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!