Columbus Academy 3C Blog

A Heartfelt Day!

2012-02-14T10:34:00.000-08:00

Scholars skipped rope for a good cause this morning at Jump Rope for Heart. The festivities continued into the afternoon at the class Valentine's Day Party. Thank you for sending valentines and goodies on this special day.

Metric Units of Length

2012-01-31T06:41:00.000-08:00

Nathaniel shared this nifty mnemonic to help us convert metric units of length!
Kangaroos= Kilometer
Hop = Hectometer
Down= Decameter
Mountains=Meter
Drinking=Decimeter
Chocolate=Centimeter
Milk=Millimeter

Presentation Skills

2012-01-18T06:24:00.000-08:00

Scholars demonstrated the use of a strong speaking voice, body gestures, and eye contact to their audience as they shared about holidays around the world. Enjoy the pictures!

Celebrations '12 - slideshow maker

Heroes and Courage

2012-01-12T09:51:00.000-08:00

Scholars began reading Stone Fox, the legend of a ten year old boy's courageous effort to save his family farm. Also, Wax Museum heroes were chosen during today's library visit. Research will begin next week for this exciting third grade theme!

Gallon Man

2012-01-10T06:33:00.000-08:00

This handy visual helped scholars convert liquid units of measure today!

Reading Portfolios

2012-01-05T11:57:00.000-08:00

Scholars have completed work samples to demonstrate their understanding of the Andrew Clements author study. We now look forward to our next unit, Courage and Heroes. The classic novel, Stone Fox, will be read as a literature component to our studies. Also, thank you to Zoey for sharing birthday treats with the class yesterday.

Research and Note Taking

2011-12-14T06:52:00.000-08:00

Scholars have been working diligently in their research of Celebrations Around the World. Additional non-fiction passages were used to further practice the skills of research and note taking.

Celebrations Scripts

2011-12-07T08:55:00.000-08:00

Scholars have wrapped up their research of a holiday celebration from around the world. Script writing began with a review of strategies to hook the audience with an interesting grabber.

Peace Quilts

2011-12-02T12:10:00.000-08:00

Scholars and their first grade buddies were inspired by Todd Parr's, The Peace Book. Reflections of peace were illustrated on squares that will become a peace quilt to be displayed at school.

Andrew Clements

2011-11-29T12:54:00.000-08:00

Scholars began an author study of Andrew Clements today. The author and former teacher has published many books including, Frindle, Last Holiday Concert, and Jake Drake Bully Buster. Prior to reading, students completed activities to get to know more about the author's life.

Thanks and Giving

2011-11-22T12:32:00.000-08:00

Scholars took focus on helping others last week as they wrapped collected items for the Kids-4-Kids service learning project. Today, scholars reflected on the many things they are thankful for. Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday!

Thanks and Giving - make slideshow

Author Visit

2011-11-17T09:09:00.000-08:00

Columbus Academy parent and author, Susan Sachs Levine, spent time with scholars this morning sharing her book, Packard Takes Flight. The picture book takes readers on a journey around Columbus, Ohio landmarks through the eyes of a peregrine falcon.

Author Visit - slide show

Luncheon

2011-11-11T12:26:00.000-08:00

Scholars shared and celebrated meaningful dishes of their heritage.

Cultural Luncheon - slide show

Science Museum

2011-11-08T09:16:00.001-08:00

Planet projects were proudly presented by our scholars today. Thanks to everyone for visiting!

Planet Projects - slideshows

Read-In

2011-11-02T09:54:00.001-07:00

Scholars dedicated the day to reading and listening to stories!

November Read-In - picture slideshow

Immigration Interview

2011-11-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

Scholars are asked to connect with a friend or family member to ask questions about their ancestry. Interview questions went home today to get the conversation going!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-28T12:36:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the slide show!

Halloween 2011 - slideshow with music

Book Fair and Bake Sale

2011-10-26T11:56:00.000-07:00

Scholars had a chance to browse the Scholastic Book Fair today and their wish lists were sent home. The book fair will be going on until October 31. Thanks to everyone that participated in the bake sale to fight hunger in Somalia.

Ode to the Musketeers

2011-10-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

Scholars exchanged tweets with a class in Ireland. Their messages inspired the writing of an ode; a lyric poem full of noble feeling expressed with dignity.

