This Week...

November 4- November 8, 2013

Reading:  “Animal homes” was the theme for the week!  Students read interesting nonfiction selections about animals and their habitats.  By using a topic-example-detail-detail organizer, students were able to pick out main ideas and find supporting facts.  They also learned how to solve analogies by analyzing the relationships between words.  Students read “Attack of the Germs” in our new National Geographic issue.  They found text evidence to support the author’s claim and help determine the author’s purpose. Reading Logs are due Tuesday, November 12.  (100 minutes)

Math: We started Unit 4, which focuses on multiplication and division!  A family letter was sent home on Monday.  We practiced drawing arrays to represent basic multiplication problems.  We also solved multiplication number stories using a graphic organizer.  Then, students used counters to model simple division problems.  We also discussed the formal way to write remainders in number models. Xtra Math practice is due Tuesday, November 12.

Science: Students completed their short research projects by designing an animal that would survive in their biome.  They also learned how insects contribute to the environment through pollination, soil tillage, and food processing.  Today, students took their habitats unit test.  Next week, we will begin our new social studies unit: The Midwest!

Writing:  In writing, we began our personal narratives!  Students learned the characteristics of this writing genre and selected a piece from their journals to revise.  They started by identifying a strong section and adding more showing details.  Then, they chose a section that needed revision.  After creating their revisions, students worked on their rough drafts.  In grammar, students learned how to write possessive nouns.

Cursive/Spelling:  Students took their week 10 spelling test.  We continued to work in our cursive packets.

Miscellaneous:  In honor of the upcoming Veteran’s Day, students wrote thoughtful letters to our nation’s veterans.  These letters will be delivered to a local VA hospital in time for the holiday.  Our class did a wonderful job of filling these veterans’ “buckets” and showing that they matter!  Just a reminder, there will be no school on Monday due to the holiday.  Please let me know if you have any questions…have a terrific weekend!