This Week...

April 6- April 10, 2015

Reading:  Creating and confirming predictions was our target skill for the week.  Students learned how active readers make predictions and check their original predictions in order to comprehend the story.  They also explored figurative language through our main selection: The Printer.  Students learned how authors use figurative language to emphasize a point. Reading Logs are due Monday, April 13.  (100 minutes)

Math:  Equivalent fractions were a main focus for the week!  Students learned to create equivalent fractions by multiplying the numerator and denominator by the same number.  They also wrote equivalent fractions during a fraction sundae project!  Fractional parts of a number line were investigated in order to compare fractions.  The unit 8 math test will be next Friday, April 17.  A review guide will be going home on Wednesday. Xtra Math practice is due Monday, April 13. (3 sessions)  **If students are on double-digit multiplication fact tests, they are not required to do the Xtra math sessions.

Science:  We learned that the sun is the center of our solar system.  Students discovered that the earth rotates while orbiting the sun.  When the earth moves, it appears that the sun is moving.  Today, students took a science quiz over the first half of our solar system unit.  In the LMC, students began a planet research project!  Next week, we will begin our study of the moon!

Writing:  We began unit 3 in our WEX program!  Students enjoyed learning about how to develop a fictional character.  By analyzing photographs, students described what their character would be thinking, feeling, and saying in various settings.   In grammar, we focused on verb and pronoun agreement.

Spelling/Cursive:  Today, we took our week 28 spelling test.  Students wrote the letters “U” and “Y”.

Miscellaneous:  Students continued sharing their wonderful Personalized Learning projects!  You can find these posted on our blog under the Personalized Learning tab.  On Thursday, students enjoyed a presentation by author Candace Fleming!  She taught students about the writing process and how she looks for writing “seeds” in her life to inspire her stories.  Since the Chicago area weather is always changing, please be sure your child has appropriate attire for outdoor recess…thank you!  April book orders are due on Thursday, April 30.  This week, we had our spring bus evacuation drill.  Students reviewed important bus safety rules.  Students were also introduced to the South states and capitals.  An informational letter and practice materials went home on Monday.  The South test will be on May 14.    Please let me know if you have any questions…have a great weekend!