Campfire Stories

2011-10-18T12:25:00.001-07:00

Scholars had a marvelous time with their first grade buddies as they listened to stories, ate smores, and drank hot cocoa. Enjoy the pictures!

Campfire Stories 2011 - slideshows

Colorful Writing Opportunity

2011-10-17T10:49:00.000-07:00

Scholars were visited by the Columbus Children's Theatre this morning. Performances were based upon stories written by K-6 children throughout the state of Ohio. A contest is underway for stories to be used in next year's show. Contest information can be found at this website.

Literature Circles

2011-10-13T10:16:00.000-07:00

Scholars began reading chapter books that will be analyzed and discussed in cooperative groups. Charlotte's Web, Henry and Ribsy, and Swindle are all stories of friendship that enable practice of comprehension strategies.

1st Grade Buddies

2011-10-07T11:28:00.000-07:00

Scholars created "Friendship Recipes" with their buddies today. A cup of kindness and a dash of cooperation go a long way when making a new friend! Enjoy the slides and the three day weekend.

Friendship Recipe with 1st Grade Buddies - free slideshow maker with music

Stories from Somalia

2011-10-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

The Ogress and the Snake is a tale passed on generation to generation in Africa. Scholars read it today while comparing it to familiar American folktales. The tradition of storytelling will thread through our thematic study of Cultural Columbus.

Cultural Columbus

2011-10-05T10:46:00.000-07:00

Our next thematic unit was introduced today as scholars learned about the various reasons people immigrate to the USA.

Sharing Traditions

2011-09-30T07:06:00.000-07:00

Scholars learnedabout Rosh Hashanah today with Jack and his mom, Carrie. Delicious apples and honey were enjoyed by all. Parents are always welcome to visit our class to share family traditions! Contact Mrs. Taglia anytime.

Rosh Hashanah with Mrs. Madison - slideshows

Plane and Solid Figures

2011-09-28T08:37:00.000-07:00

Our first math test will be given on Wednesday, October 5. Practice tests and review packets went home today. Also, happy birthday, Mrs. Hardy!

Global Concepts

2011-09-27T06:41:00.000-07:00

Scholars spent time reviewing the seven continents and four oceans that make up the planet earth. We also celebrated Patrick's birthday!

Patrick's Birthday! - picture slideshow

A Note About Spelling

2011-09-23T08:39:00.000-07:00

In observance of Rosh Hashanah, the next spelling test has been moved to Wednesday, September 28 (F-day).

Centennial T-Shirts

2011-09-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

Students received their t-shirts today. They are to be worn on Friday with dress code from the waist down.

Plane and Solid Figures

2011-09-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

Scholars identified faces, vertices, and edges of various solids today.

Triangle Math Fact Cards

2011-09-16T08:48:00.000-07:00

In preparation for the first E-day basic fact check of the school year, scholars used triangle cards to show fact families. Cards are going home today for practice throughout the year.

www.raz-kids.com

2011-09-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

Scholars now have access to hundreds of animated, leveled books to engage in at their reading level. With use of the laptop cart, students logged in for the first time today. Login information will be sent home soon.

First Grade Buddies!

2011-09-14T07:34:00.003-07:00

3C scholars spent time with buddies yesterday. Enjoy the slide show!

Question Answer Relationship

2011-09-13T06:28:00.000-07:00

To answer text related questions that are explicitly stated by the author (known as "right there" questions), scholars identified the strategy of looking back/rereading. This strategy was practiced through an activity with our friendship story, Gloria Who Might Be My Best Friend and through today's Weekly Reader.

Vikings Spirit

2011-09-09T12:11:00.000-07:00

Clad in spirit wear, Columbus Academy scholars joined together to cheer on the team at today's pep rally. We also celebrated Connor's birthday!

Lines, Line Segments and Rays

2011-09-08T06:58:00.000-07:00

Scholars embarked on their study of geometry today. Learning centers focused on math vocabulary. Our first birthday celebration of the school year also took place. Happy birthday, Nathan!

Wishes

2011-09-06T06:43:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the story, Gloria Who Might be my Best Friend, scholars began making classroom kites that will have kite tales loaded with wishes for the school year.

