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!