This Week...

September 21- September 25, 2015

Reading:  Making connections as we read was a main topic this week!  Students learned that good readers make connections to gain a deeper understanding of the text.  Students read poetry and nonfiction articles to practice recording their thinking.  Writing down their thoughts in the margins of the text or on sticky notes helped the students feel prepared for purposeful reading discussions with their classmates.  Students also spent time reflecting about themselves as readers.  During individual conferences, students shared their strengths about reading and what they can do to grow as readers.  We developed specific reading goals and discussed how we can achieve them.  Reading Logs are due Monday, September 28.  (100 minutes)

Math:  Exact change and estimation were discussed using money.  Students also reviewed other major concepts from unit 1 and took the unit 1 math test.  As we began unit 2, students discovered different kinds of fact families.  Students practiced using fact triangles to help them learn their basic facts.  A letter about Xtra Math went home on Thursday.  This is a great resource for students to practice their math facts.  I appreciate your help in signing your child up to use Xtra Math at home.  Please let me know if you have any questions…thank you!

Social Studies:  Students learned how to read various community maps.  They focused on points of interest and street names to understand the layout of downtown San Francisco.  By looking at a map of downtown Washington D.C., students learned how to use the metro system!  They also worked on identifying various lines and transfer stops.  Our map skills unit test will be next Friday, October 2.  A review guide will be going home next week.

Writing:  In WEX, students continued to work on the skill of focus.  They learned that focusing in writing means to make careful observations, include tiny details, and stick to one topic.   Students also gave specific feedback to each other about their writing.  The first posted excerpts of the year are up on our blog!  In grammar, we worked on identifying the subject in a sentence.

Spelling:  We took our week 3 spelling test.

Miscellaneous:  Flat Stanleys were sent out today!  Please tell your friends and family to be on the lookout for a giant envelope.  Thank you to everyone who participated in the Just Jump fundraising event to help support our PTA.   I hope you have a terrific weekend…enjoy the beautiful weather!