Goal Setting

2011-08-31T14:35:00.000-07:00

Scholars began identifying personal goals that are motivating and measurable today. This ongoing process will give perspective for each unique learner as we move through the year together.

Twitter

2011-08-29T05:37:00.000-07:00

Social media allows scholars to share what they are learning, ask questions, and compare notes with an authentic global audience of academics. Follow us on Twitter: @academy3c

Our Classroom Community

2011-08-26T07:28:00.000-07:00

Scholars put their minds together to articulate means of physical and emotional safety, dispositions of effective learning, and good manners. This meaningful process of brainstorming and analysis culminated as scholars established class rules for the ultimate learning environment:

1. Follow directions.
2. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
3. No teasing or name calling.
4. No interrupting.
5. Use six-inch voices.

First Day

2011-08-25T13:08:00.000-07:00

Scholars shared summer souvenirs as they reached out to one another with questions and connections about hobbies, highlights, and life experiences. Enjoy the slide show!

Welcome to the 2011-2012 School Year!

2011-07-29T05:26:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more exciting than the anticipation of a new school year! Thank you for visiting our blog and I invite you to explore the classroom links that it offers. These links serve as wonderful learning tools that will come in handy throughout the year. Also, feel free to participate in our class survey.

To help us get to know each other better, scholars are encouraged to bring a small summer souvenir on the first day of school to share with the class!

Celebration of Accomplishments- Day 2

2011-06-01T09:02:00.003-07:00

Thank you to all parents for joining our scholars for this morning's celebration. Enjoy the slide show!

Celebration of Accomplishments- Day 1

2011-05-31T06:41:00.001-07:00

Thank you to all the parents that joined us in celebrating all that our scholars have achieved this year!

Dividing with Remainders

2011-05-18T06:27:00.000-07:00

Scholars turned to a handy mnemonic device to remember the steps for dividing with remainders:

D for “Daddy”= Divide
M for “Mommy”= Multiply
S for “Sister”= Subtract
B for “Brother”= Bring Down
R for “Rover”= Remainder

Gold Rush Day

2011-05-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

Scholars spent a day at Circle G Lazy K Ranch yesterday. After feeding alpacas and visiting with goats, it was a day filled with gold mining, scavenger hunting and hot dog roasting. Enjoy the slide show!

Special Friends Day

2011-05-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

Scholars had a wonderful time with their friends on Friday. Thank you to everyone for sharing the day with us in 3C! Enjoy the slide show:

Division

2011-05-02T07:48:00.000-07:00

Scholars used fractions to give meaning and context to division. Can you show the fraction 4/12 in lowest terms?

Harships in Golden Town

2011-04-29T06:27:00.000-07:00

Our gold rush simulation fell upon the challenges of scurvy, rheumatism, and outlaws. Similar to what was experienced by California miners in 1849-1853, the citizens of Golden Town had to put their heads together at campfire meetings to strategize a comeback. Concepts of supply and demand, justice, and change were main topics for the week.

Welcome To Golden Town!

2011-04-25T10:07:00.000-07:00

The name of our simulated mining town was voted on and ratified by all 18 citizens. It was a morning filled with frenzy as claims were jumped and gold was stolen. Miners then worked together to create rules to live by in hopes of making the Gold Rush more fruitful for everyone.

Miner's Law:

1. No claim jumping.

2. First come, first served.

3. No stealing.

4. Sheriffs will settle all disputes.

Gold! Gold From the American River!

2011-04-19T10:27:00.000-07:00

In 1849, James Marshall declared, "Boys, I believe I found a gold mine!" The message spread to all corners of the continent sparking one of the largest mass migrations in American history. 3C scholars heard quotes from James Marshall and other primary sources today as we began our next thematic unit: The Gold Rush.

Money Extension Presentations

2011-04-18T09:15:00.001-07:00

Money Presentations

2011-04-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

Some 3C scholars chose to complete an optional money related project to share with the class. Here is a slideshow of what we learned!

