Verbs, Multiplication and Art

We have been working on verbs, non-fiction text features, multiplication and staying warm!! Here are a few of the things we have been up to:

Verbs - I read a post (and can't remember where so if it is you please let me know) about writing on paper, scrunching it up and throwing it like snowballs - and we have been doing this like crazy cause the kids love it! On Tuesday we folded a paper into 8 sections, wrote 8 verbs, ripped the paper, scrunched the paper, moved to the outside of the desks, then threw the papers (trying in vain to land them on desks). The whole time I am highlighting all the verb actions they are doing). Then they collected all the snowball papers by or on their desks, unfolded them and read them. They were so excited, shouting out what verbs they got - almost like they were presents. So....

on Wednesday in math, we wrote down 4 numbers (from 1-9) on a paper, ripped, scrunched and threw onto the middle of the floor. Then they collected any two snowball papers, brought them to their desk, opened them and multiplied the two numbers. And repeat, and repeat and repeat. They had loads of fun.

I also showed them a strategy I just learned for the 8 times tables. I was at a JUMP Math workshop and learned this strategy.

Start at 8 and write all the numbers counting back by 2's. This is your ones column.
8
6
4
2
0
Then start at 0 and count down by 1's for the tens column

08
16
24
32
40

Start at 8 again and write all the numbers countingy back by 2's. This is the ones column.

8
6
4
2
0
Then start at 4 and count up by 1's for the tens column
48
56
64
72
80

The kids were happy with this new strategy as 8's have been a little tricky for some. Do you use JUMP math? I think I will be checking this program out - as it is aligned to both the Ontario Curriculum and the Common Core and it is free. Check it out - I would love to hear what others think about it.

Our art is borrowed from an idea that I got from this blog post at the Balanced Classroom. I took pictures in our classroom of the students dressed up in their winter gear - acting out a winter action. I printed the pics, they cut them and added them to a winter scene. We used ripped paper for the snow and they had to add at least two other items/details to their work. Then they wrote about what is happening in their pick and highlight the verbs in their sentences. Take a look.

This one is building a snowman.

This is not one kid with a hatchet - it is my kid flying through the air attacking with snowballs and the other kid surrendering with a white flag!

This shot includes the banner I made using digital paper from Ashley Hughes' TpT store.


Check back on Friday to hear how we started our unit on physical regions and natural resources - its a new unit for me and the kids and I are so excited for our first activity!