Argument Writing-Making a Claim and Writing an Introduction Paragraph

This week, we began to work on our first argumentative essays! Before jumping into the writing, we pulled apart the pieces of an argument essay using a guiding example on bees. This really helped us to understand what is needed to effectively persuade a reader to agree with our claims!

Our next step was to practice writing introduction paragraphs. We used our guiding example to rewrite the introduction to include a hook, claim, and three reasons to support the claim. 

Then,  we used our chocolate milk research to determine which side of the argument we were on and planned out our introduction paragraphs for our essays.

Actions of Citizens

In Individuals & Society this week, we explored the definition of citizenship and the actions/responsibilities of citizens. We began by watching a short video to introduce the topic. After viewing the video, students participated in an electronic chalk talk using Padlet in which they shared their ideas for what it means to be a citizen. They loved seeing their responses "pop-up" onto the screen in real time!

Next, students dug deeper with a partner to understand that citizenship is much more than being a member of a country. It comes with great responsibility and civility. Students discussed how many of our I.B. learner profile traits applied to citizenship and made connections to our classroom community.

Later this week, we will be discussing the three branches of government using our jigsaw strategy. Stay tuned for updates!

Cadet Connect Day and our Gymnastics Performances!

"Big Cadets" from the high school came to our classroom today. What a fun Friday! Students made lists of questions to ask their "Big Cadets" and we participated in fun activities together.

Our "Big Cadets" came with us to P.E. to watch our gymnastics performances. They were a HUGE support for the students and cheered them on! 

We are Inquiring About.....

Here are some of our most recent inquiry projects! Every Wednesday and Thursday students participate in "Inquiry Time" in which they explore a WONDER they had during the week! Students share their inquiry projects with each other on Fridays. Students decide on how they present their findings-posters, Google Slides, Adobe Spark Page/Video, creating a book, etc. What a fun way to extend and deepen our thinking!

 Lilly-What is in ice cream?

 Abby-What are the pros/cons of kids having cell phones?

 Olivia-Is our class garden getting enough light? Are the plants healthy?

  Nate-What is polymer?

Josh-Why do we need a government?

Ant-Where is the Hudson Bay and how was it named?

Reading and Evaluating Argumentative Texts!

We have begun our "Where Do You Stand?" planner in Lang & Lit! This planner explores how authors support their claims, visuals that are utilized to help authors make their points, as well as discussing if opinions can be persuasive. The purpose of the planner is for students to understand how information leads to elevated decision making. We began by using our "tug-of-war"  strategy to help us collect PROS and CONS for a given topic. We discussed how in order to determine where we stand, we need to leave our opinions at the door and collect evidence for both sides of the argument! Students read about homework, cell phones, t.v., and fidget spinners.

This week, we focused on evaluating an author's argument. Students began by reading a series of "mini-articles" and identified the author's claim (what he/she believes or wants), strong evidence if any, weak points if any, and if they are drawn towards the author's claim. This was great practice which led to discussions about what makes some evidence more convincing!