11/16-11/20

This week, 2B was kept very busy! We learned about matter in science, and started to focus in on the specific types of matter- solids, liquids, and gases. We ended our solids unit on Friday by learning about Simon Rodia, a self taught engineer who built the Watts Towers. These towers were built entirely out of salvaged materials. The kids learned about how a triangular base can help make a structure strong. We tested this through a STEM project: design a tower made entirely of toothpicks and marshmallows, that can withstand the blast of a fan. They did a great job!

In writing, the kids wrote from the perspective of a turkey. Imagining themselves and their families as turkeys was a lot of fun...until they realized Thanksgiving was just around the corner. Their goal was to persuade the reader to eat something, ANYTHING, besides turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. I was impressed with a lot of their persuasive arguments, and I've gotta say, I may be rethinking what I eat for Thanksgiving dinner this year...

Have a blessed, safe, and enjoyable Thanksgiving break!

Flip flops, sunglasses, a towel, and sunscreen...what's the main idea?

Baking sheet, spoon, bowl, and chocolate chips...what's the main idea?

Floss, Glass, toothpaste, toothbrush...what's the main idea?

Comparing and Contrasting Matter

Comparing and Contrasting Matter

An engineering challenge

Testing out their structures

Testing out their structures

Looking Ahead to Next Week:
Memory: For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. Psalm 96:4
Spelling:ing/ink: bring, sing, wing, fling, string, link, drink, pink, think, shrink
Grammar: Past tense verbs/irregular past tense verbs
Phonics: ending consonant clusters
Reading: Main Idea Review
Math: TEST Friday
Science: Chapter 9 Lesson 3: Liquids and Gases, Date of Test will be announced next week

Writing: How to's 

Important Information:

• STAR reports were sent home in Friday folders. If your child's zpd has lowered, please continue to help them find books from their higher zpd range from previous tests. Remember, it's a long test, and results are extremely dependable on student's mindset at the time, as well as various other factors. 
• Information about the Read to Succeed Program was sent home in Friday folders. If your child reads 6 or more hours by the end of February (which should be easy to do if they are reading 20 minutes a day, 4 times a week), then they will earn a free ticket to Six Flags! 
• Thanksgiving Services at Zion will be taking place at: 7:00pm Wednesday Nov. 25th and 9:00am on Thanksgiving Day.