This Week...

October 16- October 18, 2013

Reading:  We focused on close reading strategies while using two different science texts: Home is an Oak Tree and The Cactus Hotel.  Students discovered which organisms use these plants to survive.  They also compared and contrasted how various organisms meet their needs in forests and deserts.  At the end of the week, students practiced the key aspects of good fluency: accuracy, expression, medium speed, and punctuation awareness. Reading Logs are due Monday, October 21.  (100 minutes)

Math: Students practiced measuring the perimeter of polygons.  We also created an experiment involving probability and pattern block shapes.  Students predicted and confirmed their guesses by collecting data on how many times a shape would fall on its edge.  We discussed line plots as a way to display data.  Finding the minimum, maximum, range, median, and mode were also practiced.  Students ended the week by determining the area of various polygons.  They learned that in order to find the area, they need to count the number of square units inside the shape.

Science: Students discussed the differences between “needs” and “wants”.  They learned that in order to survive, an organism’s basic needs must be met within its habitat.  Students brainstormed various ways that organisms meet their basic needs of food, water, air, protection, and space.  We also recorded drawings and observations of our plants.  Students discovered that the plants growing without light lacked the green pigment used in photosynthesis.

Writing:  Students learned how to incorporate “strong verbs” in their writing.  By being more precise, the students learned they can create better visualizations for the reader.

Cursive/Spelling:  There was no spelling due to the shortened week.  We wrote the cursive “l” and “h” in our cursive packets.

Miscellaneous:  Welcome back from the long, relaxing weekend!  October book orders went home this week and are due on October 30.  I am also excited to announce that we sent our Flat Stanleys on their way!  We look forward to hearing about their exciting adventures across the United States!  Thank you to all the families and friends who are helping support us in this project!  As always, please let me know if you have any questions…have a terrific weekend!