Five for Friday {2-21-14}

 It's been a while since I linked up with Doodle Bugs Teaching for Five for Friday.  This week I have lots of randomness to share with you, so the timing is perfect!

http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2014/02/five-for-friday-linky-party-february-21.html

This week we read From Seed to Plant by Gail Gibbons.  CCSS tasks students with explaining how a diagram (and other text features) help to clarify a text.  So, I grouped my kiddos and gave each group a question to discuss and answer.  Each of the questions essentially asked them to tell how a diagram contributes to a text, but each question was worded differently.  The groups worked together to come up with an answer and the designated scribe recorded their answer.  They did great!


We started our geometry unit.  I always kick this unit off by using a mini book I created a few years back.  The students love making their own shape book!

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/My-Shape-Book-2D-Shapes-Common-Core-Aligned-221759

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/My-Shape-Book-2D-Shapes-Common-Core-Aligned-221759

Each page of the book lists the attributes of different shapes (and the category known as quadrilaterals).  Once we read through the book, the students use the provided shape page to correctly match each shape to the list of attributes.
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/My-Shape-Book-2D-Shapes-Common-Core-Aligned-221759

I finally got my binders of writing units, close reads, and organizers all prettied up.  Don't they look great!  I wish the green binder was pink or turquoise, but Target didn't have any of the big ones in those colors.  Oh well, the shelf still looks spiffy!


I found the binder "decor" on TpT.  It was a freebie from Angeline Stewart!
This week we are learning about teeth.  On Tuesday, we set up an experiment to find out what happens to teeth over time as they are exposed to sugary and acidic substances.  Simply place one egg in a cup of soda and another egg into a cup of vinegar, sit back and watch what happens!  OK, we aren't just watching, we are recording our observations in a journal. ;)


When we kicked off our dental health unit, I asked my students if they flossed their teeth.  Only about 5 of them said they did!  Yikes!  So, I decided to share a demonstration with them as to why they might want to consider picking up this important habit.  Of course, I have Pinterest to thank for this wonderful idea.

Simply gather up a few materials: play-doh, a Duplo block, and some yarn.
{Click HERE to see the original pin on Pinterest}


Put some play-doh between the knobby things on the block.  Explain to your students that this is food.  Food that is just sitting there-ewww.  Use your finger, or a toothbrush, to show them that when you brush the outsides of your teeth, the spaces between your teeth aren't touched at all.

Then, bring out the yarn. 
Show them how the yarn (aka, floss) can remove the gunk between their teeth.

Most of my non-flossers said they were going to tell their parents that they wanted to start flossing their teeth.  I hope so!

That's about all, folks!  I hope you all had a great week!
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6 comments:

  1. I love how you asked the different questions about the same topic. That is something I am having trouble with in my class. They seem to get the topic when I teach it, but then when it is worded a different way they get confused.

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  2. I also love what you did with the text features and different questions/same topic... great practice! Also, thanks for sharing your visual for your dental health unit!! Our curriculum suggests using an upside down egg carton and coffee grounds but its super messy and still doesn't work the best. I will DEFINITELY give this version a try next time!!

    Kelli
    Tales of a Teacher

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    1. Oh no, that does sound messy!! This experiment is pretty clean, but the vinegar is a bit stinky (when you're close to it). So far, the egg in the soda has turned dark brown and the egg in the vinegar has ballooned up and lost its shell. It kind of has the consistency of a giant gummy bear. The kids are loving it! I'm so glad you'll be able to use the idea down the road.

      Have a great weekend!

      Aimee

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  3. Hi,

    I love the look of your shape booklets. My class is focusing on 2D shapes now too. I will check it out! I also love the idea to use Duplo and Playdough to teach about flossing! So creative and effective :)

    Rainbow Lily

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! My kids had a lot of fun making their books. The flossing demo was a hit! I don't know what I would do without Pinterest!

      Aimee

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  4. Love your new binders, my friend! I am running out of space for all my binders. Maybe it is time for another bookshelf-HA!
    -Jaime

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I'd love to hear what you have to say!