This Week...

January 29- January 31, 2014

Reading:  Students practiced going back in the story to find evidence for their answers.  They also compared two different texts and wrote about their similarities in an extended response. Reading Logs are due Monday, February 3. (100 minutes)

Math:  Students reviewed major concepts from unit 6!  Polygons, polyhedrons, rays, lines, and line segments were the main focus.  Students took their unit 6 test today. Xtra Math practice is due Monday, February 3. (3 sessions) If applicable: for students still on addition and subtraction, fact tests and graphs are due Monday, February 3.

Science:  We spent the week reviewing major concepts from the beginning of our light unit.  Students identified light sources and demonstrated how light travels.  Per the students’ request, I sent home directions for making homemade periscopes!  I know many students were excited to try this and to experiment with how light bounces in a periscope.  Next week, we will begin the second part of our light unit which focuses on how various materials respond to light.

Writing:  In writing, students sequenced particular details to describe a moment from My Name is Maria Isabel.  In addition, students were thrilled with the ending as we finished the last chapter of the book!   They responded in a journal entry about their favorite part and added showing details from the text to describe the moment.   In grammar, students continued to review verb tenses.  They also took the January writing words test.

Cursive/Spelling: As a result of the shortened week, we did not have spelling.  We will resume regular spelling and homework next week.  In cursive, students wrote the uppercase “N” and “M”.

Miscellaneous:  The Dryden Book Fair begins next week!  We will be touring the book fair on Tuesday, February 4.  Since we will be having the fair, there will not be February book orders.  The Northeast states and capitals test will be next Thursday, February 6.  Please let me know if you would like additional practice sheets and/or maps.  Just a reminder, our music field trip to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will be next Friday, February 7.  A letter will be home shortly explaining details about the trip.  Also, a Valentine’s Day information letter will be going home early next week.  Please let me know if you have any questions!  Have a wonderful weekend!