This Week...

October 20- October 24, 2014

Reading:  Distinguishing reality from fantasy was our main reading skill this week.  Students worked on identifying fantasy elements, as well as reality elements with the story, Wolf!.  We continued working on generating questions and using nonfiction text features to help us understand information.  Author’s purpose was also a focus this week.  Students found evidence in various texts to support the purpose: to persuade, to inform, or to entertain.  We also did a close reading of a poem entitled, Give Me Normal.  Students used details in the stanzas to make inferences about the characters. Reading Logs are due Monday, October 27.  (100 minutes)

Math:  Students practiced measuring the perimeter of polygons.  We also created an experiment involving probability and pattern block shapes.  Students predicted and confirmed their guesses by collecting data on how many times a shape would fall on its edge.  We discussed line plots as a way to display data.  Finding the minimum, maximum, range, median, and mode were also practiced.  Students ended the week by determining the area of various polygons.  They learned that in order to find the area, they need to count the number of square units inside the shape.

Science:  In science, students conducted an experiment where they created models of plant stems using paper towels and twist ties.  After observing and analyzing the results, students learned that the thickest stem with the waxy covering retained the most water.  They connected this to how cactus plants are able to hold water in order to survive in the desert.  We also learned about various biomes and where they can be found in the world.   At the end of the week, students participated in close reading activities with nonfiction articles about hermit crabs.  Students worked in teams to become experts on their topics and created posters to demonstrate their learning.  Main idea and detail organizers were completed to help students choose the most important parts of the articles.

Writing:  Students continued to utilize and incorporate strong verbs in their writing.  Students practiced the skills of focus and showing to describe a moment of action.   They also worked on adding showing details by playing a movie in their mind.  This helped them focus on sensory details.  In grammar, students learned how to change singular nouns into plural nouns.  We discussed special endings and rules.  Just a reminder, the October writing words test will be on Thursday, October 30.

Spelling/Cursive:  Students took their week 8 spelling test.  In cursive this week, students practiced the letters “o” and “n”.

Miscellaneous:  Students participated in a variety of activities to celebrate Bullying Prevention month and Character Counts week!  Just a reminder, on Friday, students should wear their costumes for the afternoon only.  The Halloween parade will begin around 1:15.   Our party will take place when we get back to the classroom.  Thank you to everyone who donated supplies, organized games, and volunteered to help us!  Have a fabulous weekend and please let me know if you have any questions!