This Week...

March 17- March 21, 2014

Reading:  Students read our main story My Very Own Room.  While reading, they applied the “making predictions” strategy.  Using a graphic organizer, students not only made predictions, but confirmed them as they actively read the story.  Also within the context of the story, students determined the meaning of important vocabulary words.  Students investigated the author’s craft and text structure while reading a Time for Kids article about the coolest inventions of 2013.  At the end of the week, students practiced a new signpost: “Words of the Wiser” using the folktale Nail Soup.  When a wise character gives another character advice, students know to stop and ask themselves: What is the life lesson and how will this change the character?    Reading Logs are due Monday, March 31. (200 minutes)

Math:  At the beginning of the week, students created equations using parentheses to solve for various number stories.  They also started solving extended fact problems based on their knowledge of basic multiplication facts.  Estimating with dollar amounts was another topic of the week.  Students practiced solving multiplication and division puzzles that included extensions. Xtra Math practice is due Monday, March 31. (6 sessions)  If applicable: for students still on addition and subtraction, fact tests and graphs are due Monday, March 31.

Social Studies:  This week, students worked on reviewing major concepts from our Illinois unit.  Students took their unit test on Tuesday.  They also took their West states and capitals test on Wednesday.  We will be starting our new science unit next when we return from spring break: The Solar System!

Writing:  In writing, students differentiated between the literal and figurative meanings of idioms.  In grammar, we worked on forming contractions.  The March writing words test will be on Tuesday, April 1.  This will be a cumulative test that covers all of the writing words from the year.

Cursive/Spelling:  Today, we took our week 23 spelling test.  We wrote the uppercase S and L.  When we get back from break, there will be a review week.

Miscellaneous:  Just a reminder, March book orders are due today.  I hope everyone has a wonderful and relaxing spring break!

This Week...

March 10- March 14, 2014

Reading:  Our main story this week was, Here’s My Dollar.  Students learned about the importance of getting involved in the community and how individuals can make a huge difference.  In this story, students practiced finding the author’s purpose.  They also worked on figuring out the meaning of key vocabulary words through sentence clues.  We also read a Time for Kids article about the future of libraries.  Students found evidence in the article to support claims made by the author. Reading Logs are due Monday, March 17. (100 minutes)

Math:  We began unit 7!  Students discovered that square products are formed by multiplying two identical factors.  A family letter also went home highlighting the major concepts from unit 7.  Students also made multiplication/division fact triangles.  Please encourage your child to be practicing these at home. Xtra Math practice is due Monday, March 17. (3 sessions)  If applicable: for students still on addition and subtraction, fact tests and graphs are due Monday, March 17.

Social Studies:  Agriculture and Illinois industries were a main area of focus this week.  Students explored how farm products are turned into food and how it reaches consumers.  We also had a rich discussion about various industries, such as manufacturing and business.  Students identified adults they knew and where their jobs fit in the various industry categories.  Our Illinois unit test will be next Tuesday, March 18.  A review guide went home today.  The West states and capitals test will be Wednesday, March 19.

Writing:  In writing, students continued to practice homophones.  They also identified the differences between contractions and possessive nouns.  Students participated in creative writing opportunities using writing prompts about the month of March.

Cursive/Spelling:  Next week, we will resume regular spelling and homework.

Miscellaneous:  This week, students worked very hard on ISAT testing, which concluded on Wednesday!  Today, progress reports went home.  Student work from the trimester was included with the report.  Please sign and return the envelope as soon as possible…thank you!  Just a reminder, book orders are due on March 21.  Have a great weekend and please let me know if you have any questions!

This Week...

March 3- March 7, 2014

Reading:  This week, students read two texts: Lon Po Po and A Tricky Monkey.  They compared and contrasted the events and characters.  In addition, students wrote an extended response to explain if tricking others is a good thing or a bad thing.  They needed to support their reasoning with evidence from both texts.  Reading Logs are due Monday, March 10. (100 minutes)

Math:  Measurement was a focus this week!  Students analyzed the relationships between gallons, quarts, pints, and cups.  They created “Mr. Gallon Man”, a helpful visual, to support their understanding.  They also worked on solving multi-step word problems and explaining their thought process.  Probability questions and pictographs were also reviewed. Xtra Math practice is due Monday, March 10. (3 sessions)  If applicable: for students still on addition and subtraction, fact tests and graphs are due Monday, March 10.

Social Studies:  We discussed how Illinois has changed during important events in our country’s history, including The Great Depression and Prohibition.  Students also explored the effects of The Great Chicago Fire and how it changed the way the city was designed.  Students also worked on their Illinois quilt square projects.  Finally, we differentiated between the three branches of government.  Students learned that the legislative branch makes the laws, the executive branch carries out the laws, and the judicial branch interprets the laws.

Writing:  In writing, students shared their response to literature essays with classmates!  Students also reviewed various homophones and differentiated between their meanings.  At the end of the week, students received their March writing words list.

Cursive/Spelling:  We did not have spelling due to I.S.A.T testing.

Miscellaneous:  I.S.A.T. testing continues next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday…thank you for your continued support during the testing window!  Our West states and capitals test will be Wednesday, March 19.  Also, March book order forms went home this week...these will be due on March 21.  Please let me know if you have any questions!  Have a terrific weekend!