Jobs of Money (and a note about spelling)

2011-04-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

Scholars learned that money has three jobs:

Money is a measurement of value
Money is a medium of exchange
Money allows people to store wealth

Discussions also focused on the important attributes of money:
portable, durable, divisible, distinguishable, desirable, scarce

With ERB testing underway, there will be no spelling this rotation. Students with strong interest in the money unit were introduced to optional extension opportunities today.

Mixed Numbers and Fractions

2011-04-04T10:57:00.000-07:00

In our first day of ERB testing, scholars also learned about mixed numbers. Authentic applications were discussed, such as, measuring for recipes, sports statistics, and money.

Pigs Will Be Pigs

2011-03-30T13:02:00.000-07:00

In our money unit, the silly picture book sent scholars searching through local restaurant menus to buy a meal with only as much money as the Pig Family had in the book. Don't forget to tip the waiter!

ERB Practice

2011-03-29T07:31:00.003-07:00

Scholars have begun practice for the ERB assessments that will take place April 4-14 (make-up day on April 15). The best preparation is plenty of sleep and a hearty breakfast!

Enjoy Your Break!

2011-03-11T06:52:00.000-08:00

Headmaster Proclamation

2011-03-07T10:58:00.000-08:00

1st Annual Hawaiian Shirt Day!

Friday, March 11, 2011
Help to Bring in Spring!

Four Rules:
1. No one should buy a new shirt- Wear any bright, summery shirt, even if it's not "Hawaiian"
2. Collared shirts only
3. Dress code from waist down
4. Use good taste

Bravo!

2011-03-04T09:42:00.000-08:00

3C scholars wowed the crowd with their brilliant performances at today's Wax Museum!

Four Super Powers

2011-03-02T12:39:00.001-08:00

In preparation for a dynamic delivery at the Wax Museum, scholars have been practicing these four keys to an amazing address:

Power Stance: feet a little more than hip width apart
Power Posture: knees slightly bent with a stick straight torso
Power Eyes: chin held up, head remains at eye level
Power Voice: breath comes from deep in the belly for strong projection

For Friday

2011-02-28T10:02:00.000-08:00

The Wax Museum will take place March 4 from 8:15-10:00 AM in the Barton Room and Dining Hall. 3C will be in the Barton Room. We have created the following rotation schedule so students can experience the presentations of their peers:

8:15-8:20 Everyone presents to parents and special guests
1. 8:25-8:45 3B(O'Connor/Figlik) break
2. 8:50-9:10 3D(Chavarria/Figlik) break
3. 9:15-9:35 3A(Livingston/Miller) break
4. 9:40-10:00 3C(Taglia/Miller) break

Goal Setting

2011-02-22T07:40:00.000-08:00

Scholars took time to reflect on the past trimester. Teachers worked with students to establish measurable goals that motivate personal excellence. Student work will be shared at conferences this week.

Man vs. Computer

2011-02-17T09:38:00.001-08:00

Watson pummeled Jeopardy's genius contestants, but I don't think IBM's creation could beat our 3C scholars! They played review Jeopardy in preparation for tomorrow's math test. Areas of focus included distinguishing units, square units and cubic units, as well as multiplying numbers to find area and volume.

Read Across America

2011-02-15T11:05:00.000-08:00

Lower School scholars are taking on a service learning project to promote childhood literacy. Everyone is encouraged to bring one gently used picture book to school by March 2 for donation. Collections will benefit Headstart in Gahanna.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T12:40:00.000-08:00

It was a heartfelt day for 3C scholars as they participated in Jump Rope for Heart activities, exchanged valentines, and decorated cookies with their 1st grade buddies. Enjoy the slide show!

Backdrop and Naval War

2011-02-10T12:37:00.000-08:00

3C scholars began preparing backdrops for the Wax Museum. Meaningful symbols were used to enhance each visual. Students later observed the 6th grade Naval War from the pool observation deck. Watch out Middle School, 2014 Naval War strategies are already in progress!

Portfolio of Learning

2011-02-08T08:42:00.000-08:00

Board games, mobiles, and character sketches are being created by scholars to demonstrate comprehension of the novel, Stone Fox. Wax Museum preparation took another step forward as many students completed note taking and began speech writing.

Planet Projects

2011-02-03T09:32:00.001-08:00

Thanks to everyone that joined us for our special presentations! Enjoy the slide show.

