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!