Mathematics.
The second strategy was counting back. This involves using a number line, starting from the whole number and counting backwards the part of the number shown. For example, 6 - 2. The students would start at 6 then make two 'jumps' backwards to find the answer. This strategy is most useful to students with little knowledge of subtraction as it gives them a concrete object to interact with.
Writing.
Reading.
For Text to Self comparisons, we read, 'Amy and Louis' by Libby Gleeson. This story has more of a sombre tone to the texts we have been reading as it is about two best friends and their feelings when one has to move to a different country. This certainly generated a lot of discussion between the students as most have had a similar experience when they moved to Japan. We also looked at, "Beatrice doesn't want to' by Laura Numeroff. This also generated a lot of feedback from the students as they talked about times they were made to do things they didn't want to do (doctors and dentists were high on the list here!)
Social Studies.
How do you help students at school?
How do you help families?
How do you help teachers?
The interviews were a great success, running WAY over time with all the questions that the students had for both Ms. Natasha and Ms. Yukiko. I was particularly impressed with the quality of the questioning as well, with some very pointed questions being asked about how they run the school, decide rules and keep us safe. To wrap up, we created posters detailing their answers and we hope to have them hanging up outside very soon!