This Week...

December 9- December 13, 2013

Reading:  The weekly theme focused on riddles!  Students practiced using clues in the story to help them figure out the setting.  The setting includes when and where the story takes place.  One Riddle, One Answer was the main story selection for the week.  Students learned about Persia, currently Iran, in a fairy tale setting.  We also discussed figurative language, focusing specifically on similes.  Students learned how authors use similes to make their writing more interesting for the reader. Reading Logs are due Monday, December 16.  (100 minutes)

Math:  Students applied their knowledge of large numbers to calculate their age in a variety of ways, including days and minutes!  We also explored decimals and fractions using base-10 blocks.  By using a flat, students learned how to shade in a certain number of blocks to represent a decimal.  During this investigation, we discussed 3 new place values: tenths, hundredths, and thousandths.  They also made a place value book.  Students can continue practicing these small numbers by reading them aloud at home using the book.  Our unit 5 math test will be Thursday, December 19. Xtra Math practice is due Monday, December 16. (3 sessions)

Social Studies:  Students spent the week reviewing major concepts from the Midwest unit.  They took their Midwest unit test today, which also included the states and capitals.  After break, there will be a new region of capitals to learn: the Northeast.  Next week, students will work on completing their state research and building their floats!  Thank you to everyone for sending in materials and helping your child prepare for the float building process…they are very excited!

Writing:  In writing, we continued working on sensory details.  Students analyzed excerpts from the book My Name is Maria Isabel and created details to support each moment.  In grammar, students identified the correct form of present tense verbs.

Cursive/Spelling:  Today, we had our week 14 test.

Miscellaneous:  “Secret Snowpal” names went home today!  Students need to create a homemade card with a special message for that particular classmate.  Snowpal cards are due Wednesday, December 18.  Shh…remember, it’s a secret!  As always, please contact me if you have any questions…have a great weekend and stay warm!