This Week...

December 15- December 19, 2014

Reading:  Students analyzed the text structure of various Time for Kids selections in order to discover cause and effect relationships.  Students looked for key phrases and words, such as “as a result” and “because” to help figure out the cause behind certain occurrences.  Students also enjoyed a “shades of meaning” activity where they analyzed the subtle differences between similar words.  They created a continuum ranging from hot temperature words to cold temperature words.  Some of these words included sweltering, toasty, and bitter. Reading Logs are due Monday, January 5.  (300 minutes)

Math:  We spent the week reviewing major concepts from unit 5.  Students practiced reading aloud large numbers and decimals.  They also worked on comparing numbers and putting them in correct number sequences.  Place value was also reviewed up to the millions and down to the thousandths place.  Students took their unit 5 test on Wednesday.  The test consisted of a written portion, as well as an oral test where students read numbers.   At the end of the week, students created questions about winter topics and surveyed their classmates.  Then, they graphed their data using bar graphs, pictographs, and pie charts.  After break, we will begin unit 6!

Social Studies:  We reviewed key ideas from the Midwest unit.  Students also finished researching their Midwest states!  They completed a thoughtful reflection about how the research process went and what they learned during the project.  When we come back from break, we will start our new science unit: light!

Writing:  In writing, students learned more about Maria Isabel by analyzing her actions.  They wrote about a time in the book where they liked or disliked something that Maria Isabel did.  They supported their opinions with details from the text.  In grammar, students identified the past tense form of various verbs.

Spelling/Cursive:  Today, we had our week 15 test.

Miscellaneous:  Students enjoyed the holiday musical performed by the Dryden fourth graders!  We also had our second questioning lesson where students differentiated between open, green light questions and closed, red light questions.  They learned that many “I Wonder” questions can make great green light questions because they require a more complex answer.  Today, we exchanged beautiful secret snowpal cards!  Students really enjoyed sharing their cards with classmates.  They worked very hard on creating these special gifts.  I wish you all a restful and enjoyable winter break!  See you back in 2015!

This Week...

December 8- December 12, 2014

Reading:  The weekly theme focused on riddles!  Students practiced using clues in the story to help them figure out the setting.  The setting includes when and where the story takes place.  One Riddle, One Answer was the main story selection for the week.  Students learned about Persia, currently Iran, in a fairy tale setting.  Students also generated red light questions (close-ended) and green light questions (open-ended) about various nonfiction texts. Reading Logs are due Monday, December 15.  (100 minutes)

Math:  We explored decimals and fractions using base-10 blocks.  By using a flat, students learned how to shade in a certain number of blocks to represent a decimal.  During this investigation, we discussed 3 new place values: tenths, hundredths, and thousandths.  They also made a place value book.  Students can continue practicing these small numbers by reading them aloud at home using the book.  Our unit 5 math test will be Wednesday, December 17.

Social Studies:  We had a great discussion about the Midwest economy.  We discovered that manufacturing and agriculture provide many jobs for people in the area.  Henry Ford and the assembly line were highlighted.  At the end of the week, students experienced the culture of the Midwest by reading about Mt. Rushmore, Cahokia, the Hmong people, and many other interesting topics.  Students continued using various research skills to find out important information about their states.  The Midwest test (including the Midwest states & capitals) will be on Thursday, December 18.  A review guide will be going home on Monday.

Writing:  In writing, we continued working on character traits and supporting details.  Students analyzed excerpts from the book My Name is Maria Isabel and found interesting showing details.  In grammar, students identified the correct form of present tense verbs.  They also wrote an expository piece on building a snowman.

Spelling/Cursive:  Today, we had our week 14 test.

Miscellaneous:  “Secret Snowpal” names went home this week!  Students need to create a homemade card with a special message for that particular classmate.  Snowpal cards are due Wednesday, December 17.  Shh…remember, it’s a secret!  As always, please contact me if you have any questions…have a great weekend!

This Week...

December 1- December 5, 2014

Reading:  Students practiced making inferences with a variety of texts, including Stone Soup.  We learned how important it is to use text clues and our own background knowledge when creating an inference.  Synonyms were another important topic.  Students learned there are often synonyms within context clues, which can help when figuring out unknown words. Reading Logs are due Monday, December 8.  (200 minutes)

Math:  We began unit 5 this week!  Students reviewed place value up to the hundred millions.  They also practiced writing large numbers from dictation, as well as saying numbers aloud.  We also learned a new game, “Number Top-It”, which helped us compare large numbers in a fun way!  Towards the end of the week, students discussed the U.S. census and applied their knowledge of large numbers to interpret city populations.  Pictographs were another focus.

Social Studies:  Transportation in the Midwest was a main focus this week.  We learned how flatboats, steamboats, bulk freighters, and trains helped people travel and transport goods.  We discussed how kids grew up in the Midwest during the late 1800s.  Students wrote pioneer letters written from the perspective of a child living at that time.  Students began their state research projects!  Students applied various research skills with books and online resources to find out key information about their Midwest state.

Writing:  In writing, we began unit 2 in our WEX writing program!  Unit 2 focuses on a response to literature.  We started the book My Name is Maria Isabel and students identified showing details that helped develop the main character.  In grammar, students worked on identifying action verbs in various sentences.

Spelling/Cursive:  Today, we had our week 13 test.  In cursive, we wrote “k” and “f”.

Miscellaneous:  I had a wonderful time meeting with each of you at conferences!  Thank you again for the commitment to your child’s learning experience!  I also hope you had a relaxing Thanksgiving break.  This week, students started exploring various wonders using the website Wonderopolis!  They created a hypothesis, took notes, and developed more wonders about the topic.  We will continue to work on developing wonders, or questions, about our world.  December book orders are due December 11.  I hope you have a fabulous weekend.  Please let me know if you have any questions.