Reading, writing, math, civics, and physical science are taught in 207 by the lead teacher, Ms. Lee
During reading, students use novels to learn about plot structure, authors' style, and learn to make inferences and judgments using information from the story. Reading is tied into the writing lesson by using examples from the novel to show the techniques students are learning to use in writing. Currently the class is reading Milkweed, a novel by Jerry Spinelli.
Link to description of novel www.kidsreads.com/reviews/0375813748.asp
Link to author's site www.jerryspinelli.com/newbery_001.htm
Writing is a workshop hybrid with time given to independent writing and time given to specific instruction in grammar and composition. Students also have a journal where they write about daily topics but also use to brainstorm ideas for future
writing assignments. The year started off with poetry and you can read some of the students poems by clicking on the cougar cub.
Links to fun sites that help with grammar
www.wordcentral.com/games.html
www.scholastic.com/kids/homework/grammar.htm
Students are learning middle school math concepts that lead to algebra readiness while also practicing their basic math computation skills. They are learning about variables, powers, geometry, and integers as well as learning good problem solving strategies.
Links to fun sites that help with multiplication facts, division and multiplication.
www.jumpstart.com/free-online-game.aspx?pid=googpd&cid=math%20facts%20games&gclid=CPXDofjBhqcCFYpN2god33Q7eA
www.gamequarium.com/division.html
www.sheppardsoftware.com/math.htm
In civics class, the students explore what it means to be a citizen of the United States. There are many interesting discussions in this class. Students have learned about how the United States is changing and discussed what this might mean to them as they reach adulthood. Topics about civil rights, equality, and what freedom means
also lead to lively discussions.
Physical science is the study of both physics and chemistry. Atomic structure, compounds,physical and chemical properties, mixtures, light, sound, and magnetism are some of the topics covered in Physical Science.
