This Week...

November 17- November 21, 2014

Reading:  Students had the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of unit vocabulary and reading strategies in a variety of ways.  By responding to multiple choice questions and extended response prompts, students were able to show what they had learned from unit 2.  They also practiced close reading strategies to locate important information in nonfiction texts.  By skimming and looking for key words, students were able to find details efficiently.  We will begin unit 3 when we return from Thanksgiving break! Reading Logs are due Monday, December 1.  (200 minutes)

Math:  Students practiced reviewing major concepts from unit 4.  Using arrays and pictures, they represented various multiplication/division number stories.  Students took their unit 4 test on Thursday!  We will begin unit 5 after break.

Social Studies:  We started the Midwest unit!  Students learned where the states and capitals are located.  A letter went home this week detailing the expectations for learning this information.  We also read about the landscape of the Midwest.  We discovered that the land was once covered with glaciers, which later formed many of our lakes.  Lewis and Clark’s expedition in the Louisiana territory was also discussed.

Writing:  Students took their November writing words test today.  Next month, there will not be a December list due to the shortened month.  In grammar, students reviewed major concepts from unit 2:  common & proper nouns, possessive nouns, and sentence combinations with similar subjects & predicates.

Spelling/Cursive:  Today, we had our unit 2 review test.  After break, we will resume regular spelling and homework.

Miscellaneous:  This week, we enjoyed a great Art Appreciation session about Georges Seurat from Nicky’s mom…thank you!  Progress reports were sent home today.  Please sign the front of the envelope and return the empty envelope to school.  I am looking forward to meeting with you at conferences next week!  Thank you for taking the time to discuss your child’s progress.  Students will return to school on Monday, December 1.  I hope you all have an enjoyable and relaxing Thanksgiving break!  As always, please contact me if you have any questions…enjoy!