paper in half once), we can use this machine to make 1/2s, 1/4s, 1/8s, 1/16s...you get the idea.
Students in this class are ravenous for writing.  We have been starting out our unit on opinion writing.  In this unit we will be working on generating thesis statements, backing these up with reasons, and bolstering our reasons with specific evidence.  Throughout this week students have self-assessed their own work, and made thoughtful revisions.
As our human body unit continues we are beginning and investigation of the circulatory system, and wrapping up our work with bones.  The bones investigation has yielded some interesting mini-books.  These were created this week and are composed of interesting information we have learned about bones.   These books are scheduled to come home today, and are really cool, make sure to check them out!
Finally in reader's workshop we have been working on identifying the different points of view encountered in text.  Our focus has been on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd person.  To increase understanding of these perspectives students have been identifying passages in their books that have a particular point of view, and transforming them into another point of view.
I hope this post finds you well and that you have a restful and relaxing weekend.

-Dave