This Week...

May 12- May 16, 2014

Reading:  This week, we reviewed major skills from unit 5.  Students focused on cause & effect relationships using a nonfiction article about the disappearance of frogs in South America.  They looked for signal words such as “as a result”, “due to”, and “because” to recognize these relationships.  They also learned two more signposts: “Words of the Wiser” and “Tough Questions”.  While reading the story Pinduli, students identified parts of the story where the main character receives advice from a wiser character.  They also identified parts where the main character asked herself tough questions.  We had a discussion about how these signposts help us make inferences about the story’s theme and moral. Reading Logs are due Monday, May 19. (100 minutes)

Math:  At the beginning of the week, students learned how to divide money between people.  They learned that if the amount does not divide equally, they need to exchange dollars for cents.   Students also identified factors for various numbers and played factor bingo.  At the end of the week, students practiced using the partial-products algorithm to solve double-digit x double digit-multiplication problems.  Students also explored another multiplication method: lattice!  A review guide went home on Friday.  The unit 9 test will be on Wednesday, May 21.  Xtra Math practice is due Monday, May 19. (3 sessions)  If applicable: for students still on addition and subtraction, fact tests and graphs are due Monday, May 19.

Social Studies:  Students analyzed and discussed pictures of artifacts that were found in the city after the Great Chicago Fire.  Chicago’s rich culture was investigated by studying the various ethnic neighborhoods in the city.  After discussing the world’s fairs that took place in Chicago, we voted on our favorite Chicago chairs…congratulations to             Leslie,  Ashlyn, Shelby, and Ben for their creative designs!  Everyone did a wonderful job.  Jane Addams, one of the most influential women from Illinois, was also a main topic of discussion this week.  Students learned how she made a difference through social change and the Hull House.  Just a reminder, our Chicago test will be on Wednesday, May 21.  A review guide and flashcards will go home on Monday.

Writing:  In WEX, students created dialogue for certain parts of their stories.  They incorporated interesting verbs to demonstrate how the characters were talking.  Students also completed their short fiction rough drafts.  After making revisions and completing the editing process, students started working on their final copies.  In grammar, we reviewed major concepts from unit 5.

Cursive/Spelling:  Today, we took our week 30 review spelling test.  Next week, we will resume regular spelling homework.

Miscellaneous:  On May 19, we will have our final writing words test of the year!  A sheet with all the words went home on Thursday.  Today, students enjoyed a wonderful art appreciation lesson from Shelby’s mom ...thank you!  I hope you all have a great weekend!