This Week...

September 14- September 18, 2015

Reading:  Reading notebooks and book discussions were main topics this week.  Students learned that good readers share their thinking and ideas with others.  We discussed important rules for sharing and how to be a good listener.  We also started written responses in our reading notebooks!  Students learned that the reading notebook is a special place to record thinking about our reading.  We practiced responding with predictions, questions, and connections. Reading Logs are due Monday, September 21.  (100 minutes)

Math:  Students practiced using calculators to solve “change-to” problems where a number is given and needs to be changed to a new number.  They were responsible for figuring out how to get to the new number using a variety of operations.  As a class, we learned the importance of knowing our basic facts during the game “Beat the Calculator”.  Money concepts were also reviewed at the end of the week.  Students wrote different amounts in dollar-cents notation.  Our unit 1 math test will be on Wednesday, September 23.  A review guide will be going home on Monday.

Social Studies:  Students learned how to use map scales to find accurate distances from one place to another.  By using a ruler to measure the distance in inches, students were able convert that measurement to determine the actual distance in miles.  We also discussed the country project, which students will create at home.  A list of guidelines and directions were sent home today, as well as a piece of white construction paper.  These country projects will be due on Friday, September 25.  I am looking forward to seeing the students’ creative ideas!

Writing:  In WEX, students practiced giving specific feedback to classmates by using various response starters.  They also started working on their first skill: focus.  We practiced focusing on a single moment in time by using careful observation and tiny details.  In grammar, we differentiated between exclamations and commands.

Spelling:  We took our week 2 spelling test.

Miscellaneous:  We had another great week!  On Wednesday, we had the wonderful opportunity of attending the Music for Youth concert.  By watching peers play the violin and cello, students were able to see if this experience was something they would like to do in the future.  We also worked on our Flat Stanley letters!  We hope to send these out by the end of next week.  Just a reminder, book orders are due on September 25.  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and please let me know if you have any questions!