Mrs. Rentrop's Classroom Updates

This week, we are continuing to practice the six syllable types to help students read and spell one-syllable words. In reading, we are exploring how the sun provides the energy plants need to grow and make their own food. Students are also practicing annotating as they read by marking important ideas, asking questions, making connections, and identifying unfamiliar words they need help reading or understanding.

It was another great week of science! Here are a few things we did this week:

• Finished our fun read aloud, called Birdbrain Amos by Michael Delaney. The students seemed to really enjoy this silly story that is rooted in interactions between organisms in the African savannah ecosystem.

• Talked about producers on Earth and took a deep dive into photosynthesis. I love this part of the unit for the amazingness and importance of this process!

• Created photosynthesis models and looked at the chemical reaction that happens during this magical process. I do not expect the students to fully understand any of it but wanted them to see what higher levels of science looks like. They seemed excited to be talking about the Periodic Table of Elements and were also very excited when I told them we were doing high school level chemistry!

Next week we will be building ecosystems!!

We started our week by exploring the question: Was Christopher Columbus a historical hero or villain? Rather than judging Columbus solely through the lens of our 2026 societal norms, students considered the perspectives and values of the late 1400s. Through thoughtful discussion, examining maps, and reading historical information, students used our Head, Heart, and Gut prompts to help them form their own opinions and decide how Columbus should be remembered.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, students returned to sharing their FABULOUS Google Slides presentations about Indigenous tribes! As their classmates presented, students took notes using a notetaker to learn about each tribe's unique culture, traditions, and way of life.

We wrapped up the week by exploring Indigenous Peoples' folktales and discovering how these stories have helped preserve traditions, pass down beliefs, and teach important life lessons across generations. Students made connections between these timeless lessons and their own lives today!