This Week...

March 2- March 6, 2015

Reading:  We began our personalized learning projects!  Students were so excited to begin researching their “I Wonder” question.  They spent time researching their topics using books, articles, and websites.  They used their website evaluation guidelines to make sure they were using reliable sources.  While researching, students used various note-taking organizers to document their learning.  Some of these organizers included “boxes & bullets”, “sketch & label”, and “t-charts”.  Then, they reflected on their learning.  They wrote plans, scored themselves in the areas of effort and achievement, and reflected on their research time.  It has been wonderful watching students discover new information and questions about their topics!  We also took the PARCC reading assessments this week. Reading Logs are due Monday, March 9.  (100 minutes)

Math:  We began unit 7!  Students discovered that square products are formed by multiplying two identical factors.  A family letter went home highlighting the major concepts from unit 7.  Students also made multiplication/division fact triangles.  Please encourage your child to be practicing these at home.   Xtra Math practice is due Monday, March 9. (3 sessions)

Social Studies:  We discussed how Illinois became a state by focusing on particular countries and important individuals.  Students also watched a video on Abraham Lincoln and discussed his importance in our state.  They created Lincoln collages based on significant events in his life.  At the end of the week, we discussed how Illinois has changed during important events in our country’s history, including The Great Depression and Prohibition.  Students also explored the effects of The Great Chicago Fire and how it changed the way the city was designed.

Writing:  In writing, students completed their response to literature essays!  They used an editing checklist to make final changes.  Next week, we will share our essays with our classmates.  In grammar, we reviewed major concepts from unit 4.

Spelling/Cursive:  Today, we had our unit 4 review test.

Miscellaneous:  PARCC testing continues next Tuesday and Wednesday in the area of math…thank you for your continued support during the testing window!  March book order forms went home this week...they will be due on March 20.  Please let me know if you have any questions!  Have a terrific weekend!