Organization

2011-01-26T06:08:00.000-08:00

This important trait of excellent writing was practiced by creating stories inspired by non-fiction books, periodicals, and Discovery streaming videos set in the early 1900's. Toys, school, transportation, and day-to-day life were subtopics as scholars continue to prepare for the era of our Wax Museum.

Stone Fox

2011-01-24T10:17:00.000-08:00

Our next novel study was announced today as part of our integrated unit. Set in the early 1900's, this classic legend of courage parallels our research for the Wax Museum.

American Heroes

2011-01-20T10:45:00.000-08:00

3C took time to explore candidates for the Wax Museum. Each scholar then selected an American hero that they will portray on March 4. More Wax Museum details are coming soon!

Meanings for Multiplication

2011-01-18T10:27:00.000-08:00

Scholars moved forward with their introduction to multiplication by relating it to addition. Have 3 friends with two pencils each? This can be represented with repeated addition: 2+2+2= 6 ;or the multiplication sentence: 2x3=6.

Word Wizards

2011-01-13T12:43:00.000-08:00

Using context clues is the key to understand new words in literature. Scholars reviewed this approach during our read aloud of, Keepers of the School: Fear Itself. Our hero in the story was faced with creating a biographical map for his homework assignment. By reading the sentences around the word "biographical," students concluded that the words means of someone's life. Tomorrow we will apply this strategy in our literature circle groups.

Celebration Presentations- Day 4

2011-01-11T09:21:00.000-08:00

Anisha and Kathan gave a colorful presentation today. Thank you to those parents that attended.

Celebration Presentations- Days 2 & 3

2011-01-10T06:22:00.000-08:00

Eliana, Riley, Alex, Abigail, Taylor and Andrew gave fascinating presentations last week. Abby and Ryan shared their fantastic findings with the class today. Thank you to all parents and family members who joined the audience!

Celebration Presentations- Day 1

2011-01-06T12:23:00.000-08:00

Joseph, Aidan, Mike, Mark, Sarah, Noelle, David, and Carter all wowed the crowd with their presentations today. Thank you to all parents who joined the audience! Your love and support truly made this a special day for our scholars.

Passage Picker

2011-01-05T10:23:00.000-08:00

When reading along in a book, certain excerpts or paragraphs often stand out because of how well written, funny, or informative they are. Our literature groups took the opportunity to highlight some of their favorite passages to spark meaningful discussions while enhancing comprehension.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-03T10:34:00.000-08:00

Well rested, smiling faces crowded the auditorium this morning for our F-Day assembly. Mrs. Oeth shared picture books spanning the hundred years of our school and introduced genres for our next book bingo assignment. Bingo sheets will go home later this week.

Gallon Man and Measurment

2010-12-15T12:55:00.000-08:00

To help us understand conversions of liquid measurement, 3C scholars turned to a trusty graphic. Below you will find friendly Gallon Man. See if he can help you find how many pints are in a gallon!

Set Sail

2010-12-10T12:21:00.000-08:00

In our read aloud of Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School, the hero named Ben participated in a sailing race. Nautical terms including halyard, tiller, buoy, bail, and leeward were used to describe the suspenseful journey.

Celebrations!

2010-12-07T10:18:00.000-08:00

Research and note taking skills meshed today as students immersed themselves into non-fiction texts. With holidays around the world as the theme, scholars worked in pairs to create a poster and presentation. We are on track to share presentations next week. Also, a special thank you to Mark and his parents for the special birthday treat and Orthodox Christmas presentation.

Snowpals!

2010-12-02T12:33:00.000-08:00

3C scholars successfully scribed a series of alliterations today. This literary device is commonly used by authors to enhance their writing, and our students used the strategy to describe their friendly paper plate snowpals.

Blue Jacket Book Jackets

2010-11-30T11:07:00.000-08:00

Our scholars are joining forces with the Columbus Blue Jackets for extra incentive to read! By logging minutes, students can earn a game ticket, t-shirt, or other great prizes. More information is provided in the letter that was sent home today. A special thank you to Riley for the birthday treat!

