This Week...

October 21- October 25, 2013

Reading:  Distinguishing reality from fantasy was our main reading strategy this week.  Students worked on identifying fantasy elements, as well as reality elements with texts following our weekly theme: wolves.   Students read “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” and Wolf!.  We continued working on generating questions, confirming predictions, and making relevant connections as we read.  At the end of the week, students studied point of view and determined the perspectives of various characters.  We read the classic fairytale The Three Little Pigs and an alternate version, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs to encourage students to analyze the varying perspectives of the pigs and the wolf.  Reading Logs are due Monday, October 28.  (100 minutes)

Math: At the beginning of the week, students reviewed how to find area with multiplication models.  We also explored diameter and circumference.  By measuring circular objects and recording measurements, students discovered the “3-times” rule to help remember the circumference of a circle is about 3 times the diameter.  Students also spent time reviewing how to measure to the nearest ¼ inch, and how to find the perimeter/area of a polygon.  Our unit 3 test will be Tuesday, October 29.  A review guide went home yesterday.  Students will begin math facts homework next week, using the XtraMath website.  An informational letter and student log-in information will be sent home on Monday.   Please let me know if you have any questions!

Science: Students began their short-research biome projects!  In the LMC, students used various websites and nonfiction books to explore their biomes (rainforest, forest, ocean, or desert).  They learned about the animals and plants that live there, in addition to the climate.  Students also identified physical and behavioral adaptations that help the animals and plants survive.  At the end of the week, students participated in a bird beak experiment that demonstrated the importance of different adaptations.

Writing:  Students continued to utilize and incorporate strong verbs in their writing.  Students practiced the skills of focus and showing to describe a moment of action.   In grammar, students learned how to change singular nouns into plural nouns.  We discussed special endings and rules.  Just a reminder, the October writing words test will be on Wednesday, October 30.

Cursive/Spelling:  Students took their week 8 spelling test.  We wrote the cursive “l”, “b”, and “k” in our cursive packets.

Miscellaneous:  Students participated in a variety of activities to celebrate Bullying Prevention month and Character Counts week!  Just a reminder, on Thursday, students should wear their costumes for the afternoon only.  The Halloween parade will begin around 1:15.   Our party will take place when we get back to the classroom.  Thank you to everyone who donated supplies, organized games, and volunteered to help us!  Have a fabulous weekend and please let me know if you have any questions!