Integers, More Literature circles and Music!

We were introduced to Integers today! We started with a quick definition of what an integer is and related integers (and negative number especially) to a thermometer because it is very common. Then we did an inquiry problem in which students had to use a pattern to find the temperature at the top of a mountain, knowing the starting point and the fact that for every 150m rise in altitude, the temperature would get 1 degree lower. This was a challenge for many students because the increments that started the pattern went up by 300m, not 150m. Afterward, we looked at a presentation that explained a little more about integers. Here is the presentation I showed the class. It explains everything they need to know about integers this year and has some practice problems at the end. It can be an excellent study guide if working with your child to study for a test.

Integers

We will be having a test on Monday for our patterning unit. This week we will be reviewing the material we have studied this unit to ensure we are ready!

In the morning class we also tried to plan out our literature circle work again. I demonstrated to students how to organize themselves to make it easy to assign jobs. All students should have a copy of their jobs for the next 4 weeks in their agendas. It might be a good idea to  post this somewhere visible in the house to remind them! Literature circle books are to be read at home independently, and then students must complete their jobs using Edmodo. See our class website (literature circles link) for more information about how to complete the various jobs. Feel free to download any of the sheets for use at home. They can be used as a template and then copied and pasted into Edmodo if you wish. The first job for Literature circles is due next Monday. If you find that the book your child has chosen is too difficult, please let me know and we can make alternative arrangements. 

In Music, we are learning about the families of instruments in an orchestra. Students are using Chromebooks to learn about the four families and then making a presentation about it to show the class. They are using a website called SFS Kids. Here is the link: sfskids.org.