Literature Groups

2010-11-29T09:13:00.000-08:00

The first literature group job we will focus on is summarizer. Like the name suggests, scholars will demonstrate their understanding of key points as they share their written summaries in group discussions. This skill will be emphasized in all three novel groups, Charlotte's Web, Henry and Ribsy, and The Great Brain.

Thankful Turkeys!

2010-11-23T10:09:00.000-08:00

In spirit of the upcoming holiday, scholars took time to reminisce about what they are most thankful for. It was a bold tribute to the loving and supportive families as each student spoke about how grateful they were for their loved ones. Please enjoy this precious time together!

Sponsor-a-Family

2010-11-20T09:28:00.000-08:00

Scholars graciously wrapped up their week by wrapping gifts. Books, clothes, toys, and food were packaged and prepared for delivery to a family in need. Thanks to everyone for their part in bringing some joy to those less fortunate.

Using a Schedule

2010-11-16T10:20:00.000-08:00

Each day, 3C students keep a busy schedule and today's math lesson followed suit. Students read and analyzed plane, train, and bus schedules to apply this practical skill.

"Let's Go Fly a Kite, Up to the Highest Height........"

2010-11-15T10:39:00.000-08:00

As the classic Mary Poppins song suggests, we took time with our first grade buddies to do a bit of kite flying today. Teamwork was in full swing as tails were retied and string knots were worked out. A special thank you to Mike for the candy sushi birthday treat. Have a great birthday!

Veteran's Day

2010-11-11T08:42:00.000-08:00

A brief preview of Academy Boys, a WWII documentary created by an ambitious upper school student, inspired us to pause and honor our service men and women. Discussions took a unique focus on Columbus Academy alumni who have served our country.

Telling Time

2010-11-09T10:59:00.000-08:00

With classroom clocks in hand, students practiced telling time. Discussions comparing every day phrases such as, "it's a quarter past two!" with the standard term, "it's two fifteen!" guided us in our study. Tomorrow we will use classroom clocks again to learn more about elapsed time. For example, tomorrow our day starts at 9:30 A.M. How much later is this than our normal school day? (A gentle reminder that late start is tomorrow!)

3C Book Worms!

2010-11-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

With cozy blankets and pillows on hand, the scholars of 3C settled down for a "Read-In." Read alouds, books on tape, and independent readers could be observed in all corners of the classroom (and even under a few desks!) In the spirit of election day, the class voted to hear the finale of our class novel, Zoobreak.

Halloween Celebration

2010-10-29T09:32:00.000-07:00

Students had a great time at the parade and party thanks to the generous donations of plates, cups, and treats from our generous parents! Enjoy the slideshow:

Strategies for Comprehension

2010-10-28T12:12:00.000-07:00

During reading, there are many strategies that good readers use to enhance understanding. Adjusting reading rate, rereading, and making predictions were the focus for the first two chapters of The Hundred Dresses. Reminder: Halloween Celebration Tomorrow!

Friendship Bread and More!

2010-10-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

Students will certainly be buzzing about this one at the dinner table: a lock down drill, classroom cooking activity and tornado warning all in one day! A special thank you to Mrs. DeAscentis, Mrs. Lippert, and Mrs. Naguib for helping our young chefs at work. Please enjoy the slideshow.

1940's

2010-10-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

To help our scholars take on the challenge of reading the vocabulary rich text, The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes, we viewed photos and discussed culture and fashion of this decade. Building background knowledge is a key component to reading comprehension, and next week students will be immersed into the 1940's setting, now with prior knowledge to enhance their journey.

Campfire Stories

2010-10-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

3C had a great time enjoying stories and smores with their first grade buddies today!

Book Bingo

2010-10-19T09:44:00.000-07:00

This game was created to encourage students to expand their palate for literary genres. We are all guilty of steering toward tried and true favorites, be it non-fiction sports stats or suspense thrillers. Yet, there is a lot be gained from all ranks of the Dewey Decimal System. Also, it feels like there is a mounting pile of special activities and long-term assignments on the horizon. A "Reminders" section has been added to the right column of the blog to help us all keep track of things!

Fluency Focus

2010-10-15T08:52:00.000-07:00

Pausing at commas and ending marks are an important part to making meaning of text. Today, students practiced this skill with their fluency friend. We also had a great time celebrating Aidan's birthday, thanks for the special treat!