We started learning about pumpkins! The class resembles a pumpkin patch as each student brought a pumpkin for carving!We started with a Venn Diagram charting the differences between apples and pumpkins.
The students were surprised to discover pumpkins are fruits! They belong to the Cucurbitaceae (koo-ker-bih-TAY-see-eye) family and include not only pumpkins, but also squash, zucchini, and gourds.
The students became scientists as they made detailed observations of the outside and inside of our class pumpkin! It is important to have a real pumpkin for students to touch and use as a model for their science notebook diagrams.
The life cycle of the pumpkin was illustrated using an interactive notebook supplied by Babbling Abby.
We explored picture books about pumpkins to discuss the elements of fiction: setting, characters, plot, problem and solution. We partner read to increase our reading fluency and to practice our comprehension skill of summarizing.
The student are investigating nonfiction books and analyzing the difference between the text types. Informational books provide the reader with facts. The students read many information books and cited several interesting facts. Thank you to Clever Classroom for the helpful charts!
We are exploring text features of information books, including pictures, labels, captions, section headings, glossaries, and table of contents. As students start to craft their own informational text, we made a list of how section headings support understanding:
We are exploring text features of information books, including pictures, labels, captions, section headings, glossaries, and table of contents. As students start to craft their own informational text, we made a list of how section headings support understanding:
- Tell the reader what to expect in the upcoming section
- Hint at the main idea of the upcoming section
- Help the reader organize the article's ideas
- Provide a preview of what the article is leading up to
- Provide a transition between the last section and the next one, which has a new main idea
To add some fun, we used leaf rubbing plates to create a fall background. Then, we dipped pumpkin sponges in tempera paint to create a spooky picture.
The following are pumpkin themed books we enjoyed:
Don't tell the students, but tomorrow we will be creating yummy pumpkin creations!
I have a squash in my room. I wonder if someone from your class can come and tell me what type of squash it is?
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