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!