Friday, February 14, 2014

This Week...


February 10- February 14, 2014

Reading:  Drawing conclusions was the skill we focused on this week.  As we read various selections, students practiced finding clues in the story and using their prior knowledge to draw conclusions.  Multiple meaning words, like “beamed” were discussed within the context of the stories.  Students paid attention to context clues to determine the correct meaning.  They also read fables and figured out the moral of each story.  The second comprehension signpost was introduced: the “aha” moment!  Students learned that when a character suddenly realizes something or understands a new idea, the reader needs to stop and ask: How might this change the story?  Students practiced applying this signpost to the short story: The Happy Lion.          
Reading Logs are due Tuesday, February 18. (100 minutes)
Math:  Students practiced reading fractions and using pictures to represent them.  They also differentiated between different transformations: translations, reflections, and rotations.   Extended response word problems were another focus of the week.  Students practiced using various strategies to solve word problems.  Then, they worked on explaining what they did, and why they did it.  Being able to explain their thinking process was helpful to students.  Xtra Math practice is due Tuesday, February 18. (3 sessions)  If applicable: for students still on addition and subtraction, fact tests and graphs are due Tuesday, February 18.
Science:  Students revised their original models of how light enters the classroom and what happens when it hits certain objects.  They also determined important concepts from the unit and developed their own personalized flashcards.  Students took their unit light test today.  Next week, we will begin our next social studies unit: Illinois!
Writing:  In writing, students continued working on their response to literature rough drafts.  They spent time highlighting important details in My Name is Maria Isabel that supported their chosen character traits.  In grammar, students identified correct linking verbs in the past and present tenses.
Cursive/Spelling:  Today, we had our week 20 test.  In cursive, students wrote the uppercase “Y”, “G”, and “X”.
Miscellaneous:  Thank you to everyone who helped make our Valentine’s Day party possible!  The students really enjoyed the celebration!  The West states and capitals information went home this week.  Students will have about a month to learn this region.  Before spring break, we will have a test over the West.  Just a reminder, students do not have school on Monday due to President’s Day.  Enjoy the 3-day weekend and I’ll see you back on the 18th!

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