Math, Seals, Buffalo and Cedar Trees

Two videos we watched to begin our Inuit study. 

We began the day with six digit by six digit additon.  I chose simple numbers with only one case of carrying.  One of the students called out "these are simple"  Which was true.  The addition strategy I was trying to teach is to look at each question in small packets so that it is easy.  Math does not get harder it just gets more complex, so if you have strategies to break it into smaller simpler steps then you have the tools to solve most math questions.  625 +123 becomes 5+3 2+2 and 6+1

After Math we created a three circle Venn diagram to compare the seal, the buffalo and the cedar tree.  This is a pre-unit activity to see what the students already know about each of the three topics.  During the unit the students will see the importance of all three to the daily survival of different First Nations and Inuit societies.   The students were then told to compare and contrast two of the three in a small essay in their Socials.  They could compare the seal to the buffalo, the seal to the cedar tree or the cedar tree to the buffalo. 

The writing assignment was followed by a watercolor art project.  The life of the Inuit in the Arctic revolves around the seasonal movements of the animals, and none more than the ringed seals.  Yesterday the students wrote about the hunting of the seals so today I moved it to an art project to show the beauty of this marine mammal.  We worked with black felt pens and tempura paint.  The results were excellent and we will display them around the classroom and on the bulletin boards.  So when your in the school look for them.

Lunch was followed by a quick read then a trip to the computer lab.  I gave a free computer period to those students who I do not have to correct behavior and who work hard all the time but do not get much of my time.  Those students, who eat up my time and the class time, had their regular reading period in the library.  I much prefer to reward those who do the job than continually punish those who don't. 

Computers were followed by music.  Mrs. Awalt introduced them to our actual Winter concert songs and activities.  We are doing a Hawaiian song.  Any grass skirts or other Hawaiian bling (Mrs. Awalt already has lais) let us know.   After Music we read for another 10 minutes then cleaned up the room and headed off to a romping game of P.E. with Mrs. Carlton's class.

Well done everyone

Tomorrow's test
Spelling
Addition, Time,
The essay will be to compare and contrast themselves with anyone in their family.
Draw and list three facts about the ringed seal and how it is hunted.