Flying

We began today with writing, as we often do. Today, working on their storytelling abilities, the students were given this story starter:  “As the helicopters whirred overhead, I knew the police were after me. How was I ever going to prove I was innocent?” The stories were great! Some were filled with lots of action, others with mystery, and still others were funny. I particularly enjoyed the story where I had the been the victim of students who had finally had just too many homework assignments!

We read “My Brothers’ Flying Machine” in the Treasures book. This story, by the acclaimed children’s author Jane Yolen, is about the Wright brothers. It is told, however, from the perspective of their younger sister. This allowed us to discuss the difference between a first-person narrator and an omniscient third-person narrator. It allowed us to distinguish between historical fiction and narrative non-fiction.

After recess, we continued “thinking like a geologist.” The students were give four mystery minerals. They again examined them for color, streak, hardness, luster, cleavage, and magnetism. They then used a mineral chart to help identify them.

After lunch recess, we reviewed for the math test and then took the Topic 12 test. We went to mixing:  some students worked on the play, others went to art, while others went to PE. After mixing, we corrected the math test. The results are on the gradebook. I also gave them time to get a head start on the homework

Homework:  (1) Write spelling words 11-15 five times each in cursive. Write one original sentence for each word. (2) Do the spelling jumble. (3) Do “Author’s Perspective” page 243 and “Personification,” page 246 in the Practice Book. Students do not do the back page of either page. (4) Do “Fractions 3” review sheet.